This Moment of Retreat. Heather Lee

and growth. I was not in touch with myself as a singer, songwriter, poet, or writer until I started this journey (remember, I am an accounting professor—safe, safe, safe). You will undoubtedly be surprised by what you are called to and by the fears you must face to respond. Embrace and honor all without judgment.

      Encourage. Sing.

      Questions for the Moment

      Finally, the chapters conclude with questions for your moments of retreat that are woven from the earlier Scripture, reflections, prayers, and songs. These questions can be used for journaling and creative writing, but, of course, you must respond to the questions that come to you from your own moments of retreat, of which this little companion guidebook is only one piece. Contained in the journaling questions is also the encouragement to explore what is stirring in you as a response to the moment. Do you have a call to write a poem, paint a picture, do a dance, or sing a new song? Do you feel a nudge to take a walk, sit in silence, talk to a friend, or start some new venture? References to other Scriptural passages that relate to the themes of the particular moment of retreat are also provided.

      Ways to Use this Book

      God will guide the use of this book in the moments it is found in. Here are several ways to consider its use.

      1. Personal Retreat. Find a retreat center and schedule an overnight, weekend, or full week retreat. Select a chapter of the book to guide your time, and let God lead you.

      2. Daily Devotional Reading. Establish a daily discipline of prayer and retreat time (now is a good time to start). Spend some time each day in silent meditation, prayer, reading, writing, or singing. Include a word, a sentence, a prayer, a song, or a question from this book in this sacred time.

      3. Spiritual Book Group. Invite others in your family, church, or other spiritual community to explore the book together. Read, pray, reflect, discuss, sing, and share the process.

      4. Group Retreat. Lead, plan, or attend a group women’s retreat, men’s retreat, couple’s retreat, family retreat, or other community retreat. Select a chapter to organize and guide the group’s time and discussions.

      5. Bible Study. Use the Scripture passage and following chapter material for a group Bible study.

      6. Worship. Incorporate poetry, prayer, and songs from the book into your worship services.

      The Call to and Hope

      for Healing and Peace

      I share my experience, strength, and hope in this companion retreat guide as a call to, and a means of, loving service: to heal you, me, and the world, and to inspire others to unlearn and to let go of patterns that are preventing them from living in the vastness of this very moment, a moment in which they meet their God, the great Creator, the writer of the great song that we are all a part of, the compassionate, loving, forgiving presence that is within and without and available to all, right where we are. My hope for you is healing and peace. Peace to you in all of your moments of retreat.