January 16, 2012
"Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins.
If they do, the skins will burst,
the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
~ Matthew 9:17-18
If they do, the skins will burst,
the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.
No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
~ Matthew 9:17-18
January 2012. Can you believe it's already January 2012?? It is amazing to me how quickly the time seems to be slipping by. I want to apologize for not getting some updated pictures earlier. Seems like Christmas came and went, then New Years, then sickness in our house, then end-of-year stuff for my hubby's business.... and the list goes on and on. I guess you can say "life got in the way"! Before I know it I turn around and it's almost February!! Anyway, sorry for keeping you all in the dark. Hope it was worth the wait. ;)
I really felt like I wanted to start today's entry with a reminder of what God is doing on this Mountain. My good friend, Maria Stolfi, told me many months ago that the Lord had given her the scripture I listed at the beginning of this entry one morning. As I was looking at my pictures and deciding which ones to add here, the Word came back to my mind. I wholeheartedly believe that we need to be preparing for what He has planned INSIDE this new building VERY soon. The foundation has been laid, the walls are up and the roof is on, colors & interior designs are being picked, the work is continuing, but we need to continue to be ready for God's mighty outpouring. Please continue to pray that His will be accomplished in this place. Completion is tentatively being planned for early Spring.
I really felt like I wanted to start today's entry with a reminder of what God is doing on this Mountain. My good friend, Maria Stolfi, told me many months ago that the Lord had given her the scripture I listed at the beginning of this entry one morning. As I was looking at my pictures and deciding which ones to add here, the Word came back to my mind. I wholeheartedly believe that we need to be preparing for what He has planned INSIDE this new building VERY soon. The foundation has been laid, the walls are up and the roof is on, colors & interior designs are being picked, the work is continuing, but we need to continue to be ready for God's mighty outpouring. Please continue to pray that His will be accomplished in this place. Completion is tentatively being planned for early Spring.
February 8, 2012
"... 'Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.'"
~ Exodus 19:23
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~ Exodus 19:23
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Welcome back, everyone, and thanks for checking in today. As you will see in the pictures that follow, work continues to move forward at a steady pace on this wonderful project.
Many of the 'finishing touches' are happening on the Mountain now, and it's been a long journey, yet the time seems to have really flown by. Preliminary plans are being made for a Dedication Service for the new building (early this summer), and I will post the information as things are finalized. Right now, it looks like we're on pace for completion to be sometime in end of March or April (but maybe a bit longer, depending on how things go).
As the finishing touches are being done, I believe it's a very good time to pause and remember Who is and has been orchestrating this wonderful progress.
I have been reading the Bible through chronologically, and I came to today's verse (the story begins in Exodus 19). This chapter talks about when God calls Moses come up the mountain to instruct him how to teach his people what is pleasing to Him. He tells him that He carried His people on eagles' wings and brought them to Himself. If they obeyed Him fully and kept His covenant, then out of all nations they will be His treasured possessions, and will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. God stressed how important it was to remember that He is holy and reminded them that His mountain was holy.
I truly believe that the Lord has an awesome plan for the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat,
and He is preparing for Himself a place to continue to work miracles and touch peoples lives. I also believe He is planning on sending a fresh touch of His Presence in a new and mighty way.
Many people over the years have referred to this place as "holy ground".
What is it that makes it holy? The answer is His awesome Presence. This place is such a blessing because of the dedication to the vision that the Lord gave to Brother Chris & Sister Margaret many years ago. He wanted a place for His people to come and seek His life-changing Presence and be able to come to draw near to Him. What makes it so special is that when we are free to seek His face and worship Him, He shows up!
Let us press in as the Body and agree to continue to pray for protection and wisdom in the finishing of the new building, and also for "things that are unseen" and what God will accomplish in this new beautiful building that He has given to us.
May we never forget that every good and perfect gift is from above, and take the time to stop
and thank Him who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.
This new building is proof of that. :) Can I hear an "Amen"?
Many of the 'finishing touches' are happening on the Mountain now, and it's been a long journey, yet the time seems to have really flown by. Preliminary plans are being made for a Dedication Service for the new building (early this summer), and I will post the information as things are finalized. Right now, it looks like we're on pace for completion to be sometime in end of March or April (but maybe a bit longer, depending on how things go).
