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Theresa
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Last week I was able to go away for a mini private retreat. I went to a hermitage at St. Benedict's Monastery. Here are a few pictures of the hermitage, the campus Chapel and grounds. I took over 70 pictures so it was hard to whittle them down to these few.
I needed some quiet. I had a lot on my mind and had many, many things that I needed direction on. It was a wonderful time of prayer and rest. I'll be going back again. I told my husband I needed a quarterly retreat. 
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Theresa
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Theresa
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Oh my the pictures are huge!!! Is that o.kay? Do I need to resize them? 
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Theresa
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CrunchyMom
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Wow, that is lovely! I wish I were close enough to go myself!
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Lindsay
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JodieLyn
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so peaceful looking.. it sounds like a lovely time
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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margot helene
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Wow - what a dream to get away at all . . . all the more to such a beautiful location!
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SeaStar
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Thank you so much for sharing these pictures! I feel calmer just looking at them.
What would you say was the best part about your retreat?
And...how have you brought that home to your life now?
(not asking for an essay ... just would love to hear your thoughts)
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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Theresa
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| Posted: May 06 2010 at 9:43pm | IP Logged
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Melinda,
The best part of the retreat was the slowness of my days and the quiet. When I checked in I was given a basket of bread made by the sisters, cheese, fruit and butter. The hermitage also had necessities such as butter, honey, oil, coffee, baking items etc. I had to bring my meals with me but for $45 dollars a night (yes that is all it cost) it was worth it.
I was surprised at how little I ate and noticed that I wasn't hungry. I'm normally a big eater but even at lunch I was more aware of excess than I am at home. Making a sandwich and then realizing I could have easily only eaten half and still of been satisfied. I would say that overall I was more aware of what I was doing. Things were done with thought and intention. I was fully engaged where as often times at home I'm not. Often my mind seems to be going ahead of me. 
It was so easy to pray without ceasing throughout the day with no children or responsibilities and I needed that. I had some areas of my life that I desperately needed to lay at the feet of Jesus and then have the quiet to hear back.
Coming home has been like trying to jump on a merry go round that is spinning. I'm still trying to figure out how to bring it home... I know we have so much stuff. It physically clutters our house as well as other areas (emotionally and spiritually).
I'm really still trying to sort throuh it all. It is so hard to explain in words the rest and renewing that I experienced.
I joined the sisters on my first night for their evening Liturgy of the Hours but then didn't make it back the rest of the time. I did spend some time in the chapel and a smaller prayer room at the chapel and I walked the campus and the woods as well.
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Theresa
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Mackfam
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That sounds so amazing and refreshing, Theresa! The pictures are so tranquil. I do notice the simplicity and quiet in the spaces - it's very inviting, isn't it?!
I'm so glad you had such a peaceful and prayerful retreat!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Theresa
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Theresa
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Theresa
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One of the other neat things was that there was a notebook at the desk for you to write in. I loved reading through the reflections of the guests that have been there since the beginning of the year. There were stories, prayers etc.
Another thing I noticed as I drove back home and especially when I drove through St. Cloud, a city of 63,000 was that there are so many people and the greater majority of them are lost souls, created to love and worship the Lord and yet so many of them are oblivious and living their lives for "now" rather than for the eternal. It made me realize how great of an impact my life can and should have on EVERYONE that I meet.
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Theresa
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Paula in MN
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I've never been there, but I've heard from many how beautiful and peaceful they feel while there.
 I've missed you!
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Paula
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hylabrook1
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Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and your thoughts. How absolutely beautiful, tranquil, refreshing!
Peace,
Nancy
p.s. The chilly bluebird is great!
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SeaStar
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Thank you for your thoughts. Your comment about the lost souls has really touched me. Everything we do, even little things.... little prayers.... you never know how God can take them and use them.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Private retreat at St. Ben's
