September 21, 2011
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."
~ Hebrews 3:4
Well, it has only been a day since my last post, but I felt the need to share the fact that the steel has already began to go up! I snuck up after hours the afternoon, and took a few pictures. It's not much, but it's definitely a start. :)
Hope you enjoy them!
~ Hebrews 3:4
Well, it has only been a day since my last post, but I felt the need to share the fact that the steel has already began to go up! I snuck up after hours the afternoon, and took a few pictures. It's not much, but it's definitely a start. :)
Hope you enjoy them!
September 23, 2011
OK, here I am again. Only been a day, but progress is already being made on the setting of the steel. Once again we are having torrential downpours here in PA, so not sure if they're able to work today, but this is the progress they made as of yesterday afternoon. The top of that crane is WAAAAY up there!
October 3, 2011
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare;
before they spring into being I announce them to you.
~ Isaiah 42:9
Yet another dreary, rainy day again today. I honestly can't remember when the last time was that I was able to stand outside and soak up some sunshine. Gray clouds and rain do not make a very nice backdrop for our project.
I took another trip to visit the Mountain today, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the steel appears to be almost finished and the walls of the sanctuary are starting to be framed. In my mind's eye I pictured beauty rising up from where the ashes once laid. All I kept thinking is God is going to do something new in this place, and it's going to be awesome!
Pictures were taken a bit farther away this time, as there was a lot of scurrying around going on and I didn't want to get in the way. Hope you can at least get a feel that things are quickly moving forward.
before they spring into being I announce them to you.
~ Isaiah 42:9
Yet another dreary, rainy day again today. I honestly can't remember when the last time was that I was able to stand outside and soak up some sunshine. Gray clouds and rain do not make a very nice backdrop for our project.
I took another trip to visit the Mountain today, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the steel appears to be almost finished and the walls of the sanctuary are starting to be framed. In my mind's eye I pictured beauty rising up from where the ashes once laid. All I kept thinking is God is going to do something new in this place, and it's going to be awesome!
Pictures were taken a bit farther away this time, as there was a lot of scurrying around going on and I didn't want to get in the way. Hope you can at least get a feel that things are quickly moving forward.
October 17, 2011
"In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple
in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which
God lives by His Spirit."
~ Ephesians 2:21-22
in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which
God lives by His Spirit."
~ Ephesians 2:21-22
The progress of this building is almost unbelievable. Within a short amount of time, the sanctuary walls are up and almost complete! I knew I needed to take some time away today to update you all with some pictures. Please keep praying! More pictures coming soon!!
When I said soon, I meant it!! OK, pictures ABOVE were taken by my hubby the end of last week, pictures BELOW were taken today a few minutes ago. What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL autumn day! I kinda just drove around the entire perimeter of the building taking shots from as many angles as I could. :) Felt kinda like a stalker. hee hee Looks like they got the roof on! Wow. Again I say, WOW!
October 19, 2011
Brrrrrrrrr. Today was yet another cold, wet day here in New Ringgold. Makes for kind of a miserable day for a field trip, but I got an offer and decided to take a road trip! I was able to take some time today out of my work day and visit the Retreat with my hubby (who, if you remember, is one of the Contractors of the new building). Sooooo, I got some better access than when I take a ride up by myself. Took lots of pictures from the INSIDE this time. The new space is just amazing. The progress is amazing. The place just feels huge, and the sanctuary's vaulted ceilings are just incredible. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Your tour guide
Just a picture of me. Figured I'd show you all that I even had to wear a hard hat to be on-site. The inspector was visiting today, and he insisted on taking this picture. I'm guessing it's because I've taken so many of him over the past few months. ha ha
I've learned a lot thru this process. I learned that a white hard hat signifies that the person wearing it is one of the the 'bosses' on-site. Guess they do this so it's easy to pick out the 'go to' guy if someone has a question about the project. Hum. Funny how my hubby handed me the white one to wear today (just kidding!).
I've learned a lot thru this process. I learned that a white hard hat signifies that the person wearing it is one of the the 'bosses' on-site. Guess they do this so it's easy to pick out the 'go to' guy if someone has a question about the project. Hum. Funny how my hubby handed me the white one to wear today (just kidding!).
