Posts by Spirit in the Desert (Page 3)
The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Have you ever been offered a place to stay at a time of need in your life? Has a kind word or thoughtful presence helped you…
The Spiritual Practice of Prayer
The Spiritual Practice of Prayer… Prayer may be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about spiritual practices. And it should be – prayer is the oxygen of our life as Christians. Without prayer in our lives we are merely observers of a relationship with God rather than participants. Why do I say that?… As in any relationship, our relationship with God can never grow if there is not some level of communication. Prayer is that means of…
A Special Feeling for Veterans
When Richard and Nancy Christiansen of Ann Arbor, Michigan built a winter condo in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2000, they were introduced to Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree by Pastor Bob Hutson. Over the years Richard and Nancy have attended day lectures at the retreat center, and during one Christmas, their entire family were guests at the center for a special family Christmas celebration. Richard said, “Spirit in the Desert is a special place for renewal and healing…
Valuing Religious and Ethnic Diversity
When Carla Skladany met with Richard Andersen, Executive Director of Spirit in the Desert in 2017, she told him she was interested in being a volunteer at the retreat center. Volunteering has always been an important part of Carla’s life during the years she and her husband, Jan, lived in Downers Grove, Illinois and since they permanently moved to Carefree in 2007. As Richard and Carla’s conversation continued, Richard surprised her when he asked her to be the Coordinator of…
Meet Al Warnier, Maintenance & Facilities Manager
Al Warnier, Spirit in the Desert’s Facilities Manager, was asked what is the most important part of his job, and surprisingly, he didn’t initially mention buildings, grounds, or maintenance. He said, “The core of my job is making sure the guests are taken care of by responding to their needs.” Al’s business card says, “Just let me know how I can assist you.” He added, “Of course maintaining in top condition the facilities and equipment, as well the swimming pool,…
Learning that Deepens My Faith and Feeds My Soul
, “I began to realize I had an adequate amount of money for my own needs, and Spirit in the Desert is one of the faith organizations for my stewardship. What I have is a gift from God and it is incumbent upon me to share it.”
Lutherhostel Retreat
Asked what he was hoping for at the retreat, David said, “My expectations weren’t well defined but I wanted an experience that would stretch me and that happened.”
Meet Chef Joseph Cameria
Executive Chef Joe Cameria brings experience and culinary arts expertise for healthy and pleasurable eating for the guests of Spirit in the Desert. Chef Joe is responsible for supervising kitchen operations, creating a varied menu for an increasingly diverse clientele, and directing and training a staff of six. He is also an instructor in the well-known Classic Cooking Academy in Scottsdale and finds time for a side baking business. Joe said, “Sometimes guests who are new to Spirit in the…
Learning How to Lead Well
Matthew Short Eight years ago, Matthew Short was the pastor of a growing Lutheran congregation in Wisconsin. He said, “At the time, I didn’t know how to do strategic planning, manage staff, or conduct performance reviews. The congregation needed me to have those skills.” To increase his leadership abilities, Matt attended a four-day leadership retreat entitled Leading Well. This event is sponsored by Portico Benefits Services of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Vibrant Faith, an organization of ministry…
I Left Refreshed
Donna Campbell Recently, I attended the Boundless Compassion Retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. My initial purpose in attending a retreat was simply to step into another space and time to quiet the noise of my life, slow down, and clear my head. I chose this retreat to support my quest to become a more compassionate soulful being. Though I am very familiar with Spirit in the Desert, I had never attended an extended retreat there wholly immersed…
Small Miracles Were Happening…
I am so very appreciative of every thing that was done by the staff at Spirit to make our workshop session the best it could be. It was so apparent that “small miracles” were happening as the morning unfolded and, once again, I’m reminded that we are here to work God’s plan and not our own agenda. For all that Spirit did to make those miracles happen, I am grateful! —Diane
Jerry and Judy
To all the Spirit Staff…front desk, housekeeping, kitchen, yard, program planning—however you define your role, you are all truly God’s servants in your ministry to all visitors…The Spirit of our God roams these buildings and landscape—you are blessed to work here and we are blessed when we come. —Jerry & Judy