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Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Mini-Getaway



by Cathy Baker 

{ Day 20 } 

When’s the last time you packed an overnight bag, loaded up your car and escaped for a mini-getaway?

Chimney Rock, NC

Brian and I did just that this past weekend as we wound our way up the mountains to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary (which is actually today!) Our first couple of days were spent walking the bustling streets of Hendersonville and Chimney Rock, sipping down handcrafted coffee, and scoping out new antique stores. 

We also stopped by Justus Orchard, where we were greeted with a waft of winesap apples and all the fixins. Let’s just say two freshly fried turnovers and a dozen warm apple cider doughnuts (a first for us!) hitched a ride on our way back to Saluda that afternoon. Unfortunately, I have a feeling they’ll continue to hitch a ride with me for weeks to come.

(For those visiting the NC area: Dozens of orchards are scattered throughout Henderson County but Justus Orchard is a fun experience for the entire family. Children can ride in mini-trains pulled by tractors through the orchards, pet the Alpacas, and go in search of the perfect pumpkin.)

On Saturday, however, things shifted to a slower pace. Brian went to a record show for most of the day while I snuggled beneath the rafters of the side porch that hug the Blackberry Cottage. You know, nothing settles the soul quite like watching crisp winds invite the leaves to dance and seeing many accept, bowing gracefully to its direction. 

There, surrounded only by God’s handiwork, 
His voice found no competition.

 
Staying in Step with the Spirit: Whether it’s a few hours or a day, when we intentionally shift life into a slower gear via new surroundings we are breathing life into both our senses and our souls, enabling us to hear the Spirit’s whispers more clearly. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for those times when we can exhale busyness, noise, soul clutter and all other things clamoring for our attention. Help us to catch every quiet moment, hour, or day for Your glory. 



 
“Not all those who wander are lost.” 

 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

#Write31Days past posts:

{ Day 1 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Our Senses
{ Day 2 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Less Clutter 
{ Day 3 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Healthy Relationships 
{ Day 4 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation
{ Sunday }
{ Day 6 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Specific Prayer 
{ Day 7 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
{ Day 8 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Soul Search (with guest Ginger Harrington)
{ Day 9 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Vulnerability 
{ Day 10 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation, Wk. 2
{ Day 11 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Moonlit Sunroof
{ Sunday }
{ Day 13 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Wild Goose Chase 

{ Day 15 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Paper Bookmark
{ Day 16 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via A Fresh Start
{ Day 17 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via Spontaneous Service
{ Day 18 } Staying in Step with the Spirit Via God’s Creation, Wk. 3
{ Sunday } 

October: The Month O’ Love

Around here, October is referred to as the month o’ love for a few reasons:

  • Brian and I celebrate our anniversary on the 20th (year 22 for us this year!)
  • What is there not to love about this season? Scarlet leaves twirling mid-air, Honey Crisp apples, soft fuzzy sweaters, and one of my personal favorites — no mosquitoes!
  • And then there are the mountains — a place we travel to as often as possible, especially in October. I can’t put my finger on it, but in many ways those winding roads feel like home.

Yesterday, we woke up early and headed to Lake Lure, one of our favorite destinations. The leaves had not yet dressed for the new season (as you can see above) but it was beautiful nonetheless. 

On the way home, we were surprised to find one of our favorite antique stores open. By the time we left, however, I’m pretty certain Brian had wished otherwise. I picked up a small vintage ceramic Christmas tree, a small handmade bench, and an early 1900’s picture in its original frame. I love scenic pictures and this one did not disappoint. Snow, church steeple in the distance, and a small boy on a farm scene. Who knows? It may inspire my first short story! 

As much as we missed church yesterday, it was nice getting away, especially since I’d not seen Brian on Saturday. We’re heading up again this weekend for our anniversary and my big 5-0 (yikes!) and then I’ll be in the mountains with a few writing buddies on the last weekend in October, so I won’t be posting Sunday Snippets until November. (In the meantime, I do plan to listen to the podcasts of our services. Hope you’ll join me!)

What do you most love about this season?

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