The best things come in small packages

So this is a total departure and I promise to be back to normality soon. But we are in the USA and reality has to some degree been suspended - temporarily. And the anticipation of a small package arriving has been enormous.

Some weeks ago, my younger daughter, who lives in the USA, signed up for a small package. A fix. But not of the kind you might be thinkingI mean. This is a parcel of dreams, specially selected, beautifully wrapped in tissue, chosen with you in mind - after you have filled in your styles and your preferences and your selected sections. I was signed up by this same daughter, filled in my size (6; you have to love USA sizing, that sounds so small!) selected my style (classic casual) and my favorite (we are in America, remember) color - blues and navies. And sat back and waited.

She and I skayjuled simultaneous deliveries.  We checked online yesterday and discovered that our little parcels had left San Francisco. Could they, would they, arrive in Virginia today?

They could and did.  My happiness levels soared. A little box, a true STITCH FIX, of 5 articles I might like. A box for her and a box for me.

I could hardly contain my excitement.

Wearing a very inexpensive supermarket teeshirt, (thank you, Sainsburys! My summer clothes are all in store in London)  I opened up to beautifully wrapped and folded white tissue paper. Giggles from excitement and anticipation  - what would I find inside?

There were to be five items, each specially selected by my stylist - Joyce, according to the note inside.

Joyce, you are amazing. How did you know? I suspect you are really a computer but even so, I am astounded at what I unpack.

First, a glimpse of navy and white stripes. One of my favorite combinations. Enthusiastically I pull it out and hold it up to me. Is it a dress? A tunic top? Beach wear? I love the red buttons on the shoulder - a nice detail. (Pronounced de-TAYLE)

Next, a shirt. Just a shirt. Blue, turquoise-y blue, with orange flecks. I would not ever have given it a second glance on a rail in a store.

My daughter pounces on it and tries it on. She looks stunning as usual.

What else? More navy.

A stunning little jacket, with pretty lace trim where there might have been pockets, and a sweet white-with-pink-spots lining.

Jeans.

And a necklace.

Each of the clothes has a useful tag, showing a range of clothes (which you probably already possess) that create outfits with this particular item. The turquoise shirt is shown with white trousers (sorry, pants, we are in the USA) and with a denim skirt.

Time to try things for size and style. I start with the stripes. And am horrified by the shortness of length and the sack-like fit. I hear my grandmother's derisory voice whisper in my ear - "Mutton dressed like lamb."

Leggings underneath? I suggest to the family. No way is what I think they mean in their laughter.

I opt for the shirt next. And team it with the jeans. The family all exclaim with delight. YES!

The navy jacket is tried with white underneath, as suggested on its style tag. It's good. But I have a very similar one already, and can't justify another. But Joyce got this right too.

So that leaves the necklace. It's not me at all. And I realise that jewellery is just too personal for me to want a stranger to choose it for me; and I have much-loved things already, usually given to me by my husband, celebrating and commemorating. I don't even try this on. Leather and mock gold? Definitely not me.

Verdict?

Of the five items sent

- One I would not ever have given a second look in a shop  but is highly rated by onlookers (shirt)

- One I love but I have its cousin already (jacket)

- One is just right and exactly what I need (jeans - my own much loved pair have worn out and have a hole!)

- One is totally not me (necklace)

- One is wrong size in that it is too short for my age and not fitted enough for my preference (tunic/dress)

Will I keep anything? I've paid a $20 stylist fee which I lose if I don't put it towards anything. Nothing is more than $90, so well within my specified price range. And the family love the shirt and the jeans.

I have three days to decide.

* * * * *

My happiness levels were dangerously high in anticipation of the small box arriving. There is a two week waiting list if you sign up (here if you live in the USA) which cleverly adds to the anticipation. There was enormous fun in daughter and me having boxes arrive together, trying things on, laughing and photographing,  entertaining our husbands with our looks and comments. And return postage is free.

Such a simple idea. So easily achieved.

* * * * *

Tomorrow morning a small "package" awaits me, as it does every morning.

God's Word, His gift to me. It's lifegiving and it's life enhancing and it's life transforming.

'Nuff said.

BUBBLES AND SILENCE: a 10 day retreat

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

Yesterday's blog was full of suggestions for a Day Away with the Lord.

