No Greater Joy: A Ladies Discipleship Intensive

This past weekend, I had the privilege of hosting a Ladies Discipleship Intensive with three women in the midst of full and demanding lives. Through intentional time in the Word, fellowship, and rest, the Lord met us in simple yet deeply meaningful ways and refreshed our hearts.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my "children" are walking in the truth. 3 John 4

A Weekend of Pouring In

From Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning, I had the privilege of gathering with three women in the thick of motherhood—each in her forties, each faithfully navigating the demands of raising children, managing homes, loving husbands, and carrying the unseen burdens that come with loving a family well. What unfolded over those few days was far more than a retreat. It was an intentional, Spirit-filled Discipleship Intensive set apart to nourish their souls.

We began simply, creating a space that felt both peaceful and purposeful. The table, beautifully set with china, was prepared not only for meals but for fellowship.  Each dish was prepared with care—Russian cream with fresh berries, warm lemon poppyseed scones served with homemade lemon curd, a beautifully prepared beef filet, and delicate salmon en papillote. These meals were not merely about food; they were a reminder that beauty, rest, and delight are gifts from the Lord, even in the busiest seasons of life.

One of the sweetest surprises of the weekend was a simple craft. The women laughed as they worked with their hands, remarking how rare it was to sit down and create something just for themselves. So much of their daily lives is poured out for others—this small moment became a quiet restoration of joy.

But the heart of our time together was the Word.

We walked deeply through Essentials of Discipleship, Books 1 and 2, not as a checklist, but as a pathway to abiding in Christ. We spent hours opening Scripture, learning how to meet with God daily—not out of duty, but out of hunger. We practiced prayer, not as a formula, but as communion with a living Savior. We talked about what it means to feed their own souls so they are not running on empty as they pour into their families.

Each woman was given a Reformation Study Bible and a carefully chosen library, tools for a lifetime of growth. But more importantly, they left with something greater than books: confidence. Confidence that they can open the Word themselves. Confidence that God meets them there. Confidence that they are not alone.

The environment became a safe place by God’s grace, where they could speak honestly about their struggles, their fears, their doubts. There were tears. There was laughter. There was truth spoken in love. Together, we applied a biblical worldview to real-life challenges, bringing everything into the light of Scripture.

One of the women shared that she had not been poured into like this in many years. That sentiment echoed among them. It was a reminder of how deeply women, especially mothers, need intentional discipleship, not just encouragement, but grounding in truth.

As we ended the weekend together in Sunday worship, there was a quiet, steady joy. Not emotional hype, but something deeper…rootedness.

And for me, this was the greatest gift.

I came to love these women. There is something sacred about walking alongside others in this way—opening the Word together, watching the Lord work, seeing hearts strengthened. The words of 3 John 4 kept echoing in my heart:

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

That is what this weekend was about. Not perfection. Not performance. But women learning to walk in the truth—daily, steadily, and with hope.

And I would do it again in a heartbeat.