Well, I flipped the page of my calendar to November yesterday, and had to take a deep breath to still the feelings of stress that tried to rise. Thanksgiving, Christmas, two family birthdays, shopping, work deadlines, extra ministry responsibilities, travel, guests--'tis the season for burnout and exhaustion, right?

Not necessarily. I used to feel that way, but now I realize that the busier I am, the more I need a time-out with God. So I quieted myself and considered when I could schedule some alone-time with God. He will bring peace to these busy days--He always does, if I let Him.

Have you experienced the refreshment of a personal prayer retreat? Need some help knowing how to plan one? Recently I gave a teleseminar on prayer retreats for Church Prayer Leaders Network. If you missed hearing me then, here's another opportunity. The seminar was recorded and is now available for you at http://www.navpress.com/uploadedImages/Pray_Content_Pages/Pray_Home_Page_Content_Blocks/CPLN-TS-10-20-09.mp3 . I hope you can listen in. I also hope that those of you who take prayer retreats will share with the rest of us some of your ideas and experiences. Why are these times special for you?