Refreshing Time Alone With God

May 1, 2025

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Hello friend!

It was a privilege to experience the Respond Women’s Retreat at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters this past weekend. There were several elements that stood out to me as stabilizing and refreshing. 

Nature

All around us the beauty of Western North Carolina was shining in its spring glory as a friend and I traveled the I-40 path to Andrews, NC. The remnants of Helene could be seen from the interstate reminding us of God’s faithfulness in helping us to help others as they continue the long recovery. Nature draws me nearer to the Lord always.

Relaxed Schedule

There were choices of workshops, breakout sessions, recreation, or rest. There is wisdom in choosing wisely. Everyday.

Stepping Away

The world is constantly beckoning to us. At the retreat, there were no well-known speakers, no headline worship bands, no QR codes to follow and no commercial advertisements or sponsors. Not that any of those are bad, but they can sure draw our attention away from the Holy Spirit. What am I exposing myself to that can be limited or eliminated?

Community

The shared joy we experienced in line at registration, with the baristas of the local coffee shop – The Morning Fog, the SWO interns, other attendees, staff, plus SWO families and those who went out of their way to speak with us in meaningful ways was heavenly. 

It is so enjoyable to be in the “SWO Bubble” as some of us have affectionately called it over the years. I started taking students there around 2003. The discipleship at SWO has not changed except to be strengthened and encouraged as the next generation leads. 

There is no reason we cannot live life in the same way right where we are today. 

Reflect

Give some thought to the ways that you might use the elements of nature, the choices that lead to a more relaxed schedule, stepping away from the beckoning of the world and contributing to community with others in meaningful ways. That “bubble feeling” is a little glimpse of heaven to me. Perhaps you have experienced that in some way. If you haven’t, ask God to help you recognize openings that lead to a closer relationship with Him. If I am too busy or distracted with the world’s latest fade, I miss His opportunities for me.

As you use the May Prayer Guide found here, consider looking up verses in a time that is separate from your time alone with God. I have found that even using my phone to quickly search for verses can become a distraction. Now I am looking up any verses beforehand and leaving my phone in another room so that I am not tempted to use it even for a Bible reference during my time alone with God. 

I pray that your upcoming time with Him be refreshing in ways you have not yet known.

Book Update 📚

Would you pray for my book writing? Lately I have not been able to make much progress literally because there are only so many hours in a day. There is a thing some writers call “crack time” where one would write in the “cracks” of life…the minutes we have available. My mind cannot go there quickly and easily in “cracks”. Therefore, I appreciate your prayers for some “chunk time” to get the message written.