I have to be honest, I am directionally challenged. I have since learned which way is north, south, east and west — at lease most of the time. But if I am working my way through the mall, and walk into a store, most of the time I will walk out heading the way I just came.

For being a guy, I just don't have a sense of direction. Maybe it is because I was raised around women (during the "formative years," I was the only male in the house), but I will stop for directions because I have learned not to waste time going the wrong way. Well, that and I am usually running late.

Nearing the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us some short teachings on judging others, asking, seeking, knocking, and knowing a tree by its fruit. In the midst of those teachings He says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

In essence, He is saying, "Listen, folks, this life you are being called to is not going be easy!"

Fast forward to today. It doesn't seem as though life is getting any easier. We have the "rest of the story" when it comes to Jesus; His sacrifice, coming back from the dead, and returning to Heaven. The entire Bible is full of encouragements from fellow singletons who walked this road of which Jesus spoke. Even with that, we struggle to follow Christ, staying on this narrow road.

We often look over to the broad road where we see what looks like happiness: bright lights, a faster-paced lifestyle, and excitement. If we're honest with ourselves, we long to be there sometimes, too, even knowing where that broad road is going. Most of us travel that road thinking that we'll take a detour when things get too out-of-hand or that we won't end up where everyone else is going. Funny thing about roads — they always lead you to a destination. No matter how often we travel the broad road, it is always going the same place and sometimes we get lost and miss that detour sign.

Much like the narrow road that Jesus speaks of, it also leads to a destination. This road often appears pretty boring and difficult. It doesn't have the same kind of flashy attractions and the terrain can be steep at times or the road a little less "paved." Worse, it can be painfully lonely at times, too.

Doesn't that sound familiar? Kind of like the life of a Christian single? And yet, Jesus says this road leads to life!

When the leadership team for Thrive!TEN got together to discuss this year's theme, we were all drawn to 'The Narrow Road.' We wanted to create a weekend for you to get away so that you could experience and meet Jesus on the road He wants us to walk.

May you find a love for the narrow road in which we walk — even with its uphill climbs and lonely stretches. I hope that you will join us on The Narrow Road this October 15 & 16!

Don't forget to join the Thrive!TEN group on facebook!

Dress Code
Actually there is no dress code — but made you look! Come dressed in what you are most comfortable wearing. Anything from business casual to weekend wear is fine. What we desire most of all is for you to be impacted by the Spirit of God and not concerned about what someone else is wearing.

Coffee House
Do you enjoy a good latte? We have them served up hot and steaming on Friday evening after the main session on Friday night.

We will be serving up a great local coffee, lattes and espressos, as well as your frozen favorites. Most importantly, all drinks are free included in your registration!

This will be an excellent time to meet other Thrive! attendees, share your ministry stories and maybe snag an idea or two to use at your home ministry. Stay as long as you want, we’ll keep brewing until you turn your cup over!

You won’t want to miss this time. On the registration page, please indicate if you are signing up for the evening.