Here's what women have said about Psalm One Pastors' Wives Retreats and Gatherings...

I knew from the minute I found out about this retreat that I HAD to get there for it. I was completely unsure how I was going to be able to work out all the many details in order to get there, but I had an incredible peace that GOD would work it all out for me. I knew that I needed very badly to get away for a time of rest, refreshment, to be fed from God's Word, and to be still and listen to His voice. God came through for me in all those areas and took care of each detail along the way in order for me to be there. I trusted and left it all in His hands, Linda's chosen topics, the group interactions, and small group times all served to minister to the very hurting spirit that I arrived with. I went home with a new hope in my heart and an excitement of where God was going to lead me next. I cannot wait for the next Pastors' Wives Retreat!!!

--M from Illinois

I came to this retreat not sure of what I wanted, but open to God giving me what I needed. The teaching, article and discussion Q&A on Saturday night encouraged me to keep on keeping on in ministry.

--S from Ohio

The retreat was absolutely wonderful. I loved that is was "real" ministry to us. It had direction and substance without being programmed presentation. It facilitated the Spirit's opportunity to minister to us and through us to each other in a wonderful way. In the simplicity there room for the Spirit. It is so rare for Pastor's Wives to have heart to heart time together and it was like oxygen for life. I had to laugh at myself because as much as I hate stereo types of Pastor's Wives I found that in planning to come I had my own. I wasn't sure what 'these" other women would be like but guess what? They were real people just like me...but of course in their own special different ways. Thank you Linda for loving us enough to facilitate this event and being so wise to not make it all about how much you could teach us but how much we could be blessed by each other with your assistance! God certainly was able to minister life to me through you and these other women.

--C from Ohio

It was immensely helpful! Many concepts I knew were reintroduced and refreshed. There were also some new ways that are amazing tools for me. God was clearly here all weekend. I love Linda’s gift for taking a topic and then diving into Scripture to support it.

--M from Ohio

Thanks again for ministering to us. It was a great time to get re-fueled and to share fellowship with other ministry wives. I think it was especially helpful to know we are not alone and that our struggles are really not that unique. The weekend was really two-fold in being ministered too but also ministering to others who are going through some tough situations. We could empathize because we had been through similar trials! God is good. Bless you and your ministry.

--L from Minnesota

The retreat probably saved me from a complete meltdown! ;) It was also SO wonderful to be with other wives "in my shoes" and I especially enjoyed the prayer & sharing time in small groups.

--D from Illinois

Oh, Linda. I have NEVER, and I mean NEVER left a retreat so renewed and free! The confession in our group and my own private confession to the Lord really cleared out all the crud that had been crowding my heart, mind, and soul. It felt so good to get it out and not be afraid I would hurt anyone's feelings or bring anyone down. ... I feel stronger. I went to church today and was okay, even good. I could hug people and actually mean it. I wasn't second guessing my every word and action. I believe this is not an emotional high I'm on. I'm not on an emotional high, but I've been freed. So, from the outpouring of my heart, I thank you and my other friends who were there. And I am so grateful to God for answering my prayers and the prayers of all...those around the world you had praying for me. It is a miracle for me, because I've lived in such heaviness and depression and anxiety for so long. I've still experienced tinges of anxiety since leaving the retreat, but I talk myself out of it with God's truth and His Word and am choosing to have faith that God is handling all that concerns me.

--S from Ohio

Everyone needs to come away and rest! Laughter is such good medicine and to be drawn away to a place where you are pampered and fed both physically and spiritually is such a blessing. I needed to laugh -- I needed to relax -- this was a perfect place to do both. I especially loved praying in our small group with the women -- to take our needs before the Lord and trust Him to do what we cannot do. What a privilege!

--C from Illinois

I loved the retreat setting and accommodations last weekend. I would gladly return. The food was delicious and appropriate for our retreat. I must admit I enjoyed the snacks as wellJ. The format and tone of our special times together were refreshing and helpful. You had a wonderful balance of leading our discussion/discovery and supporting our encouragement of each other. I am already looking forward to next year’s retreat. Thank you, Linda, for giving us all an inspiring, refreshing weekend.

