If you’re a Christian who craves a more fulfilling relationship with the “One Who Loves You Best"
and you’re willing to dedicate yourself to going deeper, inviting Jesus into your art process and searching the scriptures, then join Judy Goddard at Skyland Lodge in beautiful Shenandoah National Park and learn how to live a life of joy in all circumstances.
and you’re willing to dedicate yourself to going deeper, inviting Jesus into your art process and searching the scriptures, then join Judy Goddard at Skyland Lodge in beautiful Shenandoah National Park and learn how to live a life of joy in all circumstances.
Imagine your delight when you stand in God’s glorious nature and breathe
in the rarified air of this incredibly beautiful place!
in the rarified air of this incredibly beautiful place!
You’ll know the presence of the Lord is with you on the mountain paths! He’ll point out the beauty all around you. You’ll wonder at the wildlife and native plants and flowers that you’ll see. You’ll see that there’s no place on earth quite like the Blue Ridge Mountains! When you walk along the White Oak Falls trail you’ll hear the dancing waters, as they race headlong toward the valley.
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And you’ll reflect on and glorify Jesus for bringing you to this wonderful place, a place where you grow more intimate with the person of Jesus and learn to see Him as a true, living friend who accompanies you with every step you take. He includes you in his daily plans and you’ll learn to include Him in yours. It’s a natural way of being, knowing He’s with you no matter where or what you’re doing.
When you walk along the the Little Stony Man trail and reach the top, you’ll stand in awe of what God has made! There’s so much “Scope for the imagination!” You’ll be learning that creating with Jesus is as simple as asking Him what to create and expecting an answer, right away! Then you’ll begin to bring forth your creation and listen for His prompts.
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What Can I Expect to Gain Through This Retreat?
❀On this retreat, through Scripture reading and prophetic words you will come to understand that Jesus is never disappointed in you. He redeemed you from all sin. So you can focus on joy and the tasks set before you.
❀ You'll know that your art matters, that it is powerful and meaningful, meant to bring transformation to those who see it. ❀ You’ll learn how to manage worry, leave it at the throne of God and know that everything in your future has already been dealt with by your Loving Father. ❀ On this retreat you’ll learn techniques to help you stay focused during your quiet time and establish a consistent time of day to sit alone with Jesus and have him love on you and teach you. |
What's so special about Skyland?
It is truly one of my “Very Happy Places!”
It's situated at the topmost spot on the Skyline Drive where the vistas are incomparable and night skies are deep and star speckled. Although it's only minutes from civilization, it's easy to imagine that you're in a place that's far, far removed from the world and it's problems.
It's situated at the topmost spot on the Skyline Drive where the vistas are incomparable and night skies are deep and star speckled. Although it's only minutes from civilization, it's easy to imagine that you're in a place that's far, far removed from the world and it's problems.
Our Meeting Room
Our meeting room is right across from your accommodations and overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Beautiful during the daylight hours, at night you’ll be charmed by the twinkling lights in the valley. It's a private suite with a spacious living room area and kitchenette. If the weather is bad, we'll be able to paint inside.
Our meeting room is right across from your accommodations and overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Beautiful during the daylight hours, at night you’ll be charmed by the twinkling lights in the valley. It's a private suite with a spacious living room area and kitchenette. If the weather is bad, we'll be able to paint inside.
THE CUISINE
Having eaten many times in the Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Lodge, I can tell you that the food is FABULOUS! You’ll be served two meals a day and you'll be served generous portions. The cost will be included in your retreat price. But what really sets this dining room apart are the spectacular windows that almost make you believe you’re eating outside But the climate control is greatly appreciated!
All of the menus offer you varied selections from healthy to downright decadent! Dinner choices include game, like venison and trout as well as chicken, beef and vegetarian selections. |
And let’s not forget about the desert menu! Blackberries are the traditional favorite of the Pollock Dining Room. Whether it’s blackberries, plump and dark with juice, over ice cream or blackberry ice cream pie, piled high with meringue, if you enjoy berries, you’ll have to try these out. There are also choices that are more familiar.
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What Can I Expect Each Day?
Morning Song
Greet each morning with a 30 minute soaking session. Judy will provide soft and quiet worship songs on the guitar to help settle you into a day devoted to seeking Christ’s face and hearing what He’s saying just to you.
After breakfast we'll gather in the "parlor" for some words of wisdom including scripture, prayer and practicalities. |
Painting with Jesus
You are SO in love with Jesus and He is SO in love with you! He wants to be a part of everything you do! By inviting Him to create with you, you’re having quality time that will enrich your entire relationship with Him. Each afternoon, you’ll break out your paints, pencils, journals or what have you, and invite Jesus to create with you. You’ll learn to hear His guiding voice and trust yourself to work hand in hand with Him. (Painting sessions will occur outside if the weather is nice, indoors or on a porch or covered balcony if it rains.)
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Afternoon Free Time
We may take a trip to Big Meadows, a nearby location within the park.
Or there will be the options to hike an easy trail near Skyland where you’ll marvel at the beauty of God’s creation! When I am undone by the beauty of the natural world I often say, “My eyes are filled with seeing!” No matter where you look while in Shenandoah National Park, your eyes will be filled with seeing! |
❀ Want to get lost in God’s process so your worries go away?
On this retreat you’ll come to understand how simple it is to stay centered in Christ using the habits I've developed. ❀ Have you been a creator all your life? Have you struggled with feeling unfulfilled? Have you ever thought of asking God to join you in your process? Come and learn how to be free in your creating time by inviting Jesus into your process! |
❀ How great would it be to stay focused on your task right to the very end?
