How the Other Half Live!

Ok, so now I know how the other half live. We decided last Christmas that instead of exchanging gifts, we'd go to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC for the weekend. We are staying at the Inn at Biltmore! WOW! And I do mean WOW! People falling all over you to help you. I felt out of place the minute I walked through the doors. lol We have a room with a balcony, amazing view. Color everywhere, so many flowers, trees and shrubs blooming. But not everything, you see lots of buds still waiting to burst with more color. I love the beach, but there is something so tranquil about the mountains. It is impossible to not find calmness in them. (well, at least for me)

In the evening, someone comes in to turn down your bed. They leave the chocolate and a single rose on the bed. Oh and of course there are robs for Ray and I as well as slippers!

We go to breakfast this morning, it's included in our package, and there is fine china and SILVERware including a fancy little coffee cup, not a mug! I wanted to take a picture to post on my blog, but Ray was too embarrassed... lol We sat looking out at the mountains while eating. We ate way too much, the buffet was huge, not to mention the fresh, custom made omelets. Not to worry though, I'm sure we walked 8 miles or more today! We had a light lunch and had reservations for dinner, but I canceled them. Too tired to eat a fancy, huge dinner.

I have to admit it's fun to be pampered sometimes. But I know I will be happy to return to the "real" world on Sunday. I was definitely not cut out to live the "upper crust" life. But for the next day and a half, I will relish living like the other half.

Yard Work

Those that know me, know how much I love yard work! Yes, I suffer for the next few days being sore, but to me it is so worth it. There is something so satisfying in seeing instant results from pulling weeds, planting bushes, trees and of course colorful flowers. Flowers just make people happy! They certainly make me happy. :)

I've thought many times while pulling weeds how much gardening is like our relationship with Christ. Before you can plant vegetables or any plants you must get rid of the weeds, or they will overtake your garden, be it vegetables or flowers. Just getting rid of the unsightly and messy weeds makes a marked improvement, but then when you plant flowers or vegetables oh how you are rewarded! Isn't that what Christ does for us? He helps to get rid of our "weeds" so He can "plant" wonderful things in us, the fruit of the spirit... Love, Joy, peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

For me, pulling weeds is therapeutic. When I am angry or frustrated, it helps calm me. I do some great thinking while pulling weeds, it's a slow pace and there is always that instant gratification. Now sometimes the weeds are over-whelming and it's hard to make myself start cleaning them out. (like the bed at the end of our pool, I have not touched it this year, too overwhelming, it would take me all day just to make a dent) I'm glad God didn't get overwhelmed with all the "weeds" I've had in my life. I'm grateful He thought I was worth the effort to clean them out and plant a "garden" in me.

I hope God's "gardening" in me has brought someone joy, encouragement or kindness.