I am sitting on the deck of the chalet this morning. It is a pleasant 65 degrees here in Beech Mountain. Joan and I have enjoyed our time together. It is always good to get away with just her. Due to my preaching obligations and church duties, we don’t get very many days to spend together. So, it’s been nice to get away for a couple of days. Anyway, yesterday we went to West Jefferson, NC. They have a cheese factory there. You can go into the viewing room and watch them make cheese, but that’s kind of lame. They have a cheese store across the street and sell many, many different varieties of cheese there. We bought some and it is good. I especially like the super sharp cheddar. Next, we went to see the CHurches of the Frescoes. There are two old Episcopalian churches in the West Jefferson area that have large fresco style paintings by a fellow named Ben Long. Apparently, they are quiet a tourist attraction. Joan has wanted to go see them for some time. Well, we saw them! The paintings are good, but the churches are in deplorable shape. I was amazed by their condition, especially the one in Glendale Springs. We have been there, if I never go back it will be too soon for me. Then, we went to Valle Crucis, NC to Mast General Store. They have a candy shop and Joan has a massive sweet tooth.  She bought her a poke full of sweet treats. After that, we went to a steak house called Stonewalls in Banner Elk, NC. It’s overpriced and overrated. The steak was good, but I was underwhelmed by the whole experience. After that, it was back to the house and into the hot tub for a while. All in all, it was a great day! Today, we have done nothing! And this after noon, I plan to do a whole lot more of that. It’s a tough life, but someone has to live it!

I would like you to pray for a couple of friends of mine, Pastor Chris Benfield and Brother James Smith. These men need the help and encouragement of the Lord in their lives right now. Please say a prayer for them, asking the Lord to give them direction for their lives. They would appreciate it, and so would I.