Retreat...

We have an excellent opportunity next week for some time away. We are going to spend some time at a place set aside for people to go "on retreat".

Life is busy for all of us and whatever your beliefs about God, faith or religion it's wise at times to take a step back, to take stock and to make sure you are living according to what is important to you.

For those who follow Jesus teaching and example, the idea of a retreat is a principle rooted in scripture. Jesus, before he started his ministry, spent time away from everything in the wilderness and often during his ministry withdrew to "lonely places" to pray.

This opportunity has reminded me that it has been too long since I purposely took myself out of everyday life to do this. I am already thinking that this will be something I do more often.

Can I encourage you to join with us as we intend to do this. Plan to get away for a time, it doesn't even have to be a long time, get someone to look after the kids for a morning, leave your mobile phone/laptop/ipod at home, get away to a peaceful place to pray about life's direction and reflect on the season of life that we find ourselves in. I'll be taking my Bible and a notebook to journal in but that's about it. I am confident that we will hear God directing us and shaping us.

We will be away for a week at a place in the sierra nevada mountains, no cell phone access or internet so you won't be able to get hold of us, sorry! It's not a holiday, but we are really looking forward to being refreshed and excited about what God is going to do.

Grace and peace

Si