Finding Rest With God in the Woods

This past weekend, women from all over the country joined me in the woods for the Blessed Rest Retreat. Our youngest attendee was 28, and our oldest was 66. We came from different backgrounds and different seasons of life, and I loved seeing all of us come together to spend time with God.

Watching these women pray together and connect took me right back to why I started this.

A few years ago, God gave me a vision for this retreat. I kept meeting women who were overwhelmed and exhausted. Women who loved the Lord and were doing their best, but were tired. And I kept thinking about how much we need space to be still and let God renew our spirit.

Then I read Jesus’ words to His disciples in Mark 6:31: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV)

The words “with me” helped me to realize that God has to be part of our rest for us to truly be rejuvenated.

This weekend, we made room for that through prayer, Bible studies, and time to reconnect with Him. We also had workshops that helped the women explore what kind of rest fits them best. I love that, because it gives us something to think about beyond the weekend... What do I actually need, and am I making room for it?

And yes, we ate well! We had a private chef preparing meals for the weekend, including a fine dining experience right there in the woods. There is something so special about sitting down to a beautiful meal, surrounded by trees, with time to enjoy the people around you. I wanted these women to feel cared for, right down to the meals.

On Sunday, we gathered for Bible and brunch. Sharing a meal and opening God’s Word together was such a beautiful way to wrap up the weekend.

I wish I could fully explain what that looks like and feels like, but some things are hard to put into words but these women encounter the Holy Spirit in a very unique way in the woods. To see women come out to the woods, make themselves available to God, and experience His presence is just beautiful. I am so grateful that He uses me for this.