Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Sunset Falls - Part One


John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less.

Sunset Falls, featured above, is unlike any cabin in which Danny and I have stayed over the years.  When I first view the photos of it on the rental company's website, I'm not at all convinced it will be one I'll enjoy.  After all, I'm used to traditional, log-cabin rustic:  wood floors and paneling; wildlife decor on walls and stone hearths; tree-trunk sized beams in the ceilings; cushy couches and arm chairs, and mountain-themed knick-knacks on tables and dressers.

But I'm so thrilled for this chance to get away with Danny!  So I decide early on to simply make the most of it.  What a surprise it is to discover that Sunset Falls makes the most of me!

Spartan, spare and streamlined, with copious windows inviting plenty of daylight, this cabin appeals to our senses without overwhelming them.  The white walls and bedding contrast starkly with the jet-black trim on doors and windows, lending a crisp, clean feel to the atmosphere.  Combine this with touches of grey, splashes of muted blue, and strategically placed wood accents, such as wood floors only in the bedrooms, and the result is satisfactorily appealing.






At Sunset Falls, there is no clutter to distract us from the true star of the show:  the spectacular view!





~

John the Baptist's mission was clear.  He was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, by calling them to repent and be baptized, cleansed and ready to receive the One who would bring salvation to the world.  John knew he was a vitally important part of God's plan, but understood full well that he was not the star of the show.

More than a bit player, to be sure.

But not the leading man.

That role, forever and always, will belong to Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  May we, like John, become less so that Jesus can become more in our lives.

Amen!

25 comments:

  1. Absolutely am jealous. :) What a beautiful place. And to see God's creativity on display had to be something else. So glad you were able to get away. Also I second that lesson about John.

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    1. Yes, Bill, what a wonderful time we had in God's marvelous creation! And that lesson about John came to me right there at the cabin. Love it when God points to His truth!
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Lovely clicks and as always a wonderful place! Hope you had a good time.

    Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful lesson, I connect with it so much.

    Take care

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    1. Yes, Privy, we enjoyed ourselves immensely! I'm so glad you connected with the lesson here, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Confession Time: It's been a busy day and I was half-tired whilst reading this post. I enjoyed the description of the cabin and the photos and the views you had from the windows. Then ... suddenly ... John the Baptist was in the cabin with you. I stopped. Wondered what you were on about ... and had to re-read the post again.

    I enjoyed it. Second time round.

    God bless.

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    1. Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Victor, that is, once you woke up - lol! Love that it was worth a re-read for you.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Oh, absolutely gorgeous, Martha! This lovely destination brings the word 'cabin' into a whole new level! I'm so glad you guys could get away, enjoy each other, God's creation, and rest.

    What a way to kick off the Advent season. Spectacular, for sure ... and much deserved.

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    1. Yes, Linda, it was gorgeous, indeed - all of it! And it was a great way to start the Advent season where we could be together, enjoying peace and quiet, and get some much needed rest.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Thanks so much, Gary! I'll tell Danny you enjoyed his photos.
    Love and blessings!

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  6. Beautiful post and pictures, Martha! Thankful you had time to breath and enjoy each other!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. How we needed this time to breathe and enjoy one another, Loralu. Still feeling at peace from this wonderful time away from the constant cares we daily face.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Martha, the views from your cabin are simply stunning, amazing! It's awe-inspiring to see God's handiwork on display. Yes, there is a Creator God!! PTL! One of my prayers is that I would decrease and Jesus would increase.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. I love that you pray those words, Kim. John the Baptist has much to teach us in these simple, humble words. Still thanking God for the revelation He gave me up at the "spartan" cabin about the need to be less so that Christ can be more.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Martha, these pics are absolutely stunning! I pray your time is blessed.

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    1. Beckie, our time was most blessed, more than we could have ever imagined. And thanks again for your prayers for Kathy at this tough time in her life - they mean so much!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. What a beautiful place to soak in the SONlight of Christ as you rested and rejoiced in the God's beautiful creation surrounding you. Sounds like this place was exactly what "the doctor ordered" for a peaceful place of respite from the cares of the world. Love the analogy of John the Baptist and Christ. Perfect. So glad you are refreshed!! Welcome back!

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    1. Oh, yes, Pamela, we certainly soaked in that SONlight while there, and just wait until you see the photos I will feature in the next blog. God absolutely outdid Himself in showing His majesty and glory in remarkable displays during the sunsets which Danny was most fortunate to capture. So glad you liked the John the Baptist analogy, too. I'm so grateful to the Lord for placing this idea in my head while we were there. It made perfect sense - the one who is beautiful and necessary, yet conveys our attention to the true star.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Wow. Just wow. How could your soul not be refreshed there!!

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    1. I know, Terri, how could it not be? And it definitely was! Danny and I were talking yesterday about how it all seems like a dream just days later, but we know the memories will remain as healing balm to our hearts and souls.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. "May we, like John, become less so that Jesus can become more in our lives." Amen! Thank you, Martha for sharing this and some of the spectacular views. I'm so glad you had a wonderful and relaxing getaway. I hope it rejuvenated and refreshed you in every way! Blessings of Jesus' love to you!

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    1. Trudy, I'm so glad you enjoyed this post! Yes, we had a grand time reconnecting with God and with one another. Much needed rest for the both of us, and I'll be treasuring the memories for many years to come.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Oh, what a beautiful view, both inside and out! SO thankful you enjoyed your wonderful cabin! May the Lord richly bless you this Christmas season, my friend!

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    1. Yes, Cheryl, we were so blessed by this trip, enjoying the scenery, each other, and the much needed rest.
      May your Christmas season be blessed, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Such a beautiful getaway Martha, you describe it all so eloquently! How marvelous to have such an analogy come to you about John the Baptist, truly the star of the show always is Him and His handiwork. So glad that you had this special time away to just soak up the beauty of the Lord's creation! Danny is very gifted with that camera too :)

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    1. Yes, Marilyn, it was a beautiful getaway, indeed! I miss the place already . . . So glad the analogy resonated with you, my friend. And I'll be sure to pass on your compliment to Danny (you are quite the photographer yourself!)
      Love and blessings!

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