Below are a few pictures from the inside of the new Dining Room. What a beautiful view! I can picture how many people this new space will seat. It will be SO cool!
Below are pictures of the Sanctuary from the INSIDE. High vaulted ceilings, tons of windows up high near the ceiling for natural light, and all I can say is WOW. Guess my friend, Bonnie, won't have any more problems with hitting the ceiling lights with her flags!
And a few more pictures of the outside, a little bit closer this time! It is eerily similar to the sample model made out of wafer board a few months ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October 29, 2011
He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; Who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow. He declares His words to Jacob, His statues and His ordinances to Israel.
~ Psalm 147:15-19
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upon waking to a blanket of snow this morning, I felt that this scripture was very fitting for today's entry! They are calling for 10+" (last time I checked), and yes it still is October.
Guess we'll see if the forecasters were right as the day goes on.
Originally, I looked up "snow" in my concordance for the obvious reasons, and there were a few scriptures to choose from. The reason this one spoke to me was because we are coming up on the one-year anniversary (for lack of a better word) of the devastating fire at the Retreat.
Since that time, many godly men and women have spoke a word to Brother Chris about the new building being built debt-free. I truly believe that God was speaking directly to His people (and encouraging Chris), and confirming His will to us all. Just as He sends "snow like wool" and "scatters the frost like ashes", He, too, can put it on the hearts of fellow Believers to walk out this word. What better time than now to stand with the Retreat and make a donation to support everything God is doing on this Mountain, and show how much your appreciate having this place to come and worship? Things are moving along very quickly, and the bills keep coming in. Please take a moment to pray about what the Lord would have you send.
To make it easy for you, donations can be mailed to:
Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960.
You can put "Snow Donation" on the bottom right of the envelope.
I am believing that God's hand has been leading this entire process, and He will provide the financial support to build His house.
Now, I've got a bunch of pictures to share, so I better get started!
~ Psalm 147:15-19
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upon waking to a blanket of snow this morning, I felt that this scripture was very fitting for today's entry! They are calling for 10+" (last time I checked), and yes it still is October.
Guess we'll see if the forecasters were right as the day goes on.
Originally, I looked up "snow" in my concordance for the obvious reasons, and there were a few scriptures to choose from. The reason this one spoke to me was because we are coming up on the one-year anniversary (for lack of a better word) of the devastating fire at the Retreat.
Since that time, many godly men and women have spoke a word to Brother Chris about the new building being built debt-free. I truly believe that God was speaking directly to His people (and encouraging Chris), and confirming His will to us all. Just as He sends "snow like wool" and "scatters the frost like ashes", He, too, can put it on the hearts of fellow Believers to walk out this word. What better time than now to stand with the Retreat and make a donation to support everything God is doing on this Mountain, and show how much your appreciate having this place to come and worship? Things are moving along very quickly, and the bills keep coming in. Please take a moment to pray about what the Lord would have you send.
To make it easy for you, donations can be mailed to:
Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Lane, New Ringgold, PA 17960.
You can put "Snow Donation" on the bottom right of the envelope.
I am believing that God's hand has been leading this entire process, and He will provide the financial support to build His house.
Now, I've got a bunch of pictures to share, so I better get started!
Below is the ceiling of the sanctuary.
Below is a view of the lobby. The windows to the right will look into the new Dining Room.
Below is a view of the new kitchen space.
Below is 2nd floor poured concrete.
A view of the sanctuary looking down from the second floor.
View from 2nd floor into the parking lot.
Below is a picture of the 2nd floor walls - and they're almost up - in ONE day!
Looks like a nice, big space!
|
Below is the new stage.
Below is inside of the new Dining Room.
A view from the kitchen looking into the Dining Room.
2nd floor concrete & beautiful view!
Another view from the 2nd floor.
Working on the 2nd floor concrete.
This is a picture of the inside of the 2nd floor. Sorry these last pictures are a bit dark, but they were taken at the end of the work day last night.
|
November 11, 2011
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
~ Hebrews 11:6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted to begin today's entry with a thought. I was pondering about all the things that has happened at the Retreat over the past year, and looked back to see how many different ways God has had His hand guide us throughout the journey. Who would have thought a year ago we would be where we are today? I thought about how wonderful it is to have praying leaders who hear and know His voice and acknowledge His will, step-by-step, even when sometimes it didn't quite make sense. I guess that's why they call it a "leap of faith"!
