- 24
- Oct
I had the recent privilege of being one of more than 3,000 people to experience an afternoon at Falls Creek listening and laughing to the funny stories and songs of Mark Lowry. Without question, it was one of the highlights of my Falls Creek adventures. And believe me, I’ve had many.
I met my wife at Falls Creek. I was an umpire at Falls Creek. I discovered what a Harry Dodd was at Falls Creek. I made great friends at Falls Creek. I even pulled pranks and drove sponsors crazy at Falls Creek.
While a lot has changed at Falls Creek over the years, some things remain the same. Falls Creek is a place where people encounter God in an intimate and unique way. It is an experience that has been handed down from generation to generation for nearly 90 years. It is a tradition with deep roots in my family.
As the Sanders clan recently made the winding drive up the high road to Falls Creek, I was surprised at how my younger daughters, ages four and six, became anxious and excited to see the new white cross atop the hill at the main entrance.
As I stopped at the gate my daughters crawled onto my lap and peered up at the cross through the car window. “Take me to the cross Daddy,” was Sophia’s request. “Yeah, Dad, can we get closer to the cross?” was Emily Rose’s appeal.
What Christian parent doesn’t hope and pray that their child will someday long for the cross? There is no greater satisfaction in life than knowing your babies have come to know the meaning of the cross. Without question, having a child come to know Jesus as Savior is one of the ultimate goals for every believing parent.
As I sat there observing the cross with my blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauties, I soaked up every moment realizing we were making a lasting memory together at Falls Creek. I prayed that the symbol of salvation on top of the hill would someday become a reality in their hearts.
An old hymn came to mind, “At the cross at the cross where I first saw the light and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight and now I am happy all the day.” That special moment together challenged me to do I all can to take Sophia and Emily Rose one step closer to the cross every day. It is at the cross where they will find redemption.
Someday, Lord willing, I will share another moment embraced with my daughters as we peer into the eyes of the One who gave His life on the cross to bring salvation. What a hilltop experience that will be!
October 26th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
Thank you for the wonderful comments regarding Falls Creek. It was just a real blessing to read your words of memories made at the heavenly place. I too am a product of summers in this beautiful place. Starting at a very early age as my mother was cook for years (she is now 86) and my father and mother were the “youth directors” as they were called back then. I had the wonderful privilege of visiting the camp this year the week that my granddaughter was attending her first year. Oh my, it just doesn’t get any better, or maybe it will. Anyway, my daughter and I drove from
Tulsa to see Abby and I cannot even convey the feeling that I had being there with my daughter and granddaughter. Three generations. I only wish that we could have taken my mother with us, We are sure praying that we will be able to take her there soon so she can see all the wonderful changes that have taken place. By the way, my daughter had not been there for 20 years. She was just on a trip down memory lane. Again, thank you for the wonderful article. I continue to hold Falls Creek in my heart and in my prayers. Paula