a day at the lake
Joel and I have led a small group for three years now.
We LOVE our group.
They are like family to us.
They have walked with us through some really tough stuff this year.
Every single one of them showed up at the hospital the night we checked Cora in to encourage and pray with us.
Someone from our group was at the hospital every day.
They are great!
Every summer we try to take a small group trip.
This year we headed to Table Rock Lake.
We were all ready for some fun in the sun.But this particular Saturday there was no sun.
Just clouds.
The girls were too chicken to get in the cold water.
So, we spent the morning on the boats
bundled up in our towels watching the boys brave the lake.
After eating lunch, relaxing, and even a few naps the sun started peeking through.
Finally, it was warm enough to get in the water.
The afternoon was beautiful.
Just perfect.
By the end of the day we were worn out and a little sunburned.
It was time to head back to the cabin to get ready for dinner.
We spent the evening at Branson Landing.
Hanging out.
Talking.
And a little shopping for some.
We ate at a really yummy Mexican restaurant.
It is a small group tradition now.
They have the BEST guacamole.
Here is our whole group minus one couple--we were so sad they couldn't make it this year.
It was great to get away.
We are so thankful for this dear group of friends.
posted by the mcclenahans @ 8:36 PM
49 Comments:
How special that you guys have such a great group of friends! Looks like you had a wonderful time!!
Keeping you all in my prayers!
I'm so happy for you and Joel. Just remember that Cora is watching from heaven and she is so Happy to see your smile.
Elda
I'm a mother of two boys in South Alabama and wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and your entire family ever since I found out about Cora back in February through Baby Harper's blog. I was touched by your story and felt led to post it to my blog for my fellow Sisters-in-Christ to pray for you during that difficult time.
I've never left a comment before and I just wanted you to know what an inspiration you are to us fellow believers. Through the midst of the terrible storm, you still gave God all the Honor and the Glory.
I wanted to extend my congratulations on execting another precious baby in January. I'll be sure to keep you and the baby boy/girl in my daily prayers.
Do you have an Etsy Shop where I can purchase some of the Cora dresses that you and your Mother have made?
So glad to see a picture of you two. You are such an inspirational couple. Glad you went on a fun trip!
Aww, thank God for great friends!
I love lake trips! You guys look great. :)
Looks like fun and the pic of u two is beautiful!!!
sounds like such a fun day! good friends are such a blessing aren't they???
Looks like yall had a blast!
Looks like you had a blast--wish we were in your small group!
Good for the both of you. I hope you had an amazing time!
Many Many Blessings!
Ha! That's my neck of the woods.
Isn't The Landing cool?
What a blessing to have such a great small group.
What a beautiful day at the lake! I'm glad you were able to get away for a bit and enjoy company of good friends.
you know, sunblock is an amazing thing :)
It looks like a wonderful day and a wonderful group of friends! I'm so glad you guys got away and had fun!
Love and prayers,
*Tricia
Looks like such a fun trip and Jess you are glowing! Still in my thoughts and prayers always.
Summer in California
Looks like you all had a blast... minus the sunburns of course. Glad you and Joel got away for a bit with some dear friends.
Love the pic of the two of you... precious.
What an awesome group of friends! I wish I had a group like that to "share life" with.
What a great time and a great group of friends!
Brings back memories of the time we all went there when we were in small group! When Al and I were in small group in Lawrence, the couple who were our leaders began that tradition of going on the end of year trips and so that is why we carried it on. And it continues with all the groups for the most part, even if it is for just one day. Thank you, Bob and Nancy Williams for all you taught us! Especially the challenge in our personal relationship with Christ!
i am so glad that you guys got away & had a good time! Good for you! YOu guys totally deserve it!! YOu are so tiny too!!!
My grandparents retired to the Branson area so I have great childhood memories of going there before it was even well known. So glad you enjoyed this time in fellowship. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Yes you guys seem to have GREAT friends. Glad you had a good time. Looks like great fun..I'm in on the Mexican food! Glad to see those HAPPY smiles!
Kim
I am so happy for you guys... such a blessing to have other young couples who can take this walk with you guys. Of course they don't know what "it's like"... but, man, you guys are blessed! Any tips you can offer on how you guys got your group started or what you guys do (structured? open format?) would be great info that I'm sure others would love to learn more about. Thanks for sharing your beautiful smiles with us!
I found your blog recently through Kelly's Korner and I just want to let you know I think you're an amazingly strong woman. I can't imagine what your family has gone through but I have been praying for you and your family and the new baby.
Looks like so much fun. I practically grew up on the lake, but no longer have a boat :(
It is great you have such a supportive group.
Looks like sooooo much fun! And a time with friend I'm sure you needed!!!
I love The Landing! We always eat at Joe's when we visit. There is a fun little Five And Dime close by too.
It looks like a fun time! Super cute pic of both of you!
Cristy
How wonderful that you have such amazing support in your family and friends! We should all be so lucky. I'm glad you had a fun getaway. You look just radiant!
I have to ask...did you guys stay at Big Cedar Lodge? We go down there every summer with my husbands family and it is one of my favorite weeks of the year.
I'm glad you got to get away!
Looks like you had a great day; friends are wonderful - laughter and tears are a great thing!
P.S. say "Hey" to the Deloitte dude - my husband and I are alumni from TN.
Looks like you guys had alot of fun. Your hair looks really cute - I see a little wave in it??
Look like lots of fun! Small groups are so special...now I'm hungry for Mexican!
I've been reading since your precious Cora went to Jesus early this year, but I've never commented. I am so happy that God has blessed you with another little one! You look great in the photos- I am envious of your small group- I wish our church had more that we could be a part of like that!
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You look so much like Anne in that picture! Beautiful girls, both of you :)
Looks like an amazing time.
How fun!!! You and your hubby are too cute!
What a great small group idea!!! Looks like y'all had a great time!
Yes, what a great thing it is to have close friends.
I never could do cold water! It looks like so much fun though. What a great tradition!
You and Joel are such a cute couple!
I am so very happy to read about your pregnancy, and to see that little bean! I pray for you & your husband every day, and tears are streaming down my face, such joy for you! No baby will ever replace Cora, but you are both such wonderful parents, that of course, she needs to share you with another lucky little baby. Wishing you an easy pregnancy, and looking forward to more Ultra Sound pictures! Leslie in CT
I'm glad you all had a grat time. Sometimes we all need to get away for a few days.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of your small group outing. What a great idea!
That previous post was me. It didn't keep my name.
It is sooo good to see you two smiling! What an awesome group of friends! Wish we lived closer and could be a part of such a wonderful support yet fun group to live our lives with! Isn't Table Rock great.... we went there for our honeymoon! GOOD TIMES! :)
You look great, I hope that means that you are feeling great!
Miss you always!
AMIE
I am expecting my first daughter very soon. I follow Meg's Whatever blog and like many others have been greatly impacted by your story and your beautiful daughter. I have a Cora messy flower pin displayed in our nursery as a reminder of your family and God's love despite my understanding of circumstance. Just thought you might like to see it...depending on when you read this you might have to scroll down to the nursery post.
Congrats on your coming little one...what a legacy her big sister left behind for her.
I just found your blog and I am deeply sorry for all that you have been through. As a mother of a 6 month old, my heart truly aches for you. I believe that Cora is now in the God's little playground and He is now watching over her, and that she is looking down from Heaven at the both of you (as well as her new sibling). A big big big hug and peace be with the both of you.
What a fun day! The picture of you guys is beautiful. Praying for you everyday!!
Love and hugs from Michigan.
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