There Goes Connie - A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

Morgan Price Candy Company in Decatur, AL

08/19/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

English toffee from Morgan Price Candy Company in Decatur, Alabama, is on the list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.” No wonder! The stuff is heavenly. What’s not to like about butter, sugar, chocolate and crushed almonds prepared precisely and perfectly?

I visited recently when expert candy-maker Annie was preparing several fresh batches. She knows the formula and turns out tray after tray of crunchy sweetness.

Annie has perfected the process of making perfect English toffee.

Sprinkling the crushed almonds onto the chocolate.

Morgan Price Candy Company has been serving Morgan County sweets-lovers for 32 years and has been in their present location on 6th Avenue (Highway 31 S) for about 3 years of that time. It’s a great store full of attractive gifts and, of course, candy-themed baskets and boxes.

Gelato was added to the summertime offerings a year or so ago and will continue to be made this year until the end of September. So, go quickly, while it’s sweltering outside and enjoy this creamy, cool treat.

I spied something new on the shelves — Ruby cocoa beans! I’m kicking myself for not trying it while I was there, but that gives me a great reason for a return visit.

For toffee, gelato or beautiful gifts, I highly recommend a trip to Morgan Price Candy Company. Please tell my friends Terry Mayfield and Linda Williams (who help make the magic happen) that I sent you.

Enjoying Encounters With Long-Time Friends

08/16/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

My mother used to be sure she had her hair fixed and her makeup on whenever she went to the grocery store. She expected to see people there that she knew, and she looked forward to exchanging a quick hug and a greeting. I was my mother’s daughter today.

As I was coming out of one deli/cafe, I got a fun hug from a girlfriend in my church. We see each other a lot on Sunday mornings. Our youngest daughters are the same age. We go WAY back.

When I walked into a local candy store, I was immediately greeted by a former colleague from the last school where I taught. We, too, exchanged hugs then she led me around to the back of the kitchen where the “magic” was happening. While photographing the process, a sweet voice whispered in my ear, “You had the world’s sweetest in-laws.” I looked up to see one of my mother-in-law’s dearest friends, and we shared some fond memories. She works there now, too.

Then, I went into a popular Italian eatery to “do some research” (a.k.a. sample something delicious) for this blog, and there sat more teacher friends from another school where I worked over 20 years ago. More smiles, more happy greetings.

I was so glad I had fixed my hair, put on my makeup and decided to wear my new earrings. I had no idea I would see friends everywhere I went today, but it warmed my heart when it happened.

Each person I encountered today has enriched my life. They were put in my path at the exact time God knew I needed them all along my journey. I’d like to think that in some way they feel the same toward me.

My advice? Put on your lipstick the next time you run errands. Anticipate seeing people you might know. Give those hugs and enjoy the ones you get in return. Unglue your face from your cellphone and really LOOK into the faces of those you pass. After all, life is the sum of our relationships. Wouldn’t you agree? Enjoy those from your past. Form new ones according to the place/life stage you are in right now. Twenty years from now, you’ll smile when you see them coming.

Proverbs 27:9 – “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

Psalms 133:1 – ” Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and friends) dwell in unity!”

Proverbs 27:17 – ” Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and Supper Heroes — 2 Cousins Camp Winners

08/12/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Two places were new to us during our recent Pearson Cousins Camp. One is a fabulous new attraction in Decatur, AL. and the other is a fun eatery in Huntsville. Both received rave reviews from our grandchildren and are highly recommended by me.

COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

Cook Museum of Natural Science opened to the public on June 7, 2019, after a long, but well-worth-it period of planning and construction. Cook Pest Control and its owners provided the major impetus and inspiration for the museum with other corporations and organizations making significant contributions, as well.

The facility and grounds are stunning, and the exhibits are done with excellence and careful instruction in mind. I was especially impressed with the well-trained, friendly staff. Steve and I hope to return soon to study each exhibit in more depth, to browse through the gift shop and to sample some goodies in the cafe. Cook Museum opens Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and at noon on Sunday. Here are some photos from our visit:

SUPPER HEROES

I was looking for a kid-friendly place to have lunch after our time at the Alabama Space and Rocket Center on Monday morning, and voila! A real hit popped up.

Supper Heroes, on Winchester Road, is about a 15-minute drive from the Space Center, and their kids’ menu has a grandparent-friendly price. Woohoo! The walls are covered in paintings and comic book covers with Super Heroes as the theme.

