Our Weekend Getaway

Because we left Friday morning, we were able to enjoy a leisurely drive to our weekend destination: Lake Lure, NC.

Along the way, we passed a sign for "Campbell's Covered Bridge". Although it wasn't the first time we'd passed the sign, it was the first time we actually pulled off the beaten path to learn more about this bridge built in 1909. We were told it's the only covered bridge still standing in SC -- and it was well worth the stop.


From there, we headed to one of our favorite cafes in the beautiful downtown Tryon area and then on to a book sale at their local Library. It's easy to see why so many venture to these little towns for retirement.

On Saturday, after what Sarah and I understood to be a fun game of golf (according to Brian and Zach), we headed to the La Strada restaurant, where we were able to enjoy our meal on the covered balcony with this amazing view:


Later in the day, the four of us boarded one of the Lake Lure tour boats. While I'm a huge fan of looking out onto the water, I'm not necessarily a fan of floating on top of it, so it didn't help when Zach began singing the Gilligan's Island theme song. Thankfully, ours was only a one-hour, not a three-hour, tour.

First up, the Dirty Dancing location. Check out the steep flight of stairs located behind the boat house. It's the same flight that Baby took while holding the watermelon!

A simple but beautiful scene.

Now, if given the choice, which of the two lake homes below would you choose?

or

Without hesitation, I gravitate towards the quaint green cottage with the white trim quietly tucked in a shaded cove. It's not so much that it was the first house built on the lake, but rather, how it was built that sparks my interest. As the story goes, back in the early 1920's, a gentleman heard that the lake would soon be constructed, so he purchased the lot knowing he would one day own lake front property. What he didn't know, however, was that there wouldn't be a road cut directly to his property, preventing a lumber truck from delivering to his site... but that did not deter him. He filled his rowboat with lumber, along with all the necessary supplies, and rowed back and forth across the lake until his little cottage was completed. (Brian thinks the tour guide said it took ten years for him to complete the construction.) And by the way, did I mention his age at the time of construction? He was 70 years old.

As if that's not reason enough to love this cozy little place, my main reason for doing so is the pure dreamy potential. Come on, dream with me! Imagine curling up on a comfy tartan couch with a steamy hot cup of coffee in hand, a good book and your favorite writing pad within arms reach, and gazing out on this every morning...

A wonderful family, lots of laughter, breathtaking views of God's creation, time to dream, and time to simply kick back and enjoy life -- our weekend getaway.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights..." James 1:17

Feelings Can Fool Us

It doesn’t feel like the season for:

Roasted marshmallows
Apple cider
Kaleidoscope leaves (and the raking that follows)
Cool breezes
Pecans
An abundance of candy in fun-size packs
Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin
Colorful mums
Pumpkins
Indian corn
Mountain trips
Fresh apples (especially Honey Crisp!)
Long sleeves and weathered jeans
Warm fuzzy sweaters

But it is that season, according to the trusted calendar, even though we are experiencing temperatures in the low 90’s.

It does not feel like fall, but the calendar says it is. Which am I to believe?

The same question is sometimes asked, although rarely audible or even consciously, when we are faced with believing how we feel versus what the Word of God says.

While God created emotions to complete the whole person, it’s easy to get swept away by them—only to be swept up in the deception that can sometimes follow.

Just as the calendar has the final say as to when we are truly embarking on the fall season, so God’s Word is our final say as to what is true…regardless of how we feel.

• I may not always feel His presence, but God says He will never leave nor forsake me (Heb. 13:5)

• I may not always sense His working in my life or those around me, but God says that nothing can thwart His plans (Job 42:2)

• I don’t always trust Him as I should, but God says that even when I am unfaithful, He is faithful. (2 Tim. 2:13)

• I can feel defeated, useless to the Kingdom, beaten up by all my weaknesses, but God says that in Him, there is in no condemnation, regardless of what the enemy says. (Romans 8:1)

Emotions can be a beautiful expression of our worship to the Lord. In fact, if we are rarely moved by the words we read or sing, or if we can watch a resplendent sun rising from the east without a pause of praise welling up from within, we may be in need of an emotion intervention. It's all about balance.

