Book Review: Quiet Places

Years ago, I purchased two personal retreat books at the Write-to-Publish Conference. Jane Rubietta, a long-time staff member, writes about relinquishing our busyness to pursue God's heart and purpose. I selected these two books as my next supplemental reading during my morning devotions. In thinking about personal retreats, I realize I haven't taken a personal retreat since all the chaos descended with my son's wayward path. I used to take a writing retreat every November to help me meet my National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) goal. In 2019, I had to cancel my retreat because my son had run away from home. I didn't know if he would be back or if I would be in any condition to focus on a retreat.

I started chronologically, with the first one published, Quiet Places: A Woman's Guide to Personal Retreat. Jane's chapters focus on frantic activity, self-confidence, loss, unforgiveness, stress, friendship, and dreams. She offers encouragement, along with loads of practical activities, to focus the life lessons. Each chapter ends with quotes for contemplation and scriptures for meditation. Then, she offers ideas for journaling, praying, activity, and silent contemplation, followed by questions for reflection. While I didn't take time to interact in those ways, I will keep the book and may come back to it at some later date. I wanted to share passages with my sister, who has recently moved to a new location/job and is feeling all the stress and learning curves such changes bring. Unfortunately, she's so busy (thus her great need), she probably wouldn't have time to consider the passages Jane offers on dealing with stress. Who knows, maybe I'll send the book to her in hopes she can carve out some moments each day to consider Jane's insights on slowing down and savoring the life and purpose God has given.