Relax, Refresh, and Refocus

By Cleve Persinger Tuesday May 4, 2010

Sorry for the infrequent number of posts over the past several weeks. Eric had a baby (well, his wife did) and I’m in the middle of a two-week getaway — visiting friends and family, and retreating to a cabin in the mountains of Georgia.

Here’s a re-post from last summer, but still very appropriate.

I try to build in at least two personal retreats a year where I can relax, refresh, and re-focus. It’s so important to my work, ministry, and personal life.

I’d like to encourage you to do the same.

Here are four places, in the mountains, where I have heard God’s “still small” voice and re-charged.

There’s just something about a rushing mountain stream.

1. Ellijay, Georgia

Website: http://www.gilmerchamber.com

We’ve been here several times. My wife grew up an hour away from Ellijay. It’s very affordable to rent a cabin.

2. Boone, North Carolina

Website: http://visitboonenc.com

I graduated from Appalachian State University, so I am very biased about this area. We go here every New Years with a group of old friends. It’s awewsome to ring in the new year by spending it with God on a retreat. Plus, there are several great ski slopes in the area — if you don’t ski, you can snow tube.

3. Lake Placid, New York

Website: http://www.lakeplacid.com

I spent several summers in upstate New York, while in college, as a summer “youth guy”. We would take the youth up to the Adirondaks for summer camp. What a great picture of God’s creation.

4. Pendelton County, West Virginia

Website: http://www.pendletoncounty.net

My Dad’s parents built a cabin and retired in this part of West Virigina. They have both passed away, but the cabin remains, and this part of the country is really un-touched by modern technology. I need that while on a retreat. Also, there are lots of wide open spaces.