Friday, May 27, 2011

Spiritual Retreat


It had been a really rough last couple of months. We had been stressed and were worn out. Luckily, Jay, the minister at the church, realized this and made it mandatory that Paul and I go off on a spiritual retreat. We were making planes to go with the kids. When Paul was told that it could not be with the kids.Well, like I said it has been a rough couple of months. I freaked out. The reason I freaked out was because everyone that we know and trust to keep our kids for three nights were very busy, two of them JUST (or was about to) had a baby. I didn't just want to send them off to someone that they don't know very well, and two kids under the age of 3, is a little much. It also would be the first time to stay the night way from Eden. I would not be able to relax if I was worrying about the girls. I told my concerns, Jay then said that in the budget for the retreat is enough to fly someone down from Oklahoma to watch our girls. So of course I called my parents and their wonderful employee's let them go.With this relief we were off to Glen Eyrie Castle.
Glen Eyrie Castle is a retreat, conference center, and (yes) an actual Castle. They have over 800 acres of hiking and walking and just absolute beauty. It is tucked away in Colorado Springs right next to the Garden of the Gods in a little canyon. It is owned by the Navigators, but was built by General Palmer of the Civil War. Beautiful Castle, we took a tour. But we didn't stay in there we stayed in a Cabin with others who were doing the retreat.
The retreat was great. We met with everyone at breakfast and then for worship then we were off to go spend time with the Lord however we saw fit. We went hiking and walking, took naps free to just relaxed and spent the day with the Lord. then that evening we met up with everyone again for Dinner and little devo. We were then free again to go about with what we were doing. It was very relaxed and the schedule was very loose and free. It was so great to have that time to just get away with God.
Both Paul and I really enjoyed it. We want to go back and spend a week next time. I couldn't believe the amazing hospitality. I would recommend it to anyone!
I am very thankful that we got to go on this retreat, very thankful that the church sent me too, and that they flew my parents down to watch the girls.
It reminded of how much I need God and my need to stop and make sure I get quality time with him. It was a great time and a great reminder!