A Taste of Heaven

Gods Glory Manifested Around Me

On the way to church last Sunday I noticed a small gravel road with a sign that announces "Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area."

Well, lets just say I mentioned it in an excited way to my husband.  Then let it go.  We had places to go, you know.

On the way home from church and lunch, my very loving hubby slows down and points at the sign.  I nod and smile.  He makes a U turn and we pull into the small gravel road/parking lot off the highway and park.  He reminds me that our daughter and I are not dressed for the occasion.  I remind him that we are tougher than we look and clothes are made to be worn and worn out.  Then we take a look at the posted map of the journey to the waterfall.  It's not paved and absolutely not level.  Our daughter is in very cute high top boots that match her skirt. (Thank you, Nana!)  Perfect for a pink unicorn loving tomboy!  I am in a long skirt and flip flops.  Not conventional hiking attire.   I remind him that many women survived in dresses for years before the feminist movement gave us pants.  

And a beautiful journey began!  We made it in one peace and fell in love.  So we decided to come back the following Saturday dressed properly and with water and bug spray. (the tics are crazy this year and I am tired of them.)

The first, smaller, waterfall.

I was taken back by the beauty last weekend.  I was speechless this time.  The second time back, with boots and other nice amenities allowed me the opportunity to pay attention to much more than my feet.  I took so many pictures my battery almost died.  

I know no other way to describe this place.  We were surrounded and engulfed by Gods Glory manifested around us.  It was overwhelming, fascinating and humbling. 

Because I cannot, in my own mind, fathom words to describe the absolute majesty in this small fragment of Gods amazing creation, I made a video that contains just some of the pictures I took and a song that really says it all.  This is my very first video!  I pray that you will be able to see and feel the Glory that permeates all of creation!

Have you found any amazing spots close to home that you love to visit?  I would love to hear about them!

I am linking up with...




  

Joyful Friday - My Testimony

I am changing Joyful Friday up a little this week.  I have finally gotten up the courage to share my testimony of how God drew me to Him.  How he took the bad decisions I made and worked them for good.  How he picked me up out of the deep black pit I was in, dusted me off, wrapped His arms around me and put me back on my feet, facing Him.  On His path, surrounded by Light and Love.

My wonderful friend Nikki from SimplyStriving was kind enough to take some of her precious time to read it and give me some suggestions. I am eternally grateful for her insight and kindness!  Because it is so long, I have decided to make a page dedicated to it.  I will give you a snippet of it today, along with a song that sings along with my spirit.  Then, should you want to read the whole story and have a few extra minutes you can click on over and check it out!

Taken from "God's Story through My Life" -
"So I woke up one day and decided to go with "Plan B."  I began to relive the years I felt I had missed.  I started drinking, doing drugs and then found less than desirable ways to make money.  My goal was to make as much money as I could as fast as I could so that I could leave my first husband and my life as I knew it quickly and completely, never to look back.  I was as far from God as I can ever imagine someone being."

Oh Happy Day by Jesus Culture truly sings along with my spirit!



I pray that you will read my testimony with an open mind and open heart.  I also pray that you will find encouragement and hope in it.  That you will be reminded that you can not stray too far from God.  His love for you is perfect and unconditional.

I would love to hear from you!  What is your testimony?  How has God worked in your life to bring you to Him?

Blessings and Joy to all!

Tune-In Tuesday - From the Inside Out

This is one of my and my families favorite worship songs and bands.  We love Rock music and Worship music and this band has perfectly combined the two!  Seventh Day Slumbers Take Everything Album is full of wonderful worship songs and this is the one we listen to the most.  If it was a cassette, it would be warped right now!



I am so full of gratitude and praise for our Mighty King that I am almost speechless.  Today, I am going to let the song speak for itself.

I pray that your spirit is lifted from this song.

I am linking up with Grow Where You're Planted for Tune-in Tuesdays!  We would love if you would join us with your favorite Worship song!

First Post - Abundant Mercies

Lamentations 3:22-23

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²²It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassion's fail not.
    ²³They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.


I don't know about you, but if the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness were not fresh everyday, I would be in a lot of trouble!  I am grateful to know that when I fail, His compassion does not.  He knows me and understands me and He loves me anyway!  Once I wrapped my head around that, I was brought to my knees.  Each day I have to be reminded and each day He is faithful to remind me that He is Love.  


My intention with this blog is to give voice to my journey - My physical, spiritual, creative and mental journeys.  At 35, I have already passed much of the journey and will add those flashbacks as I feel inspired.  For now, I am going to start with the present - because it is a gift!


The reason for this intention is the hope that even one person may read this blog and feel encouraged. No matter where you are in life, there is always hope for today and tomorrow.  If you are beat down, broken, jaded or just plain tired, then stick with me.  I have faith you will see "light" closer than the end of the tunnel!


In sharing this Truth and Love I will also share myself.  Not a "church face" but the real me, with real struggles, joys, lessons and tons of laughs and love.  Being a homeschooling mom, stay at home wife, artist at heart if not in skill and a lover of all things beautiful, I venture to say that this should be a pretty interesting mix of information!  


I am fumbling my way through "this blog thing" and hope to have more for you soon!


Peace and Love to all!


Jamie