The Journey - Summer 2016

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The Journey

6 INTRODUCTION TO THE JOURNEY

The Unforced Rhythms of Grace 9 STEVE GOSS The Bridge Builder

16 IN MEMORY OF STEVE GOSS Testimonials Honoring the Legacy of Steve Goss

20 KIM FURCHES Purpose From Pain

24 BEN COX Milestone Moments and Where They Take Us

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29 HANNAH ARNETTE The Hands and Feet of Jesus

34 ALICE & ROBERT DENTON God First, Each Other Second, Everything Else Third 39 ROBERT J. GETTY The Lord Almighty’s Hand

JR.

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MainStreetMarketingBoone.com This magazine is intended to present people’s stories about their personal relationships with God. Though we endeavor to have a diversity of view-points represented in our stories, sometimes we don’t achieve that. However, we always endeavor to let people tell their stories, uncut, as is. Because of this, it stands to reason that we are not always able to personally endorse all that is said, nor can we be held responsible for the total veracity of every story. The common denominator is that the people who share have experienced God’s love in real ways. The encouragement that we want for you is that you, too can experience His love in whatever challenge you face.

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The Journey / 2016 Summer

The Unforced Rhythms of Grace From the Publisher The Journey is a magazine about the spiritual journeys of people from our High Country region. They are meant to inspire and encourage each reader with the knowledge that there is a God who loves you and He longs for us to experience the kind of relationship with Him that will enable us to:

• find hope in the midst of our trials

• strength in our weakness

• light to penetrate our darkness

• purpose in our pain

• and love to keep our hearts from getting hardened

The stories you will read in these pages are not about perfect people who completely have their acts together.

But they are about people who have found a way to access the grace of God which enables them to be forces for good and positive change in a world that so desperately needs hope and help and healing. The way they have found to do this is through Jesus Christ, who was a man that changed the course of history through the truth He taught, the example He set, the death He died, and the life He still lives because Love conquered death and triumphed over Hate.

Jesus came to this earth and experienced the same temptations, injustices and hardships that we all do.

He came to show us what God is like and how we can

relate to God as One who will help us navigate through the difficulties of living in a fallen world with broken people who sometimes act in incredibly inhumane ways to each other.

With that in mind, I invite you to consider these words from one of Jesus’ teachings as found in Matthew 11:28-30 and rephrased in contemporary English by The Message Bible.

make judgments about important matters without being judgmental, and to foster a spirit of cooperation among ourselves to make our part of the world a better place to be.

I emphasize this because I fear that if we don’t fully realize how precious this is and work hard to find ways to protect and foster that sense of interdependence and respect we have for one another, we will regret it. Furthermore in a nation that seems to be increasingly polarized because we have lost the ability to listen to each other, and instead, shout at each other through social media, political rallies and other public forums, we must resist the trend and model a better way. Many people in every arena of life are losing the ability to reason with each other in constructive ways. Therefore, we must be vigilant to not fall prey to the same insanity.

“…most of us have managed to find ways to disagree Are you tired? Worn out? without being disagreeable; Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away to make judgments about with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how important matters without to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me ---- watch how I do it. Learn being judgmental, and to foster the unforced rhythms of a spirit of cooperation among grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. ourselves to make our part of Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and the world a better place to be.” lightly.

Steve and Phyllis Goss, Rob and Julie Getty, Alice and Robert Denton, Kim and Ken Furches, Hannah and Joey Arnette, and I tell our stories in these pages. We come from different denominational backgrounds, different age brackets, and different parts of the High Country, but have one thing in common. We have learned and are learning the unforced rhythms of grace. We know we need the love, mercy, wisdom, guidance, peace, protection and provision that God longs to impart to us if we’ll just humble ourselves and acknowledge our need.

