Reflections on Winter Youth Retreat

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Author

Tracy Moncrieff-Smith
​Chauvin, AB, Canada

Not long ago, my daughter and I were discussing the power of words. We are both avid readers and had just finished novels, so we were excited to share with each other our thoughts on the books that had kept us up over the past few weeks. We both agreed that we appreciate adjectives/adverbs that are more robust as they strengthen our understanding of character, scene and plot action. The differences in word choices added to our enjoyment and our positive experiences were shaped through powerful words.
 
Something that helps me enjoy my life as a Community of Christ member, is the powerful wording of our Enduring Principles and the statements that help to explain what each principle means. The Enduring Principles are such a treasure for Community of Christ members as they “define the essence, heart and soul of our faith community”. They are filled with robust language that is sure to help strengthen your understanding of who you can be in world and how you can walk with God. Check out the Enduring Principles in their entirety at www.cofchrist.org/enduring-principles.
 
I was excited to share one of the nine enduring principles: The Worth of All Persons at the Winter Youth Retreat “Love Your #Selfie”. We looked specifically at 2 statements associated with this: God views all people as having inestimable worth and God wants all people to experience wholeness of mind, body, spirit and relationships. We completed some mindfulness activities courtesy of The Honest Guys on YouTube, discussed “What Wolf Will You Feed” and looked at how to connect with those who have our “backs” and those who have our “hearts” with 20 second hugs and with 4 minutes of eye contact. We also enjoyed Hawk Nelson’s song “Live Like You’re Loved”. The weekend was a super fun experience grounded in the very powerful messages of worth and wholeness that are so important to Community of Christ.

As the snow finally melts, and we move into the final part of the school year, I urge our Youth to be present, to whisper those positive and empowering messages to yourself and to strengthen the connections with those who have your heart. And don’t forget to register for summer fun - Youth Camp at Hills of Peace and SPEC will be here before you know it!
 
Full list of videos discussed in this blog:
 
Hawk Nelson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_r47Xhkf20
 
Introduction to Mindfulness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk7IBwuhXWM
 
What Wolf Will You Feed Cartoon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzKryaN44ss
 
The Honest Guys Guided Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i50ZAs7v9es
 
4 Minutes of Eye Contact:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsojBgHqeg4
 
20 Second Hug:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0j5mygAlA0