Went on a retreat in the Mountains of Virginia with my friend Nick. We met others to interact and become friends along the Journey if Life. The river of the water of life. Sam a preacher in Galax Virginia. Randy, Mike, Daniel, Greg, Jim, Shane, and Sam,s son Caleb. We left the Nashville airport unable to find the flight we booked. A company less than 2 months in running. Finally finding out it was a small charter plane. A nine seater including the Captain in which did not have a copilot. Do the math. So there were 8 of us aboard. He packed our bags, put the gas in it. Get the picture. We then proceeded to Atlanta. Starting late and leaving late left us missing our connection in Atlanta. So we were left there waiting for the next flight out. Getting that straightened out because of Nicks diligent work ethics. So now arriving in Charlotte N.C. where we rented a car to travel to the Blue ridge of the Appalachian mountain chain. A little outside of Galax in which Sam is a pastor of a Growing Church Family. Upon arriving we met everyone after a great time chatting with Nick along the scenic route. Randy had made a Country boil that reminded me of New Orleans. Shrimp n Sausage n taters, with vegetables and just the right amount of seasons to make the nose run just a hair. After that we went into our first of many transparent sharing of the Souls. Each of us telling about each other with no holds bar. I started it off with a little E minor South of the border jammin. What a feeling to share with each other the baggage of yesterday. So between the Empathy and the tears of Joy from grown men in an Encounter with the Spirit of God we ended with "people get ready" We then enjoyed each others company for a time then called it a night Knowing that tomorrow would have much in store. So Randy and the crew made us breakfast and we all prayed and ate it up yum. Took a small break and went on to a weekend of talks and sharing between each of us. Sam had a plan for the weekend and it was about paths. The path we choose to be on. The one we were on and the one we are on now and how they differ from Gods plan for us. This day we also rode horses, 4 wheelers, fished, walked by the New River. Greg catching a Brown trout. We continued our retreat weekend all becoming close as this will only be the beginning of a twice a year event. The next being on a Island in Gulf some where where Nick will take us. Saturday night we went down to the New River and had a bon fire in the 37 degree weather while telling stories and Caleb and Greg n Daniel rode through the night with the mule and the four wheelers with out any cares of yesterday. Having fun together some us old friends, some new. Finally calling it a night some of us slept and some remained interacting. The next morning going to the Church to meet up with Sam to hear Gods word. Meeting the family,s of Mike and Daniel. Also interacting with Sams flock.  Now who would of thought he would speak on paths. Mmm. The Band started off with some foot stompin up to date Praise n Worship. Sam,s delivery right on being he spent many years as a Motivational Speaker. Then of course Nick and I leaving early to start the path back home. Again he and I interacting about the weekend. His plans and my plans. And of course Surrendering to the will of the Father. Knowing that in the Spring we will be headed to Florida. So behind I leave friends and their Family, and memories that will last a life time. Of course my path was about to again change its course with out a fail it happens to all of us. Nick got me situated and he headed off to Florida after a shared pumpkin spice latte from Star Bucks. Got to the terminal early. Sat down and boom it started. The World coming back at me. Two and a half hour wait. A Physic Philosopher sat next to me and asked me my name and went on about 2012. Then said to me I had issues to deal with. Mmm I tried to escape yet sat back down as all the seats were taken. Already it was beginning. A dance with Grace with my new found friends and now the scourge of a stranger who proclaimed to be a Prophet. She said your a composer and lalalala. Whats the name of your Guitar. I bet its a girls name as she put her hand on my knee.  I said to her I too was a Prophet and said that she would breath in the next 30 seconds then leave me in Peace. MMmmm. The man next to her David agreeing. I had only slept a couple hours a night in the past 4 or five days and was loosing my composer. I was admiring a young lady that was selling a program to fellow flight peoples and watched her style. The Prophet then said I had major issues with this. Well she was 350 pounds and was trying her darndest to get me riled up. She then said I looked like hell and should stop my way of life. Been clean 3 and a half years and now I am catching Hell for staying up with friends at a retreat. Go figure. Well finally she and the Pittsburgh peoples people boarded and next was us Atlanta people gathering. No problems as I was Praying diligently to the Father. Got Eleanor my guitar tagged. Named after my Mum. Then we all boarded. We stopped on the run way as the Pilot said he heard a strange sound. They checked it out while I prayed. Soon we were in the air headed to Atlanta. Reaching the terminal I spoke with an woman who carried a drum from Iran. She was touring around the World. Got off the train at baggage and ground travel. Hit Wendy,s for a single with cheese and a coke. Then tried to find the terminal for my flight home. No Luck. North did not know of it. Sent me to South. South did not know. MMmm tired and confused called the company. They did not talk loud enough and only heard echos. Yet tried to do as told. Asked around again. No one knew of this company. Called Nick as he had had me write it in my memo on my phone. He calmed me down and I set out again. Finally I sat on the floor against the wall and prayed. Went back to the spot and found others looking for it too. The name had been changed again. Behind the counter was a young lady and she yes my company Georgia what ever is flying there. She found my name. Took my Eleanor and my luggage. Yet said I would not need a ticket for the ride or a my guitar. Mmm God said to me its OK Michael I am in Charge so Surrender. I headed to Star Bucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte and wandered around looking at his people going to and fro. Went back to the place where I left Eleanor and the young lady said most people hang out here and she will find us. Seven of us. They all had as much trouble as I did finding it. We all interacted. An old pilot who served in the war, a young model who was studying to become a physical therapist. A Contractor who was coming to take out his sub contractors for a night on the town fro Montreal Canada. The lady in front of me who grew up in Detroit just a short short from me. And a fellow music maker on the road. Mmm this path thing is getting a work out. Sam Sam Sam. The pilots again show up. Hear that 2 of them. We carry our own baggage. Getting it yet? Then climb aboard our Cessna 9 seater. Took off and into the night we go. As we flew higher with no turbulence. The beautiful city lighted up like a scene of a Movie. We all were calmed and began exchanging conversations while the young model studied. Soon reaching Nashville and a smooth landing. Off to a cab and spoke with the cabby till I reached home. The end of this small Journey of many in life. The path as Sam was telling me. My Father always with me on it. Of course me not always understanding. Also me not staying on the right path always. Yet he gently keeping me on course when I called to Him or on a fellow believer! MMmm Figure that. How much easier our PATH is when we let HIM direct us. Even in crisis and they will Occur when we call to Him He delivers. Yet when staying close to His Will for us and His Path for Us always makes it a better and smoother ride. Not all the passengers on the ride are among his followers. Yet it is my walk they observe. I do His Will and Leave the Results also up to Him. What path are you On? The Father of Light will surly guide yours if ya will let Him.