A few weeks ago my husband and I went to Alley Springs located in Eminence, Missouri. It is only about a four hour drive from our house and it is a place we go every summer. You can find Jacks Fork River there, where many float, swim and camp out. There is a huge bluff where our children have jumped off each summer during their childhood times. It is a place we go when we just want to get away and relax. A place that feels like home and just seems to bring a smile to your face. The sights and sounds fill your heart with such beauty. It is not only a familiar place to us, but we have family who live near in Summersville, another quiet town, filled with sweet people. During our visit here we got to visit with our Aunt Ileen and this was such a sweet time with her. We always love going to her home.This is the place where my husband and I spent just a few hours and walked hand in hand, taking it all in. We laughed, and spoke of the beauty around us. Here you are able to imagine the days of old. Here at the mill you can see how it worked and take a closer look at all the pictures, seeing the faces of those who worked this area, lived here finding peace among the spring. 
It was a wonderful day, not too hot so you could just enjoy the walk. Along our walk we were even able to catch a glimpse of a muskrat. He was just sitting there at the edge of the water eating watercress, enjoying each nibble.
It's like the Lord just shines His glory here in this spot. You can look around and see all His creation and soak it all in. It is a lovely place to spend the day or even stay for a week or more. It is a family spot where we escape the world and come here seeing a whole new perspective on life. We lose our perspective at times don't we? We lose sight of what is really important. It is good to just take time away. Take a break and just seek our purpose, and all that God has for us. We can get off track so easily and this is a place for us where everything becomes clear.
It is a day I will never forget as my husband I am just got to spend time together. It is just nice to get away for a while and find yourself in the company of someone you love, leaving behind all the stress. On the drive there you are always anticipating the beauty before you. And as you leave, you really don't want to say goodbye. It is that special place that just grabs your heart. Walking along you can see much wildlife and as you pass others walking, they wave, they say hello and you find yourself surrounded by friendly people like you just taking in all the surroundings.
There is something magical holding your husbands hand through the coolness of the spring. As you look at the history and dream of what it would be like to live here taking it in everyday. Would you take it for granite? Would you lose the love for it in seeing it everyday? I don't think that would be possible. It is impossible to look around and not see God's hand in this beauty. His creation is something for us to praise Him for. We can see Him through everything that is good.
You can see the dragonflies, hear the birds chirping and if your really blessed you can see a deer off in the grass just coming out in the evening to eat. It is one of those places you just don't walk through, but you experience each moment as though it was something new. You inhale and you can take in the fresh smell of the spring. It's like your senses come alive in a new way. You look down into the crystal clear water and see fish swimming. You reach down to touch the water and you feel the coldness that just seems to wake you.
You can look up, down and all around and see something that catches your eye. Flowers creep along the spring bringing beauty with each step. This place is just too beautiful to keep to yourself, you just want to share it with everyone.
Pictures just do not capture the complete beauty. There is nothing like stopping in one spot and looking around, climbing through the small caverns and you cannot help but praise God for His creation. It is all so breathtaking. As you see this clear water, the spring, and how the water flows it 
makes you realize the importance of the Living Water we find only in Christ. As deep as this spring is, the love of Christ is deeper. As clear as this water is and refreshing, the love of Christ is everlasting. With Christ we don't have to hop in our car and drive to have an experience with Him. We can be washed in His beauty just by calling His name.
makes you realize the importance of the Living Water we find only in Christ. As deep as this spring is, the love of Christ is deeper. As clear as this water is and refreshing, the love of Christ is everlasting. With Christ we don't have to hop in our car and drive to have an experience with Him. We can be washed in His beauty just by calling His name. John 7:37-38 "On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me! Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the scriptures declare, Rivers of living water will flow from his heart."
Psalm 92:1 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High."
On our way home we shared ice cream and long talks. I am more in love with my husband today than the day we married. Each moment I am blessed to spend with him puts a smile on my face. I am thankful for this day that was given to us. And thank you Aunt Ileen for being so inviting, so loving and making us feel right at home! We love you.
