Abide Retreat
Feb 22 – 25, 2024
Did you know the word “abide” is used 120 times in the New Testament? Jesus calls us to abide IN Him and WITH Him, but many times we choose to learn ABOUT Him instead- knowledge over relationship. At the Abide Retreat, we invite you to be with God through extended times of solitude as well as teachings, discussions, and various spiritual disciplines. When you return home from this 3-night retreat, you will feel refreshed and renewed in your relationship with the Lord.
Check Out Photos of Past Retreats
Latest Blogs
Jesus Had Feelings Too!
In 2015, my husband and I walked through a marital crisis. If you’ve followed along with us for a while, you may remember me periodically speaking of these things. We immediately started couples therapy and this October marked 8 (yes, EIGHT!) years of bimonthly appointments with a Christian Counseling Psychologist. The marital crisis is what […]
The 61-Art Story
Ever since I can remember, my life has included art. Every woman in my family is an amateur artist/crafter (and a few are pros). An oil painting painted by my great grandmother and framed by my great grandfather always hung in my childhood home. I have many fond memories of sitting around my Granny’s craft […]
Heart Reminders
When I was a child, I used to wonder why the Israelites seemed to often forget God’s Goodness and Faithfulness. They forgot how He would take care of them, forgot His provision, His protection, and His promises. I wondered how in the world they could possibly complain about having to eat manna every day when […]
Interview with Deanna
Meet Deanna Kramper. Deanna is a wife, home-school mom to 3 kids, and is very involved with her church. In the last two years she has come to ALL 3 of our different 61A Retreats. She came to Beauty for Ashes in November of 2021, Hearing God in September of 2022, and Abide in April […]
Sabbatical Thoughts
Exhausted, emotional, and overwhelmed. That is how I felt this past spring. It was a full season with many activities, responsibilities, and events. (A common season in my family!) Thankfully, all of the “things” were positive and good! But even in the midst of so much good, it can feel burdensome when it affects your […]
Test It – Six Questions to Help You Know if God Really Said That
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that journaling with Jesus is very important to us here at Sixty-One Acres. It is one of the many ways we can build intimacy with our Lord. When we journal with Jesus, it’s not “dear diary” writing—it is a two-way conversation with the God of […]
Chalis
The Abide Retreat has been a beautiful experience. I feel rested and encouraged, and I am coming away from the weekend with fresh revelation and direction as well tools we’ve been given to help us learn to truly Abide in Jesus
Tanya
The moment you drive down the driveway lined with the trees you feel His presence. It’s a beautiful feeling!
Caryn
Angie
Brittany
Sylvana
I was nervous about attending Beauty For Ashes but I’m so glad that I went! Going to a retreat ended up being life changing for me. As women, we carry around so much baggage. We are so often taught to balance so much and keep it all together, and when life gets messy we bottle it up inside, stuff our emotions and pretend we are okay when we are not. Beauty for Ashes allows God into those "messy areas" and exposes the beautiful work that God is doing in and through your life. The retreat also helped me to finally forgive people in my life who have let me down and hurt me so that God could continue the good work He has started in me. If you're on the fence about attending a retreat I would encourage you to go, and trust God with the process. You will not regret it!
Jessica
One of my favorite aspects of the retreat was the consistent heart of service and delicious food these ladies gave us! They let me know I was there to only receive and rest. It was a most profound experience to be consistently served by Christi and her team throughout the entirety of the weekend as they tended to every task and detail needed for our care. It was extremely impactful, and allowed me to have the time and space to hear myself, others and God throughout our activities. Christi has a gentle and simple way of communicating truths in God’s Word. The group and individual activities provided an avenue to receive truth, grace and healing. It was a beautiful time with a beautiful group of people.
Brandy
One of my very favorite things about Beauty for Ashes is the quiet time that is set in place so we can be alone with the Lord. Those still moments where we do less talking and more listening to our Heavenly Father. For years, the Lord told me that I needed to be still and rest in His presence, but I just didn’t know how. Beauty for ashes showed me a real and tangible way to sit with the Lord. It has changed my life and my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Another one of my favorite things about Beauty for Ashes retreats is the food! I love beautiful and delicious food and it was plentiful at the retreat. I especially love it when someone else does the planning, preparing, and cleaning! As a mom, I always do all the caring for others, it was really nice to be taken care of for the weekend. I felt so pampered and nourished (both physically and spiritually) at the end of the retreat.
Tammy
When I was asked if I wanted to go to a women's retreat held at my church I had no idea what was going to happen. What I did find was a great bunch of women just like me. Some lost and some finding there way but all making the others feel welcomed and let them know they were not alone in how they felt. I learnt how to forgive myself for past mistakes because they showed me that God had forgiven me. It helped me grow in knowing how I was part of God's plan. I still have my cross and my rose along with my journal to look back on. For anyone lost and wanting help finding your place I definitely recommend going to a retreat. Only there will you feel true love of other sisters who feel just like you do. You are not alone.
Jessica Y
I attended a BFA retreat in the summer of 2020. I was a little nervous thinking "what if I do not hear what God is trying to say to me". Once I arrived at the retreat Christi and Brandy were so welcoming. The excitement they share just sucks you in and eases all of your worries. They provide the group with a schedule so you know what to expect and provide time for all who are there to become a family for the weekend. The retreat revealed to me so much I did not realize. It is so amazing how God speaks to you when you allow your mind to be at ease. I recommend that if you are on the edge or have never been you take the jump of faith and attend a retreat with these ladies. After the retreat we all keep in contact and you gain a little family that you can reach out to for prayer and encouragement. I am so grateful God gave me the ability to step away to attend a BFA retreat and I can not wait for the ability to do another one!