Burgers are the specialty, and I can attest that they are wonderful. Steve opted for the chicken salad and liked it, too. At the end of the week, when we were talking about our favorite meals of Cousins Camp, Supper Heroes was mentioned by everyone.

It is open Monday – Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:30 to 2:30.

Whether you’re a grandparent or just a “kid at heart,” I believe you’ll like both of these places — one for amazement and education, the other for good food at a great price.

New Life, Unexpected Death and So Much in Between

08/09/2019 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Last Sunday morning, after an abbreviated lesson on Solomon and godly wisdom, our Life Group celebrated the imminent arrival of a precious baby girl to one of our families. We brought diapers and wipes, ate pink cake and finger foods and had a great time.

Less than 24 hours later, we learned of the sudden passing of the brother of one or our members — gone in an instant of an apparent heart attack at the age of 46, leaving a wife and two young sons.

One group of people joined together by our faith, ages/life stages, and membership at First Baptist but two events that are polar opposites. One full of joy, expectancy, laughter and excitement. The other full of shock, grief, tears and confusion. Both events will cause major disruptions to well-ordered lives, but one is anticipated happily, while the other will have serious repercussions for those left behind.

It’s often referred to as the Circle of Life, but that circle has both ecstasy and agony as we travel along its rim.

Before these two events happened, I attended a family picnic hosted by my uncle in Athens, AL. This uncle, in his 80’s, is coming out of one of the hardest years of his life. Heart surgery, dire complications, months in the hospital, months of rehab, caregivers 24 hours a day when he finally got home, THEN slowly but surely climbing his way back to a semblance of normalcy, even driving. Wanting to express his gratitude to God for being alive and to family for supporting him through the year, he invited 50 of us over, hired people to spruce up his backyard and provided food for all of us, insisting that “nobody bring anything.” He gave a rousing speech before the blessing. He’s a walking miracle, and he knows it.

During the picnic, I watched 2 other family members in their 80’s giving hugs, a cousin showing off her new engagement ring, young second and third cousins splashing in the pool, and we all drank sweet tea and lemonade out of Alabama Crimson Tide cups. Yikes! We Auburn folks are in a minority in this crowd. 🙂

The point is this. If we’re breathing, we are somewhere on this great Circle of Life. How are we managing the stage where we find ourselves? Are we content? Are we doing things that help others? Are we maintaining a good relationship with our family and friends? Do we spend time with God regularly? Are we grateful in good times and in bad? Are we generous with our time and our resources? Do we view each day as a gift? Most of all, are we certain that we will be in heaven with Jesus if our lives come to a sudden end?

I wish I could remember where I was when I took this photo. At any rate, I loved the sentiment. Baggage is detrimental to enjoying the journey, don’t you think?

Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

1 John 2:17 – “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Carolina Beach, NC: 6 Foodie Finds

08/05/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

In last Monday’s post, I gave you 5 reasons to visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Review it here. One of those reasons, of course, is the food. Oh my, the food! Warning: This post will stimulate your appetite, make you drool and cause you to start planning a trip to Carolina Beach.

An insider tip — Straws will only be given when they are requested, and most of them are the non-plastic, biodegradable type. Considering the location and the emphasis on preserving the environment and protecting the marine life, this is certainly understandable.

JACK MACKEREL’S ISLAND GRILL

Technically, Jack Mackerel’s has a Kure Beach address, but in this part of the Atlantic, one beach tends to blend right into the next. The place is colorful, lively, bustling and noisy. Seafood reigns supreme, but non-seafood-lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well.

Calabash platters can be fried or broiled and consist of a choice of shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops or all four.

2. STOKED RESTAURANT

Stoked recently opened in a great location on Canal Drive with views of boats outside and within an easy walk of the Boardwalk. Everything is sleek and fresh inside, and the service is friendly. Food is flavorful, and the prices are reasonable.

My friends and I went for lunch, but I want to try it for dinner when I return. Stoked now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and opens at 6:00 a.m. seven days a week.

Quesadillas or deviled eggs, anyone?

3. MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Michael’s, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, is a Carolina Beach tradition. The chowder is so famous that it has won numerous awards and is shipped worldwide! You could make it your whole meal it’s so thick and rich. But, if you’re hungrier, then a large selection of menu items are available. As a special bonus, Michael’s offers a shuttle service during dinner hours and will actually pick you up at your house or condo and take you back home. Wow! Parking can be a challenge because of the restaurant’s popularity.

