Last month, my husband and I were scheduled to speak at a church in Alabama. It’s the first time we’ve ever spoken outside of our local church, so we were both a bit nervous. Since we’re empty nesters now, I came up with a great idea. “Why don’t we leave a few days early and go to the mountains in north Georgia?” I figured the fresh air and cooler temperatures might help with the nerves.

So, off we went.

We have lots of great memories there. For many years my husband, myself and two daughters spent Thanksgiving week in a cabin either in Helen or the Dahlonega area. We loved to hike in the woods, wander around the quaint, small towns as they prepared for Christmas, or maybe go horseback riding. Well, to be honest, after one horseback riding disaster, my husband and youngest would get on the horses. My oldest and me, not so much.

It’s been a few years, so I’d been dreaming about hiking again. This trip came at an opportune time, since the temperature would be chilly, the leaves would have changed and we’d have a few days reminiscing about past adventures in the mountains.

The day we arrived it rained like crazy, but the next morning I found a trail we’d never hiked before. Early in the morning we headed up the trail to DeSoto Falls. Here are some pictures of the falls and surrounding areas.

But this has to be my favorite pic. This was posted on the park bulletin board at the beginning of the trail.

Just so you know, no humans or bears crossed paths in the woods.

Here are some pics of Dahlonega decorated for Christmas.

Our church visit was successful and we got to spend time with new friends. It’s amazing when God works things together for our good. Not only did we rest our bodies, we rested in a special time with God.

Here’s hoping you and your family enjoy the blessing of this Christmas season.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of ten novels. She is currently working on new stories for Harlequin Heartwarming, as well as a new mystery series. Her next Heartwarming, part of The Business of Weddings series, will be released in June 2016. Visit Tara at http://www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books