Thankful Thursday

 

... and Friday Fotos, too.

Good evening!

I once had a manager who was fond of saying, "Everything happens for a reason."  Over and over.  And over.  I don't know if she really believed that.  I didn't.

Looking back at our last 6+ years, however, I wonder.  

Some of my long-time blog friends may remember when I was heartbroken by not one, but two real estate challenges in neighboring communities.  Not willing to throw more good money after bad, I agreed the last one on our list ("Bachelor #3) was the right house for us. 

By the grace of God soon after, our cross-country move happened.  Then, not a week passed before I noticed a sign outside a nearby church building:  'Sean of the South' will appear on such-and-such a date.  (*Squeal*)    

Yes, I've been a "fan girl" of his for years.

I called.  "No, I'm sorry.  His appearance is sold out."

Tom and I were never regular church-goers, but something was tugging my heart.  "What do you say, let's visit next Sunday."

Wow.  Everyone was so welcoming and friendly.  Friend Sharon says, "What makes our church different is the love.  We're a family."

As they say, the rest is history.

So be it.  If not for the (first) deed discrepancy ... if not for the (second) failure to pass inspection ... if not for an advertised appearance by my favorite columnist?   Well, we'd be living in Wetumpka and I'd never have known these wonderful folks I call my adopted family.  I guess everything does happen for a reason, Michele.

At last Sunday's service we had a member of the 'Olde Guild' (my term) come speak about the history of Robinson Springs (once its own town) and surrounding structures.  I thought our church's history pretty interesting --

Exerpted from the (lengthy) archives:

Founded in 1828, Robinson Springs Church's present sanctuary was completed in 1845.  Large for rural churches of the time, it is believed that the builders used the measurements for the tabernacle God gave Moses during the wanderings in the wilderness.  (90 x 40 x 22 feet.)

Included in the sanctuary is a slave gallery that was still in use by African American members after the Civil War.  There is no interior access to the balcony as slaves were not permitted to enter the actual sanctuary.  The balcony can only be reached through exterior doors.  

Throughout the years, siding and necessary structural improvements have been added.  Nevertheless, "the timber foundation was hand-hewn from heart pine and is still solid.  The pews, still in use, were also hand-hewn and held together by pegs. 

In the center section, dividers remain in the middle of the pews which were formerly used to keep men on one side and women on the other.

Tell that to these gals!

Our congregation may be small; the sanctuary a bit plain -- but in the words of Rascal Flatts, I'm so thankful "that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you."

Hugs, Myra