I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
John 12:24-26
I have been pondering much about a simple life and time these last few days. We live in a culture that is bombarded with busyness, stress, and anything but simplicity! God is so good...when I opened up my devotional book today, it was entitled, The Simple Heart.
"Simplicity is not the absence of "things" or activities. A simple heart can embrace activities with a deliberate attitude of accomplishment, knowing that the priorities have been guided by the Holy Spirit."
"Simplicity is also not a matter of style but rather an attitude of the heart. A heart surrendered to Christ has a priority that impacts every thought and activity. Compassion flows from our hearts and prompts us to provide for the needs of others. Simplicity of emotions will purify our actions. Words will be spoken more deliberately and anger will be replaced with patience."
"The mystery of creation that we see in the season of autumn reminds us that out of death comes life. A falling leaf enriches the soil for the new sprout of spring. Dying to self and living with Christ as our priority eternally enriches our lives. It is the ultimate answer to all life's questions. And it is the foundation for simplicity." Vonette Bright
Paul thrilled me with a wonderful surprise on Thursday! We took the scenic route and ventured over to North Carolina!! It was a long winding drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest.
We stopped for breakfast and then on to our destination for the day...The Biltmore Estate!! I have always wanted to see this spectacular architectural work of art. It was a breathtaking day...words cannot describe the splendor of the Biltmore Estate. The history of the family and the process of the building of the Estate is very interesting in and of itself. The entry way leads to a a glass-roofed indoor garden. The central element of the indoor garden is a marble and bronze fountain sculpture, Boy Stealing Geese, by Karl Bitter, a Viennese artist.
The stone art works are amazing, as well as the tapestries, and the original Renoir and John Singer Sargent paintings. This is a history lover's dream come true! And of course, if you happen to be an avid book reader you can linger in the library...which houses 10,000 books from floor to ceiling!! Among the striking features of the room is a ceiling painting - The Chariot of Aurora, by Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (1675-1741). This painting was originally located in the ballroom of the Pisani Palace in Venice, the work comprises 13 separate canvases. The furniture was ornate, solid wood pieces that varied from room to room...beautiful!!
The mountains are a picturesque backdrop to the stately home and gardens. We ended the day with a stroll through the gardens and the conservatory which houses many exotic plants and flowers. What a day!! I am so blessed to have a husband that knows how to bring joy to my heart!! He scored some real big points with this excursion!!
I must admit that after yesterday's theme of simple life and times...it might seem like this visit was the opposite extreme. I guess in some ways it was...but then again, this family seemed to value the simple things in life: family, home, friends, nature, service, and faith.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
