We
need to be spiritually recharged from time to time. We don't have to
wait for that annual retreat the church offers. Suk
encourages us to regularly plan our own times of spiritual
restoration.
Suk
tells her story of participating in retreats and gives excellent
suggestions for crafting our own. She gives step by step suggestions
on how to design and experience a personal spiritual retreat. She
explains why we need them, where to go (out of the house), and how to
prepare for it. She includes different kinds of retreats and what to
do at them.
Suk
has such a wide variety of ideas that this book could be used by
anyone wanting to experience a personal retreat. She has suggestions
for spiritual content, like character studies, Lectio Divina,
goal setting, etc. She includes instructions on silence, food,
creating schedules, seeking spiritual direction, and more. Her
suggested plans cover retreats lasting one day to several days.
I
appreciate Suk distinguishing the typical group retreat from the ones
she suggests. Group retreats are often more about speakers and social
interaction than having time alone with God. Her suggestions for
personal retreats are more what I have had in mind for personal
renewal. I like her suggestions of reviewing spiritual milestones,
identifying stuck points, and looking to the future. She has included
a number of questions to ask ourselves. They would also be good
questions for an annual review of where we are in life.
I
also like Suk encouraging readers to experience Sabbath, creating a
rhythm of renewal. That could be a weekly time of spiritual
restoration we can all experience. Suk also answers a number of
questions readers might have about personal spiritual retreats.
This
is a good book for people who have wanted to go on a spiritual
retreat and did not know how to make it happen. With practical
suggestions for getaways of different lengths and places, it is a
great resource. Suk writes that she has “offered a buffet of ideas
on how to get away with God.” (141) I agree. There are so many
possibilities included in this book, every person desiring time away
with God will find resources here.
I
am taking part in a blog tour of this book. You can find other
reviews here.
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
Letitia
Suk is an author, speaker, personal retreat guide, and life coach,
inviting women to follow an intentional life. Her previous works
include Rhythms of Renewal. She regularly blogs at
http://hopeforthebest.org/.
You can find out more at www.LetitiaSuk.com
or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Kregel
Publications, 160 pages. You can purchase a copy here.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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