As the finishing touches are being done, I believe it's a very good time to pause and remember Who is and has been orchestrating this wonderful progress.
I have been reading the Bible through chronologically, and I came to today's verse (the story begins in Exodus 19). This chapter talks about when God calls Moses come up the mountain to instruct him how to teach his people what is pleasing to Him. He tells him that He carried His people on eagles' wings and brought them to Himself. If they obeyed Him fully and kept His covenant, then out of all nations they will be His treasured possessions, and will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. God stressed how important it was to remember that He is holy and reminded them that His mountain was holy.
I truly believe that the Lord has an awesome plan for the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat,
and He is preparing for Himself a place to continue to work miracles and touch peoples lives. I also believe He is planning on sending a fresh touch of His Presence in a new and mighty way.
Many people over the years have referred to this place as "holy ground".
What is it that makes it holy? The answer is His awesome Presence. This place is such a blessing because of the dedication to the vision that the Lord gave to Brother Chris & Sister Margaret many years ago. He wanted a place for His people to come and seek His life-changing Presence and be able to come to draw near to Him. What makes it so special is that when we are free to seek His face and worship Him, He shows up!
Let us press in as the Body and agree to continue to pray for protection and wisdom in the finishing of the new building, and also for "things that are unseen" and what God will accomplish in this new beautiful building that He has given to us.
May we never forget that every good and perfect gift is from above, and take the time to stop
and thank Him who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.
This new building is proof of that. :) Can I hear an "Amen"?
February 29, 2012
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain is what we're dealing with here in New Ringgold today.
Certainly been a strange winter, not necessarily in a bad way. It's almost like the Lord gave us a mild winter so we were able to continue to work on the new building.
I am very happy to be back on-line after our internet service was down for almost a week.
I took pictures last week, so it's time for a blog update!
Certainly been a strange winter, not necessarily in a bad way. It's almost like the Lord gave us a mild winter so we were able to continue to work on the new building.
I am very happy to be back on-line after our internet service was down for almost a week.
I took pictures last week, so it's time for a blog update!
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"You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance -
the place, O Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary,
O Lord, your hands established. The Lord will rein for ever and ever."
~ Exodus 15:17-18
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When I came across today's scripture, I thought "how perfect for the blog!". The work on the building has been moving forward at such a steady pace, and I believe (no, I KNOW!) it's because it was God-ordained. He is preparing a place to show His glory to His people, and to change lives. He has a plan. The harvest is ripe, and the time of His return is near.
I believe that we cannot even begin to imagine the things that He will do on this Mountain.
I think we as people tend to "think small". Now is the time to press in and expect BIG things from our BIG God!
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"You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance -
the place, O Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary,
O Lord, your hands established. The Lord will rein for ever and ever."
~ Exodus 15:17-18
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When I came across today's scripture, I thought "how perfect for the blog!". The work on the building has been moving forward at such a steady pace, and I believe (no, I KNOW!) it's because it was God-ordained. He is preparing a place to show His glory to His people, and to change lives. He has a plan. The harvest is ripe, and the time of His return is near.
I believe that we cannot even begin to imagine the things that He will do on this Mountain.
I think we as people tend to "think small". Now is the time to press in and expect BIG things from our BIG God!
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Many of you may not know, but Brother Chris will be celebrating his 90th birthday in March. My mother-in-law came up with a great idea. It would be such a blessing to him if the people who are following this blog because they love the Mountain would send in a donation towards the new building in honor of his birthday. It would be neat to send in $90 to represent each year of his life (even if you got together with some fellow believers), but any donation at all in his name would totally humble him (like the guy could get any more humble!), and would be the best birthday present he could receive. You will also be sowing into a wonderful ministry. We are nearing the end, and final bills are coming due. I believe it's God's will that this building is to be built debt-free! If you're willing, please pray and send what you can.
Donations can be mailed to: Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960. Be sure to put on the envelope "Donation to honor Brother Chris' 90th".
Let's see what God can do!
I am listing these pictures in the order I took them. It's the first time in a long time that I actually was able to personally take the pictures myself (instead of my hubby), and it's truly amazing to walk through this new building. The last time I was in there was when the roof was just put on. Wow. The guys who were working on the job were just SO excited and proud of the work they did. They weren't too keen on getting their pictures taken, but some were willing to humor me. :)
Donations can be mailed to: Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960. Be sure to put on the envelope "Donation to honor Brother Chris' 90th".
