This really IS the view from my front porch. Sweet, huh?

Thursday, September 27, 2012

See You At The ...What??


SYATP (See You at the Pole) is a time set aside each year on the fourth Wednesday in September where students pray on their campuses. This movement, starting in the 1990's, has grown from ten students praying at their school, to more than two decades later, millions gathering all around the world.
 
For the high school students in the small town of Lamar, Arkansas, SYATP stands for See You at the Pavilion because, where the flag pole once stood, now there is a pavilion. The pole was moved to the front entrance of the building, near the street several years ago so now students gather at the heart of their campus, the courtyard. What better place for them to pray for their surroundings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This time of student led prayer starts at 7:00 a.m. It is estimated that there were around 50 students in attendance this year. That’s a pretty good turn-out considering the total enrollment for 9th – 12th grade is just over 400 students.
 

Lamar students were a shining example of Christian leadership. 
 
One by one, they lifted up prayers for their friends, families, teachers, school campus, and local servicemen and women to God.  Being bold enough to take a stand at school for their faith and their God will make them stronger leaders in whatever they wish to pursue as adults. Look out world - here they come!


The 2012 See You at the Pole™ theme is Awaken and the Scripture is Ephesians 3:14–21—“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father… I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts…And I pray that you… grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and…that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…’”

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A Little Bit Mayberry... A Little Bit Minow Creek...


 

A visit to Nashville, Tennessee brings up images of country music and cowboy boots, city lights and honkie tonks, urban meets rodeo… but to me, a visit to Nashville means family. 
 
Our firstborn moved there some time ago to experience a life that moves to a different beat from what can be heard/felt at Minnow Creek.  So a six and a half hour road trip down I-40 is all that is needed to bring our whole family together for a little while.

As a Mom, having my oldest baby girl so far away is hard.  But one thing that eases my mind is knowing that she is not far from a special place that is filled with special people. 
 Red Tree Coffee is that place; the Conleys and Bruces (a.k.a. The Davis Sisters and family) are those special people.  Located about 30 minutes from Nashville, this little town feels like… a little bit Mayberry… a little bit Minnow Creek… a whole lot down home USA.





 

Upon entering this unique coffee shop you are greeted with warm smiles, lots of hugs and a feeling that someone important is visiting that day only to learn that someone is YOU!
 There are plenty of places to sit and visit with the locals, check your email or write a blog.
 
The place has a gallery feel thanks to walls decorated with artwork by Robert Langford, brother-in-law to the gals.
 

His wife, Camille, has hand-made lotions and soaps for sale
 and you can also purchase some of the shop's secret recipes packaged for "take and bake".


Saturday breakfast for us consisted of a wide display of goodies
 
 
 







and lots of coffee – both hot and iced.


Live music is the norm here with new acts giving a first performance or seasoned artists looking for some Friday night fun while filling in an open date.

While the talent shared from this off the path venue is astounding, the love that flows so freely here cannot be matched. 
 
 







 
"Stay out of my kitchen!"
Find them on Facebook, MySpace or just give them a “google”.  And the next time you are in the Nashville area allow time to stop by and say “Howdie!”
 
 
 
 
Red Tree Coffee serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday thru Saturday and Friday Night offers Dinner and Live Entertainment.