One of the things that makes the High Country great is the humility and authenticity of many of its people, whether they are people of faith or not. Though we may not agree with each other on everything, most of us have managed to find ways to disagree without being disagreeable; to

It is with those things in mind that I acknowledge my gratitude to the High Country businesses who choose to promote their services through this magazine. Without their involvement, the reading of the inspirational stories found here would not be possible. Because they have made it possible, I believe that love has found a way to express itself in these pages which enables us to see what Jesus was talking about when He encouraged us to learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

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The Journey / 2016 Summer

Steve Goss & Phyllis Johnson’s wedding day, July 19, 1970.

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The Bridge

Builder In Memory of Steve Goss (11/7/1949 - 10/26/2015)

Senator Steve Goss served for two terms in the North Carolina State Legislature, representing Ashe, Alexander, Wilkes, and Watauga counties. Senator Goss worked hard to bridge differences and make our state a better place for all North Carolinians. Goss worked hard for his 180,000 constituents, regardless of political affiliation. Goss collaborated closely with local Representatives Cullie Tarleton and Ray Warren to impact the region with such accomplishments as the initial funding for the planning of the new ASU nursing school, funding for the new school of education for ASU, and funding for the expansion of the Alexander County Detention Center that brought scores of new jobs to the county. Goss also worked hard to initiate the funding for the Hwy. 221 expansion as well as the perpetual funding for the operation of the new Wilkes County visitor’s center off of Hwy 421 among other accomplishments.

Goss was dedicated to education and ethics reform and served as the Senate Chair of the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee.

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts, for if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (HCSB)

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teve Goss’s passing on October 26, 2015 left a void in our communities of the High Country. God endowed Steve with many gifts and talents, but he will be most remembered for the unlimited ways in which he bridged differences in order to unify people. His various platforms include a coach, a pastor, a missionary, and a state Senator, along with his endearing role as a husband

and a father. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 the Bible depicts a cord of three strands as a metaphor for the benefits of companionship. No matter the role in which Steve served, he was well-known for linking up with others along with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to join efforts and “build bridges.”

Benjamin Stephen Goss was born on November 7, 1949, the youngest

Steve & Phyllis with their grandkids

of six children. Like many Ashe County folks of that era, Steve’s family worked hard, but struggled to maintain an adequate standard of living. In fact, Steve almost had to repeat first grade because he did not have shoes to wear to school. At age seven his dad died and then his

spire him to further achieve his hopes and dreams. And because of God’s divine plan for Steve’s life, he encountered the unconditional love offered through a relationship with Jesus Christ as a young boy. He was faithful to attend church during his growing up years. He graduated from Ashe Central High School in 1968, and then enrolled at Appalachian State University.

“No matter the role in which Steve served, he was well-known for linking up with others along with the Holy Spirit’s guidance to join efforts and “build bridges.”” mother passed away when he was fourteen. Of course, being orphaned at the beginning of his teenage years brought new challenges to the family, especially to Steve, but he continued to persevere. If anything, these challenges only seemed to in-

ASU & Marriage

Steve Goss met Phyllis Johnson when he was trying to get through school at ASU. Her family immediately bonded with Steve, so much so that her Dad was going to adopt Steve had the couple not married. Steve belonged in the Johnson family and complemented the family’s dynamics.

Steve and Phyllis were married on July 19, 1970. Phyllis had just graduated high school. The couple attended ASU together where Steve completed his final two years. He graduated

in 1972 and was the first in his family to earn a college degree.

Phyllis completed all four years and graduated in 1975. During this time the couple lived in Boone. Phyllis’s father owned the Ford dealership in Boone and Steve was employed there.

Their daughter, Kelly was born in 1974 and then their son, Andy, in 1977.

Teaching & Coaching Upon graduation from ASU, Steve was hired as a teacher and head football coach at Northwest Ashe High in Ashe County.

He taught briefly at Beaver Creek High School and thoroughly enjoyed his experiences with Special Education students while there. Phyllis shared that Steve gravitated towards the kids who had problems and needed special attention. Throughout his life, Steve Goss was always cheering for the underdog possibly because he was the underdog so often.

