the retreat

we had a wonderful time at the cabin together... enjoying the peace & quiet together... we had a day of silence on saturday... & learned much about working & being in solitude together. it was a beautiful experience.


here are some reflections/thoughts/ideas from some of the participants:

CHRISTIE's JOURNAL ENTRY:

"If you throw away the symbols, you tear the walls of your house apart."
"The bird in the Aspen tree is perfectly camouflaged - light on the underbelly, darker green on the top. He blends into the rustling leaves. Just as the bird is perfectly hidden in his correct environment, so too can we become less in the eyes of man when we dwell in the place God has specifically created for us."

BJ's JOURNAL ENTRY

Romans 13:11-14

In this passage the Writer exhorts the reader to "awake out of slumber", to "cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" and especially to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh". What does this mean? What is the "slumber" to awaken from and how can I be "armed with the light"? Is it the constant motion and noise of our society that lulls to sleep? Perhaps the darkness is in the increasing separation of those who will follow whatever the cost and those who want a spiritual "experience". Has there ever been a time like today when the light shines brighter in the darkness? The pursuit of Christ IS this armor of light and it IS the difference between the dark and the light. If there has ever been a time for stillness, clarity of mind surely it is now. Truly, "now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed, the night is far spent, the day is at hand"! Can I be anchored, can I be sure and can I live with no provision for the flesh? Yes, know, Christ, He will not let you go.

MOLLY's JOURNAL ENTRY

Your Butterscotch Shade

sunshine swingset in the

butterscotch shade

i lean my head back on your windy lap

rope fraying from the weather tight between my fingers

sunlight in my squinty eyes

i think of my blind friend from the movie

- his thankfulness, his white robe and bald head

his smile.

I'd rather be blind in your presence

and holding your hand...

your sweet butterscotch kisses and your breezes

on my toes - intimacy i can touch and feel

as i lean back my shoulders and unwind at your side

JESS' JOURNAL ENTRY

Matthew 11: 28-30
As I look around the cabin, most people are resting and several are sleeping. I feel the Lord's compassion for us. We're all running around, living crazy, busy lives, trying to find meaning, do good and love the Lord... but Jesus just wants to give us a little rest and let us know he loves us! How simple is that? When was the last time any of us really had the time, space or freedom to let our guards down and really rest in the Lord? It's amazing how the silence gives us freedom. No need for pretense, no pressure to entertain or be funny. No pressure to come across as genuine, smart, involved, concerned or friendly. Freedom to be, to think, to read, to journal, to sleep, to pray, to wander. I love seeing people just bask in the peace and beauty! Maybe we are called to provide a place of rest right now in the city.

KATE's ENTRY

It is beautiful how the immediate peace comes from our communal quiet. All I heard was a bee buzzing at my honey-covered bagel this morning. Lord, thank you for this weekend. Inspire us--make this your tabernacle. Oh how I crave you. Lord, you're my all--inspired I am to worship you. Please bless me with words, convicting and encouraging me to help me grow in wisdom, strength and tenderness. I know I am not much without you. May each of us be changed as we meet with you this weekend, face to face.