Vacation or Retreat

   I am so glad you stopped by? I have a question. Have you ever thought you needed a vacation to recover from your vacation? If you think back to your last vacation,even if you had the most fun ever, probably the most restful part of the trip was the ride home. It's a "good tired", but vacation can sometimes wear you out completely!

 

[caption id="attachment_1418" align="alignleft" width="300"] A few of Retreat Staff[/caption]

When my children were younger, we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies when we traveled. The Suburban was packed full of suitcases, pillows, books, movies, groceries, toys, and seven people. And if that was not enough, we pulled a trailer loaded with a golf cart, seven bikes, beach chairs, and whatever didn't fit in the car we wrapped in lawn and leaf bags and threw it on the

[caption id="attachment_1419" align="alignleft" width="300"] Staff[/caption]

trailer as well. THEN, once we got to  the beach, we set up two umbrellas, seven chairs, a blow up pool for the twins, a tent to nap in, a cooler, buckets, shovels, toys, nets, boogie boards, fishing poles, fishing stuff, camera, frisbee, extra hats and sunglasses, and last but not least, snacks for all. Whew! Are you tired yet? Are those not totally your most favorite memories ever?!!!!

 

[caption id="attachment_1420" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fabulous Fellowship[/caption]

Vacations are fabulous! However, sometimes what we need is a retreat! I looked up the word retreat. Re-treat, noun, a process of withdrawing, a place of privacy or safety: refuge a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study or instruction. Retreat.    I had the privilege of retreating this past weekend and teaching art to women while I was there! I was on

[caption id="attachment_1421" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fun Activities[/caption]

the mountain in Mentone, Alabama. The weekend was amazing. Two of my girls were there which made it even more special for me. I also had the blessing of fellowshiping with precious women who love the Lord. Such a sweet time! However, nothing compares to the moments that I retreated from those around me to be alone with Jesus. I was able to completely unwind and disconnect from the world and allow Him to completely fill my soul.

In Matthew14, Jesus fed the 5000. It's a familiar story, but what you may not remember is that after all the people had eaten, Jesus retreated. Verse 23 reads, "After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray, and when it was evening, He was there alone."

Why is it so hard for us to retreat? Even Jesus got alone with His Father to pray. What a precious example He has set for us. So what keeps you from retreating? Laundry? I promise it will still be there! Guilt? That is false guilt! God so desires time alone with you! To busy? Really? Is whatever it is THAT important? Take time to retreat! Even if it's in your home. Turn off phones, computers, or TVs and get alone with God! Rest in His presence. Spend time and just worship and sing and meditate on His word. The laundry can wait! Start with just 30 minutes. I promise it will change your world!

Please leave me a comment on your retreat! Let your experience be an encouragement to other readers!                                Love love love Ruthie