Chasing Fall!
Honey and I have just returned from an exhilarating 19 days of travel to 4 speaking engagements. In this “empty nest” season of our lives travel is such a blessing and often takes us places we would never have otherwise experienced. In this case my speaking invitations just happened to place us on the right path to experience a long held dream of mine.
I have envisioned visiting New England in the Fall for so long that it seemed the reality could never measure up.
I was so WRONG!
The dates and places I was invited to speak allowed us to literally “chase” the Fall leaves!!
Since you are my special people, and I am a “wann-be” travel blogger, I’d love to share some highlights with you and take you on a trip with me!
Our trip began with a flight from Tampa to Baltimore where we rented a car and traveled over to Montrose, Pennsylvania for my first speaking event. God moved beyond our greatest prayers for that event which allowed us to leave on a very sweet high note!
From lovely Pa we wandered every country road we could find all the way to Vermont.
My only point of reference for Vermont is the old movie “White Christmas”. My daughter Julianna and I have watched that movie year after year as the seasons turned from Fall to Winter. We actually spent the day in Stowe and visited the Von Trapp Family resort. It truly is the stuff of dreams!
Our next stop was Bar Harbor, Maine where I was advised by a friend to “eat my way through Maine” which I obeyed :)). I cut my teeth on seafood so these oysters did NOT intimidate this Georgia girl! Not one bit!
Would they you??
After a few magical days of falling leaves and a BILLION church pictures we headed back down the East Coast, visiting every New England state and ending back at my last speaking event in York, Pa. God showed up there as well blessing them with “by far the best fundraiser we have EVER had!”. Thank you Lord!
Honestly, I will never forget this trip. Thank you for sharing it with me. The sights and sounds of New England in the Fall were all I had dreamed they might be. I “prayer journaled” my way through each day and as we moved towards the end of our trip in the quiet rolling hills of Pennsylvania Amish Country.
God’s voice BELLOWED in the silence of those stunning colors and humble people.
THIS is what I heard Him say…..over and over throughout our trip. It has been a theme in my life all year.
Are you tired? Worn Out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
If you are someone who enjoys life in an area of the country that gives you seasonal changes very year, enjoy!
If you are someone who has a DREAM TRIP on your heart, I encourage you to keep the dream alive in you! God truly knows the desires of our hearts, even the lighter, more frivilous desires like road trips. I was beginning to think this dream might not come true but He knows what we need, when we need it and He will provide!
Blessing and Hugs!
Pat
