Monday, April 23, 2012

Earth Week....

I certainly had no idea that Earth Week would become so busy that I wouldn't have a chance to post on the blog until this morning!:-)  The Senior Chorus, of which I am a member, had two performances on schedule last week.  Along with bridge, a hair cut appointment, and preparations for a short time out of town, I simply didn't get back to blog!  I went away with good intentions, then landed in a spot without a strong Internet signal.:-(

It was very fitting that Earth Week would arrive, and I would be found already reading "All Creation Sings" by J. Ellsworth Kalas, a past president of Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.  This is a book that is on the UMW Reading List for this year, and I have set a goal to read as many from that list as possible.

It was also fitting that the brief time away was for a Conference UMW event called Spiritual Enrichment Experience.  With the setting at Lake Junaluska, NC, it is easy to be surrounded by the beauty of God's creation.

Gardens at Inspiration Point.

A cross on the grounds of Inspiration Point.

Some of the gardens and the view beyond.

Sculpture on the grounds of Inspiration Point.

More of the gardens.

The cross is the focal point of Lake Junaluska.

Roses just beginning to bloom.

Gardens near Lambuth Inn.

More gardens outside Lambuth.

Still more....

                                           ....and more.
Lake Junaluska is the official Assembly grounds for the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.  Our UMW event is held there each year, and it is always a good time for spiritual renewal.

It is our thinking that Earth Week initiatives are not limited to just this one week.  We follow many practices here at our house that we hope are contributing to the betterment of the Earth.  I will be mentioning them along in future posts.

I really appreciate those of you who are following along.  Your comments are much enjoyed!

Next post - Back to the kitchen - again!

13 comments:

  1. What a beautiful spot you landed in there! Inspiration indeed! We saw all kinds of people on Earth Day out striving to make a difference. Blessings- it sounds like you had a busy weekend- xo Diana

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  2. What a lovely setting for a spiritual respite. Gorgeous pictures.

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  3. What a beautiful place to have a retreat. The grounds are gorgeous. xo

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  4. In all of my years in the UMC, I never did visit Lake Junaluska. I'm sure I could go now, but we just don't make many trips these days, even though this one would be reasonably short. This truly does look like a restful, inspirational place, and I'm glad you had a good weekend there. The thing that makes me happiest is that the cross is EMPTY!!! Our Lord is risen, to give us victory over sin and death! Thank you for giving us a view of some of that beauty.

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  5. Wow! What a lovely place for a retreat...the grounds, flowers and plants are beautiful!

    Blessings,
    Gert

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  6. How nice and what great pictures. I am sure you had a lovely time.
    I love the giant crosses.

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  7. Great photos Nellie. The gardens look so beautiful and tranquil. I had never heard of that place before. What a wonderful place for a retreat. Thanks for sharing.

    Nann

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  8. Beautiful gardens, love those Lupins ;)

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  9. Your photos are all SO beautiful, Nellie! What a wonderful retreat! I was raised in the Methodist Church(joining the Episcopal Church after I got married) and my Grandmothers and Great Aunts were all in UMW. Thank you so much for visiting me, and have a lovely Wednesday!
    Hugs,
    Anne

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  10. You must have enjoyed that week-end away in such beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
    Happy birthday for today Nellie! I hope your day is a lovely one.

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  11. What a beautiful setting for meditation on things above, Nellie!

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  12. Hello to you, and thank you so much, for stopping by my blog, and leaving a comment.

    What beautiful photographs you have here, on your blog. Lovely, all...

    Oh and if you have similar, full-of-atmosphere-restaurants in your area (to the one I pictured in my blog), I'd love to see pics of them.

    See? How is that??? You just *have to* go eat in those restaurants, to do Photo Ops for your Blog!!!!! How is that for a great excuse?!? ,-)

    Gentle hugs,
    "Auntie"

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  13. Btw, I love your name! "Nellie" What a lovely and old-fashioned-sounding name! Which is good, to me. :-))))

    Gentle hugs,
    "Auntie"

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