The Call to Ministry Steve left teaching to try his hand at running a business,

The Journey / 2016 Summer

when he realized his true calling to ministry and became the pastor at Friendly Grove Baptist Church in Ashe County. After a couple of years at that church he felt compelled to attend seminary.

Education was an important priority to Steve, so Phyllis was not surprised at his request that the family relocate to Wake Forest, NC where he could attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

While completing his seminary degree, Steve pastored a church in Martinsville, Virginia.

Each weekend the family would travel there for ministry.

At the end of seminary, the couple relocated to Biscoe, North Carolina. In 1982, while serving at the church in Biscoe, the couple was called into mission work and, as only God would have it, the family was planted in Japan for almost five years.

Steve served as a missionary to a church in Tokyo where he had to learn to preach in Japanese.

While learning the Japanese language was challenging, the real challenge was working through problems that seemed to be stagnating for the

church. And that has been the common thread in every church in which the couple has ministered.

Phyllis shared: “Every church we have ever been in, there has been some kind of difficulty that we had to deal with. Even in Japan there was. This little church was struggling and some of them didn’t like their pastor and one morning we got up and one of the deacons came to us wanting to get rid of their pastor. We loved the pastor and we knew we needed to help him. I think he is still there to this day. We had to help mend some fences and were able to stay at that same church the entire time that we were there.” A significant memory for Phyllis was the busyness of the city of Tokyo. She was not comfortable driving an automobile too frequently so she depended on her bicycle, buses and trains as her means of transportation with two young children in tow.

“Throughout his life, Steve Goss was always cheering for the underdog, possibly because he was the underdog so often.”

After Japan, the family came back to the eastern town of Warsaw, NC for a couple of years at

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another struggling church. It felt as though the church wanted Steve to serve in a capacity in the community which went against his character as a man of God. In merely two short years at that church, the couple realized that their time of ministry was finished in Warsaw. Then, Oak Grove Baptist Church in Boone called Steve as their Pastor for seven years. Steve suffered a really bad car accident while serving this church and he was injured severely. From 1998-2006, Steve was on disability and sadly, his health would just not allow him to meet the demands of pastoring a church.

The Heartbreak In 2002, while struggling to regain his physical health, the most difficult and devastating tragedy transpired and suddenly, the couple had to face the death of their beautiful, infant granddaughter, Abigail. Little Abby suffered from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) which was responsible for the loss of her life. The couple received a phone call from their daughter, Kelly telling them that Abby was not breathing and of course, they were devastated. Steve officiated little Abby’s funeral and found himself in unfamiliar territory—comforting and ministering to his own during a time when it felt as though life was robbed from an innocent and tiny infant. This period of time was definitely the toughest challenge the couple had to endure. Steve and Phyllis were instrumental in helping Kelly and David grieve the loss of Abby, especially in helping them care for their other child Cameron. He was a mere toddler himself at the untimely death of Abby. God has blessed the couple with two children since then, Cohen and Katie Gray.

The Call to Serve in Public Office While unable to continue the demands of pastoring a church, Steve was encouraged to become involved with politics. He felt a huge burden for the folks of Alexander, Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes counties and with the support of many he decided to run for the office of state Senator.

He was elected for two terms and served our corner of the state valiantly. Jon Winek was instrumental in assisting Steve in his campaign and re-election. He fondly reflects: “I had the privilege to work with Steve on his campaigns for NC Senate. He would have meetings in his living room where we would gather and discuss the election. It was clear that his motivation was and remained to help people and treat them fairly. He believed in providing resources to those less fortunate so they could get back on the road to independence. I can also remember his sharp wit and how he was able to find humor in many situations.”

“…she knows she should not question God, but merely rest in His promise that one day she will have the answers to her questions.

At the divine appointed time, all of the puzzle pieces will fit together precisely and God will reveal His glorious plan.”

Steve & Phyllis

Serving Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church

Afterwards, Steve was defeated in his third run for the State Senate. That is when the couple was called to Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church in Jefferson, NC. It was while serving here that Steve was diagnosed with cancer in April 2015. When that happened, Phyllis says they were both shocked because they felt as though their ministry was not finished at Fletcher. Once again, God had called Steve to a ministry in which God could use Steve’s gifts of unifying and bringing people together.