Let's see what God can do!
I am listing these pictures in the order I took them. It's the first time in a long time that I actually was able to personally take the pictures myself (instead of my hubby), and it's truly amazing to walk through this new building. The last time I was in there was when the roof was just put on. Wow. The guys who were working on the job were just SO excited and proud of the work they did. They weren't too keen on getting their pictures taken, but some were willing to humor me. :)
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March 15, 2012
"As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
~ 1 Peter 2:4-5
~ 1 Peter 2:4-5
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I just wanted to first give a BIG thank you to everyone who sent in their donation in honor of Brother Chris' birthday! I ran into Chris & Helen at the Mountain today, and they are so tickled by the generosity of people. Chris will 'officially' turn 90 on March 19th, so there's still time to get your donation in.
I picked the scripture for today's entry after talking to Brother Chris this morning. He is just so very excited that we will soon be able to worship in the new building. Notice that he didn't say that he was excited about the building, but about what the Lord wants to do inside it. He said that he always wondered why it had to be so 'big and fancy' (if you know Chris, I know you can totally hear him saying something like that!), and the Lord had recently answered his question. He said that God told him it was because the building itself would draw people to come to the Mountain, and many who come may not have a personal relationship with Jesus. They may go to church and pray, but never really experience truly knowing Him. During their visit here, they will be touched by God and come to know Him as their Lord and Savior. He feels that God is preparing for His return, which will be very soon. The time is near, and the harvest is ripe.
That being said, we as believers are "being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood". WE are the church, not the building. But we DO need a place to gather. This wonderful "fancy" building does cost money. If we all sacrificed just a little, we could ensure that it will be built debt-free, which we know is God's will. However, we wouldn't only be contributing to the earthly cost of the building, but also (and more importantly), the spiritual building of "living stones". We are coming to the end of this project, and every little bit helps. If everyone gave only $5.00, it would make SUCH a big difference. Please prayerfully choose to link arms with other Believers and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. ;)
LOTS going on today up on the Mountain, and there have been SO many changes since my last visit. Paint on the walls, final trim, kitchen equipment, flooring, concrete, and the familiar crosses were installed on the front of the building. I was told today that the new sanctuary will actually seat an additional 150 more than what the old sanctuary held.
I took LOTS of pictures, so I guess I better get started. It's gonna take awhile!
I just wanted to first give a BIG thank you to everyone who sent in their donation in honor of Brother Chris' birthday! I ran into Chris & Helen at the Mountain today, and they are so tickled by the generosity of people. Chris will 'officially' turn 90 on March 19th, so there's still time to get your donation in.
I picked the scripture for today's entry after talking to Brother Chris this morning. He is just so very excited that we will soon be able to worship in the new building. Notice that he didn't say that he was excited about the building, but about what the Lord wants to do inside it. He said that he always wondered why it had to be so 'big and fancy' (if you know Chris, I know you can totally hear him saying something like that!), and the Lord had recently answered his question. He said that God told him it was because the building itself would draw people to come to the Mountain, and many who come may not have a personal relationship with Jesus. They may go to church and pray, but never really experience truly knowing Him. During their visit here, they will be touched by God and come to know Him as their Lord and Savior. He feels that God is preparing for His return, which will be very soon. The time is near, and the harvest is ripe.
That being said, we as believers are "being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood". WE are the church, not the building. But we DO need a place to gather. This wonderful "fancy" building does cost money. If we all sacrificed just a little, we could ensure that it will be built debt-free, which we know is God's will. However, we wouldn't only be contributing to the earthly cost of the building, but also (and more importantly), the spiritual building of "living stones". We are coming to the end of this project, and every little bit helps. If everyone gave only $5.00, it would make SUCH a big difference. Please prayerfully choose to link arms with other Believers and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. ;)
LOTS going on today up on the Mountain, and there have been SO many changes since my last visit. Paint on the walls, final trim, kitchen equipment, flooring, concrete, and the familiar crosses were installed on the front of the building. I was told today that the new sanctuary will actually seat an additional 150 more than what the old sanctuary held.
