The thing that cost so much ------

Sunday was Easter.

The sunrise service was beautiful.

Breakfast was amazing. ( Methodists can really cook - and they take a potluck seriously) 

The cantata was harmony. 

The lunch was delicious.

The nap was then fretful.

And the awakening from that nap was wretched. 

Because Sunday was also the anniversary of  the Renal Cell Carcinoma surgery that took my left kidney. 

The day of my surgery is the day that cost so much. 

See, I woke from that surgery with my Aunt and Uncle there with me. 

I love them both dearly and I am forever glad that they were there.

Otherwise, I would have awakened alone. 

There was no intention of harm to my soul, however it happened. 

He knew I was to be okay. 

The doctors had covered the surgery and outcome with him. 

He was relieved. 

He left the hospital and me in the quite capable hands of my loved ones. 

It cost me dearly - that decision. 

I was once again for a major medical issue - ALONE. 

Previous to this - I had pursued the follow up for breast cancer - alone.

Every damned mamogram.

It was just me and the medical people who covered it all. 

Every damned scan. 

And Sunday - as I woke from the nap - there it was again. the memory of alone. 

Twice since then - he has attended church. 

he would have attended at Christmas, but my anger over this reared it's head and there was a confrontation about it. 

And so - on Easter Sunday - the pews filled with new Easter clothes covered families - I wore black and sat by myself. 

Like so many other Sundays. 

But this time I know I am not alone. 

He is with me. 

He brings joy.

He encourages me.

He recognizes me.

Calls me by name. 

Jones Chapel UMC loved me through so much. 

God has loved me through so much. 

I am tired.

Cancer took so much from me. 

It's time for me to take some of those things and move forward again. 

Hold on to your hats people. I made a decision on April 16, 2010.

I think seven years is long enough to be patient. 

I almost wrote "don't you?"

But it is time for me to stop the worrying about what YOU think.

I'm picking up the pieces. 

And --- I know who I can lean on to help

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. 

Church in the Wildwood

"There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,"

An afternoon riding the 4 Wheeler.

With the person who knows how much I LOVE old buildings.

We wind up at this old church in Taliafero County, GA.

I was immediately taken by the building and grounds. 

We will start today outside.

I took way too many photos for just one post. 

We parked under the canopy of the most massive pine tree I think I have ever seen. 

I hopped off and grabbed the camera. 

Photos started immediately.

Details I noticed immediately.

It looks abandoned, but the grass is cut around the church and in the cemetery.

The building is suffering from damage, but is at a point that it could be restored.

I'm pretty sure that I've got the most fabulous best friend in the world, with the Crusty Old Guy.

As I walked up I then noticed 

The windows match the vent area in the center front. 

How stunning will this be with those shakes restored.

This would be a beautiful building to live in. 

Oh look at that rust on the tin.

(dang I love me some rusty worn stuff.)

A different angle shows something that Crusty Old Guy pointed out. The two tower rooflines are not the same. 

(Does anyone know the why of that?)

And look at the slight curvature of the porch roof. (Swoon) 

Notice the single door to the right. There is one on the left as well.

As he explored the grounds, I eased up on the porch.

Let the trespassing begin.

I was very cautious. Testing each step up and across carefully. 

Loving that slight pink tint to the double doors.

Antioch Baptist Church

Founded 1886

( checking the history of the church, this building was erected in 1899)

And look, that door is slightly ajar.

(those who know me well know that YES, I went in)

The back of the church has that little addition area. This is the pulpit area and obviously had a different roofline in the past. 

I really LOVE those windows. 

One last detail for today.

Those single doors on either side of the porch.

Restrooms - and quite clearly marked. Handwritten.

If I were to restore this building, I would leave that detail.

If this were a salvaged door, I would use it for a bathroom door and once again I would leave that handwritten detail. 

would you?

Next time we will take a good look around inside ---

Remarkable isn't it. 

Thanks Crusty Old Guy for taking me to visit this place. 

And, because my sunrise and sunset pictures are my claim to fame, here's a beauty ---