May these pictures remind you of what a great and sovereign God we serve. The Creator of these majestic mountains, puffy clouds, and gorgeous sunsets also created you-with more love and devotion than you could ever imagine.
One view from summit of Mt. Mitchell
The campground has 9 walk-in tent sites. We stayed on site number 5 which has a beautiful view.
View from campsite
The weather at Mt. Mitchell is unpredictable! If you visit, you will need a T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, and a rain coat. You never know what kind of layer you will need.
Our first full day there, we awoke to pretty, puffy clouds which quickly came our way with rain and much cooler weather. I am dressed for fall weather with 2 layers under my fleece and shell.
We hiked to Mt. Craig, the second highest mountain peak, in the misty rain and fog. It is still beautiful!
Justin with his mountain goat Sadie, climbing rocks in the clouds.
After our hike to Mt. Craig and Big Tom, we returned with drippy clothes to our campsite in hope to warm up and see some sunshine. However, back at our site, we experienced a downpour and winds so strong we were afraid our tent and shelter would blow away. We discussed packing up in the rain and going home. With hope in our hearts for some better weather, we stayed, and the reward was great.
The clouds lifted and we began to see the sky again.
The sun began to shine.
As the setting sun sent arrays of color splashing through the sky, mountains began to peek through the sea of clouds.
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God, the sky above proclaims His handiwork." (ESV)
We met a couple from England who offered to take our picture. When we told them we lived in North Carolina, they declared how lucky we are. Yes, we are truly very blessed. I encourage you to visit Mt. Mitchell. Take your camera, warm clothes, and an open heart to what God will teach and show you.
Gazing upon the mountains, I was reminded that we are dust, a vapor in the wind. a flower blooming for a time and fading away.
Genesis 2:7 "Then the Lord God form the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life" (ESV)
Psalm 103:13-14 "As a father has compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame, he remembers we are dust." (ESV)
James 4:14 "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (ESV)
Psalm 103:15 "Our days on earth are like grass, like wildflowers, we bloom and die." (NLT)
YET THE LORD LOVES US, IS THINKING OF US EACH MOMENT, LONGING FOR US TO LOOK TO HIM AS FATHER AND SAVIOR.
Psalm 139: "O Lord, you have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down. You are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, you know it altogether. For you formed me in my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, you are still thinking of me!
John 1:12 "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."
Romans 5:8 "But God shows his love for us in that WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God WHO LOVED ME AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME."
1 John 4: 9-11 "This is love, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him....he loves us and sent his Son to be the propitiation (sacrifice) for our sins."
Christ gives us purpose and meaning in life. With His love and sacrifice, we have hope no matter how rainy or foggy our days may be. When we feel there is no hope, He is the clear sky and sunshine found after the storm. May this truth resound in your heart today.
