Billy Graham: North Carolina's Favorite Son - A Remarkable Journey of Faith

"Billy Graham: North Carolina's Favorite Son - 

A Remarkable Journey of Faith"

"The Gospel is this "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Franklin Graham, at the NC Museum of History, Raleigh, NC
Exhibit Opening "Billy Graham: North Carolina's Favorite Son"
Photo: by CarolinaMama© 

That Jesus Christ is God in the form of human flesh, who comes out of heaven to save sinners from our sin. He died on the Cross in our place, to save us from our sins. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." Jesus died for us. If anyone puts their faith and trust in Him, He will save them from their sins. For all. That is my father's message even today, the message of the gospel. " by Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association spoke at the press conference Introducing the NC Museum of History's Newest Exhibit: 

The life and story of a North Carolinian whom God has used to reach others for Christ.

It was endearing to hear Franklin Graham talk about his father, Billy Graham: 

Franklin Graham, President of BGEA
Photo: by CarolinaMama©

"On Saturday, November 7, Dad will take a bite out of every one of his Birthday Cakes. Last year, that was fifteen different cakes. He is doing well and doesn't have any ailments. His biggest issue is his hearing and his eye sight is not really good. When you are close, he knows who you are. His challenge is that he is 97 years of age.  

We are SO grateful that he is still with us today.  Dad has written latest and last book, "Where I Am" published this year at age 96 years. He misses Mother (Ruth Graham) very much.

This is going to give another generation the opportunity to see what God can do with your life, for any life that saying "yes" to Jesus Christ. An opportunity to see what God can do with a farm boy, that God can use to go around the world and preach the gospel. 

This Exhibit will give another generation an opportunity to see what God can do with saying Yes to Him with your life.  God can use a rural North Carolina boy.

"I am still convinced, only Christ can meet the deepest needs of our world and our hearts." 

Billy Graham 

On November, 6, 2015, the North Carolina Museum of History opens the exhibit, Billy Graham: North Carolina's Favorite Son - A Remarkable Journey of Faith. The 5,000 squad foot exhibit explores Billy Graham’s extraordinary life and a ministry that has spanned seven decades. The free exhibit, on view through July 10, 2016, is privately funded. It was developed and produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The exhibit title draws from the 2013 resolution passed by the N.C. General Assembly honoring the life of Graham’s wife, Ruth Bell Graham, and naming Billy Graham “North Carolina’s Favorite Son.” 

On Saturday, November 7, 2015, Billy Graham celebrate's his 97th Birthday!  

The exhibit explores Billy Graham’s extraordinary life and a ministry that has spanned seven decades. The  exhibit is no admission fee, on view through July 10, 2016, is privately funded, developed and produced by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The exhibit title draws from the 2013 resolution passed by the N.C. General Assembly honoring the life of Graham’s wife, Ruth Bell Graham, and naming Billy Graham “North Carolina’s Favorite Son - A Remarkable Journey of Faith.” 

See full exhibit details at http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/billygraham.

Hope you get to visit soon! 

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: I was invited to the Press Conference by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association. I was so happy to attend. All opinions are my own. 

The Cove Billy Graham Training Center An Evening at the Cove

God's timing is perfect.  Even in the midst of great grief and loss at my amazing Mother's home going, we were able celebrate her life, loves and accomplishments.   My husband and I felt an added blessing to be able to reflect and refresh together after all of the services and meet Him here at The Cove at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

"The Cove is a Christian conference center designed to encourage, refresh and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith."

Truly a haven, a heaven on earth.  We were so thankful that God's providence would have it for us to be here this weekend. His timing is always perfect.

The Cove is a great time of refreshment from outside distractions and the daily quick pace of life we all seem to have.   Once we settled in, we gathered by the Fireplace ... can it get any more peaceful.  

The Cove is a perfect place for Clergy and Laymen alike.  In fact, our Church is having our Women's Retreat at the Cove again this year!  It is wonderful to get away, as we did, as a Couple.  Or, for Bible training. They host Marriage Retreats. And Biblical Training.  So there are many reasons to come and be blessed.  Everything is done for you so you can focus your time on Christ and relax. 

                                

One of the Fireplaces is a perfect spot for some quiet time and a refreshing, complimentary Sprite (or coffee, tea, cool water) at each Inn.  

Our room was so warm and comfortable.  We love the good nights sleep on these beds and the spacious bathrooms.  The two sinks are my favorite with one being a separate vanity so everyone can get dressed and ready for the special evening.  And lots of fresh towels!  I love not having to ask for more towels - we had lots of fluffy, soft white towels and toiletries in our room.  We even had a little chocolate waiting on us at bedtime.

When you enter the Training Center, the great living room looks like this at Christmastime. I could just stare. It was so magical.  Love the stone walls and every detail.  Everyone is relaxing by the fireplace. 

We paused for a minute to enjoy a photo opp on the Sleigh out front. This was fun and 

so convivial. 

On to Dinner, it was so fun to sit by the glass wall/ windows and looks at the mountains, the stars really since it was past sunset.  So very breathtaking and romantic.  We sat with a really nice couple. Though we enjoyed our "Date Night" dinner together.  I know, we couldn't help ourselves.

The Dining Room is so beautiful and elegant. 

