On The Blog
Sharing words of insight, wisdom, memories and more.
Retreat Recap: Peace On Earth Advent Half-Day Retreat
This year, we dove below the shimmering surface of peace and explored the depth of this theme of Advent.
As we arrived to put our final touches on the space, the anticipation was as palpable as the scent of mulled cider and essential oils infusing the air. Kimee and I were excited to welcome 21 women into our new “home” space for the season— St. John’s Lutheran Church in Donelson.
As smiling faces arrived, filled with joy at the time set apart for a time of spiritual formation, you just knew something sweet was about to unfold. They walked down the hallway to the sign that held our verse for the day framed by sparkling Christmas trees, and entered into the space set up with so much love and intention the night before. Each woman claimed her spot in the sacred circle, already set up with all the props she would need, then settled in with journals, cups of coffee that helped support a children’s home in Thailand that houses children who have been, or who have been at risk for, human trafficking, and a quietness that signalled the rest each one was craving.
The Call To Peace.
Hope. Peace. Joy. Love.
The four themes of advent are iconic during the holiday season. Everywhere you go you’ll see these words as warm wishes on the front of greeting cards, on mugs for you to see when you sip your coffee with peppermint creamer, as lyrics in songs playing over the speakers at the mall or in stores, at church gatherings and even as sentiments shared between friends. The themes of advent are baked into this time of year and, almost naturally in our lives, we often find ourselves gravitating towards one of the four themes.
Retreat Recap: Wild Sanctuary Overnight Retreat
The Wild Sanctuary Retreat began long before anyone arrived at St. Mary’s in Sewanee… It began in the quiet stirring of a soul who sensed her need for a sacred pause—a time-out from the swirl of daily demands. It began with the longing to feel grounded again on the earth, to re-center her heart on Christ, to rest and be renewed.
It took form with a simple, courageous yes.
And it became real the moment she pulled away—loosening her grip on the endless to-do’s,
feeling the weight lift as she wound her way up the mountain. With every turn, she felt the peace rising to meet her. Down the quiet lane toward St. Mary’s, the world softened, and a gentle stillness began to settle in.
By the time she arrived at the sanctuary on the bluff, she had already entered into retreat—already coming home to herself.
Retreat Recap: Yoga & Flowers
On a sun-soaked, mid-September Saturday, we had the joy of hosting our very first Wild Sanctuary Retreat. A Mini Yoga & Contemplation Retreat, Yoga & Flowers, at Nash Creek Farms—and what a beautiful beginning it was!
We gathered early at the flower farm, the air still carrying the sweetness of late summer and the fields abundant and alive with the most beautiful dahlias you’ve ever seen. There were butterflies galore, and the funniest ‘drunk on nectar’ bees passed out on the petals.
Our yoga practice unfolded beneath the generous shade of a magnolia tree, its branches arching like an ancient guardian above us. Moving and breathing together in that open space reminded us how deeply connected we are to the rhythms of the seasons and the gift of creation.
Late Summer Prayer.
Unnameable God, you are too eternal to truly know, too expansive to wholly love. And yet we feel you with us in every moment. This intuition is our invitation to a faith that sets us free…