We’re at the beginning of a new year and most of us are still exited about the possibilities of making 2008 a better year than 2007. We’ve all taken our personal inventories and had the "keepin’ it real" sessions with ourselves. We’ve examined what we did well in 2007 and also acknowledged what we could have done better. We did what we always do; we promised ourselves that we wouldn’t make the same old mistakes this year that we made last year. All of this is great because these are the essential first steps in doing the necessary work to improve lives. Maybe you’re still working out and sticking to your new diet. Perhaps you’ve shown great will-power and not picked up a drink or a cigarette this year. For that I applaud you and I encourage you to continue to do your best to continue moving forward. After you really can do whatever you put your mind to!

In my life as a minister and spiritual advisor to many, I have come to understand that many times our greatest challenges are not always the flaws that meet the eye. Most of the time, the things that wreak shear havoc in our lives are those hidden dysfunctions that lye just beneath the surface; the things that people will never see unless we allow them to get close to us.

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Shawn Joyner and his FALLTACULAR crew will be hosting their annual "FIRE In The Smokies" retreat on a breathtaking 44-acre resort in the Great Smoky Mountains. This is Joyner's eighth year hosting the Southeast's premier fall social gathering. "The Retreat", as it affectionately called, started as Joyner's birthday party for family and a few close friends. Today, it is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing people from all over the U.S. and even a few from outside of the country. This year they will host over 350 guests from 22 states and 2 foreign countries.

 

When speaking with people who have made the trip in the past, you learn that the appeal of the the 3 day event is that it's "something different". It's not the typical circuit party that you find when traveling to other weekend events around the country. The crowd is a little older; more settled and little more affluent. Participants are generally college-educated professionals in their early 30's to late 40's and are looking for something other than the club scene.

Although there are great parties every night, there are also many other activities planned for the guests. Throughout the weekend, there are informative workshops, horseback riding, shopping tours, morning aerobics and much more. There are even opportunities for spiritual empowerment in their daily Morning Inspirations sessions. Joyner says that his aim is to "provide a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend in a beautiful setting where you can do as much (or as little) as you like".+

One of the comments you'll hear most often about The Retreat is that it is hard to believe that you get so much for such a nominal price. It's an all-inclusive package that includes lodging for 3 nights, meals, entertainment and even cocktails! When asked, Joyner says that "I don't do this to make money. I just like to see people have a good time. This is my gift to them". To learn more about FALLTACULAR'S - "Fire In The Smokies" Retreat, visit them at www.falltacular.com