Retreats

Rose Folsom, who lead our reflections, suggested a scripture verse and some questions to ponder to help us get started:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20). 

· What is the first image that comes to your imagination when you think of a doorway? 

· Is the door open or closed? 

· Is what’s on the other side welcome or unwelcome? 

· What have been some metaphorical “doorways” in our life?

· How do we view “doorways” such as change, loss, or the arrival of unexpected grace?

· Can we come to believe that Jesus waits for us behind every closed doorway we encounter in our lives, waiting patiently for us to invite him in?

Rose Folsom, who led our reflections, offered this to help us get started:

“Each of us is created to pursue closer union with God in a unique way. Who we think we should be, combined with others’ expectations, can obscure the unique gifts that God has given us to use in building up his kingdom. We are grateful to take this quiet time together to explore who we are in God’s loving eyes in a peaceful, reflective atmosphere. Slowing down and letting go of distractions, we can begin to discern our unique place inGod’s plan and rediscover our authentic selves, created in God’s image. In prayer and silence, we allow God to help us discover the ways in which his loving hand has been guiding us at every step of our journey and what he is calling us to in this season of life. We allow Him to love and nurture us as we open ourselves in trust to the path that lies
ahead as our authentic selves.”

We had a wonderful time at our Faithbooking Retreat!  What fun it was to be together again in person.  It was Mardi Gras Tuesday and Ash Wednesday during our retreat so we ate our King Cake, found the Baby Jesus, and many of us are wearing our sign: "from dust you came and to dust you shall return!"

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We gifted ourselves this time to reflect on our Spiritual Journeys. 

Our Director Rose Folsom offered this to get us started:

"Each of us is on a unique journey to closer union with God.  Our path can feel rushed and chaotic at times, leading us to wonder whether God is really acting in our lives.  We are grateful to take this quiet time together to retrace our footsteps in a peaceful, reflective atmosphere."  

"Slowing down and letting go of distractions, we can begin to see how the footprints we have made connect with each other in a pattern of grace that we did not notice before.  We discover the surprise of God's hidden action." 

"In prayer and silence, we allow God to help us discover the ways in which his loving hand was guiding us at every step of our journey.  We allow Him to love and nurture us as we open ourselves in trust to the path that lies ahead."

A faithbooking retreat is a beautiful time to ponder about God's actions in your life.  This could be the perfect ‘get-a-way’ opportunity. "Gift" yourself this special time away. You are worth it!   If you’ve attended before, you know how priceless this time away is. For those of you who have never been, let us explain what a “Faithbooking” retreat is.

Faithbooking at its core means creating a tangible expression of one’s faith!  Some choose to create a chronological scrapbook album in which they record their faith journey.  Some also have a notebook where they record meaningful phrases, scripture passages, and other words that inspire them.  All are continual works in progress.  

Some examples:
-journaling about times when you felt touched by God,
-writing a letter to someone to thank them for when they were “God-like” to you,
-knitting a prayer shawl,
-painting a picture,
-creating faith-related cards,
-collecting your favorite scriptures into a notebook
-gathering photos of sacred places

BUT even before you can create anything tangible – you need to take time to ponder or meditate on the many blessings in your life.  When was the last time you took that time – to just gather thoughts on the workings of God in your life.  This retreat can simply be your opportunity to be present and LISTEN to God. 

You simply provide yourself an opportunity to BE in God’s presence.  There are no expectations – no “supply list,” no directions, no requirements.  It is a weekend of your own design.

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us at our next retreat.  The location is San Damiano Spiritual Life Center in White Post, Virginia (near Winchester, VA).  The retreat center is simply beautiful and a wonderful place to be quiet.

 "I love the relaxed, loving, low key atmosphere that encourages sharing

among faith-filled women."

"Beautiful and restful as always!"

"Good community, creative spirit, and energy!"

"Can we put in the option of coming up Thursday night?   

"Super met expectations!"

"I love the freeform of the weekend."

"A weekend of contemplation, crafting, and community!"

"A holy place to be quiet or engage with like-minded women!"