Posts related to on Remembrancy

As a resident of Nashville, I’ve made the trek north into Kentucky to visit Mammoth Cave, and believe me, its name does not do it justice. Standing in the entrance of the large cave, a visitor realizes the vastness of God’s creation (and it’s just a small, tiny part of this large cave system). I’d post a picture, but it would just be a picture of blackness.

In Guide Me Home, Kim Vogel Sawyer, offers readers a glimpse into the world of the cave system while giving quite a bit of history—and yes, this is a work of fiction so some of it is creative license but much of it (the creatures, the trails, the saltpeter mining, and more) is steeped in fact.

Rebekah Hardin’s desire to ease her family’s sorrow and suffering lead her to take a job as a guide at the Mammoth Cave resort—a job that is given only to men. Her determination leads her to don men’s clothes and grasp for the job. While Tolly Sandford see’s through Rebekah’s disguise almost immediately, he’s not keen to turn her away and hires her as Reb. Devlin Bale has set his sights on mapping out the cave system as his senior project—one that will not only get him to college graduation but will also give his father a step up in his run for state senate. Cissy Hardin is not like the rest of her family, she believes she’s destined for something greater, something more than being a poor Kentucky farmer’s daughter and she’s determined to make that reality happen no matter what.

As these four lives are intertwined both in the cave and in the land surrounding the cave, each person must face a truth that isn’t always pleasant. Rebecca struggles with guilt, Devlin (while a good person and a complete gentleman) has not yet found the true Source of Light, Tolly’s own burden of guilt weighs heavily, and Cissy’s selfishness and self-importance hurt more than herself.

A story that so beautifully illustrates light in darkness, peace that surpasses understanding, and love undeserving, Guide Me Home is worth the read.

***Blogging for Books and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Well, my plan for Silly Saturdays fizzled out after just two weeks. Sorry, I got kind of busy. Plus, I was having a difficult time coming up with a good story a couple of weeks ago. Since the calendar’s about to flip to a new month (can you believe it’s June already), I’m going to try something a little different that will allow a little more variety. I’m also going to give myself the option to post this random sound bite post on either Saturday or Sunday. With summer upon us, my schedule is filling up. Vacations, day trips, great movies, and more fill my times.

Last weekend was Memorial Day weekend and a friend and I went camping in Mammoth Springs, KY. I thought I’d share some of the photos from our trip here this week. It was nice to get away from home and all of the things that should be done. We spend the first day relaxing around the campsite. My friend slept in while I read. Once the sun came out and lit up the tent, I had a hard time sleeping. On Sunday, we hiked around a couple of trails before taking a tour of the cave.

I love taking photos while I’m hiking. Anything that looks interesting, light playing in shadows, something that catches my eye. I snap a picture. My friend usually doesn’t mind as it means she gets a rest. Here are some of the hiking trail.

We had to turn off the flash on our cameras once we were inside the actual cave so not many of my pictures turned out. We spent two hours touring two miles of the cave. Our guide informed us that there are over 400 miles of discovered passages in the cave over six levels. This is the entrance.

We tentatively discussed camping at Land Between the Lakes in June, but that trip has not yet been planned. We’ll see if we make it. The first week in August I’ll be in Colorado with my parents so should get some good pics of Estes Park.

Enjoy your summer!!

Mammoth Cave

Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Saturday Soundbite