Peace on the Little Pigeon River

 July 5 we headed to Pigeon Forge, TN for the kids' dance nationals. It was our third year in Pigeon Forge and we were already dreading the huste and bustle of the parkway. If you read my last post you know that our summer has been filled with loss, grief, changes, and many days an overall sad spirit. Needless to say, we were not in the mood for overpriced mini-golf, wax museums, or crazy souvenier shops. 

Our first morning in Pigeon Forge was a Sunday and instead of worshipping online with our church from home, I found that First Methodist had a service time that worked with our dance schedule. I made the short drive and found myself, in the middle of the PF Strip, at the sweetest brick church right along the Little Pigeon River. The sign out front told me of church ancestors who had built this little place after the last pandemic and a historic flood over 100 years ago.

Just beyond that tree is the Little Pigeon River

Inside, I was warmly welcomed like a lost friend. Seated in the "Midwest section" among other out-of-staters from Ohio, I was greeted by the pastor and most of the church members. I heard "Glad to see ya" and "What brings ya'll here?" and "So glad you've stopped in today" over and over again. 

Seated on a pew, well worn by 100 years of use, I worshipped alongside those in their Sunday best, those decked out in Dollywood souvenier gear, and even a gal ready for her next work out. We sung old hymns accompanied by a piano and organ that have been used by several generations and worshipped the One who's been here for all time. 

In a church who's mission statement read "...to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly" it was a JOY to commune with them. I typically choose to visit Methodist churches while traveling as they all practice open communion, allowing for any and all to commune with them. As the pastor welcomed all to the table he said, "Welcome All. We care not what journey in life brought you here today or where you are in your spiritual journey just that you are in this space with us today. Because you are here, you are welcome."

During prayers, they asked for names to be spoken aloud

for the church to hold in prayer. I took this as I spoke dear Halle's name

into the silence. In the moments that followed, a congergation of strangers

lifted her name in prayer alongside me.

At the end of service, this church often filled with travelers, acknowledges that many will never worship together or in that space again, and thus they sing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." Someday, other the other side of the River of Life, we'll all sing and worship together.

Dear Readers, if you have not yet found a place to worship that says "I'm SO glad you're here" or "You're welcome just as you are" - I am in prayer for you! It is my dearest desire that all would find a church home that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive. If you're local to me, please ask about our church home and how you have a place there. 

Dear Readers, if you already have such a church home - are you welcoming all who stop by on their journey? Are you grasping the hands of others, making eye contact, welcoming them in on this day that your paths have crossed?

I have written Psalm 40:10* and Acts 20:24** on my heart and aim to live them daily. Friends, even in this hard season, I am living in faith, in hope, and in the promise that God loves us. ALL of us! God has chosen us to be here in this time, living for Him, and for His people. My goal is to speak Truth, to love big, and to witness boldly that all might know Him. I am thankful for that quiet reminder on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Amen.

* "I do not kept the Good News hidden in my heart. I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone of your unfailing love and faithfulness." - Psalm 40:10 

** "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me - the task of testifying the Good News of Jesus Christ." - Acts 20:24  

Where We've Been...

 Hello Frugal Friends.

Long time no "see"

It's been a month since I've posted, probably the longest break I've taken since beginning blogging in 2008. 

Our June was . . . 

I don't know how to describe our June.

The end of May, we had the most beautiful day with my Momaw. We had lunch with her, talked about home projects, celebrated Owen's birthday, and for a bit of the afternoon just she and I sat in her living room. I read a long time ago that "grandparents are your first best friends" and that is 100% true for me. Momaw was always my voice of reason, encouragement, and her pride in me was just what I needed when I was unsure. We left that evening with a "See you next Friday."

Over that weekend, we celebrated Owen's 10th birthday a day early with a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo for the rhino experience. He was thrilled to meet his favorite animals and watching him pet them was a gift to me as much as it was to him. There was a long moment where he stood, eyes closed, hands to the side of a rhino and it was almost like a religious experience. I could feel him speaking to the rhinos soul and back. 

Owen turned 10 on June 2 and that same evening Momaw entered the Life Eternal. 

We did indeed go back to visit her that Friday - for her funeral - but we did go. Like many funerals, it brought family in from far away, put nearly everyone in the family in the same space at the same time, and I tried to enjoy that gift. God is always good, always working for us, and we all couldn't help but smile that the route from church to the cemetery (without any planning by the family) took us past the Barnard-Jones building at KWC, her favorite bread shop, the old neighborhood, the country club, and past her favorite orchard. It was one last tour with her of all of her favorite places. 

We spent a week+ in Evansville/Owensboro with our family, doing what needs done to begin the process of closing a house. Then we came home to our busiest week of summer - VBS and six dance shows all in one week. My parents came up for that week and we enjoyed even more time together.

Last week, Annabeth had her favorite week of summer - Production Camp and Owen and I finished our Indiana Counties tour. We also said "See you soon" to one of our pastors. As United Methodists, we are always changing pastors and this was our third to leave since 2020. We'll say "hello" to our second new one in just a few weeks. I love our church and this tradition as we faithfully accept the will of God for leadership in our church but it isn't always easy as we truly miss the people. 

As we left church that afternoon, I said "Lord. Please no more." 

Then we got word that a dear little girl, a friend of Annabeth's since Kindergarten, was in a car accident. We've spent day and night since then praying for Halle and for her family. Just like my Mama, I'm one for pacing the house at 3 AM when I can't sleep, and I've covered many miles it seems as I pray for Hal and her family. I am so thankful for a BIG God who can do BIG things. If you would, join us in prayer for her.

This month I have not been at my best. I have not shown up for others as I probably should have. I have not felt like connecting but God had a different plan. In a month when I've wanted to be selfish and sad, God has given us neighbors who needed lawn care help, friends who needed meals made, birthdays to celebrate, and life to live. 

Today I am so thankful to be here, for my children to have started school this week, and for the gift of serving God and others every single day. 

Thank you for your patience as I let this space go to hold space in "real life" for work that needed to be done there. 

See you next week Frugal Friends! 

Owen and I found solace in a tiny house in the woods.

We saw deer, rocked in a hammock, and

walked down the road for dinner.