Today's is a longer posting - an account of a 10 day silent retreat.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Getting away from it all

“Ten days of total silence?” gasped my family in disbelief. “You’ll never do it. Won’t you be bored - or lonely?  What will you do all day?”

I had to do (‘make’ is perhaps the more correct term) a Silent Retreat as part of a Course, so it was not something I had specifically chosen, and I went in some fear and trepidation.  The website promised:

“Each day of an individually guided retreat (IGR) you will be meeting with your own retreat guide, who is a member of the team at 'The Centre', to share what concerns you most deeply at that point of your journey with God. The retreat provides a time for:

-       Finding a space for personal reflection, prayer and meditation

-       Exploring with your guide different ways of praying

-       Making the connection between your prayer life and daily living.

Although the retreat is lived as a group experience it will be made in silence as an aid to prayer and personal reflection. Gardening and manual work is available for those who wish.”


Gardening feels like outdoor housework, so I packed some good books (Christian spirituality and Christian biographies), a kettle to make coffee/tea in my room if I needed to, and my own duvet and pillow for comfort –just in case!  I also took my walking boots, my laptop, a beautiful new journal – and provisions as I had elected to selfcater, just wanting to have a simple, light diet.

Arriving at the Retreat centre was a little scary – but I was greeted by a warm smile and the aroma of baking: homemade cakes for tea each afternoon! My room was far better than I had feared; there was a remarkably comfortable single bed, a wardrobe, handbasin, desk and chair - and a lovely large comfy armchair.  As usual in a strange place I hastily rearranged all the furniture to suit myself – with the comfy chair positioned so that I could sit and read and pray looking out of the window towards the beautiful gardens. The laptop was plugged in and to my joy and dismay I discovered there was internet access.  What a temptation!  Did I give in?  Read on ……

A group of 16 retreatants gathered somewhat warily later that evening, for an introductory session with the 4 Spiritual Directors. Then we were into silence!  I went to bed with a sense of excitement and anticipation as to what God might have in mind for me. And so began a routine which soon seemed to be my new way of life.  It was remarkable at how soon my time was happily spent reading, praying, meditating.  I made myself a routine: it included the Divine Hours – saying the daily office with its prayers and Bible readings on waking, at midday and late afternoon, with compline at bed time. (I used Phyllis Trickle’s book which has it laid out for each day in a very easy to follow way).   That gave a structure to my days. The mornings were for Bible readings – lectio divina, or Ignatian, or even reading an entire book of the Bible in one sitting, not something one often has time to do. The walled garden of the convent was a haven of late roses in the September sunshine; or the bench looking over the valley and on to the North Downs was a therapeutic resting place. I was blessed with a week of sunshine and enjoyed meeting with God whilst sitting enjoying the beauty of his creation.

After lunch each day, I donned my walking boots and strode off to explore the Kent countryside, using the walking maps provided in the Retreat Centre.  Speaking to God is easier for me when I am walking alone and able to look at nature in all its glory. I walked several  miles after lunch each day, before meeting with my Director for 30 – 40 minutes. He listened to my descriptions of what was going on between me and God,  made suggestions of verses in the Bible which might be helpful, and then on one occasion he encouraged me to use the craft room.   I hesitated; I can’t draw and have never found it a useful exercise.  But one afternoon I went in – and found sugar paper and poster paints, reminiscent of primary school.  Instead of painting, I tried a little calligraphy, using a verse which had been especially meaningful the previous day. I tried writing it out in different versions of the Bible – the internet was very useful for looking them up!  - and found it remarkably insightful.  As I was leaving, I suddenly noticed a box full of tubs of bubbles.  BUBBLES!  Suddenly the inner child was released and I ran out into the garden and blew bubbles  - rejoicing with God, just enjoying the freedom and the fun and the enjoyment.  Later, I found the piano and appreciated having the time to play.

Evenings were spent enjoying long deep bubble baths, relaxing, going to bed luxuriously early to read and to journal about the day, and then to sleep deeply in the silence and dark of the country.

There was one wet afternoon, and I withdrew to the prayer room in the Tower, a peaceful little eyrie with helpful books and pictures and objects. It served well enough for a while, but personally the beautiful grounds and countryside were preferable.  I also attended the daily service just prior to supper, and was glad to be able to worship God with others – even though we couldn’t speak afterwards!

