One Room School House

The log cabin school now resides in Renfro Village.

A pot belly stove in the middle of the room was the only source of heat in the one room school house.  Chalk boards and readers lay frozen in time on the desks. I tried to imagine those precious little faces of long ago sitting quietly at those desks. What must it have been like on those cold winter days?

I wondered what kind of pranks the children might have played on each other. Can you imagine a little boy placing a frog on the desk of a little girl he was sweet on just to hear her squeal. And the children filling the room with laughter as they try to catch the frightened frog as he leaped from desk to desk.




Seeing the children's lunch pails hanging along the wall on wooden pegs made me wonder what kind of food did they carry in those little pails? Did every child have enough food to eat? I felt a wave of emotion come over me as I thought of the difficulties those children must have endure obtaining an education. Then I thought about all the wonderful accomplishments those young pioneers achieved and my heart surged with pride. They made our world a better place.


All photos taken with a Nikon D800, lens 35-70,2.8

Centennial Park Parthenon Nashville Tennessee

 

Statue of Athena the Goddess of Greek Mythology. 

Athena is the patron goddess of the city-state of Athens, the goddess of wisdom, a goddess of arts and crafts. The favorite daughter of her father Zeus, and, as a war goddess with a focus on strategy more than bloodshed, an active participant in the Trojan War. She gave her namesake city the gift of the olive tree, providing oil, food, and wood.

As we walked around the Parthenon I thought about mythology and the many gods in which one could believe. In our culture today there are many choices in religions and beliefs to govern ones life. But there is only One in which I choose to place my trust; His name is Jesus Christ. He is the eternal living God whose words breathe life. Whose message is one of hope for all of creation and gives the gift of eternal life.   For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

We enjoyed our visit to Parthenon as we walked through the exhibit admiring the artistry of the building. We were fortunate to find someone willing to take a photo of us in front of the statue.

We had a wonderful time walking around the park soaking in the tranquility of the day.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shakers were properly known as the United Society of Believers. From the 1780's, the Shakers established 19 communities from Maine to Kentucky. Today only one active community remains at Sabbath Lake, Maine.

"Put your hands to work 
and give your heart to God. "

- Mother Ann Lee, founder of Shakers.

The Hand woven blankets.

The Meeting Room where they gathered for worship. They did not call this building the church for they believed the body of believers are called the church.

These stairs lead to the roof and is known as "the staircase to heaven". When I found this staircase I couldn't help wondering if the Shakers purposely planned this entrance for the Holy Spirit.

The scripture says that Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts awaiting an invitation to enter.

Every moment is a time of invitation to accept the free gift of grace. The message of the gospel is simply this...God loves and accepts you. He sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ to personally share this message with you. YOU are loved! And God has a plan & purpose for your life.

If you are feeling a tug on your heart; that is the Holy Spirit with your invitation to eternal life. This is your moment; just say yes to the Lord Jesus Christ and welcome him into your heart.

A bountiful harvest the blessings and provision of Almighty God.

Candle light holders hung on wall pegs is use for lighting the down stairs basement where the summer kitchen is located. They use the kitchen for canning the harvest produce. Visiting Shaker Village is always inspiring. A community once full of life and activity. We enjoyed walking through the grounds in the cool October air appreciating the tranquility. I hope to capture some of the beauty of Shaker Village but it isn't quite the same as experiencing the village for oneself.
Photos taken with a Nikon D800 camera; 35-70 lens.

A few of the dwelling houses

 The Red barn door

 The Gift Shop windows aligned with hand blown glass vases make for a colorful display. The straw hats the Shaker men worn everyday at the village are sold at the gift shop. The colorful wooden hat boxes are still hand made at the village today.

Duffy the Scotland cow and beautiful white horses on the property.






























 Images taken with a Nikon D800, nikor lens 35-70;2.8 and Nikon lens 85;1.4