It really is possible! And I will teach you how. Once you learn the simple techniques I use to keep my mind focused on Jesus and what He wants to teach me, you’ll begin to see how effective they are! These are tools you will use everyday. I’ll teach you methods to help you stay on track and feel good about yourself. |
Bonuses
❀ When you sign up for this retreat you’ll receive my free e-book, The Pine and the Myrtle, a small devotional on the 55th Chapter of Isaiah. It’s an invitation to partner with God for the benefit of those around us.
❀ We'll share a Zoom call before we leave for our retreat to answer any questions and get to know each other a little bit. ❀There will also be some little surprises throughout the retreat. ❀ After the retreat you’ll have access to my private Facebook group where we can share the great ways that the Lord is changing our lives as well as to pray for and support each other. |
Location
Skyland Lodge, on the Skyline Drive is most easily accessed through the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. The nearest public airport is Charlottesville Airport in Charlottesville, Va, just over an hours drive away. You can reserve a rental car from there when you make your flight reservation.
If you decide to drive from home to Skyland the Thornton Gap entrance is still the quickest way to go. If you decide to take the Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Swift Run Gap or Rockfish, Va it’ll add a lot of time onto your trip but the scenery will be great!
If you decide to drive from home to Skyland the Thornton Gap entrance is still the quickest way to go. If you decide to take the Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Swift Run Gap or Rockfish, Va it’ll add a lot of time onto your trip but the scenery will be great!
Google Map
From the Thornton Gap Entrance to the Skyline Drive to Skyland Lodge
From the Thornton Gap Entrance to the Skyline Drive to Skyland Lodge
What's Included:
❀Van Pickup at Charlottesville Airport at 4:00 PM ❀ hotel for 4 nights, double occupancy Two single occupancy rooms are available ❀ Breakfast and Dinner each day ❀ Private meeting room ❀ 2 stretched canvases, 12x16 inches ❀ Assorted art supplies, (colored paper, white glue, scissors and the like) ❀All Tips and Gratuities ❀ All breakfast and dinner meals from dinner on September 19 through breakfast on September 23. (with a special menu of dishes to suit every kind of eater.) |
What's NOT Included:
❀ Airfare ❀ Rental car ❀ Personal spending money ❀ Daily lunch ❀Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park $30.00/person ❀ Your personal art supplies (paints, water color or acrylics) pencils, pastels no oil paints please, brushes, ❀ Foldable easel, ❀ Any special paper you’d like to bring. ❀ Art lessons. (Bring what you're comfortable with as far as skills are concerned.) Paint, draw and write at your own skill level. |
Meet Your Retreat Leader: Judy Goddard
I was born again in the summer of 1974, when I was 14 years old.
Since that time I’ve never looked back! But for a very long time I didn’t understand the gravity of the gift I had received. For most of my life I thought God was disappointed with me, shaking His head in frustration at my lack of spiritual growth. I knew I was saved and that heaven waited for me but this feeling of guilt and shame was a burden I was never meant to carry. In 2004, the Lord began to show me new things about myself and our relationship and His overwhelming love for me. I was flooded with scriptures like Matthew 5:48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Colossians 1:28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. |
These scriptures, and many more, revealed the truth that in God’s eyes I am perfect because God lives inside of me. That truth comes from my belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins.
Since that time I am filled with the joy of His presence almost all the time! I take every chance I can get to thank Him for His vast blessings! If you ask me how I am, I’ll almost always answer, “I’m Awesome! How are you?” |
FAQ
I need a roommate – how do I arrange that?
If you're looking for a roommate, I’ll do my best to find one for you, but if I’m unable to, you’ll be placed in a single accommodation at the single accommodation rate.
Can I bring my kids/partner?
Partners are fine If they're purchasing a spot, but please no children under the age of 15
Where do I fly into?
Charlottesville Airport
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
The menu at the Pollock Dining Room offers selections for Veg, Vegan and Gluten Free as well as selections with meat
What is the weather like?
Warm days and mountain cool evenings
Will you teach us how to paint?
No, this is a retreat for those who already know how to make art.
What Do I Pack?
❀ A Bible
❀ A journal, ❀ Comfortable walking shoes ❀Late summer and early autumn clothing, including an autumn jacket or sweater. ❀A sketchbook, journal/tablet, pencils, erasers, acrylic or watercolor paints, (or both) ❀ Any colored pencils, pens and/or pastels. ❀ Papers you are comfortable with while using your chosen medium. ❀ Painting clothes or a smock |
How Do I Know If This Retreat Is For Me?
❀ If you’re a creator/artist in love with Jesus then this trip is for you!
❀ If you’re a writer in love with Jesus, this trip is for you! ❀If you are a Christian looking for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus, then yes! This retreat is for you! ❀ If you believe in modern day prophecy then this retreat is for you! Retreat Price
$957.57
A deposit of $515.57 is due at the time of registration Early Bird Special Make your deposit before May 21, 2024 and receive a $250.00 discount. An Early Bird deposit of $315.57 is due before May 21, 2024 Total cost of the Early Bird Special: ($707.57) Final Payment must paid in full by August 22,2024 |
What is Your Cancelation Policy?
Before June 19, 2024 a refund minus the deposit will be returned.
Between June 19 and July 25 2024, a 50% refund will be returned
After July 25 2024 the retreat is totally nonrefundable.
Disclaimer: although I am an experienced artist and lifelong Christian, I do not have any degrees in therapy or counseling. Words of wisdom and encouragement are just that. I cannot be held accountable for anything that is spoken or shared by myself or anyone else.
Between June 19 and July 25 2024, a 50% refund will be returned
After July 25 2024 the retreat is totally nonrefundable.
Disclaimer: although I am an experienced artist and lifelong Christian, I do not have any degrees in therapy or counseling. Words of wisdom and encouragement are just that. I cannot be held accountable for anything that is spoken or shared by myself or anyone else.