Yesterday, four writer friends and I set out on a journey to find the writer's conference we planned to attend. With map quest in hand, a cooler filled with liquid refreshment, and my SUV, we left Richmond heading for Shady Grove Baptist Church, Orange, Virginia.
Our journey blessed us with the presence of large cattle farms, rolling hills, and the quiet gentleness only found in the country. With breathtaking views and a peaceful drive, time seemed to have escaped us. Though we did not grow up in Orange, Virginia, there was a sense of home.
As my friends found their way around the building, I discovered a quiet spot in the hallway. Alone, I sat down...the presence of GOD clearly present. God's words to me flowed clearly through my pen:
Welcome home, dear child.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city.
Finding Shady Grove nestled in the foothills of Virginia.
A welcome site to at least one of the five busy ladies making the trek from Richmond to the country.
Early we arrived.
Buildings empty.
No people in site.
Quiet.
Oh, so quiet.
I love the sound.
Breaking free from a mold imposed by the past,
Spurring comfort within my heart.
Sweet peace sitting on periwinkle carpet,
Tucked in a hallway.
Today's a new day.
A new life.
A new Generation.
Healing and hope we find.
My friends scattered or did they find their own special place to soak in the presence of Almighty God.
To have and to hold the extra measure of grace, mercy, and love given this day.
Assembled as one.
One in praise.
One in Power.
one in love.
Created to be free.
Created to be one.
Free to be me.
Soaking in HIS presence,
Andrea
8 comments:
Tell us more...tell us more about the conference! Hope you had fun with the gals. It sounds dreamy. My daughter was living near Fredericksburg, Va., over a year ago. She said the state is gorgeous. They were stationed there only 3 months!
Beautiful words and picture! I love those snippets of quiet time. Had quite a few this weekend when the power went out! Hope the conference was great!
Beautiful moment of worship in the simplicity of a hallway in His awesome presence!
Though we are all scattered, someday, we will all be gathered, too and will be praising none other but the Name of "Jesus". God bless.
Andrea,
Your thoughts were beautiful as you basked in His presence. Absolutely beautiful. Ahhhh, I so love the quiet sound...to think, to breathe in everything from Him. You took me there as I read this. I felt it through your writing. I so love it when that happens. You truly have a gift in your writing. I'm so glad I came here to escape, to breathe, to feel peaceful.
Thank you Andrea for my respite here tonight.
Hugs,
Alleluiabelle
Andrea,
You must be so content and happy dwelling within God's presence. I feel that way so many times in church, like angels are perched along the rooftops, smiling over the people below as we lift up praises and worshipping to our God.
Since the sun was shining here, must have been God smiling above you!
Can't wait to hear more about your trip and what you took away from it.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
LOVE IT SISTER! I enjoyed going with you all!
Love you!
I love the chance you had to go do this! THe picture is beautiful and so were your words. Hope it was all you hoped for.
Sounds like you had a very nice retreat/conference. I hope you'll share more later. Did you take that picture? It is a beautiful place.
I love your description and thoughts about the old stone church.
Have a nice week.
Nannette
Post a Comment