(5) The lovely Chartley Manor

Just a couple of days retreat at this lovely house. Welcomed by Nicola who fed me (far too much) home cooked food (but it was SO good!), let me play with clay in her pottery room, gave me spiritual accompaniment, and shared her home and garden. So many beautiful flowers, trees and fields - along with sheep, a horse and highland cattle. A truly relaxing time with chat and fun, time to pray and reflect (beautiful prayer spaces, books and resources, and artistic inspiration) and a feeling of being welcomed into their [spectacular] home. It's great to have a retreat centre which is only just over an hour from Nottingham! If you want to check it out: Chartley Manor (pictures of first visit below RAKU!)

(Next visit....Having made some pots/shapes while I was there, Nicola fired them for me then invited me back to glaze them when she has an informal art group running. The process of Raku glazing is exciting and fun!)

What might God be saying?

Still thinking about listening to God, but with more of an awareness of His presence. I know Jesus is always with me, but I want to develop a greater sensitivity to His voice: a bit like "tuning in to the right frequency" [Note I'm not necessarily talking about an audible voice - I more often hear Him in a persistent thought, a Bible verse springing into my consciousness, or a picture during prayer/worship, or words that particularly speak to me in a talk].

So it's something about not pressuring myself "I must listen harder". Maybe more about hearing God: becoming more aware and intentionally noticing His ever-present presence. I want to know Him more, and experience more of His presence and hear His voice more! I was reminded of the worship song: Holy Spirit, You are welcome here

Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere

Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for

To be overcome by Your presence, Lord

Let us become more aware of Your presence

Let us experience the glory of Your goodness

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5kWhN3525g)