Choose To Be

As you have seen, we've recommended several different other web sites over the years that are intended to not only be of interest to you, but can be of help and service to you, depending on what you might be going through in your life. I have connected with a new web site that is going to be powerful in it's scope in reaching people and students who are struggling with issues in their lives. As the site is not completely together yet, I am just wanting to make you aware of the potential this ministry can have in your life if you have felt "boxed in" because of choices and situations that may have been beyond your immediate control. If you will click here for their mission statement, I think you will see the ministry benefit this new site will have in your life. Continue to check back with them often to see their progress in helping you to become all that God has created you to be.

St Benedict Abbey

Jeff and I went to visit the St Benedict Abbey as we are considering using their Guest House for spiritual formation retreats. Although their facility is still in use as a monastery, their have opened up a section of the building for spiritual retreats. St Benedict Abbey is celebrating their 150th years of service to preparing students for ministry and educating them for their futures. It's incredible to think that they are still serving in the same area that they began 150 years ago.

We were greeted by Father Blaine and given a tour of the Abbey, in which we not only able to see the Guest House, but also the monks rooms, the Chapel, the dining room, Chapels that are used for meetings, etc. It was all very interesting. We also connected with a monk that was over 100 years old who was still active in his role at the Abbey. Below are pictures of the facility. Father Blaine also is the organist for the Abbey and played the pipe organ for us in the Chapel. It was amazing!

St Francis Retreat

I again took a "Silence and Solitude" spiritual formation retreat at The Little Portion Hermitage that is a part of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity Monastery in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was an awesome weekend retreat as we focused this year on the practices and life of St Francis - my favorite saint! Here are some pictures of the retreat.

For those of you who desire a much closer walk with God and want to listen to that "still, small voice" speaking to you about your pilgrimage/journey, then I would suggest that you consider a spiritual formation retreat. I'd be happy to give you some ideas of places and practices for your time of "silence and solitude."

Bible Study Zone

I'd like to tell you about a great little bi-monthly newsletter that comes out of the Navigators, which is a premier discipleship organization. You can go to their resource web site here and find all kinds of materials for small groups and discipleship. I think you will enjoy looking through the studies especially on the books of the Bible. And you can sign up for their Bible Study Zone newsletter at this site, too.