The silence was only uncomfortable for me at meal times.  It was a strange feeling to be at a table with 3 others, eating yet unable to converse in any way.  Music was played whilst we ate, and the members of the Community withdrew to their own dining room – presumably to be able to talk!  And washing up and laying tables with others but in silence was strange at first; but then it became companionable and we got used to one another and to the silence – and learnt to communicate in other ways.

God spoke to me in ways I would never have imagined – there was time and space and silence in which to listen, unlike in normal life.  It was salutary to be reminded of how seldom I stop to listen to God, allowing him time and space instead of rushing around in my busy-ness. No, I didn’t hear a specific voice, but I sensed his Presence, had things confirmed in my subconscious, and had several ‘day dreams’ where He drew near.  Everything is gift. By the end I was sad to be leaving, and ‘normal’ life seemed strangely unalluring!

I did remember to return my room to its former state before leaving!  And the laptop? Well, yes, I did Skype with members of the family once or twice.  Perhaps it was cheating; but for me it was real, an important part of my life, and it in no way detracted from the silence and solitude of my Retreat.  Will I go again? Yes.  But I have also learnt to take smaller, regular times out to Practice the Presence of the Lord. There’s nothing quite like it.

The Revd Penelope Swithinbank attended a Retreat at the Sisters of St Andrew, Eden Hall,  Edenbridge, Kent.    Sadly the Convent has had to close this year.

Have you enjoyed an extended time away? How did you get on? What did you do? How good a time was it?

RE:FRESH RE:NEW RE:CREATE RE:TREAT

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

Physical preparation is good: Spiritual preparation is even better.

It's all to easy to concentrate on the former and forget the latter.  

It's time to put a date in my diary for a day spent with the Lord.

I was asked on Sunday how one fills a day of time with God when you don't really know where to start. She is off to Harnhill for a week; plenty of prayer but plenty of free time too.  What to do all day?

So, for her and for others, today is all about ONE DAY with the Lord.

Tomorrow will be about an EXTENDED TIME with the Lord - based on a 10 day silent retreat.

And today is to remind myself joyfully to anticipate my own upcoming day away - in the diary for the week after next!

A DAY FOR RE:FRESH, RE:NEW, RE:CREATE, RE:TREAT 

Sometimes (often, most of the time) we need rest – physical, emotional, yes, but mostly spiritual time away from normal everyday busy-ness.  I need to make time for meeting with God over a longer period, time for spiritual renewal and self-examination.

In Jesus’ time, long walks were part of everyday life – when one could presumably reflect and pray and think, although it was probably no easier than it is now.

Jesus certainly 'drew aside' from everything for quiet moments, often climbing the hillside to do so.

And so I need to build in times of quiet, times of enjoying God’s creation.  At least once a year (and three or four or five times is better) it helps if I go to a place of quiet and beauty and just BE.

If you've never done this before, it may be strange at first. Maybe start with just a few hours – a half day; or maybe only an hour for the very first time. Start small and keep adding. Don’t wait until you feel you can take on a whole day or you may never begin.

And if after a while you have had enough, don’t feel guilty.  Either push on through to see what happens; or leave it there and try again another time. Or try something entirely different.

Here are some suggestions which I have personally found work for me and for many others; feel free to add to it, experiment with it – find what works for you, what draws you closer to the Lord, refreshes and re-energises you.

PLANNING A DAY OR HALF DAY RETREAT

PLANNING: there’s the start. If I don't plan, it doesn't happen. I have to PLAN when to do this and write down the date and time, and the place, otherwise I'll procrastinate and never start. Then I begin to look forward eagerly to this special time, asking already for the Lord to meet with me and refresh and renew me.

SUGGESTIONS OF THINGS TO TAKE: Bible, journal, pen; family photos or special momentoes; praise worship (CD, iPod,etc); candles (& matches);  post card of a painting. Light, easily prepared food. Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking. Nice soap and bubbles for the bath.

-      I like to get away, head for the countryside, a retreat centre, a friend’s country cottage. If you can’t, make a special area at home with some of your favourite things, maybe a rocking chair, a large cushion, scented candles. Get it ready in advance and every time you pass, be excited in anticipation. Check if you need to remove a ticking clock or anything else distracting.

