Retreating

There is no such thing as retreat when one turns to prayer to those that truly know the power of prayer.

This past weekend was my church's trip to Trinity Pines and as I mentioned in one of my status' on facebook, wow. Though the evening we got there was a bit unnerving (the speakers were waaay too loud for such a small amount of space), I did feel His presence there throughout the time I'd spent there -- enough to be pulled away into hiding for a personal time with him deep into the trees of the prayer and much needed silence to listen. Things have changed from there and it may come to a surprise to some, an amen to others, but I looking forward to how these will play out in the long run.

The core message of the retreat was Impact, and how we as Christians need to focus on having a deeper impact in the lives around us to further the kingdom. As I don't have all my notes on me right now I can't give a recap of what all we went over so I'm sorry for that but they will be posted later. On the last day we talked a lot about prayer, it's power, what hinders us, what hinders our prayers, and of course, why some go unanswered. I must admit it was rather strange not having my laptop with me to take notes, but having it with me would've been a bit cumbersome on several levels, though I did wish to do some work. *Shrugs* ah well.

I have to say, there was something I'd gotten out of it that I wasn't quite expecting, the feel for a need of a mentor. Thankfully, I felt led to one in particular and he agreed. Though the gains run quicker, I can only pray on these things I lay here. I still need improvement, I still needed to walk in boldness or what good am I as someone called to a ministry of reconciliation? What role am I being called to take up I'm still praying and searching for, but yesterday seemed to be a good point in direction.

Cluade is the CEO of Ten3 missions, and we've spoken to each other about my current involvement with Ten3 as a writer for the communications department which has gone a bit dormant and of my future with them, whether it would be with communications, technology, or somewhere else. After showing him my artwork, literary work and a brief background he brought up the idea of working with the media department. Claude is a producer, which I felt built some common ground for the both of us to understand each other easier and it did. It's not official, but I told him I would serve Ten3 in that function. If you guys can pray on this I'd be most appreciative.

After a bit of thinking, I've come to the conclusion that I need to unplug myself for a time. Being said I've decided to cut out instant messenger, IRC and facebook for about a week though I will get on facebook if there are matters for the upcoming wedding to attend to. Some may find it to be a form of running away and I guess in a sense it is, though that's not how I saw it when the idea came to mind. There's a lot going on on this end and while I can't talk about all of it right now, I will say that I'm dealing with them as best as I can. I have been broken, worn down and defeated. I do not intend to build thicker walls but try to build a better foundation, though walls may appear as a result.

Above all else, I need silence and to be silent... and patient. I hope you'll understand.

With this finished and posted I'll be turning my computers and electronics off. I'm not sure what's to come of this and I dare not assume, but we shall see what happens when it does happen.

Farewell, see you after the blackout.
John