Me.

My friend Patti too this photo.

I was blissfully unaware until she posted it on facebook. 

There was a sweet post with it.

Now - why am I adding to this.

It seems almost completely wrong to do this. 

And then I thought --- no, I want to celebrate where I am - remember where I came from - and maybe ponder where I am going. 

So here goes.

I LOVE my work with those kids at my church.

I started teaching Sunday School in 1992 there - some 24 years ago. 

Wow -- so very long.

I have weathered so many storms since then and yet that simple act of preparing a lesson and sitting in that room over and over every week for all this time has given both me and those kids a stable platform for learning to walk with God. 

Although -- way often -- I stray from the best path. Don't we all.

In years past, there was so much activity in the basement of that tiny little church - now, all too often, I feel like I teach a one-room Sunday School for ages 2 - 50. 

But I digress. 

Storms

Big Damaging ones

Tiny little rain showers

A sprinkle or two

Wind

Snow 

Sunshine too hot to bear

All of those are easy to remember

Let's focus on this picture

Me.

Teaching a child to crochet.

There is so much more than it looks like.

Me talking to her and telling her that yes, there are the "tricks" that I use to make it easier for me.

But her way, the way she feels most comfortable is the best way for her. 

Walking through life is like that.

Aim for love, grace, hope, faith.

Aim to follow the promptings of God in the best way He leads us. 

Wrong turns will happen (some last way too long).

But reality is - we have the option through Jesus to turn back right. 

And to try again to live His teachings.

To form a relationship with him. 

And with these smallest moments - when someone you trust tells you that you are doing just fine, and that you don't have to accomplish everything "their way" - in those moments, we as humans can relax a little and fully be ourselves. 

Maybe that's why the very moment I saw this picture I was able to see myself and be gentle with her. 

The moment I saw this picture - I was able to say - wow, she really is beautiful. 

Then I realized - wait, wow, you just said that to yourself. 

In the moment captured below, I really did feel beautiful.

And Charlie ---- you my sweet friend are beautiful too. Don't let anyone in the world ever convince you otherwise. 

trespassing ---- you know i went inside.

Doors ajar. Seems like an invitation to me. 

I cautiously entered the building. 

And I gasped when I saw this. 

Not the dust filled, drab space I expected. 

Brilliant blue-green upper walls.

Pale pink below a wainscot. 

Light flooded the space, from those beautiful windows.

Just look. 

The next picture is a much better representation of the blue green color. 

The sanctuary was clean. This was a very big surprise for me.

Sure there is disrepair, but someone cares enough about the old building to clean it. 

I was quiet. The still space had a reverent air to it. I couldn't help but be in awe because of the lack of  vandalism. 

These photos are enough to cause me pause again. 

The ceiling is coming down in several places and you can see the wall damage in a few places as well. 

There were unexplained things that were almost eerie. 

See the pink glow on the ceiling over the back window. there was NOTHING pink inside or outside to explain the glow. I must have taken 15 shots before I got this one that picked it up. 

The column on the right is holding up the falling in area of the ceiling. 

And notice - the new looking silk arrangement on the altar.

The back of the pews appear to be one board. 

This one caught my eye with a crack all the way across. Irregular, following the grain, which confirms the single "really wide" board theory.  And the painted color was so pretty with the walls. 

Another view. 

The lighting was amazing.

Near the pulpit area this linoleum "rug" anchored the area. 

Slightly faded, but the florals were still vibrant. 

Details excite me. Especially those that seem to hold meaning. 

A single silk bloom from some long ago arrangement. 

Left on a bench in a church. 

This sighting touched my very core.

I can almost see that one person, alone, pouring heart out to God while sitting here. 

(and notice those saw marks) 

I may have pecked out Amazing Grace on the piano.

 One window had a curtain. Go ahead zoom this - no major dust bunnies or spider webs

just a pretty view out the back.

Picnic tables by the cemetery.

Wonder how many people heard the gospel in that pew. 

Look at that worn finish.

As surprised as I was about an open, abandoned appearing building not being vandalized.

And surprised about how clean it was inside. 

This last photo depicts the biggest surprise. 

The altar.

Covered in a clean lace cloth.

With a note.

And an offering basket. 

With money in it. 

As if they are expecting people to enter. To find what I did. To worship for just a few minutes in their own manner. 

A simple request to help restore the building if you are so led. 

Well you know I added my donation. 

Next time we will explore the grounds.