Special Places in the Heart

I was at one of my favorite places, a Christian retreat at America's Keswick in Whiting, NJ from June 4-8.

A soothing sight first thing in the morning as I leave my room:

Here we are at breakfast - table under light fixture) and I am waiting with Carol and Babe to go into breakfast. (above)

On my way to the Raw's Auditorium for the morning session with Rev. Ron  Schmidt.  He was  interesting, entertaining and very knowledgeable.  This was his first time with the "Young at Heart" conference and I don't think it will be his last! 

Next it was craft time with Phyllis who is a wonderful "crafter" and teacher.  I've have learned so many crafts from Phyllis over the ten years I've been going to Keswick.  This session, I learned to stencil onto a canvas tote that Phyllis had provided for us.  I'd never done stenciling before and it isn't as easy as it looks - I didn't have time to finish mine so I'll be looking for stencils and brushes at AC Moore soon! :)

Carol takes my picture on the brand new sunset deck built in memory of one staff member, Mr. Kennedy, who often stood beside the lake to watch the sunsets and visualized a deck just for that purpose.  Unfortunately, as you can see the clouds got in my way! (Aren't those lyrics of a song Judy Collins used to sing?) 

This is the last sign we see when we leave the grounds...until the next time when we see this sign:

It was a wonderful way to spend time reflecting on and communing with God, spending time with God's people and being nurtured in His love. 

Do you have a special place you like to return to time and again?