Dear Friends,

I want you to think back to a simpler time. Cheeseburgers at McDonald’s only cost forty-nine cents, children played outside until the streetlights came on, and there were only ten colors in a box of Crayola crayons. Forward to today, cheeseburgers cost a little bit more, children opt to play in their bedrooms on their technology, and the standard box of crayons has one hundred and fifty two colors. However, I would like to focus on the crayons. When I am at the store and I see these boxes with so many crayon choices, I wonder if that is too many. Doesn’t it seem like overkill to have nine different shades and names for the color orange?

However, as I thought about this, I began to think of the transformation that is happening before our very eyes in the changing of the landscape: the fall foliage. I especially think of the beauty of the Lodestar Mountain Inn and the 524 acres of God’s blessings. Scripture tells us, “In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” (Psalm 95:4-5 NIV) Everything we have the blessing to see and experience was created by the Master’s stroke. Every tree on the mountainside, star on a clear night, wave that majestically crashes to the shore, was meticulously and lovingly placed for you and I to enjoy.

God loves us so much and created a world full of beauty and wonders to enjoy. After realizing the artistry that the Lord exhibited in His creation, I now think that one hundred and fifty two crayons is not nearly enough.

Blessings,
Steve