Lazy Hazy Days

These are indeed hazy days, even in Northern Georgia. Even though I'm still pushing myself to walk my daily 2-3 miles, it has become an effort, rather than a spontaneous joy. We discovered a hidden fishing pond at the bottom of our mountain! The evening mists over it, the scents of the Georgia pines surrounding it, and the sight and the sounds of the mallards which live there have been medicine to my summer-drained spirit. And God has sent my precious bluebird family back to make a last nest of the season in my little bluebird box. What heavenly gifts for the dusty end of summer!

And more....the sun continues to shine through, even though somewhat cloaked by the haze and mist, and the hints of a gentler season break through in the Appalachian mornings. The awe and splendor of our Heavenly Father cannot be hidden, even though in certain seasons of my life they are shrouded with the gauze of present experience.

I am reminded by Elizabeth Barrett Browning's words, so beautifully quoted by Jill Caratini this morning:

Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush aflame with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes. The rest sit 'round and pluck blackberries.

Even in the season of sweltering mists...The light of the knowledge ofthe glory of God, seen in the face of Christ, pierces through and bids us to actively proclaim it in our lives.

What a Blessed Mother I Am!

What beautiful people I have in my life! Thanks, Kids, for a wonderful visit with all of you! I love you!

The Sweet Reward of Berry Picking

Thanks Priscilla and thanks Southern Living magazine! I made the most delicious and EASY cobbler this evening with the fruits of our yesterday's labor. Blueberry Cobbler! Here's the recipe:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray 6x11 baking dish with Pam.
Put in about 3-4 cups of blueberries (or dewberries)
Mix together till the consistancy of cornmeal:
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
Sprinkle over the top of berries.
Melt one stick of real butter.
Pour over flour/sugar mixture.
Bake approximately 30 minutes or until bubbly and brown.
Serve warm with ice cream.
ENJOY!

A Perfect Morning in Northern Georgia

Our state is absolutely delightful! Thank you, dear Ones, for including me in this adventure.....And the adventure will continue as we enjoy the beautiful produce this week!

The Adventure Continued As We Picked Blueberries and Visited a Nearby Amish Farm

I've never seen more beautiful berries nor more beautiful produce! Here are scenes of Priscilla, Lydia and Susan in the berry orchard and some pics of the Amish farm down Hwy 411.

Scenes of Susan's Home in the Country

Priscilla and Lydia were so gracious to allow me to accompany them on a delightful adventure this morning. It started when we met Priscilla's friend, Susan, at her enchanting home in the hills!

Final Pictures in Oklahoma

Annie and Philip, Thanks for sharing your lovely homes, cities and campuses with us. You are gracious hosts and we love you so very much! Paul and Liz, thank you so much for coming to join us all. Rebecca, thank you so much for driving me across country to visit our family! This "first time in a year and a half reunion" meant the world to your old mom! I am so proud of all of you!

Sooner Memorial

Annie took us to a sculpture garden honoring the Oklahoma Sooners in Oklahoma City. The statues were breath taking!

Scenes of OSU

One of my wonderful sons-in-law, Philip, is a grad student at OSU. He and Annie graciously took us for an evening tour of the campus. What a beautiful school and what beautiful kids!

Philip and Anna's New Little Home

What a darling bungalow! I know that Anna will have it looking like it came out of Southern Living before she's finished!

Finale on the Fourth of July

I am in awe....literally. I have never in my life seen a more spectacular display of lights and colors. From the vantage point of our own terrace, we had a perfect view, not only of Dalton's beautiful fireworks show, but of the entire Blue Ridge's. As the evening turned to the black of night...we were astonished by the sight of community after community displaying their patriotism in lights. The whole mountain range was lit by burst after burst of color. We could see the distinct flares of Calhoun, Chatsworth, Ft. Mountain, Hiawasse, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Cherry Log along the Blue Ridge. The hundreds of continual bursts of lights in the darkness were breathtaking. And then, as the grand finale, our own Dalton's emerging in its own brief but brilliant splendor!

Despise Not the Day of Little Things

That exhortation from Solomon has always spoken to my very soul. The splendor and intricity found in the individual facets of creation speak not only of God's creativity but of His concern with detail and timing. Each petal and leaf reflect His hand and each season has its own particular splendor. My spirit soars upward in this place.....

