Careful Steps

We climbed up and up the trail with careful steps, way above a valley of vibrant foliage to fresh air and spectacular vistas. Seeing old growth with new growth in the grace of life. Here lives a world of bears, bunnies, birds, wild turkeys, and more.

Then we headed deep into the mountain, descending to a primordial forest floor that led to a running creek and onto the Baskins Creek Falls. Large yellowish leaves and white flowers mesmerized below, where the stream flowed amongst smoothed mossy rocks. There is nothing like walking through a thick forest of falling leaves, rays of light streaming, the sound of water rushing, birds singing, and rustling in the bushes.

The destination – a 40-ft fall – was stunning. We had read that Baskins Creek Falls was an easy hike. But, after the return steep ascent, we learn there are no easy hikes!

November is a beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains. Great temps, breathtaking views, the best air you have ever breathed, and walking side to side with nature. This was our wedding anniversary hike in the towering trees of Tennessee. We stayed in a rustic, lovely mountain cabin with bear decor inside and live bears outside! And, of course, a momma bear and her cubs came by to visit!

Perhaps a hike teaches a lot about marriage. Each step is a careful one so as not to slip, but there are moments when you need to slide down steep trails and rocks to get to a beautiful destination which is a little harder to get to but with care is attainable.

We loved the majestic mountains and vivid trees. Likewise, the endless skies full of stars and the moon have never been closer to the eye as they were on these peaceful and dazzling evenings.

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The Extraordinary Miracle of Marriage

Thirty-one years ago, I met the man of my dreams. The one who would be with me through the ups and downs of life, the valleys and the mountains, the painful times, and the joyful ones. That is what marriage is – a best friend who walks by your side. Above all, together you experience the most incredible life that God has for you. Therefore, with careful steps you grow in the grace of life.

Love Meditations

⁷ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Mark 10:7-8 NKJV

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7 KJV

¹³ And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV

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