4. HAVANA’S

Although the dress code is always “island casual,” Havana’s has an upscale feel to it. That could be due to the vintage atmosphere of the building itself, which was a private home built in 1916. Fresh ingredients and chef-prepared meals are the order of the day, and Havana’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week with brunch on Sunday. In addition to the wonderful seafood, you’ll find plenty of chicken, steaks, pork chops and even crispy duck.

5. THE DECK HOUSE

The Deck House resides in the former Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, which you will readily guess by its exterior appearance. No reservations are accepted, so you can expect to wait. But, there are plenty of places to wait comfortably. Baby back ribs and hand-cut steaks are featured menu items along with the ever-present seafood.

Tip: try to get a table by a window on Thursday nights, so you can enjoy the fireworks from the Boardwalk while you savor your delicious meal.

6. KATE’S PANCAKE HOUSE

What’s a beach trip without a hearty breakfast, right? And, the island choice for locals and visitors is Kate’s Pancake House. It’s only open until 1:00 p.m., so they are serious about focusing on their hungry breakfast guests. Plentiful portions, great prices and very friendly service will impress you in this casual island tradition.

9 Takeaways from Cousins Camp 2019

08/02/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

The 12th Annual Pearson Cousins Camp is now in the books, and, as always, Steve and I reflect, laugh, analyze and start making our list of things to keep or do differently next time.

This year we had 11 in the house for the week, ranging from first-timer Silas, age 4, to teenager/veterans Luke and Nathan, ages 14 and 13. Nathan has now attended every one of the 12 Cousins Camps, and Luke is the oldest of the bunch. Allie, age 18 and about to be a college freshman, was only able to join us for a few hours on Friday when we were in Franklin, TN. She’s a busy girl.

Our theme for the week was “Small Things Can Make a Big Difference,” and the “small things” part included simple acts as well as young people.

One of the campers pointed out this appropriate quote on the wall at the Decatur mall.

Many of our week’s activities revolved around the theme — 1) Space and Rocket Center just 2 days after the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and famous quote “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” 2) Cook Museum of Natural Science where we saw (among MANY other things) an insect that can eat a snake!!!!, 3) painting rocks with happy colors to scatter around a nearby park, etc. And, 4) each night we had a Bible story emphasizing the contributions of young people and what an impact they made. Our characters included Moses, Samuel, David, Esther, the lad with 5 loaves and 2 fish who gave his lunch which Jesus used to feed 5000, and, we ended with Jesus Himself who came into the world as a baby and made the biggest difference of all. We have some natural leaders in the group who LOVE organizing shows/plays/dramas, so we gave them full rein to write, cast and direct the skits until the last night when Granddaddy Steve wanted to really talk about Jesus.

Seth and Maggie dramatizing one of our nightly Bible stories.