Memories of Mother on the 4th of July

Becca and I were just talking about Mother yesterday, when a Robin began to join us for our walk. She would flit along the trail and wait for us, time and again, looking at us and cocking her little head. Memories of Mother flooded both of us. I remember that the 4th was the day that she had lost her own dear mother, and that she was always a bit melancholy and reflective on that day. How much they must be enjoying each other's company today....in Glory!....and what hope that has given me!

What a Day for a Parade!

Lake Hiawasse is lovely. The Fourth of July Boat Parade brought both of us to laughter. Becca felt like a kid again as she recalled Fourths in days past. She simply had to try her hand at a somersault...and I caught her in the process! Made me laugh out loud!

The Road Less Traveled

After lunch today we hiked around a beautiful lake at Hiawasse. Such a peaceful way to spend the midday on the 4th. It was amazingly cool and breezy.

On to Hiawasse for a Picnic

What a beautiful place to have lunch for the 4th......Hiawasse, Georgia! Thank you, Rebecca, for taking me! I still must pinch myself at times to realize that we really do live here!

Bold Stripes and Bright Stars

How proud I am to be a citizen of Dalton, Georgia! This is our city hall this morning. Every soldier from Whitfield County who served in the military during time of war is represented by a flag. What a beautiful sight to behold!

By the Dawn's Early Light

It is such a blessing to be back in my beloved Dalton! Even the morning sunrise over Galilee could not replace the gift of the Blue Ridge sunrise from my own back terrace! Once again, God's faithfulness to this aging pilgrim has been steadfast, unmovable and gracious. I cannot help but sing in my soul!

Amin and His Family

With closing thoughts of Israel, I cannot help but post pictures of our driver, Amin, and his family. They were so gracious to Becky and me. One of the most humbling moments of the trip was being in their home, being served by his lovely and gracious Muslim wife, and meeting his beautiful children. This truly put the phrase, "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" in a new light. Amin lives on the Mount of Olives. I want to pray for this family daily. May we all be in heaven together some day. May Amin and Hillel and their families truly come to know my precious Savior as their own, somehow, some day.

Communion

What a blessed and precious way to spend our last moments in Israel....having communion in the Garden....

Oh Breath of Life, ome sweeping through us, Revive Thy Church with life and pow'r; O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew us, And fit Thy church to meet this hour.

O Wind of God, come bend us, break us, Till humbly we confess our need; Then in Thy tenderness remake us, Revive, restore, for this we plead.

O Breath of Love, come breathe within us, Renewing thought and will and heart; Come, Love of Christ, afresh to win us, Revive Thy church in ev'ry part.

Revive us, Lord! Is zeal abating While harvest fields are vast and white? Revive us, Lord, the world is waiting, Equip Thy church to spread the light.

The Empty Tomb

Jesus Christ is risen today, Our triumphant holy day, Who did once upon the cross, Suffer to redeem our loss.

Hymns of praise, then, let us sing Unto Christ our heav'nly King, Who endured the cross and grave, Sinners to redeem and save.

But the anguish He endured Our salvation hath procured, Now above the sky He's King, Where the angels enver sing.

Golgatha

Together with the Garden Tomb, this was the most moving place I visited on our pilgrimage. If this is not truly the place where our Savior was crucified, it bears all the characteristics of the place. I cannot help but think of my favorite hymn:
When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

Dome of the Rock

A most unnerving place.... It is said that over 4 million dollars worth of gold adorns the dome. Intricate mosiacs and designs of the pillars. Visible cracks in the supports. Opulent and yet empty shells of religion.....

The Chapel of the Via Doloroso

Ancient cobblestone streets. Ever present military, the finest of Israeli youth. Mary and the child Jesus. The Cross of the Mercy Seat. Scenes inside the chapel and out.

The Beginning of the Via Doloroso

What a fitting place to begin our journey down this sacred road.....
The utter simplicity of the chapel. The floor from the time of Christ with Roman gaming boards etched in the rock. The heart rending words on a small plaque by the door: We can only thank Jesus for His Redemption by choosing the way of His love--a love that does not fear suffering, that is sacrificial and even prays for its enemies.

Scenes along the Walls of Old Jerusalem