When I think of child-like faith, a very special person comes to my mind - Brother Chris. He has SUCH a servants heart (more than anyone I know), and if he heard his Lord's voice telling him to do something, he sticks to his guns and, with blind faith, does it! His simple faith is an inspiration to us all. He is SUCH a blessing, as are all those who are in leadership who prayerfully share the burden of making all the necessary decisions when building a building of this size. I sure am happy to have the simple task of documenting it.
It's amazing to me how many people there are who love this Mountain as much as I do. Well, perhaps it isn't the Mountain, but what God DOES here that we hunger for. We have all stood together with a united heart, having the focus of this project being to accomplish God's will. It is because of the prayers of those seek Him, by faith, on behalf of the Retreat that this journey has run so smoothly, and is why He continually rewards us with the answers to those prayers.
Thank you to all who have been committed to praying for this project, those who gave monetarily as the Lord has led, and those who continue to support the Retreat in any way they can. He is going to do great and mighty things in this new building and it is because it is being built on the prayers of His Saints and the simple faith of believing that if we build it He will come. May we all continue to remain humble and obey His voice no matter what, just like Brother Chris.
The place was bustling with many (many!) worker bees today. The electricians, HVAC guys, Dryvit guys, sprinkler guys, and the framers were all working hard. I'll take a ride up this weekend and get some more current pictures. Now, time for some pictures...
~ Hebrews 11:6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted to begin today's entry with a thought. I was pondering about all the things that has happened at the Retreat over the past year, and looked back to see how many different ways God has had His hand guide us throughout the journey. Who would have thought a year ago we would be where we are today? I thought about how wonderful it is to have praying leaders who hear and know His voice and acknowledge His will, step-by-step, even when sometimes it didn't quite make sense. I guess that's why they call it a "leap of faith"!
When I think of child-like faith, a very special person comes to my mind - Brother Chris. He has SUCH a servants heart (more than anyone I know), and if he heard his Lord's voice telling him to do something, he sticks to his guns and, with blind faith, does it! His simple faith is an inspiration to us all. He is SUCH a blessing, as are all those who are in leadership who prayerfully share the burden of making all the necessary decisions when building a building of this size. I sure am happy to have the simple task of documenting it.
It's amazing to me how many people there are who love this Mountain as much as I do. Well, perhaps it isn't the Mountain, but what God DOES here that we hunger for. We have all stood together with a united heart, having the focus of this project being to accomplish God's will. It is because of the prayers of those seek Him, by faith, on behalf of the Retreat that this journey has run so smoothly, and is why He continually rewards us with the answers to those prayers.
Thank you to all who have been committed to praying for this project, those who gave monetarily as the Lord has led, and those who continue to support the Retreat in any way they can. He is going to do great and mighty things in this new building and it is because it is being built on the prayers of His Saints and the simple faith of believing that if we build it He will come. May we all continue to remain humble and obey His voice no matter what, just like Brother Chris.
The place was bustling with many (many!) worker bees today. The electricians, HVAC guys, Dryvit guys, sprinkler guys, and the framers were all working hard. I'll take a ride up this weekend and get some more current pictures. Now, time for some pictures...
November 18, 2011
Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth;
he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth.
For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.
~Isaiah 65:16
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
he who takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth.
For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.
~Isaiah 65:16
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beauty is rising from the ashes...
I thought about posting a picture of where we were a year ago today, but when I
went back and looked at them I thought it wasn't the right thing to do. I think some dates
are worth memorializing (like my daughter's 11th birthday tomorrow), and some dates
are better to be looked at and used as a measuring stick of what God can accomplish in a short amount of time.
We all can relate to having something bad happen to us in our own lives, and when we stand in the middle of the ashes we ask why and wonder how any good can come out of it. Sometimes our faith is shaken. Some us will turn our back on God and blame Him instead of running into His waiting arms. Sometimes it's difficult to trust that He is even in control when our heart is so broken. When you're in the middle of the thick of it, it is really difficult to think that any good can ever come out of something to devastating.
