Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Building a Prayer Labyrinth

It's really not going to be all that difficult. We have the pattern, the rock has been delivered, and the space is already pretty flat. The weather may or may not cooperate this time of year but we have even choose a rain date. The real question is how many people will show up to help? Many hands make light work is not in the bible. As you can see if I am the only one to place rock around the circles it could take me quite awhile. If 20 people show up the task could be completed very quickly. If I am placing the rock I will be pretty much alone with my thoughts. The labyrinth would be very significant to me but others walking the path may not feel quite as connected. If the group takes on the task chances are the conversations taking place will have little to do with placing stones. Only when the task is complete will individuals walk the path and see a deeper meaning. Being part of the build will have more meaning as well remembering the conversations and friends that were part of the build.

Sure it might be seen as safer not to build this labyrinth. As I put the notice on our campground sign today I wonder what reactions it will get from people driving by. It's a risk to post such a thing but it could also have a  very positive impact. We believe that God created the world we enjoy and this labyrinth allows people  to focus on their walk with God. Walking the labyrinth once it is build is free. So is walking the spiritual trail that will be next to the labyrinth. If you can join us to build this prayer labyrinth please do. If you can not and have an opportunity to walk one, try it out. I have walked the labyrinth several times and have  appreciated the tme spent in prayer and reflection . Life is a journey with many twists and turns- so is the labyrinth. Please post a comment if walking a labyrinth has been meaningful to you.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

What is a Retreat?


To me a retreat is time spent with your best self. Throughout the week you may have a work self, a home self, a parent self and friend self. Some of time the person you are is busy doing chores. They are meeting responsibilities and getting the work of life done. Your best self is when you are using your experience, talent and personality to create, explore, solve problems and share.
Our mini  three day retreats are designed to help you connect with your best self. Whether you are spending some quality time with a hobby, learning a new skill or meeting with others to discuss a new idea, a retreat helps you get away from your routine and try something new.

In business they call these types of meetings conferences. For some a retreat can be how they spend most vacations and for others a retreat is one way to "travel " and explore new places. The distance between where you live and where you are going is often filled with interesting stops along the way. Our retreats are a chance to stop and smell the roses , explore Eufaula , Alabama, and learn something new in the the process.

This week I have been visiting with many of our retreat facilitators as we work through the details that will help make each retreat a more enjoyable experience. Our artist is thinking about how best to provide inspiration and make sure that guests feel comfortable no matter their level of experience. Our writer is thinking about telling a story and how sometimes we have difficultly doing that because previous writing experiences may have made us feel uncomfortable or not very creative. The minister in the group talks a process that provides a connection between God's creation and  personal religious beliefs. I am trying to put myself in the shoes of our guests. What do I need to know about the retreat?  How much free time will I have ? What is my goal in attending a retreat ? Should I invite a friend or family member to share this experience with me?

The mission at Lake Eufaula Campground is to support individuals,  relationships and  the community by spending quality time in outdoor activities. Please send us your questions and comments either at the campground website at www.lakeeufaulacampground.com  or on facebook at LE campground.  Challenge yourself to spend time doing something new or something creative. 2015 is going to be a great year.
To learn more about our 2015 retreats check the events page on our website or contact us at info@lakeeufaulacampground for more information.