Retreat -- to what?

Definition of RETREAT per Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Words


1: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable (2) : the process of receding from a position or state attained b (1) : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position (2) : a signal for retreating c (1) : a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony (2) : a military flag-lowering ceremony

2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge

3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

I have been going on retreats for more than thirty years. It is one of my favorite things to do. It is one of those things that I can pursue selfishly and return all the better for everyone around me! So, is it selfish? I say no. Let’s look below the surface.

The retreats I have attended were as varied as the number of ones I have gone on, and the outcomes were as diverse. My Emmaus Walk, organized by the UM Church now stands out as a favorite one – I went on that one with an agenda with God, and came back with the answer – and a whole lot more! Des Colores! (See keystoneemmaus@wordpress.com.) I have gone on silent retreats, which I thought would be very easy for me. But, forced silence for days was extremely difficult – but God could actually speak because I was quiet. After awhile, my mind was not racing and cluttered with worldly junk. Though I never loved those, I saw the extreme value in the sacrifice of silence. I have gone to the woods by myself, thankful that some friends let me use their cabin and other friends who let me hibernate in their basement apartment. These have been valued to do complete projects without interruption except direction by the LORD. It has also been of value to get away from the routine and concentrate fully. A few times, I went with grandiose ideas, and just got some much needed rest. I have gone on one-day retreats and weekend ones. Some have been led by others and many led by me. Some I have heard great things from God; others I heard nothing, but was content to sit in His presence, enjoying creation and serenity away from the hustle of the world back home. Some retreats have been full of small group Bible study, morning watches (personal, quiet guided meditation), loud talent shows, crying, laughing, talking and chocolate. Each one was beneficial beyond measure. Each one did not bring the results I was expecting, but most brought the results I needed. From most, I came back refreshed, renewed in spirit, a better wife, mother, employee, and mentor.

CrossPoint has some retreats coming up very soon! Make a commitment to attend by putting a deposit down now (so we can reserve enough rooms). Retreats make great gifts – to someone or yourself (to impact those around you).

MARRIAGE RETREAT, February 11-13, led by Dave and Julie Biser who love this material. Build a Better Marriage, a curriculum by Chip Ingram with Kurt Warner and David Ramsey, about overcoming the obstacles that come up in every marriage. When marriages are healthy and the team works together, families are stronger, churches are stronger, and it does affect society.
Location: Camp Joy-El in Greencastle.

WOMEN’S ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT, March 25-27, Fully Embraced led by our own Karen Hitz, plus Monica Langenberg, and Shari, Baer. (Check out www.fullyembraced.com.) Helping you to fully embrace God’s will for your life and live out your God-created, unique identity is what these ladies have a passion to share. Location: Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillingford.

However, retreats are more than their topics! They are fun, fellowship, and food. They are time together and time apart. They are spiritual food and growth vitamins. Mostly, they are a time to get away from the rush of the world, and take some quality time with God and His Word.

Glory to God.                                                   Helen

Blessings of Christmas

Merry Christmas!   Take time in the next day or two to stop and meditate on the blessings of Christmas:

• Peace - that passes all understanding and can only come from God.
• Joy - in it's purest form, comes from the LORD, and is the only source we can count on.
• Love - everlasting that came in a baby and grew into a Savior.
• Hope - eternal springs forth, through grace, and offers us salvation.

Celebrate the character of Jesus Christ through His names listed in Isaiah 9:

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. 
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

                                  To God be the glory!                        Helen

And the Doors Blew Open

I woke early this morning – well before the alarm – and had a new-day conversation with God as I snuggled deeper in the covers because the house was cold. The conversation was about something that has been preoccupying my mind lately, and I don’t really want to spend this much time on it. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind that I would try to find A Day of Discovery on TV. I used to enjoy that show so much until they moved it from the 7:00 Sunday morning slot here. But, what I found were sport commentaries, government debates, and infomercials, so I flipped off the set. For some reason, this is out of character, I got up quickly, made the bed immediately and started down the stairs, all at a leisurely pace. Half way down the steps, the doors of the house blew open!


Now, I know the science behind this, so I started into the garage to see the outside door open, and proceeded to close all of the doors in the order they probably blew open. While I love science, I believe it is God-created, and I do not believe in coincidences. So, without further time in prayer and meditation, what are the options here?

• The weather bureau is correct; it is a blustery day – end of story.

• This is a diversion from my devotions; no better way to start the day by sidetracking a believer, in the devil’s plan.

• The Holy Spirit was diverting my attention from the all-consuming issue that I was just talking about.

• The Holy Spirit put me on the steps, wide awake, to take care of this problem because it was going to happen, and I normally would not have noticed until the house was miserably cold.

The other day, I was reading Oswald Chambers’ Utmost for His Highest when he said that when you realize that God is in the small stuff as well as the big stuff of life, you are on the way to submitting fully, and giving Him credit where credit is due. (This is my rewording; Chambers would not use ‘stuff’.)

Actually, if I look at all the options above, they all work. Though I am not sure the devil did it, he certainly can take the win if I don’t get back to my devotions. And, I can not wait to get back to my devotions to see if there is a further Word for me!
                                       … To God’s glory. Helen

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 (New International Version, ©2010)