In the mid-to-late 1980’s a good friend, Merle, invited me to join a group of ladies that were heading south to Lake Louise for a Victory Christian Women’s conference. I was very hesitant. Despite all the anxious “rapid-fire” excuses that entered my head telling me “No”, (I have young children, a husband, responsibilities etc. some of you are familiar with this), I made the decision to go.
We travelled in cars, had coffee and lunch stops including shopping in Red Deer with an overnight stay. We had such fun! The next morning, we were on our way to Lake Louise. The mood was so high, I was almost anxious not knowing what to expect only having heard the stories from the other ladies who had been there previously. I love the beautiful Canadian Rockies, and we could see them for 3 hours before we arrived. It was the end of April with it’s unpredictable spring storms. As our car labored up that intimidating mountain road that ended at the Chateau, I prayed that the weather would be good until we left, because what goes up must come down and I couldn’t imagine that downhill drive with ice or snow on it!
I had never been to a Fairmont Hotel before, and as I entered the grand lobby, my eyes beheld the draperies that fell from ceiling to floor, elegant chandeliers, the gorgeous woodwork, the curved stairwell, the woven and floral rugs, the 19th century furniture including the reception desk, topped off by very accommodating staff. We were assigned large, beautifully decorated shared rooms. We went to the first session of the conference the evening we arrived. The lively worship team and band played incredible praise songs, and the speaker and organizer, Dr. Hazel Hill was amazing.
All weekend we had fancy 4 course gourmet meals served to us by waiters/waitresses dressed in tux uniforms. We were seated in the Victoria Room, the grandest room I have ever been in with its gorgeous arches, gigantic high ceiling, huge windows overlooking the lake and beautiful rock fireplace. The place was abuzz as excited voices welcomed friends they hadn’t seen for a year since the last conference.
I was in unfamiliar territory, so I was simply a spectator that first year. I secretly thought that I might not go again, but by the time the applications came out for the next year I could hardly wait to go again. It became a yearly planned trip. I had no idea when I started attending that I would experience such wonderful changes in my life from the laying on of hands, prayer and great teaching. Sadly for me, 2014 would be the last year held at the Chateau which had become a very special place, but the conferences would continue elsewhere.
We loved the opportunity to dress up! Can you imagine the changes of hair and clothing from 1984 to 2014? The names of our conferences gave affirmation to our Godly kinship “Cherished, Formed, Pure and Lovely, and my personal favorite, His Leading Ladies!” In that gorgeous setting and spiritual atmosphere, I felt like His “Leading Lady”! There, we felt pampered and special, the anointed bible preaching and prayer helped us want to receive the love of Christ and encouraged a life centered on Him. My experiences were so positive I didn’t need any convincing. God restored me from a life of anxiety to peace and joy, and vigorous life and health (Psalm 119:37). The worship was quietly intimate sometimes and other times we sang loud and danced! We came back to Lake Louise every year to be encouraged; it was comfortable, familiar, “coming home” feeling! My friend, Merle was one of my travel partners through all the years of the conference.
Fast forward to 2024; we still laugh at some of our misdeeds, reminiscent of fabulous and very “high octane” weekends once a year for 30 years. We are both anointed in leadership and worship ministry, and we host shopping trips for ladies to share fellowship ministry, food and fun! Romans 12:6-8 speaks to me personally “if your gift is to lead, lead diligently, if it is ministry then minister.”
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