First takeaway? Our grandchildren know a LOT about the stories and people in the Bible. We were amazed at the insights they had and the imagination they used to bring the stories to life. Kudos to the parents, pastors, youth ministers and Sunday School teachers who have instilled so much truth into their minds and hearts.
Teenagers create unique challenges. When the kids are little, it’s physically demanding to have a lot of them for a week because so many things have to be done for them — tying shoelaces, putting on floaties, helping with showers, finding their lost items, cleaning up spills, etc. etc. But, with teenagers, the challenges are more mental and emotional. They bring their adolescent swagger with them and sometimes some attitudes have to be “nipped in the bud.” Get my drift? Reminders to show gratitude, to be good role models, to be kind FIRST, etc. came into play. I found myself saying so many things I had said to their parents when THEY were teenagers.
Youngers constantly watch the olders. They know they’re not “the big kids” yet, but they watch every move the older ones make, and they have great instincts about the older ones. For instance, I watched on several occasions when Silas (4) grabbed Seth’s (12) hand when we told them to get a partner or watch crossing the street, etc. Silas and Seth, before this week, have spent very little time together. Yet, Silas intuitively trusted his cousin Seth.
I didn’t hear any whining. Yes, “No WHINING” is one of our big rules every year, but it’s still amazing when you realize they aren’t doing it. Maybe they sense that we just won’t put up with it or maybe they realize that the whole group simply must adopt an “all for one and one for all” kind of mentality to successfully navigate the week. It’s impossible for every person to be happy with the activity or food for every minute or meal of the day, but they’ve come to understand that eventually we’ll get around to what they really enjoy. We did implement a few things recognizing the wide range of food preferences, however. What we called a Sandwich Extravaganza is actually a way to provide a variety of options, for example, so that everyone finds something to eat without complaining. But, you can’t do that for every meal. That’s where “eat what you get and don’t pitch a fit” comes into play. 🙂
Steve and I are 12 years older than when we started having Cousins Camp. Mercy! It’s tougher than it used to be to make every step they make, to sleep less than normal, to stay mentally alert and constantly vigilant about everyone’s safety and whereabouts. We love the week so much I’m sure we’ll continue as long as possible, but we realize each year is a gift.
These cousins have truly become BEST FRIENDS. They love each other and have such fun together. We refer to Rosie, Penny, Megan and Birti as “the quadruplets.” They create games of all kinds and are within a year and a half in ages. Maggie and Luke have amazingly similar likes and interests. They jive. Seth and Nathan are sports gurus and friendly competitors. They’re fun to watch. Samuel, Bethany and Silas are siblings, but they are also great friends. In other words, all of the cousins genuinely look forward to being together — something that would never have happened if they’d only been in each other’s presence for a few hours on Thanksgiving Day and at Christmas.
TV and technology were successfully put aside for the week. I’ll confess that a couple of times it was tempting to turn on the TV to help everyone key down a bit and just “be,” but we were determined to let things play out without it. Also, 5 of the cousins are frequently connected to cellphones and iPads. Those were banned for the week, too. As a result, there were more in-person conversations, much more creativity and probably more sleep at night. Plus, the parents were spared constant texts and interruptions, too. I took photos, made daily Facebook posts and sent short nightly texts to the parents to keep them informed. My own computer remained closed all week, though. Whoa. It made a difference, a good difference.
The most frequent adjective we heard during the week was “amazing.” As in, “That tasted amazing!” “That place was amazing!” “That looks amazing!” Those are some mighty gratifying words for grandparents who try so hard to create a wonderful week for these grandchildren we love so much.
One of the biggest lifesavers was scheduling a cleaning crew for the Monday after camp ended. Somehow, that kept me from stressing so much over the inevitable messes. I knew it would get addressed . . . later. That will now become a camp tradition. 🙂

Seth and Silas holding hands. Penelope offering a piggyback ride to Bethany.

We anticipate 11 campers again next year, because Enoch is not quite 2 and Baby Beatrix is only 3 weeks old. By Christmas, we’ll have the date firmed up and the van rented. Then, a theme will begin to take shape.

For now, though, we are so grateful to God for granting us another year without accidents or serious illnesses. We are happy that another layer of memories has been added and that the bonds between cousins and between us and our grandchildren have strengthened. It WAS “amazing.”

If you’re a grandparent or a grandparent-to-be, especially if your grands live some distance apart, let me urge you to think about your own version of getting the grands together in a deliberate way for the purpose of deepening relationships.

Psalm 103:17 – But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

P.S. If you want to know more details about our daily activities, feel free to take a look at my Facebook posts from July 20-27.

5 Great Reasons to Visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina

07/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

SHELLS, WAVES AND LESS-CROWDED BEACHES

The sand on Carolina Beach is light brown and coarser than that of the Alabama Gulf Coast or the Florida panhandle, but the less crowded conditions more than make up for that powdery white stuff. The seashells are bigger, and the waves are just as impressive. But, having plenty of places to park your beach chair, towel and umbrella with unobstructed views of the water is a huge plus. The powers-that-be recently brought in tons of sand to replenish what was lost in last year’s storm, so the actual “beach area” has expanded exponentially. It’s idyllic and peaceful.

My only caution is to be careful when you’re getting out of one of those low beach chairs — the kind where you can sit on the water’s edge and experience the ebb and flow of the tide washing over your feet. Each wave that rolls in causes your chair to sink a little bit lower into the sand. You’ll either have to be extremely agile or have able-bodied friends to help pull you up. . . . or so I’ve heard. 🙂

Ready to find the perfect spot for my beach chair.

2. WONDERFUL FOOD

As you’ve come to expect from me, I will go into much greater detail about specific restaurants in an upcoming blog. But, let me assure you that Carolina Beach has an abundance of eateries to satisfy every appetite craving — with the number skewed toward seafood, naturally.

I’ll be sharing about Jack Mackerel, Stoked, Michael’s, Havana’s, The Deck House and Kate’s soon, but also know that a gorgeous, new Publix just opened on the island, so visitors can find plenty of food TO-BE prepared and ALREADY prepared both there and at Food Lion when they’re in town.

