Our Locations
Below you’ll find our currently available locations, listed A-Z:
The Cottage
Lake Weatherford, TX -
The History of the Cottage From the Owner: My life was not without disappointments, frightening events, losses of loved ones, yet I always expected better days and times to come. That was until my son, at the age of 15, following years of depression and his own grief at the loss of his father, took his own life. It was then that I could not hope for better days, as they would all be without him, or his future, and my memories would always be marked with pain. Yet, eventually, scars of grief formed, and God enabled me to live with a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4)…
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It was important for me to reflect on this gift that I received of God’s comfort and peace, and to demonstrate to others who were watching that my faith could carry me and enable me to find joy again. “Busy” became a description of me. It was necessary, healing, and rewarding.
As time went on, I realized that I was not alone in grieving, and that because of my loss, I could now have more compassion for others than if I hadn’t experienced devastating grief myself. Places that offered solitude and comfort to me were quiet places that I found while hiking, sitting by the beach, taking walks in parks, looking at star constellations…anything outside.
My parents had a lake house in Weatherford, and it was where I would go, often by myself, to be at peace, alone. Looking back, it was a place where God was my silent companion, comforting me with His presence.
Thirty five years later, following the death of my husband, my need returned for a place of solace and peace. I yearned for the days that I had spent at the lake home of my parents. On a whim one day, I found myself talking to the realtor who had sold my parents house, and I was told that there was a property available, not far from our old family retreat house.
It was perfect, and even better, with a big porch, a remodeled kitchen, and improvements that I didn’t have to make. It was move-in ready, except for some painting and a bit of clean up. After enjoying my new retreat each weekend, and finding new friends in a welcoming community of “lakers”, I decided to also build a house next door, and to live at Lake Weatherford permanently.
The “Cottage”, with two bedrooms and two baths, was perfect for times when my family came for visits.
And, I think, it is a great place to spend time “away from the world”, to experience God’s presence watching the movement of the water, the birds, or just sitting on the porch.
Both houses have been dedicated to God’s use, in order that others may receive His gifts of restoration, renewal, and feel His peace in mind, body, and spirit.
Crossing Waters Ranch
Tolar, TX -
Clay and Cindy’s Story: In 1984, Clay and Cindy Bowden lost their 6-week old son, Joshua. Due to overwhelming grief over their loss, they found themselves longing to just get away for a few days with their toddler son, Justin to clear their heads and a have a chance to RE-think life and how they could continue on.
Lacking funds and facing incoming medical bills, they were unable to plan a respite retreat for their family. They decided if they ever had the opportunity, they would provide for others who had suffered great loss and have the same need.
Many years later, that hope has been fulfilled…
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Clay and Cindy have purchased beautiful property in Hood County, established Crossing Waters Ranch, and set up two tiny houses and a two bedroom / two bath house that are available as respite at no cost for those who have suffered loss.
It is their hope that guests of the ranch will come for a three to four-day stay and have space and time to quiet their weary hearts and minds and experience the presence and peace of God during their stay.
Ocean Pearl
South Padre Island, TX -
A Note From the Owner: The Ocean Pearl is my Happy Place. Being in nature, especially at the ocean, is soothing to my heart, body, and soul. When I am there I feel joyful and blessed beyond measure. I can let go of my worries and feel solace and regenerated. It is the perfect place for me to reflect on God’s goodness and grace during ongoing healing from tremendous losses in my life...
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It is a cathartic place for me to feel my losses, as I also feel gratitude. I can let go of trying to be strong, and just let my feelings be what they are, because I know it is well. I also feel closer to those I have lost, and I can smile and feel comforted with the memories. I hope you, too, experience healing and peace at the Ocean Pearl.
Sandy Cove
Richland Chambers Lake, TX -
About Sandy Cove: This family has a heart for helping and would be honored to open their home on stunning Richland Chambers Lake to anyone seeking refuge and retreat during their journey in grief…
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Their home is uniquely built with a beautiful guest quarters upstairs, that is fully independent and separate from their main home below. The guest quarters includes two huge master bedrooms, both with ensuites, and a large and comfortable bunk room, complete with an extra full bathroom. Between these bedrooms is a big living room/den area, that also has a kitchenette with sink, microwave, and refrigerator.
The family will be onsite if any issues or needs arise, and, if guests so desire, they would also love to treat them to a homemade meal upon their first night’s stay. But, the host family is also comfortable giving guests any privacy or space needed, and allowing their stay to be fully independent, if they so choose. Guests will also have access to a private deck upstairs, a beautiful outdoor patio downstairs, as well as the pool and the dock.
Come, be our guest, and we pray that your time here is full of rest, healing, and reflection.
Seven Cross Ranch
Gray & Wheeler Counties, TX -
Seven Cross Ranch is a working cattle ranch in Gray and Wheeler counties, located in the Panhandle of Texas. It was homesteaded in 1901, and is currently operated by fourth and fifth generation descendants.
This Christian family opens their beautiful lodge to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one(s), and need a place of comfort to settle their grieving hearts and thoughts. Their prayers are that those who come visit will find this a respite place for their weary hearts, and will have an opportunity to feel the great comfort of the Lord…
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The Lodge was completed in 2023. It has four bedroom/bathroom suites with queen beds, a half guest bath, full kitchen, and laundry room, and also a comfortable living and dining room. The Lodge sits on 320 acres, and is home to a variety of wildlife and native plants. It is a quiet place to relax and meditate, or to just sit on the deep porch and listen to the abundant wild bird calls. The Lodge has a resident Roadrunner and it is common to see Wild Turkey, Bob White Quail, Eastern Phoebes, Mississippi Kites, Cardinals, and Mockingbirds. Take a walk on the mowed pasture roads and see if you can spot any of the native wildlife. The game camera has caught photos of a Bobcat family, Coyotes, and many Deer and Fawns.
*Please be advised, this location is only available March through September.
Willowood Ranch
Bells, TX -
About Willowood: Welcome to Willowood Ranch, a peaceful retreat nestled among the rolling hills of Texoma. Founded in 2000 by Celebration Ministries, the ranch has been a dedicated sanctuary for couples, families, and faith-based groups for over two decades. At the core of Willowood is a commitment to embodying love, making ministry the essence of all its activities…
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As a part of Celebration Ministries, Willowood Retreats provides extended housing and retreat space for faith-based groups, marriage retreats, pastoral sabbaticals, and not-for-profit gatherings.
Situated in the stunning North Texas landscape, the ranch spans over 350 acres, providing a quiet backdrop for your time here. Our timeless stained-glass chapel, inspired by classic designs, is a beautiful addition to our property, and the sweeping grounds offer a range of outdoor settings for healing time, spent in nature.