19 comments

Kimberly Wagner

Need a Peace Retreat?

Posted on 06.21.10 by Kimberly Wagner
Topics: Relationship with God

How many of you are ready for a peace retreat?

You don’t have to head off to a cabin in the woods (that does sound nice, though!) or rent a private hotel suite for this escape. It’s as close as your back yard.

You won’t need to pack a suitcase, just a light backpack will do. Put in a picnic blanket, your Bible, a favorite devotional or inspirational poetry book, a bottle of water, your journal and pen (oh, and Reese cups add a nice touch!).

You don’t need more than a half hour, although longer is better. Find a comfortable spot in the shade, stretch out, relax, and ask Jesus to spend some time with you. He knows all about peace.

“For He, Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14) and His yoke is easy, His burden light. Listen to the invitation He offers you today:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Don’t take your laptop, your cell phone, even your dog. If you have young ones, take picture books for them and explain this is time for quiet, rest, and peace (or you may chose to do this alone during their nap time). If you’re at work reading this right now–block out a time on your daily planner, and then keep this appointment!

Suggested passages to read and pray through:

Psalm 4; 34; 46; 116
Isaiah 25:1-9; 26:1-8; 40:11-14, 28-31; 41:10, 13
Hebrews 4
John 17

Let me know how it goes!

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Comments

*The following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

  1. Yes - as one just returning from summer vacation, I can testify that that is not where we get rest! And even if it had been a quiet cabin in the woods, we would still return to the things we tried to escape from. We need Jesus to get the real rest - the rest that removes the chaos altogether!

    Thanks Kimberly.
    posted by annie
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 9:31 am
  2. Thank you for this.
    www.jodylynne.blogspot.com
    posted by Jody
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 9:46 am
  3. Just returned from that vacation in a cabin in the woods. Enjoyed myself with church family and fellowship.

    There is nothing like alone time with Jesus.

    I feel alone time coming my way really really soon.
    revive our hearts
    posted by Tina S.
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 9:55 am
  4. Oh my gosh - do I ever need this post!!!!! I will get back with you after I read your Scriptures - I was searching for Scriptures this morning - what a stressful time!
    http://passionatechildrensservant.blogspot.com/
    posted by Theresa Haskins
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 10:04 am
  5. Thank you, i really needed this at this time of stress in my life. I'm always seeking and searching and i know this is what i need....
    posted by Jessy
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 12:44 pm
  6. Plan to do this very soon. Never thought about going to my back yard but I think this could work. I will do this in the chapel here at work. It's right across the hall from my office (I work in a hospital).
    posted by Jodi c.
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 1:30 pm
  7. I was just contemplating on peace this morning and how much I need it. Thank you for this brilliant idea
    posted by stephanie
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 1:32 pm
  8. Oh I can't wait to do this...much needed time alone with my Jesus
    posted by Marilyn
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 2:11 pm
  9. I need a peace retreat every morning....and I have it in my closet! I have a small walk-in closet. It just feels more intimate there than on my couch downstairs or somewhere else where I could get interrupted. My kids know if I'm in my closet with the door closed that I'm spending time with the Lord. I love spending time with the Lord outside in some natural setting, but it is just too hot and humid in Arkansas right now!
    There is nothing more necessary or more satisfying than spending time alone with Jesus. Thank you for this post, Kim!
    posted by Vivian Etherington
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:55 pm
  10. Yes! I really needed this! Gonna try this as soon as possible. So looking foward to this Jesus!

    Thanks Kim
    posted by Penny
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 6:24 pm
  11. Hi Kim!

    Thank you for your post, and thank you for the passages you referenced. I jotted them down, and will read through them. I probably will read them while sitting in my recliner, in the air conditioning, of course, as I am not an outdoors person! Sipping tea, most likely! I'm glad you mentioned the Reece's cups, too. I AM a chocoholic, unfortunately.

    May you and your family have a blessed summer.

    In Christ's love,
    Arlene
    posted by Arlene
    on Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:35 pm
  12. I am in real need of this. Thank you!
    http://www.misswisabus.com
    posted by Elizabeth
    on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7:38 am
  13. I had a long talk with God under the stars last night, and FINALLY made peace with an issue that has been stealing my focus from Him. He gave me this poem I would like to share, in hopes it may help someone else.

    Just be still, it is time to wait.
    He will call out, before it is too late.
    Trust in your heart, what you do not see.
    Then you will fly, then you will be free.
    Hold My Hand, you will survive.
    Feel Me with you, I am alive.
    You are a girl who hopes;
    And can stand in faith.
    When your love is true, it is never too late.
    Just be still, and ride the waves.
    For a girl like you, it is My Love that saves.
    posted by Anonymous
    on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7:40 am
  14. Hi Kim!
    I am revived just reading the website and your blog! Thank you for sharing! I miss all of you and will have to come visit at Dayspring soon!

    God Bless You!
    Love,
    Julie
    1 Thess. 5: 16-18
    www.berrysghfarm.com
    posted by Julie Berry
    on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 12:07 pm
  15. Wow! I am so encouraged reading all of your responses (loved the sweet poem) -- praying under the stars, great suggestion!!

    I am praying for each of you to have a meaningful "peace retreat" in the Word and in communion with Christ. He loves when time with Him is our priority.

    Jodi C. -- I've had some very special times of meeting with God in hospital chapels (perhaps this could become a regular lunch date for you and Jesus!).

    Arlene -- love that chocolate! It is actually my favorite health food :-)

    Julie -- So good to hear from you! Glad you are reading the blog. Please come and see us at Dayspring anytime.

    Much love to each of you dear friends!
    posted by Kimberly Wagner
    on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 12:51 pm
  16. Thank you Kim! I am in great need of this today! I think I may try it while my little guy (3 yrs.) is napping. Peace and quiet is hard to find in the midst of homeschooling and all boys!
    http://www.jennifergriffin.wordpress.com
    posted by Jen Griffin
    on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 1:33 pm
  17. Hi Kim,
    I met you at Chattanooga True Woman. I live in Mountain Home. I saw this blog and am going to do this Peace Retreat this week during my morning quiet time. I am looking forward to looking at the scriptures you gave and seeing how God speaks to me through His word. He is so wonderful to meet me as I seek Him daily. I will let you know how he speaks. Thank you for sharing this.
    posted by Susie Wilson
    on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 2:06 pm
  18. thans for great sharing
    http://www.teksanmakina.net/products_detail.asp?proGroupID=57&proGroupSubID=117&proMarkID=123&productID=399&productName=Kahve%20Tamper
    posted by engin
    on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 3:42 pm
  19. thans for great sharing
    http://www.teksanmakina.net/products_detail.asp?proGroupID=57&proGroupSubID=117&proMarkID=123&productID=399&productName=Kahve%20Tamper
    posted by engin
    on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 4:16 pm

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