So, while it may not feel like my favorite season of the year, I rejoice in the fact that it is indeed fall, and that summer has been left in the dust of 2010 (and my grass along with it). I may have to break out my long-sleeved shirts and fuzzy sweaters in celebration of this truth!

Care to join me?

Same Words, Different Scenery

“I practice alone. Together we rehearse.”

One of my favorite shows is "Inspector Lewis" produced by Masterpiece Mystery!, shown on PBS Sunday nights.

In a recent episode, Dr. Laura Hobbs, while practicing her clarinet before proceeding to the orchestra pit, was asked by Inspector Lewis as to the difference between practicing and rehearsing. She responded, “I practice alone. Together we rehearse.”

I couldn't find my trusted BIC pen fast enough. Her response resonated on many levels, but especially so when it came to our walk in Christ. Same words, different scenery.

While we as Christ followers are a family, is it not our individual lives which lay the foundation for the community of Christ to build upon? Making wise decisions when no one else is watching, loving the unlovely, and studying the Word for ourselves are just a few ways I imagine practicing to be.

But when we all come together in both worship and deed? It truly is a grand rehearsal--a fleeting glance, if you will--for what is to come:

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of
rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Revelation 19: 6,7

His Body Dressed in Festive Garb

A group of about 100 people were given a sneak-peek in to what I believe we'll experience in heaven one day.

Last night, Marius Van der Colf and his wife, Jeannette, whom are both South African, invited us all to a benefit dinner for their amazing ministry, Cargo of Dreams. There, we enjoyed South African cuisine and native dancers bringing down the house in their festive garb.

In addition to seeing many friends, some we had not seen in a couple of years, the highlight of the evening came at the end. Marius, who is Caucasian, invited the woman instrumental in planning the event, a black African woman, to the front of the room. They embraced with something much more meaningful than loving limbs--they embraced with the love of Christ. I dare say not many of us in the room understood the depth of respect represented in their embrace nor the extent of sacrificed required in ending apartheid.

The anniversary of the elections that defeated apartheid, April 27, is celebrated as a public holiday in South Africa known as Freedom Day.

As Christ-followers, we're unclear as to exact day our spiritual oppression was defeated, but we are very clear as to the place--an empty tomb tucked inside a garden near the place where Jesus had been crucified.

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
for all of you who were baptized into Christ
have clothed yourselves with Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free,
male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 4:26-28

A day is coming when all Christ-followers will share the same festive garb, and oh what a celebration that will be! But until that day, moments like last night will suffice.

A Creative Partnership

A photographer I am not, but hopefully you can read my new mug, which was purchased here. It's a bit imperfect and chunkier than most (my kind of mug), but the word "Create" serves up pure inspiration, with or without coffee.

I've been praying for more creativity lately. After all, my heavenly Father is the most creative Person I know! If writing is a place where I sense His prompting me to go, He will provide everything I need: creativity, time, energy, resources, and opportunities.

Speaking of which, I do have an exciting opportunity to share with you! This week, I learned that Christian Devotions accepted three devotions I submitted a few weeks ago. They'll be published online in early-mid 2011. I'll keep you posted.

Initially, I hesitated to share this praise but soon realized it is for this very reason I should--it's a PRAISE--one directed to my heavenly Father, who makes all things possible. The best--and most exciting--part? He delights in doing so.

He defines creative partnership.

"He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me."
Psalm 18:19

Peering Through a One-Way Mirror

Lunch was calling my name, but the elliptical machine wouldn't hear of it. Let's just say it didn't take long before I began second guessing my decision to go to the gym. After all, who was I to deny a calling for lunch?

While winding down, a young woman approached me, peeking over my shoulder with every step. Not having children in the gym nursery I was oblivious to the fact that a one-way mirror was poised on the other side of my machine. Clever!

The mother peered through the mirror to see if her adorable chubby-cheeked two-year old daughter had budged since leaving her behind. To her dismay, she had not. Her little girl stood statuesque, moving only to her tip-toes when another mother walked by, hoping it was her mommy coming to pick her up. But alas, it was not.