--L from Ohio

There is so much to say but the one thing I want to emphasize is that when I returned home from this retreat, I was not aware of a huge problem that was brewing (again). Having just gone to the retreat, I was more prepared to deal with the issues than I would have been if I hadn't gone to the retreat. For one thing, I knew that this was fairly commonplace and that we were not alone. I knew that this was an attack of Satan against God's church and my perspective was clear. I think that a retreat like the one I attended at Deer Ridge was like a breath of fresh air. I had shut off a lot because of hardships in the church, before coming to Deer Ridge. It took me a whole day just to unthaw. Upon leaving, I realized that I had been frozen and didn't even know it. I began and am continuing to ask God for strength and to not allow me to become emotionally shut-down again. I know it will come again but I will deal with it as it comes and places like this retreat will help me to get back in touch with who I am in Christ, who it is I serve, what it is that He called me to, and that I am not alone in this battle.

--C from Minnesota

“Take the time to refuel. Your personal ministry will be more successful and more enjoyable when you are refreshed.” The retreat not only renewed my spirit but released me to press on and embrace the joys and trials of ministry life. So I guess that would be “refresh, renew, release”

--S from Ohio

This retreat provided a place and time for me to totally get away from EVERYTHING...husband, kids, household chores, day to day "busy-ness" and take the much needed time to be IN THE WORD. To hear what God has to say to me here and now. It was a time for me to meet other women who are in vastly different but at the same time unbelievably the same situations as I am in. I didn't have to worry about being judged or putting on the "PW face". It was a time to make new friends and share fun, hobbies and family news and information, but also to pray and encourage one another. To listen to each other share frustrations, worries, cares and concerns, and offer words of support and encouragement, and most of all prayer. What a JOY it was to have such FUN with other women! The laughter was a highlight :) There are no words to express the total pampering I received while at the retreat--which made it so much better then, to come home to my husband and children...spiritually uplifted, physically relaxed, and emotionally unburdened...ready to minister to my family in the way that God wants me to.

OK--I could go on and on...but I think you get the idea that I just LOVED this retreat and will be ready for another one sooner than next year :)

--S from Iowa

Thanks again for amazing refreshing weekend. Honestly I didn't really want to attend the retreat when I first signed up because I thought it was going to be the Stepford thing. What gave me the hope and push to go was the email you sent before we went reassuring us that this would be something where you could be real and not feel like you're not meeting expectations and it was going to be personal soul care. There has been very few times in our ministry life where both my husband and especially me have felt like people see the need or want you to take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally and physically. Also your emphasis on grace and being "my beloved daughter" was huge for me, I finally was able to put into words what I have been feeling for so long in ministry life, that I am a disappointment to God. Just be able to hear and know again His love is for the person He created not what I do was a burden lifted. Your authentic and genuine faith is something that is refreshing and contagious, this is something that I appreciate and love because, call me cynical, but I don't see a lot of that in the church and that has been a huge frustration and drainer for me. Anyway I hope some of this rambling helps. You are a huge blessing Linda, I'm trying to bring a friend and pw with me next year.

--S from Illinois

I loved the retreat and all the teaching. It was great and I will try to share some of the thoughts w/my small group. Your teaching style really communicates your love for pastors wives. I thought our group bonded well but I still need to contact them. Time is the killer. The part I loved most about the retreat was the practical teaching. I could really understand some vital things that I need to keep in mind. The drainers, energizers, HALT, and the arrow w/the truth of God picture. Those were awesome. Your goofy pictures fit my goofy mind!! I hope ladies understand how vital it is to get away. I came back ready to serve and I feel re-energized. I know God is doing something in my life and I just want to be obedient to whatever He wants.

--P from Illinois

I came across this verse this morning and it made me think of you and the Deckers, especially after just having the wives retreat. I am sure that God is smiling and saying to you, Well done my good and faithful servant Linda. Have a great day and here is the verse:

Job 4:4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees.

PS Thanks also for the article from HB London about pastors wives, I loved it and it really hit home.

--T from Illinois

Linda I thank God for you and your ministry to pastors wives, the two days we spent together was like a breath of fresh air for my soul.

--S from Illinois