{"id":1401588,"date":"2026-02-18T09:52:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T17:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwrv.org\/resources\/?p=1401588"},"modified":"2026-02-18T15:33:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T23:33:34","slug":"less-is-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lwrv.org\/resources\/less-is-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Less is More: Seeking Clarity in the Chaos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In life as men, we face relentless pressure and expectations. Even the good things we\u2019re told to chase \u2013 success, better jobs, or impact \u2013 can overwhelm us.\u00a0More isn\u2019t always better!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Even Notorious B.I.G. knew \u2013 more money = more problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t need more.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0That\u2019s the lie at the heart of the battle for our hearts, minds, and souls as men: \u201cMore of success, possessions, or achievements will fill you, fix you, validate you.\u201d But the pursuit of more can actually be opposed to our ability to seek Jesus\u2019 face, know His heart, and see and follow His Way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we need is less.\u00a0<\/strong>Less pressure, less expectations, less performance, less shame, less distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if an argument could be made for\u00a0more<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0of anything in our lives as men, I\u2019d make it for more\u00a0clarity<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0Clarity that brings Jesus into focus<\/strong>. Clarity brings wisdom, peace, patience, perspective, and the ability to see who God is and what He is doing in our lives. Clarity that silences the noise so we can hear His \u201cstill small voice\u201d (1 Kings 19:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as God met Adam in the Garden, Abraham when he walked away from everything he knew, Jacob in the dead of night, Joseph in the dungeon, Moses in the Tabernacle, David in the fields watching sheep, Daniel in his prayer room, Elijah on the mountainside, Zechariah in the holy of holies, Nathanael under the fig tree alone with his thoughts, and Jesus when He would sneak away from the crowds, noise, and distractions \u2013\u00a0He wants to meet us where we leave the crushing weight of \u201cmore\u201d behind, and rest, wait, and seek Him.<\/em><\/strong>Sometimes we need less of everything else to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to \u201cbe still and know that I am God\u201d (Psalm 46:10).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine a mason jar filled with dirt, rocks, and sand. Add water, seal it, and shake it up. The water turns cloudy, impossible to see through. But set it down, let the sediment settle, and soon the water clears \u2013 you can see straight through. That\u2019s what this retreat is designed to be: a time to step away, be still, let the upheaval (external and internal) settle at the feet of Jesus, and gain\u00a0clarity<\/strong>.\u00a0It\u2019s the gift of vision for our lives as men<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 without it, we\u2019re like the blind leading the blind (Luke 6:39).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we prepare for this weekend, let\u2019s draw from the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was distracted by all the preparations and busyness, pulled in a million directions, finding her value in doing and accomplishing. But Mary chose to sit at Jesus\u2019 feet, listening and being present with Him \u2013 and Jesus said she had chosen what is better. As men, we often identify with Martha, defining ourselves by our capacity, achievements, and constant action.\u00a0This retreat calls us to stop, to choose the better thing: settling at Jesus\u2019 feet in stillness and surrender.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guys\u2019 Retreat Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re thrilled you\u2019re joining us for the upcoming weekend retreat! Below are the details to help you prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forecast is looking dry and cold on Friday and Saturday, with highs in the upper 40s. We\u2019re planning to spend time outdoors, including hiking, so please bring appropriate outdoor gear to stay warm and dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday morning looks like rain, but we won\u2019t be doing anything outside that day. We\u2019ll simply be packing up and heading home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since we\u2019ll also have extended time indoors, feel free to bring a card game or board game you enjoy. Ideally something that takes around an hour or less to play. It\u2019ll be a great way to connect during downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Arrival<\/strong>: Anytime after 4:00 PM on Friday. The retreat starts with dinner together at 6pm. Do not miss it!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Departure<\/strong>: Wraps up around 1:00 PM on Sunday (note: checkout is at 10:00 AM). We will end the retreat with a lunch together in Grants Pass at Taprock for those who would like to join us. This meal is not paid for in your retreat cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Where<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Galice Resort<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Directions<\/strong>:\n
        \n
      • Take Exit #61 (Merlin) from I-5 South or North.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Turn left at the stoplight onto Merlin Rd, which becomes Galice Rd after about 7 miles (at Mile Marker 1).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Check-in is between Mile Markers 11 and 12, marked by a \u201cThis is Galice\u201d sign.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        What to Bring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • You don\u2019t need to bring a sleeping bag. Bedding is provided.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • You are welcome to bring a snack, but all meals, drinks and snacks will be provided. If you have any food allergies, please let us know.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • There will be free time for you. If you\u2019d like to do an outside activity (kayak, fish, frisbee golf, hike, etc), please bring your own gear that you\u2019d need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Bring your swimsuit. There might be access to a hot tub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Outdoor clothing for activities \n
            \n
          • layers, a good jacket, gloves, beanie, solid shoes or boots, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Physical Bible, journal, and pen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Note<\/strong>: There\u2019s no cell service (a great opportunity to unplug), but landlines are available in each lodging. Let\u2019s intentionally set aside technology for this retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            What to Expect<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Lodging<\/strong>: For the most part we will be sharing rooms with each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Focus<\/strong>: Slow down, create space, and let your heart settle through time alone and with others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Activities<\/strong>: Saturday will include group activity options and dedicated time for personal solitude.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Intention<\/strong>: Come ready to find rest, direction, and hope.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Food<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Please inform us of any dietary needs, and we\u2019ll do our best to accommodate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Questions? Contact Andy at (541) 326-6477.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              We look forward to a meaningful weekend together!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              To help prepare your hearts, I invite you to listen to the song \u201cBe With Me\u201d by Bryan & Katie Torwalt. Let its message sink in: that we don\u2019t need Jesus to do a thing; His presence and love are enough.\u00a0Begin settling now, opening your hearts to clarity, rest, and His voice as you anticipate our time together.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n