Day 5 Stranded in the Mountains

The weather cleared off some today after last night's snow. The road remains impassable and all our neighbors seem to have hunkered-down. I made some gaters out of duct tape and ventured out on a hike through the woods to grab some photographs. The beauty is breath-taking and although the wind was fierce and the temperatures still in the single digits, I was blessed to be able to enjoy this wonderful place. the snow was up to my waist in a few places but I wanted to reach a grassy-bald near by where you can see 360 degress in all directions and three states - TN, NC, and Virginia.

I just finished the book called "What's so Amazing About Grace" and was overcome at the end. I was overcome at the end have read something that so closely parallels what I've come to believe and it moved me to joyful and tearful prayer and thanksgiving that God would shower us with his grace so freely. Not, that I have mastered this thing of showing grace by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly, I pray that I might reflect some of that Grace that God has showered upon me. It is truly amazing, this thing of grace.

My most favorite line in the book is as follows:

"Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are."

The author also develops something he calls "ungrace'. We live in a world of un-grace where we judge, categorize, fight, ostrasize, and are just plain mean to other people. But, these things filter into the church as well as we hold tightly to cultural norms and as we wear the masks that say 'everything is ok in our lives' when it isn't..... He challenges us to look hard at ourselves in light of Gods unfathonable love for us.

As Paul says, "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Co 12:9)

AMEN.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Dave