Stress Remedy

"Take time out from the hustle and bustle to be alone with God --- your hope, your strength, and your promise of a brighter tomorrow.".............the late Barbara Johnson

She also wrote:

"The blessings that come from reaching out to others cannot be overestimated."

Ms. Johnson's life was a life filled with more sorrow than most people could handle.  She turned it around and helped people through laughter.  The next time you are in a Christian bookstore, ask to see if they have any of her books.  They will brighten up your day with laughter to tears.

THANKSGIVING 2013

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord He is God:  it is He that hath made us , and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise:  be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."...........Psalms 100

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

I WILL SING

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations........and the heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O Lord:  Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints."    ............Psalms 89: 1, 5

Sitting at Pretty Place earlier this week on one of the prettiest days this month, this verse was brought to mind.  If you can bring yourself to close your eyes, it does not take much to imagine the heavenly choir singing praises.

"We're not put on this earth to see through each other, but to see each other through."......
.....Barbara Johnson

As you are out and about today, take a look at those you pass by and lift them up before God.  You do not know what they are facing or will be facing.  This is one way to see each other through.  You will probably never know what that little blessing will do for them.....but God does.

Wondrous Works

Psalms 145:5 -- "I will speak of the glorious honor of your majesty, and of your wondrous works."

Being at "Pretty Place" clears up your mind.  Because of His majesty in  His works that you see, you become very thankful for the sacrafices made by men and women beginning before our independence was declared.  Thank you, Father, for your blessings upon this country and for giving all who have given their time and lives the strength to make the ultimate sacrafices.

Think On These Things

Phillippians 4:6 - 8...."Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on  these things."

Think on these things the next time you visit Pretty Place and the peace of God which passes all understanding will calm your heart and mind.  May Jesus hold and keep you.

The Glory of God

From time to time I am asked about the plaques that are in the Chapel and if I would mind finding a particular one and sending on the exact words. Yesterday, I was looking for one and ran across these verses on one which expressed my sentiments exactly..........

Psalms 19: 1 - 4...."The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun.".........beautiful!

Have a Blessed Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

John 19:26-27:  "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, 'Woman, behold thy son!'  Then saith he to the disciple, 'Behold thy mother!'  And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Do you know a mother that will be alone on Mother's Day?  Jesus set an example here as he was dying.
The disciple set a precedent by taking her into his home to be treated as his mother year round.  Have a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Christ is My Rock

Psalms 61: 1 - 2: "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than me."

Think about this verse the next time you visit Pretty Place and look beyond the cross and out over the rock. He is bigger still!

Chapel Upgrades

Beginning Monday, March 19, 2012 Symmes Pretty Place Chapel will be closed to the public while several upgrades are completed. Included in the list of improvements are: a repainting of the entire chapel; several small structural and cosmetic repairs; the rebuilding of a border wall; lighting improvements and door replacements. The work will cease for Easter weekend and conclude in time for spring weddings and our Family Fun on the Mountain centennial celebration.

He Is Risen Indeed!

"...behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living amoung the dead? He is not here, but is risen....." Luke 24: 4-6

You are welcome to join the Camp Greenville staff and guests in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, April 8th, at Fred W. Symmes "Pretty Place" Chapel. Plan to arrive by 5:15 am and be a part of our tradition of listening to an encouraging message from the camp director and an uplifting cantata by the Rocky Hill Baptist Church choir. The service ends just in time to see the sun rise above the Blue Ridge Mountains. A delicious breakfast will be served in the Camp dining hall for a $7.00 fee following the service. Please register at www.campgreenville.org/eastersunrise.php.

Easter Family Camp - April 6 - 8

Spring is in the air! Come join us for a weekend of fun and fellowship. You might want to try out the zip line, decorate eggs for the Easter egg hunt, and hike to Rainbow Falls. Join us for smores by the camp fire and end the weekend with Easter Sunrise service and breakfast in the camp dining hall. Truly a great weekend for the whole family! You can register on line at www.campgreenville.org/easter-sunrise-service-registration.php. or call Ryan James at 864.836.3291, ext. 108.

Check This Out!

I love reading comments about "Pretty Place". This picture and the comments below it make my day!
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Bridal Fair

Come check out our "Pretty Place" display at the Carolina Mountain Wedding and Events Bridal Fair in Brevard, NC, this Saturday, February 18th. It will be at the famous Silvermont Mansion from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.............Hope to see you there!

The "Pretty Place"

I stand uplifted on the "PRETTY PLACE"
Where granite towers kiss the sweep of skies.
How surely God's hand, shaping earth and space,
Dropped here a corner small of Paradise.

From upland meadows soar cathedral spires,
And down rush fountains, healing thirsty lands.
The sun at vespers kindles altar fires.
Here truly God and I are touching hands.

From distant hamlets curl the smokes of man,
And friendly homeward roads wind through the glens.
Here wisps of clouds drift by in caravan,
And sweet wind-harps through pines sing soft Amens.

Oh God Creator, when You deem it wise
To free us from our foolish wiles and arts,
Pray tarry here among us. May Your eyes
Soon find Your "Pretty Place" within our hearts.

Hubert M. Turner
Mebane, N.C.
June 1957

Another Sunrise

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