Al and Barb MacDonald arrived on a Thursday to check in, get comfortable and ready for a busy and invigorating weekend ahead. They were preparing for a mission. What was the mission before them? To lead, coach and encourage an assembly of married couples who would begin arriving the next day. A group of over twenty would be gathering for the weekend at the Inn on Lake Granbury for a couples retreat with a focus on marriage and families.
Al and Barb were gracious enough to sit down and chat for a few minutes regarding the retreat they were leading. Easygoing, friendly and well-spoken, the couple exuded passion for this mission they have enlisted for.
Al is President of Shepherd Ministries, which is located in Grapevine, just over an hour’s drive from the Inn’s location in historic Granbury, Texas. Al and Barb host about twelve getaways a year, and label these getaways “life enrichment conferences.” Al, while smiling, mentions that identifying the getaways in this manner is a little more appealing to men than the label “marriage retreat.” And Barb agrees. These life enrichment conferences are limited to a maximum of twelve couples per session in order to preserve the intimate atmosphere they both feel is so useful.
Al said that the couple began in youth ministry and worked in youth ministry for years and actually considers that they “still are” in youth ministry.  He further explained that maintaining a strong marital relationship is vital to children and thus considers this aspect of ministry as still serving youth, just maybe indirectly. A healthy marriage serves a family well.
Barb explained that they happened upon our Granbury, Texas bed and breakfast one day on a rainy drive to nearby Glen Rose, Texas. Barb had seen our advertisement in D Magazine and they ultimately found themselves in our parking lot. When an employee tapped on their car window to inquire whether they were guests checking in, introductions were made, a tour was given, and the first of several retreats was booked. The Inn on Lake Granbury is a full-service facility offering a spacious state-of-the-art conference room, onsite catering and overnight group accommodations.
When asked what the MacDonalds and their group found notable during this stay at the Inn, mention was made that our staff obviously possessed “servants’ hearts” which was made apparent by “attention to detail” and how all were “involved and hardworking.” We were pleased to hear that “couples come in and are wowed” by the luxurious amenities, the lush grounds and the stellar service. Several meals, all prepared by our Event Chef, were enjoyed by the attendees and we were thrilled to hear comments such as, “the food is excellent!”
The couples enjoyed a bit of free time sitting by our saltwater pool, lounging lakeside in a hammock and some visited our nearby Historic Granbury Square for a unique shopping experience.
We couldn’t resist asking for a tip or a little relationship advice from these experts, and they both willingly obliged. Al advises to “Be real in relationships. Integrity means a lot.” Barb emotionally expresses the value of relationships and says, “Life is short and relationships are the only things that matter.” Shepherd Ministries will be back this winter with yet another retreat, and we look forward to their return!
If you’re wondering how to get your group checked in at our Select Registry Inn, just give us a call!  We can tailor your Texas corporate event or retreat to fit your needs.