One year ago today, there was a pile of ashes on the Mountain. Today stands a beautiful new building. On that dreadful day, I remember thinking "WHY?". Why OUR Retreat? How can He take this place away from us?? How could God allow such devastation happen to a place we loved so much? But now it is clear to me that I was seeing the situation as a "poor reflection as in a mirror" (1 Corinthians 13:12). But now, looking back, I clearly see God had a beautiful plan for blessings already scripted for us to receive. We needed to trust and pray that we carry out the plans He has set forth. We've come a long way, baby. Keep pressing in.
God is SO good. :)
went back and looked at them I thought it wasn't the right thing to do. I think some dates
are worth memorializing (like my daughter's 11th birthday tomorrow), and some dates
are better to be looked at and used as a measuring stick of what God can accomplish in a short amount of time.
We all can relate to having something bad happen to us in our own lives, and when we stand in the middle of the ashes we ask why and wonder how any good can come out of it. Sometimes our faith is shaken. Some us will turn our back on God and blame Him instead of running into His waiting arms. Sometimes it's difficult to trust that He is even in control when our heart is so broken. When you're in the middle of the thick of it, it is really difficult to think that any good can ever come out of something to devastating.
One year ago today, there was a pile of ashes on the Mountain. Today stands a beautiful new building. On that dreadful day, I remember thinking "WHY?". Why OUR Retreat? How can He take this place away from us?? How could God allow such devastation happen to a place we loved so much? But now it is clear to me that I was seeing the situation as a "poor reflection as in a mirror" (1 Corinthians 13:12). But now, looking back, I clearly see God had a beautiful plan for blessings already scripted for us to receive. We needed to trust and pray that we carry out the plans He has set forth. We've come a long way, baby. Keep pressing in.
God is SO good. :)
Sister Margaret's prayer room
This is a little closer look at one of my favorite parts of this new building. It is the prayer room built in memory of Brother Chris' beloved wife, Margaret. In my opinion, it's one of the first things you notice coming up the hill.
What a fitting tribute. Two beautiful people who founded this wonderful Retreat Center who walked close enough with God to hear His voice, trust His answers, and accept His plans with unwavering faith. We all can learn so much from them. This prayer room will forever be a reminder of what can be accomplished if we are willing to pray with the anticipation of receiving an answer, and then carry out the plans He has for our lives. :)
Why not take some time out of your busy day today to ask God what He wants YOU to do this day? Until next time...
What a fitting tribute. Two beautiful people who founded this wonderful Retreat Center who walked close enough with God to hear His voice, trust His answers, and accept His plans with unwavering faith. We all can learn so much from them. This prayer room will forever be a reminder of what can be accomplished if we are willing to pray with the anticipation of receiving an answer, and then carry out the plans He has for our lives. :)
Why not take some time out of your busy day today to ask God what He wants YOU to do this day? Until next time...
December 7, 2011
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 14:5-7
Look closely at the picture above. There is actually a rainbow in the bottom left corner. I just thought this was SO cool because it's a reminder of God's faithfulness and and a sign of His everlasting covenant. He is a promise keeper. I truly feel He has directed us to build this new building, and He is faithful to see it through. Pretty neat. :)
Thanksgiving has coming and gone, and we are on a fast track towards Christmas. WHERE did the time go? I just wanted to take a minute to thank you once again for your prayers in supporting the rebuilding of the Retreat, and also for the financial support that will help it to be built debt-free. I know so very many people are thankful for what is happening on the Mountain, and have been dedicated to praying throughout this whole process. It is because of your prayers that we continue to move forward so expeditiously. May we continue to run the race set before us until we reach our final destination. Your prayers and financial support certainly make a difference. :)
Thanksgiving has coming and gone, and we are on a fast track towards Christmas. WHERE did the time go? I just wanted to take a minute to thank you once again for your prayers in supporting the rebuilding of the Retreat, and also for the financial support that will help it to be built debt-free. I know so very many people are thankful for what is happening on the Mountain, and have been dedicated to praying throughout this whole process. It is because of your prayers that we continue to move forward so expeditiously. May we continue to run the race set before us until we reach our final destination. Your prayers and financial support certainly make a difference. :)
December 2011
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
~ Isaiah 9:6
~ Isaiah 9:6