-      When going away, it's good to get there the night before.  I love to have a long relaxing bubble bath and allow the cares and stresses to begin to slip away and thenretire early to bed with a relaxing drink (Horlicks?!?!?!?! Camomile tea …) and I do love a hot water bottle at night!  Snuggling in, I read the Scriptures planned for tomorrow - but just read them, nothing else, and then put the light out early. Bliss!

MORNING: PART ONE

BEING WITH GOD

Awake whenever – no alarm clock! And I don’t DO anything, for at least half an hour. Breakfast: taking a mug of steaming coffee and sitting on a sunny rock, or under a tree, or by a log fire and just sitting and BE-ing with God.

Then it's time for an extended praise and thanksgiving toGod, focusing on all the things and times and people I'm grateful for. If Ineed a reminder or a prompt, I can look at the photos and momentoes I brought with me and praise and thank God for what they each mean to me.

And then a fun form of gratitude:  listing 10 things in my journal for which I'm grateful and thanking God for each of them, with the focus onblessings, not problems. Then another 10 and thank Him; and another …. And so on.  Sometimes I will set myself a minimum, say 30 or 50 or …. and see where I end up.   No pleases, just thanks!

A Psalm. Not a difficult one, but one of my favourites, such as a praise one; and I read it out loud.  Slowly.  Twice.  Then I put the Bible down and reflect on it, maybe recall words or phrases that stood out or leaped at me, or meant something.  Then write them down.  Read aloud again – slowly. Maybe learn by heart one of the special verses. Write it down. Ask the Lord if He is saying something to me through it.

After all of that, I turn to either my normal daily Bible reading, or to a special Bible passage; or perhaps to a whole smallbook (eg Philemon or Jude, or one of the Epistles).

I can spend at least an hour or even two on this:

read it aloud, slowly;  not something there is normally time or inclination to do. But it's revelatory.

relish the phrases;

repeat it until the meanings truly sink in.

Listening – letting God speak to me through it. Mark/write/record what happens.

What does it mean?

Is there a promise, a command?

Something I don’t understand which I need to look up another time or ask someone about later?

How will affect my life today, tomorrow …?

Reflect and pray it through.

MORNING: PART TWO

GETTING OUT

One of my favourite things is then to go for a long leisurely walk and enjoy an extended time of praise.  And when I am far away from civilisation and anyone who could possibly hear I sing praise songs aloud in the glories of creation (the psalmist recommends making a joyful NOISE to the Lord so then I don’t worry that I am not an opera singer!) Then I can envision God looking at me with love and walking beside me with His arm on my shoulder - like a friend accompanying me on the journey, in love. I either sing unaccompanied or I have some things on the iPod to sing along to.

Prayer: Then and only then, either whilst out or on my return, I pray   and probably write down my prayers -

- for my family, my friends,   my loved ones. Their situation and things they are coping with.

- And for my self,  spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially,   intellectually:

God, when you look at me, what do you see?

Lord, how am I doing?

What do you want to change in me?

I pray about my dreams, my challenges, my diary.

LUNCH TIME

I can enjoy a leisurely lunch at some point (or I may want to fast for the day) and listen to some worship music – of whatever type I prefer or happen to choose for this moment.

AFTERNOON: PART ONE

After lunch, I take a nap; rest and put my feet up. I do nothing for a while, with a cup of tea.  And if I fall asleep, that’s fine too. He gives His Beloved rest!

With the second cup of tea, I mightlook at a religious painting or a picture that speaks to me of God and meditate on it and put myself into it and allow the Lord to work in me through it.

What is it about this picture which touches something in me?

What is God saying to me in this picture?

What do I see of God?

Where is HE? Where am I?

What will I take with me from this time?

AFTERNOON: PART TWO

I enjoy reading through the late afternoon -  a helpful but probably fairly light book – maybe a Christian biography – a book which will bless, inspire, enthuse me.

Finally, almost regretfully, it's time to return home listening to my favourite Christian praise music on the car CD player.

