Today’s Reflection
FOR ME, a retreat is a time set apart to be reminded of God’s presence in a deeper way. It is a time to remember again that God holds the world and me. It is a time to relax into God’s sovereignty and to remember God’s activity, not my own. It is a time that restores the rhythm for me between work and rest. As I think on it, for me retreat is extended Sabbath.
–a mother, wife
– Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang
Time Away
From page 29 of Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. Copyright © 2010 by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Have you been on a spiritual retreat? Describe the experience Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”
Genesis 9:16, NRSV
This Week: Pray for a holy lent. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
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This week we remember: Valentine (February 14).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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13 Comments
I have not been on a spiritual retreat, per se. The closest was when I attended SoulFeast several years back. It was time alone, in that I knew no one else. It certainly had a spiritual undertone the four days I was at the event. It fed my soul. It was during the summer – so it certainly aided my re-storing which is a part of each of my summers.
So grateful for church yesterday and time spent talking with friends. Was able to share with my two closest friends there what has been transpiring with my folks. They had been away on vacation and we hadn’t had time to speak for a few weeks.
A friend came over for dinner. Made up some shrimp burgers, so simple and so tasty. We have plans to head to the beach over my spring break – and these shrimp burgers make me long for fresh seafood. I asked my friend if she would be able to have someone else go with her – if I am unable to go due to my parents’ health situation. Maybe her sister, maybe another friend. Hopefully it won’t come to that.
I think I have been on a spiritual retreat, but strangely at this moment I can’t remember the details of it. Perhaps I’m confused. Have certainly been on mission trips and found those very uplifting, positive, spirit building, faith strengthening experiences.
Like you, Jill, yesterday’s worship service was very helpful. Many hymns, but it was the pastor’s message that helped me the most. Keeping faith, believing, trusting in God will be ridiculed, mocked, and put down by this world. Hang on to God no matter the logic of this world. I found that message encouraging at a time when the scientific-historical record need of unbelievers is pounding at the door. I’m reminded of the scripture that says for the unbeliever God is foolishness, for the believer God is everything. There’s a fine narrow line between believing and unbelief. For some it is a huge stumbling block.
Prayers for your parents. I think what you are experiencing is part of life. It isn’t a pleasant part, but what we do during it is vital. You and your sister are doing well. My sister and I teamed up to take care of our mom after dad passed away on Valentine’s Day 2008.
Thankful for the days we have left with Isis, she is doing well with the meds she’s getting, still shows signs of her better days. This is a tough experience for Erich watching his cat slowly pass away. Prayers for him.
Prayers for Marcy, hope to hear from her soon. Thankful Anneliese has Life Alert, is getting help from her daughter and grandsons. She needs transportation to doctor’s appointments and is having a hard time finding help with that. Someone who has helped in the past has failing health.
Prayers for Mary’s school, her dad and family, for Lou, her children and mother, for Betsy and rest, for Julie, her hands, knee, feet, daughter, and husband, for Andrea, her daughter, grandson, and Lowell, for Louise, Connie and snow removal, for Rusty and K, and all the UR family.
Arnolds is doing well at hone. Kristin and her newborn son, Bennet Lucien, are doing well.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinner and Ash Wednesday service tomorrow.
Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of each day.
Thanks Robert!
Blessings
I have attended and then have worked on many Emmaus Walks, which is somewhat like a retreat, but has scheduled times for talks, prayer and group activities. I guess I think of a retreat as more a away time with no set activities. Just time to rest and be alone. I would love to attend that. Often finding a way to retreat among the familiar is difficult. I understand that there are retreat centers around the country where this is possible.
Prayers today for health and healing for many of our UR family-Lou, Connie, and Julie; support for those who care for family members- Jill, Robert and Mary. Thank you, Lord, for being our Great Physician.
Blessings for a fruitful and safe week for us all. Amen
Thanks Betsy
I have also attended and served a few times at the Emmaus Walk
It is a wonderful experience to be spiritually refreshed
Blessings
I truly appreciate all the prayers and thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Prayers for all concerns voiced here. Especially Erich and Isis. I ache for them both.
Mary, how is your school situation? Lou, how is your back pain? Andrea, how is your grandson’s asthma?
Robert, you are an inspiration. Your mission trips were truly a selfless service to God and others.
Blessings and prayers for all the UR family
Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown, Claude Bernard
Thanks Julie
School situation is better but I have a hyper active student who will start to throw things once his medication wears off at 3pm. May God protect us as I understood from his dad once he even hurt a teacher. Also today they are putting an eleven year old into my class as she gets bullied in her class.
Please pray for wisdom and strength to manage my class. I am very thankful for a very good student who is a blessing to me.
Blessings
Yes, I have been on quite a few spiritual retreats, some day-long, some multi-day. The spiritual retreats I’ve attended have been held at retreat centers, such as the Benedictine Center very close to home. I have done this mostly in times of stress and have found it to be deeply renewing.
Now, the retreats I go to a couple times a year are quilting retreats held at a beautiful Bible Camp an hour’s drive from home. I love to spend prayer time in the beautiful small chapel there.
I recommend retreats as a way to replenish the spirit and rest the body and mind. At times, I have returned home with a new understanding that helps me with a difficulty.
My daughter and grandson spent part of the day at our house yesterday, breakfast and lunch. In the time in between, my grandson and I played while my daughter read. In the evening, we celebrated my husband’s birthday at a restaurant. Thankfully, my grandson is healthy, my daughter is struggling with fatigue. I ask for your continued prayers for them.
Prayers for Jill and her parents and sister, for Mary and her parents, for Jill and Mary’s jobs, for Robert, Erich, Anneliese and Isis, for Julie, Marcy, Lou and her children, Betsy, Connie, April, Francesca, Louise, Edy, and for all who visit UR. I pray Marcy is able to get connected to the internet again.
Wishing all who visit UR a blessed day.
*correction: Thankfully, my grandson is healthy, BUT my daughter is struggling with fatigue.
Andrea, May God grant strengthen your daughter and meet all her needs
Blessings
Please pray for my dad. He was having fever last night
Thanks
Blessings
Gracious God, May Mary’s father become well by Your healing touch. May his doctors and nurses be guided by Your hand. May Mary be strengthened by Your power. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thanks so much Andrea!
Blessings
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