Let Us Give Thanks

This morning I was blessed to be able to attend church service in the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel at Callaway Gardens, Georgia.

This stunning, small, intimate chapel is nestled among the pine trees surrounding Falls Creek Lake with Callaway Gardens at Pine Mountain, Georgia.  As we drove the windy road through the gardens to the chapel we had no idea what blessing lay ahead.

The majestic sounds of the chapel’s custom-built Möller pipe organ rang out as we made our way down the stone steps to the chapel. Two gorgeous stained glass windows bookend the chapel while one side wall is filled with four more similar stained glass windows featuring Georgia pines, soft woods and hardwoods, and seasons within the forest.

This stunning hammered metal cross sat atop a large stone alter, the resting place for the chapel’s Bible.

Dedicated in 1962 by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel was built by Callaway Gardens’ co-founder Cason Callaway, in memory of his mother.

The retired pastor who preaches the Sunday service gave us an outstanding message from Habakkuk likening the ancient scripture story to the very same challenges, evil, and struggles we are going through today.

The peace of God filled this small chapel while people filled each and every pew to capacity.  I could not help but give thanks to God as I sat within this serene space feeling His very presence.

What a way to begin Thanksgiving week 2015! It is my prayer you also are finding peace in this day and throughout the week to come. Let us give thanks to the Lord!

Blessings,
~Catherine