Resting Place: A Personal Guide to Spiritual Retreats

by Jane Rubietta

A personal retreat. We've never needed it more. We run from one place to the next--from meetings and appointments to our kid's soccer practice, from class to work to choir rehearsal, from the grocery store to small group--and then drop into bed later than we hoped, exhausted and dreading the morning. We want to slow down but don't know how and don't really believe that we can. And often, the idea of a personal retreat--time for solitude and silence--makes us feel as anxious as all our frenzied rushing. What in the world would we do with an hour, an afternoon or (gulp!) a whole day of solitude with God? But what is the cost of our frantic pace? What are we missing by not slowing down for reflection and meditation on Scripture? What kind of toll does our anxious running take on those around us--and, even more deeply, on our own soul? In Resting Place, retreat speaker Jane Rubietta addresses soul matters with retreat topics such as dealing with our fear of abandonment, wrestling with discontent, overcoming our attempts to control others and fulfilling our deep desire to be loved. These retreats help us enter Psalm 23 rest, a place of true rest and trust in our loving, gentle Shepherd. Full of quotes to contemplate, Scripture to meditate on, questions, prayer and journaling ideas, and ideas for creativity, Jane Rubietta leads us to and through times of silence and solitude that will follow us into our everyday world as we learn to allow Jesus to guide, comfort and restore us. Come to the Shepherd, and find the true rest your soul is longing for.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity

206 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2005

Reviews

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful devotional for the past month, and it is surely one I will revisit again in the future. A delightful collection of various problems that assail us, all surrounding that big one of being too busy. The book offers ways to rest in the Lord, even on your busiest days; and also offers ways to overcome the fears and anxieties of life in order to rest in Him. So many wonderful ideas that will become part of my life.

[Jeff Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpectedly refreshing and helpful book. I received it free at a personal retreat at The Cove in Asheville, NC. When I began reading it, I knew I wanted to read it slowly, a chapter at a time, in days of reflection. I was not disappointed.

The ending questions for reflection in each chapter are wonderful.

[David J. Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful ideas here.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - each section could be reviewed / used separately or as a whole. I purchased this for ideas for a little Christian retreat I am working on with some friends. I chose 2 topics directly from here and will enjoy sharing them during our retreat. You can use these individually and personally or with a group. A great book to have on hand and I'm sure I'll use it again in the future. Enjoy!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the time. Great book for use in personal quiet time and solitude. Especially helpful practical responses at the end of each chapter. A catalyst for deeper spiritual formation.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of twelve personal retreats to help revive your soul

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Theocratic. Enough said. Good title, though.