Like any good mom, she questioned aloud if she should forego her workout, make her way back to the nursery to pick up the daughter, and head home. I pointed out that she wasn't upset or crying and most importantly, she was in a safe environment. It was obvious the words soothed her conscience, but had not totally swayed her decision.

The pain of this guilt-ridden mother served to remind me why I began exercising more regularly several months ago--it was for my family. In order for me to be the best wife, mom, mom-in-law, and perhaps grandmother one day, I knew wiser choices needed to be made.

With that in mind, I shared with every bit of confidence I could muster, how the best gift she could give her daughter would be a healthy mother. The minutes spent nudged alongside a partitioned door would soon be forgotten, but the countless memories created as a result of that investment would not.

She thanked me for the wise advice (thank You, Lord!), and then walked away with a smile that assured everyone, especially herself, that she was doing the right thing by taking time to exercise.

In fact, it was the best thing she could do.

A poignant reminder for us both.

Late, But Not Forgotten

We will never forget.

Writing Opens Doors, Part 1

Doors to…

• the imagination and all the "what-ifs" our minds can grasp
  

• awe-struck wonder

• God’s creative power

• sometimes painful, but indispensable, vulnerability

• “Aha!” moments

• enough curiosity to kill the cat...nine times
  

• acute awareness to the nuances of life
  

• new friendships forged
  

• past friendships revived

First up, new friendships forged and past friendships revived.

Attending the Christian Writer's Den has opened up a new world of possibilities...as well as new friendships. Nothing brings a group together like constructive criticism!

Secondly, this new journey flung the door of opportunity wide open in reviving my friendship with Beth Fortune. Although we'd not seen each other in six years, it seemed more like yesterday. We're already making plans to go here next May.

As this journey continues, I plan to pry open the door a little wider and share more details on the various opportunities listed above.

I hope you'll join me!

Savoring Sweet Friendships

Food and friendship. The two seem to go hand-in-hand, don't they? Jesus often broke bread with both friend and foe. This week, I was blessed to break bread (albeit thickly sliced, dipped in beaten eggs, and sopped in syrup) with amazing friends.

Kay Chandler, one of the most influential women in my life, and I had much to catch up on during our couple of hours together. Kay is a person who leaves you thirsty for Christ. It was truly a time of refreshment.

My time with Karen Trone was bittersweet. Tears of joy, as well as tears of pain intermingled with our French toast and eggs as we shared our struggles. But that’s what makes both friendship and food a little sweeter. I miss seeing her every Sunday, but truly savor those times when we are together.

My dad and I met at Two Chefs to celebrate his birthday. Of course, it’s always a celebration when I spend time with him.

Friday morning ushered in a sweet surprise when Edie Melson emailed an invitation to lunch. Edie and Vonda Skelton co-lead the Christian Writer’s Den, and both have been a tremendous source of encouragement to me on this new journey. It was exciting to hear the details of her soon-to-be-published devotion book for military families. Her insights are simply amazing and awe-inspiring.

As the week came to a close, I savored both food and friendship with my very best friend (and husband) Brian. Grilled pork loin, marinated mushrooms, and did I mention the Ice Cream Shoppe for dessert?

Although the meals are over, the friendships will linger for a lifetime. Now that's something to savor!

At Last...

The search is over.

For years we've perused Craigs List and local neighborhoods in search of a glider. Not just any glider, mind you, but one with a pie-crust pattern. We had two basket-weave patterned gliders already properly perched on our porches, but it was the pie-crust patterned glider that sat on my grandparent’s front porch when I was a young girl. It's the one I remember.

My most vivid memory of their old white glider was the side arms. They seemed to stretch as tall as glaciers, but the tedious climb onto the metal-in-motion was well worth the effort, for my grandfather’s arms were waiting.

It’s funny how the glider seemed so much bigger when I was a child. But then again, didn't everything?

My grandparent's house seemed more spacious, the yard more widespread, and the stretch of my grandfather’s gangling arm never-ending.

Then one day you grow up.

The house is now considered cozy, the yard a cottage garden, and the grandfather's arm is only a fond memory.