The Chef at the Cove is phenomenal.  We love the consistency of a tasty, unique and 

healthy meal at the Cove!  And it's in abundance.  We chose the White Fish and Polenta with 

two fresh salads with homemade dressing. Oh my heaven on a plate! 

My husband felt the whole trip was worth it after his first (yes, he had to have two. :) I had one to 

balance us out.) Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse!  They were truly worth each calorie. 

Then it was on to the most beautiful Michael Card Concert ever. We LOVED it. 

We heard him in concert just before we got engaged so this was really special for us. 

The Cove is such a warm and comfortable and social setting. We got to meet 

Michael Card at the Ruth's Attic Book Store after the Concert.  So fun! 

See, we really did love getting all Christmasy dressed up for our evening out. I am carrying the Tartan Plaid Clutch my Daddy brought me back from Scotland way back.  Memories. And in memory of my Mother as well.

It was an honor to meet Billy Graham's daughter, GiGi Graham as she Hosted us in the Dining Room. Such a real delight to meet her.

GiGi Graham at An Evening at the Cove

Obviously, we could go on and on.  We had to have one more picture by the Fireplace. Everyone has to do this. Right?  It brings back the fabulous memories already .

My husband was right at home by the fireplace and with the old-fashioned 

sled. We took a picture for Colorado sake.  Totally handsome and good-looking, for sure! 

And mine.  #thankful

The Nativity scene about full-life-size was one of my favorites. So very Christmas story.

We love meeting lovely, Christian couples who have been married forever. All of these (including the lady in the middle whose husband was back at their room) were married over 45 years. What a great heritage.  And some great stories, too!  So we only have 31 years left to join their ranks. :)

The beautiful setting as Michael Card played the Grand Piano and sang.  And we were not only refreshed in a new way, we were reminded of Christ in Christmas. 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121

You can plan your own event here and follow The Cove on Facebook here, the Cove blog here. 

Warmly,
Carolina Mama

*FTC Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by The Cove. I am honored to partner together and all opinions are all my own. 

Billy Graham Library Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas from ... 

The Billy Graham Library Charlotte, North Carolina is fabulous and peaceful and all decked out for Christmas!

From Billy Graham's childhood home. 

We had the most lovely and blessed time there. It is already on our "must do again" list!

I was struck again with thankfulness for a Christian heritage. My precious Aunt worked for Billy Graham years ago. And I grew up with a family crazy for his preaching - his Jesus. Our Jesus.

As a child, I even made my own decision praying with my mother sitting in my Daddy's red chair after a Billy Graham Crusade on television. Thankful.

You remember the spiritual high I have been on every time I have been blessed to visit The Cove Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Today we visited with great christian friends. Our children adore each other and Jesus. It was restful to escape the today to this place and remember The Reason for the Season.

Have you visited The Billy Graham Library or The Cove? This was our first visit to the BG Library. Loved!

Merry Christmas!

Warmly,
Carolina Mama

Billy Graham and The Cove

Last year, I was blessed to be here...

The Cove - Billy Graham

and hear this amazing speaker Raleigh's Fayeson Tilley.

We dined on French Chef specialties here and enjoyed awesome fellowship...



Our last session was in this amazing Chapel, in the still and quiet...

God met me here in this secret place. Just us.


Today, I was blessed to be with these same ladies again! We heard from heaven through this special lady, North Carolina's Gwen Brodd who has raised her own 'brood' of boys for Christ - four to be exact. A 30 year marriage, four Christian boys in college and Joy in her heart! My cup overflows! Have a great weekend!

p.s. Today, a strange thing occurred, Carolina Mama didn't take her camera.... The memories are priceless.

Warmly,

Billy Graham Christmas Special

We're counting days until Christmas and putting finishing touches on packages, bows and gathering stuffed animals to share with children who are without - whether it is without a "stufty" or without parent.

Here is a bit of fun I want to share the Billy Gramham Chirstmas Special. It's going on now so check the listing for your area. And go ahead and look around at the site they have lots to celebrate there.

We've had a fun week of Christmas festivities which seem to continue on. We can't do everything. Do you find yourself making choices because busy is just busy. And it is the one thing we want to avoid - a feeling of just being busy.

Right now, we have a good mix and are focusing on the "Reason for the Season" - Jesus our Lord. So that is our hope to continue this weekend enjoying the celebration without too much ado. How about you? How are you doing just thirteen days before Christmas?

Warmly,

Election Day 2008: Prayers for Billy Graham and His 90th Birthday

“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ.” Billy Graham

On this eve of Election, please join us in another prayer. Evangelist Billy Graham is in frail health according to the local newspapers. His 90th Birthday is Friday! You can go Wish Billy Graham a Happy 90th Birthday here! It will be a part of a special celebration right at his home in the North Carolina mountains.

Growing up, I was blessed with a family heritage that included Billy Graham in many aspects. One of my favorite is hearing his Crusades many times on the television and then in person. And then a meeting in person.

Tell me about your personal experience with Billy Graham? Have you heard him in person?

And for another godly perspective this "Election Day 2008!" Please visit:

True, I didn't say popular or cool or hip - more like counter-cultural. I like the way he thinks. If you do too, visit John Piper @ Desiring God. Any thoughts?

Warmly,