Sometimes it's hard to return to the noise and bustle of home, family, pets, etc. But I know that often happens, and so I pray about it on my return journey, asking for grace  - and lots and lots of patience, and for the fruit of the Spirit as my loved ones crowd around and normal life resumes. And I hope I remembered to make sure supper was prepared either before I left or by someone else!

If you are returning to an empty dark flat, ask for the love of Jesus to be there to welcome you home, for His light to shine in the darkness and for His presence to surround you.

Finally, I remember to write the date in my diary for my next retreat.

I would love some of your ideas too -

What do you find helps you the most when spending time with God?

Where do you go?

What do you do? 

ON A ROLL

PREPARING FOR A PILGRIMAGE    WEEK ONE: DAY THREE

I’m on a roll. 

And it’s not the roll you were possibly expecting.

I am rolling my way upon the Lord.

This year, I am reading through the entire Bible – it’s not the first time I have ever done this but thanks to a friend’s recommendation I am doing so using George Guthrie’s “Reader’s Guide to the Bible: Chronological Reading Plan.” And it's on my Kindle so I read it anywhere, any time, as well as my regular 'first thing in the morning evangelical upbringing Quiet Time.'

Previously I have tried the Cambridge Daily Reading Bible, which was great because it gave a reading from both of the Testaments – and actually takes two years.

Less of a hurry, more time to ponder.

I’ve started that twice.  Not sure I ever quite finished on either time.

Then I used the NLT iWorship Bible which goes straight through from Genesis to Revelation in a year.  By August when I was still on the Old Testament I was longing, really longing for the New Testament!  I found it moderately tedious if I am honest, in spite of the wonderful daily reflections printed alongside and the worship-thoughts inserted regularly.

So now I am using a chronological reading method – and so far, am loving it.  Interspersing Job with Genesis to remind us Job was in the time of the Patriarchs; reading David’s story alongside the Psalms he wrote at the time; and seeing it all as God’s Plan for His people, mapped out on a time-line.

Act One: God’s Plan for All People

Act Two: God’s Covenant People

Act Three: God’s New-Covenant People.

So I’m on a roll.

Yesterday, I read Psalm 37.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this: he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

And every day, alongside the Bible, I read a daily thought from Amy Carmichael – one of my most favourite spiritual writers. Today, it’s from Psalm 37 in Kay’s translation:

Roll thy way upon the Lord.

She writes:

Way means a trodden path, the journey of life, today’s life. Often when we cannot lift a thing we can roll it and so the Hebrew uses this simple word which we can so easily understand.  Roll everything that concerns thee upon the Lord. Roll it again, no matter how many times you did so before, and then rest, “assure thyself in Him; and He, He Himself, will work.” (French Version, Darby)

I am preparing for a Pilgrimage.

I am on a roll.

Re:FRESH Re:NEW Re:TREAT

A DAY FOR RETREAT

ideas for what to do!

Sometimes (often, most of the time)  I need rest – physical, emotional, yes, but mostly spiritual time away from normal everyday busy-ness.  I need to make time for meeting with God over a longer period, time for spiritual renewal and self-examination.  In Jesus’ time, long walks were part of everyday life – when one could presumably reflect and pray and think, although it was probably no easier than it is now! Jesus certainly 'drew aside' from everything for quiet moments, often climbing the hillside to do so. And so I need to build in times of quiet, times of enjoying God’s creation.  At least once a year (and three or four or five times is better!) it helps if I go to a place of quiet and beauty and just BE.

If you've never done this before, it may be strange at first. Maybe start with just a few hours – a half day; or maybe only an hour for the very first time. Start small and keep adding. Don’t wait until you feel you can take on a whole day or you may never begin!  And if after a while you have had enough, don’t feel guilty!  Either push on through to see what happens; or leave it there and try again another time. Or try something entirely different! These are just suggestions which I have personally found work for me and for many others; feel free to experiment!

PLANNING A DAY OR HALF DAY RETREAT

PLANNING: there’s the start. If I don't plan, it doesn't happen! I have to PLAN when to do this and write down the date and time, and the place, otherwise I'll procrastinate and never start. Then I begin to look forward eagerly to this special time, asking the Lord already to meet with me and refresh and renew me.

