BEAUTIFUL ... FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER ...
I am looking out the window at the "Castle Retreat" (known as the Smoky Mountain house). The grey skies have cleared and the majestic Mount LeConte is in my view. It is beautiful.
Beautiful is a great way to describe our very full and busy "spring break". What a beautiful week we have had driving through the Smokies, Appalachians, and the Shenandoah Valley. God's beauty is incredible. Quality time with family, friends, and even surprise reunions of old "life time friends" filled our week. Patti and I actually got to drive by our first apartment where we lived right after we were married, the University where Patti graduated from, and so much more in her hometown of Richmond. We took a trip just a few miles south to Colonial Heights where we drove by our first Church, Immanuel Baptist, that we served right out of Seminary, and our very first house we ever owned. (Here is a picture of the first "Castle Casa". ) When we owned it, 35+ years ago, the roof was metal and there was no HVAC system. But the "bones" are still the same. (An old farm house that the city grew around...)
Though many years have passed, reuniting with "old and ole" friends is still so sweet and fulfilling. Ironically, we discovered that one of Patti's neighbors and friends had recently passed. We were able to attend the visitation, and though sad because of the circumstances (however he is a Believer and doing awesome now) we, especially Patti, were able to reconnect with life long friends and family. We also had the opportunity to visit with some of our youth from the early days, and their families. As Sandy, their Mom and one of our incredible leaders, mentors, and friends, said on her Facebook post... "Friends are friends forever when the Lord's the Lord of them". Her daughter quickly reminded her that we sang that song literally thousands of times when they were youth - lol.
Beautiful is also the way I described our wonderful Church Family to folks that we visited. Because you ARE! Just plain BEAUTIFUL! You are a wonderful example of the truth that "friends are friends forever when the Lord's the Lord of them!" Thanks for being YOU!
I hope you will join us Sunday as we wrap up our in-depth look at Paul's Letter to the Church in Philippi. Next week will begin our spiritual journey as we prepare for the greatest celebration of all time... Easter. Our service will be special and you will not want to miss it.
I hope to see you, Friend, Sunday. And remember...
You Are Loved so LIVE BIG,
Pastor Lonnie