The Retreat at Long Mountain

Many years ago when D's parents purchased the farm in Cleveland, it was his Dad's vision and dream for the property to someday be used for ministry.  Over the years, it was used many times hosting retreats, worship services, meetings, prayer days, Sunday School parties and a whole lot more.  It was used by our family for lots of fun and relaxing as well as family reunions, parties and even a few weddings.  But God had more in mind for this place.  After Johnnie died, D's mom decided it was time for the vision to be realized so talks began with our church, Lakewood Baptist, to become the beneficiary of this property.   On Saturday, April 4 the first official event unveiling the Retreat at Long Mountain was held.  It included over 1,100 people enjoying a meal, an Easter egg hunt, and a plane flyover.    We could not be more thrilled to see what God has in mind for this piece of His earth.  I couldn't help but think maybe God parted the veil and let Johnnie peak down.

Pictured with Dr. Tom Smiley, Kirky, Sadie and Penny.  :) 

He is Risen!

Easter 2011

Easter 2011 has come and gone and it just couldn't have been better. We had a great church service. I love Easter. As a believer in Jesus Christ, there is no other single day that has more meaning. Because of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, we have our faith and hope. He is Risen! Amen!

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed every minute of it at the farm with family. We rode golf carts, we rode 4 wheelers, we took walks, we ate, we talked, we hunted Easter eggs, we laughed . . . it was awesome. Here's just a few pics:

Have I told you how much I adore this man? Well, I do.

Two of my favorite girls.

Two more of my favorite girls with yep, you guessed it, my favorite young man.

Another one of my favorite young men with our girl.

Awww . . . love.

Easter in Pictures

Well, I’m just hoping you had just half as good of an Easter as we did. Can I just tell you - it was wonderful!

Saturday night late, E and her hubby came to the house after attending a wedding here in town. They didn’t want to drive home and then back early Sunday morning so they spent the night. That meant that I had all of my children under my roof Saturday night. And that brings me much joy.

I didn’t really have adequate time to enjoy it as that ridiculous handbell director I live with made us be at church at 8:00 on Sunday morning. Which by the way reminds me that one of these years I want to attend the sunrise service on Easter morning. The fact that it starts at sunrise is the only thing standing in my way.

Anyway by 9:30, the handbell prelude had been played and as I walked down off that platform and to our pew, I could have just cried. Sitting there were four of the most amazing and beautiful young people I have ever seen. Just look for yourself.

They really didn't plan the matching outfits, it just happened that way. I couldn't have planned that better if I'd done it myself. :)

Oh, these boys are my favorites in the whole world!

Okay, and these girls are pretty much my favorites too!

After a quick change and getting our food together we headed up to the apple orchards of north Georgia to D's aunts house. These two are anxiously awaiting the egg hunt!

The swings in the back yard were a huge draw for my "children." Reliving their childhoods?

D is getting some serious air!

G's dismount! He's so talented.

Daddy and daughter.

These two are pretty excited about their egg discoveries.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for Easter and all it represents! Our Redeemer Lives!
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies." John 11:25

For several years, D sang this song during the Easter season. These lyrics just make me cry, not because I'm sad but because I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the sacrifice Christ made for us. Just for a moment think about that sacrifice and

"The Day He Wore My Crown"

The city was Jerusalem
The time was long ago
The people called him Jesus
The crime was the love He showed
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all the pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown

He brought me love that only He could give
I brought Him cause to cry
And though He taught me how to live
I taught Him how to die
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all the pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown

He could have called His holy Father, and said,
"Take me away, please, take me away."
He could have said, "I'm not guilty.
And I'm not going to stay
I'm not going to pay."
But He walked right through the gate
And then on up the hill
And as He fell beneath the weight
He cried, "Father, not My will."
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all His pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown.

And I'm the one to blame
I caused all His pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown.