“In quiet and silence the faithful soul makes progress, the hidden meanings of the Scriptures become clear, and the eyes weep with devotion every night. Even as one learns to grow still, one draws closer to the Creator and farther from the hurly-burly of the World.” - Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Retreat vs. Vacation - How to prepare to spend time with God
Although retreat and vacation both involve leaving the everyday demands and responsibilities of life behind, there is a difference in what you are moving towards. Retreat intentionally seeks an uncluttered space to be alone and in the presence of God, while vacation primarily involves the pursuit of personal pleasure. Both are needed for healthy rhythms of life, but are not to be confused. Both require some forethought and planning before arriving at your destination if you want to achieve your goal. The Springs offers you a place for retreat to encourage you to discover and develop a lifestyle following the example of Jesus, getting away to be with the Father in order to be refreshed so that you might return to better able to serve others.. Below are a few simple suggestions on how you might prepare yourself for a retreat experience.
Retreat includes the journey to and from, offering important space for transition. Pay attention to your thoughts and your feelings as you leave home, travel here, and settle in – changing gears, slowing down, turning off the freeway onto the country lanes informs you and affirms your longing for a place of peace and rest! Notice your response to the unhurried rhythms of life while on retreat and discover what is needful and helpful for you. The journey home gives time to shift back into the life God has called you to re-enter. Be mindful of the transformational work of God in you from time spent in His presence. This is retreat!
Suggestions for Retreat:
God Led:
Creation Sensitive:
Guest Centered:
Retreat vs. Vacation - How to prepare to spend time with God
Although retreat and vacation both involve leaving the everyday demands and responsibilities of life behind, there is a difference in what you are moving towards. Retreat intentionally seeks an uncluttered space to be alone and in the presence of God, while vacation primarily involves the pursuit of personal pleasure. Both are needed for healthy rhythms of life, but are not to be confused. Both require some forethought and planning before arriving at your destination if you want to achieve your goal. The Springs offers you a place for retreat to encourage you to discover and develop a lifestyle following the example of Jesus, getting away to be with the Father in order to be refreshed so that you might return to better able to serve others.. Below are a few simple suggestions on how you might prepare yourself for a retreat experience.
- Travel Light! Bring your Bible and a journal, and if necessary, devotional reading.
- Disconnect! Leave technology at home. We do not provide WiFi.
- Eat healthy meals – or consider a full or partial fast.
- Expect to Rest! Your body will inform you of what it needs!
- Exercise! Body, mind and spirit join you on retreat.
- Explore! Spiritual Practices serve as pathways to encountering God – consider times of Silence, Solitude, Fasting, Prayer of Examen, or Lectio Divina.
Retreat includes the journey to and from, offering important space for transition. Pay attention to your thoughts and your feelings as you leave home, travel here, and settle in – changing gears, slowing down, turning off the freeway onto the country lanes informs you and affirms your longing for a place of peace and rest! Notice your response to the unhurried rhythms of life while on retreat and discover what is needful and helpful for you. The journey home gives time to shift back into the life God has called you to re-enter. Be mindful of the transformational work of God in you from time spent in His presence. This is retreat!
Suggestions for Retreat:
God Led:
- Don’t over plan or over schedule your time. Explore and see what unfolds.
- Choose a verse, or a theme, for your retreat.
- Learn and practice breath and body prayers that slow you and bring you present to the moment right where you are.
- Campfires offer a unique space for community, telling our personal God stories, as well as offering an invitation to worship – bring your guitars!
- Bring simple art supplies to encourage expressing what is seen or experienced.
- Journaling can become a lovely reminder of God encounters while on retreat.
Creation Sensitive:
- Walk the trails – engage your senses with physical movement, observing, listening.
- Ask questions that encourage conversations with your Creator about His creation.
- Take a prayer walk– bring your Bible - and the prayer guide which can be found in your cabin.
- Explore the Narnia Trail! Be sure to read or review The Chronicles of Narnia before entering Narnia. A summary of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe can be found in the resource book in your cabin if needed, and laminated cards are available on the trail in a box to help you find the objects that prompt conversation.
- Walking The Labyrinth is a sacred journey with God. It is a good place to practice silence and listening prayer.
- Picture taking focuses in on details as well as the big picture and becomes a visual journal.
- Bring a magnifying lens or binoculars for closer examination of the details often overlooked.
- Explore, enjoy or work in the community garden and taste and see that the Lord is good!
Guest Centered:
- Remember that there may be other guests on retreat practicing silence and solitude.
- When using common areas consider how it might be affecting other guests.
- The hot tub offers a place of rest and healing to weary bodies – consider making it a place of prayer and reflection in the early morning or before bedtime. (Remember - It is not a bathtub or swimming pool – please shower before entering to keep it clean for the other guests.)
- Our grounds and facilities are maintained for our guests by the generosity of many others who have invested time and resources to create an inviting space to encounter God.