3. DONUTS, RIDES AND FIREWORKS ON THE BOARDWALK

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park takes up several blocks along Cape Fear Boulevard and is a striking part of the landscape. The rides are open in the summer from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Britt’s Donut Shop, arguably the most popular draw on the Boardwalk, however, opens at 8:30 a.m. to satisfy the demand for their one and only flavor — classic, glazed donuts that quite literally melt in your mouth. Britt’s version is regularly listed in various publications for being the best donut in the state.

Crowds tend to swell on the Boardwalk and in shops, parking lots and restaurants near the Boardwalk on Thursday nights, because that’s when the fireworks show happens. All eyes are on the sky when darkness falls on that night of the week.

They’ve just been to Britt’s Donut Shop.

4. TAKE THE SHORT FERRY RIDE TO SOUTHPORT

Coastal Living Magazine has referred to Southport as “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.” I can believe it. Beautiful homes, a gorgeous setting, unique shops, a picturesque harbor, great food and a laid-back, homey atmosphere combine to make Southport a perfect location for movie crews, especially those bringing to life the novels of Nicholas Sparks. “Safe Haven,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Crimes of the Heart” are just a few of the more than two dozen movies that have been filmed here.

Take a walking tour (if it’s not too hot), enjoy a tram or wagon tour, eat at Fishy Fishy Cafe, browse the shops — especially The Christmas House on Moore Street — but, by all means, experience the ferry ride from Carolina Beach (you can sit in the comfort of your car for the whole trip if you prefer). It costs $7 each way, but I’d call it a must-do when you’re in this part of North Carolina.

5. DRIVE TO NEARBY WILMINGTON

It’s well worth your use of a day or part of a day to drive back across the bridge to Wilmington and immerse yourself in the shopping, history and dining.

Stately antebellum homes line the streets leading to the Cape Fear River. History buffs will want to check out the tours available for Bellamy Mansion or Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens on Market Street or the Poplar Grove Plantation on Highway 17 North.

Have lunch at Elijah’s overlooking the water, but be sure to save room for a cupcake at The Peppered Cupcake a few blocks away. I enjoyed shopping in Ropa, etcetera across the street and many other attractive boutiques.

Wilmington is another quick excursion to make from Carolina Beach that can be fun, delicious and educational.

Looking out on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC.

So many shops in the historic district of Wilmington.

Check back next week for some mouthwatering photos from restaurants around Carolina Beach. So, so good.

Summer’s Beauty and Bounty

07/26/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies — Christ our God, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and starts of light — Christ our God, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

Granddaughter Margaret is learning to play this hymn right now, declaring it one of her favorites. She’s a diligent student, so I have no doubt she’ll be playing it fluidly very soon. I’m also extremely glad that she knows this hymn and loves it. Grateful praise. Beauty of the earth. And, right now, the summertime beauty of the earth is on full display, along with the bounty produced from gardens as a result of the sun and rain coming down from God, our Father.

Psalm 24: 1 – ” The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”

Psalm 23:2-3 – “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

Genesis 1:31 – “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”

I love a farmer’s market in the morning.

I love this display of blooming crepe myrtle trees showing out profusely beside the railroad tracks in Decatur, AL.

I love anticipating the taste of these vegetables and fruits I’ll prepare for our supper.

And, I love this most beautiful evidence of God’s love and provision He brought to our family — our newest grandchild, Baby Beatrix.

So, today I am singing my own “hymn of grateful praise.” I hope you’ll join me.

Thank you, Father, for this season of the year, for the beauty and bounty that comes with it. I thank you for the colors of the flowers and garden produce. I love the energy we feel from the sun and the cooling sensation of the rain. Most of all, I thank you for being the Creator and Giver of Life and for being so good to our family. Amen.

Lodging Options in Helen, GA: From Primitive to Plush

07/22/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

OVERNIGHT TREE HOUSE CAMPING, ANYONE?

Nacoochee Adventures & Zip-n-Time might specialize in zip lines and ATVs, but they will also fix you up with a tree house, if you want to spend the night in the beautiful woods of North Georgia. These treehouses are strictly primitive — perfect for back-to-nature folks — with no electricity or running water. But, with a flashlight and a short walk, you’ll find a convenient outhouse — good to know if you’re trying to avoid bears and “creatures.” Plan to take your own sleeping bags and supplies, but substantial shelter from the rain is provided, along with an up-close way to truly spend the night in the forest. The stuff of fairytales.

