The Restory Retreat Centre

Burden or Blessed? The Conversation Elements From The Conversation Music The quote by Alasdair MacIntyre states: “Acknowledgment of dependence is the key to independence.” This is an important concept for us. We often assume that we are only truly free or successful when we need no one—as if we ought to be able to handle everything ourselves and meet all our own needs. But perhaps something different happens when we begin to acknowledge our dependence. We might then discover a deeper kind of freedom—the freedom to receive, to trust others, and to stop trying to carry everything alone. The following song, “Nothing but Everything” by Jon & Roy, speaks to that shift. It is about surrender—entrusting yourself to love and connection. It is also about discovering that you do not necessarily end up with less when you stop trying to control everything yourself. You might just discover what truly matters. Feel free to listen to it as a form of meditation on dependence, belonging, and grace...

  Is God Calling Contrary To Our Loves? The Conversation Elements From The Conversation Music The process where God is journeying with us, especially in the discovery and living of our deep passions and loves, reminds one of a dance. Love George & Matilda

  Supporting The Restory   “Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help.”                                                                                          Matthew 10:41  (The Message)   The work of The Restory is done for the people, but also through the people. We envisage it to be more so in the years to come. If we want to bring about a change in consciousness, that will alter the way we see ourselves and the world as well as the way we live, the talents, gifts and support of people are needed. The Restory is not sustained by any large institution, foundation, or corporation. From the beginning, we have done the work mainly through generating our own sources of income – restoration projects, markets, pottery workshops, o...

My father, soon after a visit from the angels.  I have not seen him so collected and relaxed in a long time.  Not long ago a dear friend went through the worst experience a mother can ever face: the terminal illness and death of a child. It came too close for comfort and I was terrified for her sake and my own. I did not know how to help so I shied away. I felt my words would be useless as comfort and my visits inappropriate or awkward.      How to help? Going through this difficult time with my father, I find that our friends and family experience the same feelings of uselessness. I do not have a ready answer. Maybe one could ask: what is needed and see what one’s own circumstances allow you to offer.      In our close family circle we have members living very far away. They help financially and also manage my father’s finances. They keep encouraging us and try to look for a solution with us. They offer their opinions and concerns honestly...