Dear CLDI Family and Friends,
This past weekend, our team came together for a staff retreat, and I wanted to share some thoughts from our time together. The retreat was a mix of spiritual reflection and relaxation, allowing us to connect more deeply with God and each other.
I had the opportunity to lead multiple discussions on joy practices. We talked about how joy is more than just a feeling—it’s something deeper that grows when we focus on God’s love for us and His desire to be with us. We also explored the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. When we hyper-fixate on our problems, our joy is diminished. Gratitude gets us out of focusing on our problems. We also talked about how recognizing our weaknesses can shape our character. These conversations reminded us that embracing these truths can build a stronger sense of joy in our lives and work.
The retreat wasn’t all about deep discussions. We also rested and enjoyed each other’s company in a more relaxed setting. This time of fellowship was refreshing and essential in helping us reconnect and recharge as a team. We left the retreat feeling renewed and ready to continue the work God has called us to.
As we move forward, we carry the lessons from this time together—lessons about Joy, gratitude, and the strength found in community. We are grateful for your continued support and prayers, which make it possible for us to grow and thrive as a ministry.
Currently reading & listening.
So many of the lessons we used during our retreat were based on the book, “The Other Half of the Church,” by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks. This book explores how modern churches often overlook the importance of brain science and emotional maturity in spiritual growth. The authors argue that while many churches focus heavily on cognitive learning and doctrine (the “left brain” approach), they neglect the relational and emotional aspects of discipleship (the “right brain” approach). By integrating these two halves—knowledge and relationships—the book suggests that churches can cultivate deeper transformation and stronger community bonds. Wilder and Hendricks present practical strategies for nurturing joy, fostering healthy identity formation, and building resilient, mature believers, ultimately creating a more holistic and vibrant church experience.
CLDI Monthly Snapshot
- Western Security Bank generously donated a playground to the Hannah House! We plan on having it installed before the weather turns cold. We are SO excited and thankful to have this addition for our kids at the Hannah House.
- Summer is over, and kids are heading back to school! Please be praying for our Youth Works team, who is running Wyldlife Club, and for re-opening 316 for the school year.
- The Hannah House women will be going on a retreat in the upcoming week. Please be praying for a rejuvenating and fun weekend as the girls work through the subject of resilience.
Scripture to Meditate On
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
This verse was central to our discussion on joy. It reminds us that true joy and peace come from trusting in God. When we place our trust in Him, our hearts can be filled with hope, not by our own efforts but through the power of the Holy Spirit. This passage helped us see that joy is deeply connected to our relationship with God and the hope He brings into our lives.
Blessings,
Kaleb Perdew