I took LOTS of pictures, so I guess I better get started. It's gonna take awhile!
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March 17, 2012
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth,
will draw all men to myself.
~ John 12:32
The crosses were hung yesterday, and last night was the first time they were lit. I feel that it really symbolizes the purpose of this place - that He will be lifted up and men will be drawn to Him. They really 'complete' the new building, just as Christ completes each of our lives. They really look AWESOME.
You may be visiting my blog and wonder what I'm talking about when I say that the purpose of this place is to meet with God. Well, I felt that I wanted to give you an opportunity to discover what I discovered in 1994. Being a Christian really isn't about religion. It's about a life-changing experience of truly coming to know your Creator personally. Just as you have relationships with family and friends, we are also made to have a personal relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ.
I found this presentation and feel that explains the gospel message in a simple yet powerful way. If you don't already know Him, please take a few minutes to take a look at this video. And if you do decide to commit your life to knowing Him, whether it be for the first time or a re-commitment, please let me know! |
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."
~ John 3:17 |
March 29, 2012
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.
~Proverbs 16:31
it is attained by a righteous life.
~Proverbs 16:31
On March 18th, I was privileged to attend a praise & worship service to celebrate the birth of one of the most humble men I have ever met. Chris Dornbierer turned 90, and many of his close friends and family gathered together in the new sanctuary to celebrate his 90 years of life. Beth lead us in thanksgiving, praise & worship, and many shared stories about the wonderful memories they had of Chris over the years. Afterwards we were treated to "slupper" (the time between lunch and supper!) up in the gym. It truly was a wonderful time.
I thought it would be neat to share some of the photos for the many people who love Chris.
I wanted to thank you all very much who responded to my "send $90 for each year of Brother Chris' life" post. He and his family were truly touched by your generosity!
I thought it would be neat to share some of the photos for the many people who love Chris.
I wanted to thank you all very much who responded to my "send $90 for each year of Brother Chris' life" post. He and his family were truly touched by your generosity!
My internet has been down now for several days, and I apologize for the delay in getting my blog updated. I know many are excited that we are coming close to the finish!
Thanks to my Brother & Sister-In Law, I'm able to post today's pictures.
I can now happily announce that the Re-Dedication Service is officially scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 25th & 26th. Plans for the schedule are still being made, but they have definitely 'locked into' this date. You can probably check the Retreat's website for more information, or give them a call.
Finally, I'm posting pictures of the crosses installed (on the front & side of the building). Carpet has been installed in the Sanctuary, and trim and 'finishing touches' are happening all around the building. Please don't forget, if you would like to make a donation towards the completion of this building, now's a great time. They have a line of credit set up and ready, but are believing that God will make a way to finish it debt-free.
Thanks to my Brother & Sister-In Law, I'm able to post today's pictures.
I can now happily announce that the Re-Dedication Service is officially scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 25th & 26th. Plans for the schedule are still being made, but they have definitely 'locked into' this date. You can probably check the Retreat's website for more information, or give them a call.
Finally, I'm posting pictures of the crosses installed (on the front & side of the building). Carpet has been installed in the Sanctuary, and trim and 'finishing touches' are happening all around the building. Please don't forget, if you would like to make a donation towards the completion of this building, now's a great time. They have a line of credit set up and ready, but are believing that God will make a way to finish it debt-free.
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April 13, 2012
I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
~ John 5:24-25
~ John 5:24-25
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Welcome back to my blog, everyone. Spring is a wonderful time of year. A time of "all things new". New flowers blooming, trees budding, the return of songbirds singing sweetly in the morning, longer days. Spring is definitely a most beautiful time of year. That which was dead (asleep during winter) has been resurrected and filled with life by the warmth of the sunshine and the spring rains.
I sure hope I don't sound too "preachy", but I can think of something even more wonderful than the newness of the nature that surrounds us. When a person who is "spiritually dead" is awakened by the truth in the Word of God and makes the choice to receive the personal gift of salvation and reconciliation through God's son, Jesus. He is no longer "under the law", but is set free because he has once and for all been reconciled to his Creator. The old has passed, the new has come. And believe me, there is really nothing like it.