SUGGESTIONS TO TAKE: Bible, journal, pen; family photos or special momentoes; Praise worship (CD, iPod, etc) post card of a painting

-      I like to get away, head for the countryside, a retreat centre, a friend’s country cottage. If you can’t, make a special area at home with some of your favourite things, maybe a rocking chair, a large cushion, scented candles. Get it ready in advance and every time you pass be excited in anticipation! Check if you need to remove a ticking clock or anything else distracting.

-      When going away, it's good to get there the night before.  I love to have a long relaxing bubble bath and allow the cares and stresses to begin to slip away  and then retire early with a relaxing drink (Horlicks?!?!?!?! Camomile tea …) and I do love a hot water bottle at night!! Snuggling in, I read the Scriptures planned for tomorrow - but just read them, nothing else, and then put the light out early. Bliss!

1. Awake whenever – no alarm clock! And I don’t DO anything, for half an hour. Breakfast: taking a mug of steaming coffee and sitting on a sunny rock, or under a tree, or by a log fire and just sitting and BE-ing with God.

2. Then it's time for an extended praise and thanksgiving to God,  focusing on all the things I'm grateful for.  If I need a reminder or a prompt, I can ook at the photos and momentoes I brought with me and praise and thank God for what they each mean to me. Then a fun bit:  listing 10 things in my journal for which I'm grateful and thank God for each of them, with the focus on blessings, not problems. Then another 10 and thank Him; and another …. And so on.  Sometimes I will set myself a minimum, say 30 or 50 or …. And see where I end up!!!  No pleases, just thanks!

3. A Psalm, (Not a difficult one, but one of my favourites, such as praise one) and I read it out loud.  Slowly.  Twice.  Then I put the Bible down and reflect on it, maybe recall words or phrases that stood out or leaped at me, or meant something.  Then write them down.  Read aloud again – slowly. Maybe learn by heart one of the special verses. Write it down. Ask the Lord if He is saying something to me through it.

4. Then, and only then, I turn to either my normal daily Bible reading, or to a special Bible passage; or to a whole small book (eg Philemon or Jude) I can spend an hour or two on this:  read it aloud, slowly; relish the phrases; repeat it until the meanings truly sink in. Listening – letting God speak to me through it. Mark/write/record what happens. Was does it mean? Is there a promise, a command? Something I don’t understand which I can look up another time or ask someone about later?  Reflect and pray it through.

5. One of my favourite things is then to go for a long leisurely walk and enjoy an extended time of praise.  And when I am far away from civilisation and anyone who could possibly hear I sing praise songs aloud in the glories of creation (the psalmist recommends making a joyful NOISE to the Lord so then I don’t worry that I am  not an opera singer!!) Then I can envision God looking at me with love and walking beside me with His arm on my shoulder - like a friend accompanying me on the journey, in love. I either sing unaccompanied or I have some things on the iPod to sing along to.

6   Then and only then, either whilst out or on my return, I pray and write down my prayers. - for my family, my friends, my loved                      ones; for my self,  spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially, intellectually; God, when you look at me, what do you see? Lord                    how am I doing?  What do you want to change in me? I pray about my dreams, my challenges, my diary.

7. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at some point (or I may want to fast for the day) and listen to some worship music – of whatever type I prefer that day!

8. After lunch, I take a nap; rest and put my feet up. I do nothing for a while, with a cup of tea. I might look at a religious painting or a picture that speaks to me of God and meditate on it and put myself into it and allow the Lord to work in me through it.

9. I enjoy reading through the late afternoon -  a helpful but light book – maybe a Christian biography – a book which will bless, inspire, enthuse me.

10. Finally, almost regretfully, it's time to return home listening to my favourite Christian praise music .

Sometimes it's hard to return to the noise and bustle of home, family, pets, etc. But I know that often happens, and so I pray about it on my return journey, asking for grace and lots and lots of  patience, and for the fruit of the Spirit as my loved ones crowd around and normal life resumes. And I hope I remembered to make sure supper  was prepared either before I left or by someone else!

If you are returning to an empty dark flat, ask for the love of Jesus to be there to welcome you home, for His light to shine in the darkness and for His presence to surround you.

Finally, I remember to write the date in my diary for my next retreat.

© P Swithinbank

www.ministriesbydesign.org

@minstriesbydsgn