Nacoochee Adventures treehouse

UNICOI STATE PARK AND ADVENTURE LODGE

At Unicoi State Park, guests may choose between the hotel-like setting of the lodge or a wide variety of cabins. Especially unique are the barrel cabins with great views of the 53-acre lake. Cabins feature full bathrooms, living areas and furnished kitchens in a wide range of sizes.

Other amenities inside the park include the wonderful restaurant at the lodge, the lake for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, zip-lining, an archery range and miles of hiking trails.

HOTEL CHAINS

With a population of less than 500, it might be surprising to find so many hotels in the tiny town. Clearly, Helen residents WELCOME visitors and want them to have plenty of places to spend a night or two.

You’ll find recognized chains such as Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, Baymont by Wyndham, Country Inn and Suites, Jameson Inn, and I can personally vouch for Holiday Inn Express and Suites. Along with the comfortable bed, plentiful hot water, free Wi-Fi and cable television, the full breakfast (with Cinnabon rolls!!!), the ever-present coffee/tea station and the afternoon cookies elevate the guest experience.

VALHALLA RESORT HOTEL

For a truly upscale and pampered overnight stay, consider the Valhalla Resort Hotel. The location takes advantage of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The guest suites feature private balconies, smart TVs and rainfall spa showers. Ahhhhhhhh.

The bungalows, on the property but separate from the hotel, will accommodate up to 4 people, and the private villa, a short drive away, will accommodate 8 guests.

Valhalla Resort property includes a golf course, a swimming pool with cabanas, and a luxurious spa. Plus, the Caledonia Dining Room provides a fine dining experience for breakfast or dinner.

BOOK EARLY

As you can tell, there’s a setting and a budget to suit everyone. The main thing is to decide when you want to visit Helen and book your acccommodations EARLY. Oktoberfest runs from September 5 through October 31, then the magical Christmas season begins. You don’t want to miss out.

David and Mephibosheth. Like God. Like All of Us.

07/19/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

The story of David and Mephibosheth recorded in 2 Samuel 9 warms my heart, but it also teaches me as I dig through the layers.

As I was growing up, I loved the story of the friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. Even though the relationship between Saul and David was on-again/off-again because of Saul’s jealousy and paranoia, the bond between Jonathan and David remained unbroken. Jonathan did everything he could to protect David from his father’s wrath, and David made a covenant with Jonathan to “treat his family with faithful love” even if Jonathan were to die. (1 Samuel 20:14-17).

Saul and Jonathan died in battle on the same day (1 Samuel 31:6). The nurse in charge of taking care of Jonathan’s five-year-old son Mephibosheth learned of their deaths and was fleeing with him to safety when Mephibosheth fell (or was dropped) and injured both of his legs, injuries that remained throughout his life. (2 Samuel 4:4). Mephibosheth stayed in hiding into adulthood.

David was established as king and spent years attempting to subdue his enemies, but then a period of peace occurred, and he was able to concentrate on matters closer to home. He remembered his friend Jonathan and the covenant he had made to him. He started searching for any remaining family members and learned about Mephibosheth. David asked for him to be brought to Jerusalem.

1 Samuel 9:6-8 (NLT) – “When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

⁷“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

⁸Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

Mephibosheth fully expected to be executed, because that was what kings in that day did — they annihilated the previous king’s family to prevent an insurrection. In David’s presence, he referred to himself as a “servant” and a “dead dog,” admitting that he was completely at the king’s mercy.

David, however, didn’t just allow him to live. He adopted him into his own family, restoring the inheritance of his grandfather and bringing him into his home to eat “at the king’s table” for the rest of his life.

One commentary that I read recently as I was preparing to teach about this story shared a thought that has continued to stay on my mind. It said that in a spiritual sense, as we look at God, we will never be David but always be Mephibosheth. In other words, in God’s presence, we are NOT in an exalted position. Instead, we are in desperate need of mercy and grace because of our sin, and our posture has to be one of humility, awe and respect. But, in our relationship toward others, we should strive to extend the over-and-above kindness that David offered to Mephibosheth. In this passage, David gives us a glimpse of the overwhelming love of God toward undeserving people.

I had never thought of this story in that sense before. Maybe it will help you unpack another layer of the text as it did for me.

Tags