No more striving to be the best person I can be, just in case I die unexpectedly so that God can see that maybe I'm a good enough person to be allowed into heaven. Always wondering "Did I do enough? Did I say enough prayers? Was I kind to enough people? Did I do enough good things? A good God wouldn't send a good person like me to hell, would He?" Well, if you put your faith in Christ, you can finally rest assured that you have done enough. You see, it's no longer about you. It's all about Jesus. Salvation is a gift of grace, something none of us deserve, yet God gives freely. But, when we accept that free gift, He accepts the fact that Christ paid your sins, and you are instantly forgiven of past, present, and future sins. Yes, I said future. Being a Christian does not make you perfect. Far from it! But you can finally receive the peace you have been searching for.
You know, I chose today's scripture verse because many of today's pictures are about the sound system, audio and visual aids, etc. that has been and is being completed. My thought was that I could find a verse about "hearing" because that's what this new equipment would allow us to do - hear the music, the speakers, see the words to the songs on the big screens... but then it came to me. It isn't about any of these things. It is about so much more. This is a place where people will come to listen to the Word of God. The truths found in this Book will teach, convict, assure, and comfort. It is called the "Living Word" and that it is. This blog should not only be about a "bigger and better building", but all about what God can do inside these walls. Many who are spiritually dead will visit and hear and come to receive eternal life through a personal relationship with the Lord. The audio & visual stuff is only a tool that He will use.
As believers, can we all press in while things wrap up in the construction process and pray that God will reap a mighty harvest for His kingdom and His will be accomplished on this Mountain. That many people come, hear, and receive the Truth, and cross over from death to life.
Not too many pictures this time, because there's not a lot left to be finished! Don't forget, the dedication service is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. And if you can send financial support as we get close to completion, it would be greatly appreciated. God has been SO good throughout this whole process. To Him be the glory. :)
Welcome back to my blog, everyone. Spring is a wonderful time of year. A time of "all things new". New flowers blooming, trees budding, the return of songbirds singing sweetly in the morning, longer days. Spring is definitely a most beautiful time of year. That which was dead (asleep during winter) has been resurrected and filled with life by the warmth of the sunshine and the spring rains.
I sure hope I don't sound too "preachy", but I can think of something even more wonderful than the newness of the nature that surrounds us. When a person who is "spiritually dead" is awakened by the truth in the Word of God and makes the choice to receive the personal gift of salvation and reconciliation through God's son, Jesus. He is no longer "under the law", but is set free because he has once and for all been reconciled to his Creator. The old has passed, the new has come. And believe me, there is really nothing like it.
No more striving to be the best person I can be, just in case I die unexpectedly so that God can see that maybe I'm a good enough person to be allowed into heaven. Always wondering "Did I do enough? Did I say enough prayers? Was I kind to enough people? Did I do enough good things? A good God wouldn't send a good person like me to hell, would He?" Well, if you put your faith in Christ, you can finally rest assured that you have done enough. You see, it's no longer about you. It's all about Jesus. Salvation is a gift of grace, something none of us deserve, yet God gives freely. But, when we accept that free gift, He accepts the fact that Christ paid your sins, and you are instantly forgiven of past, present, and future sins. Yes, I said future. Being a Christian does not make you perfect. Far from it! But you can finally receive the peace you have been searching for.
You know, I chose today's scripture verse because many of today's pictures are about the sound system, audio and visual aids, etc. that has been and is being completed. My thought was that I could find a verse about "hearing" because that's what this new equipment would allow us to do - hear the music, the speakers, see the words to the songs on the big screens... but then it came to me. It isn't about any of these things. It is about so much more. This is a place where people will come to listen to the Word of God. The truths found in this Book will teach, convict, assure, and comfort. It is called the "Living Word" and that it is. This blog should not only be about a "bigger and better building", but all about what God can do inside these walls. Many who are spiritually dead will visit and hear and come to receive eternal life through a personal relationship with the Lord. The audio & visual stuff is only a tool that He will use.
As believers, can we all press in while things wrap up in the construction process and pray that God will reap a mighty harvest for His kingdom and His will be accomplished on this Mountain. That many people come, hear, and receive the Truth, and cross over from death to life.
Not too many pictures this time, because there's not a lot left to be finished! Don't forget, the dedication service is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. And if you can send financial support as we get close to completion, it would be greatly appreciated. God has been SO good throughout this whole process. To Him be the glory. :)
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