The church was growing and healing under Steve’s pastorate. One of the highlights of Steve’s ministry at Fletcher was the God-given opportunity to baptize his brother, Dean. Incidentally, Steve lived with Dean and his family after he was orphaned during his early teen years. As only God would have it, the couple could not have been at

Steve with his brothers, swearing into office.

Wayne, Dean, Steve, Jim and Gene

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a more loving and compassionate congregation at the time of Steve’s death. Phyllis is assured that is why God planted their final ministry there.

Phyllis sometimes wonders why God called Steve to his heavenly home in the midst of this ministry. The couple had finally found a ministry together. Phyllis had retired as a school teacher and for the first time in many moons, it felt like the couple was ministering together. Without a doubt, it was the happiest season of the couple’s life. She admits she knows she should not question God, but merely rest in His promise that one day she will have the answers to her questions. At the divine appointed time, all of the puzzle pieces will fit together precisely and God will reveal His glorious plan. As far as Steve went, he never openly questioned anything. Even when he was facing death he brought comfort to Phyllis and his church family. He reminded them that, though this illness was hard to understand, the Lord specializes in working “all things” (even bad things) for good to “those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He was also rooted in this truth that Jesus taught His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Besides this, Steve understood from experience, that we live in a fallen world where “God himself…will wipe away every tear…There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will be done away with.” (Revelation 21:4) Those rock solid truths were ones he taught and lived! Steve knew where he was going. He was not afraid of death but did not want to leave his family nor his church family. Steve’s illness lasted for seven months before he died on October 26, 2015. Once it became clear that he might not survive this, Steve requested that he live out the remaining days of his life at home. Phyllis was able to make this happen through help from Hospice. Hospice came to their home and ministered compassionately to Steve, to Phyllis, and to the family as well, during the last part of Steve’s journey. “Caldwell Hospice was a God-send! I could not have done it without them.”

One of Steve’s requests after his diagnosis was that a screened in porch be built onto their house. It ended up being a solace for Steve during his final days. Even though he was only able to go out on the porch one time, his hospital bed was in the room right beside the porch and he wanted the doors opened all the time where he could hear the birds singing or the rain, merely experiencing nature from his deathbed. He was able to remain involved in his private commune with God up until the very end of his life. His

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soulmate, Phyllis, was also able to be with him to the very end. She attributes his peaceful journey’s end of this life to an adoption of a positive attitude. She was able to witness his passionate ministry to others as he neared the end of life. The couple remained bound together in that strand of three cords throughout Steve’s illness and death. As one reads the story of Steve’s life, it is very evident that his wife, Phyllis has been a companion who truly epitomizes the meaning of “two are better than one.”

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Written by Kim Furches with Phyllis Goss

Even though Steve was convinced he was inept at carrying out his role as a father, it is evidenced that nothing could be quite the contrary. He was his children’s hero! Steve’s son Andrew and his daughter Kelly graciously share pieces of their hearts so beautifully regarding their dad.

Andrew Goss: Steve Goss was a Husband, Minister, Missionary, and NC State Senator, but to me he was my dad. “Papa,” as he was known since the grandkids were born, was an amazing man. He always put others before himself which made him such a compassionate and loving person. Even with his busy schedule throughout the years, he always had the time to spend or talk with me up until the last days of his life. He made me into the man I am today with his guidance, patience, and unwavering love. His memory will always live on, and I pray that I will become half the man he was in this world.

Kelly Sechrist: My dad was a dreamer who put legs on his dreams and all of our dreams… He was not afraid to leap into whatever he was doing simply by faith that his God and his will would carry him to success--and it did. I will never forget the day my dad came home to the parsonage in Biscoe, NC, and asked us whether we wanted to live in the Bahamas or Japan. It seemed like just days later to me that we landed in Tokyo’s Narita Airport with just the bags we carried and a big dream to share God’s love with the people of Japan (of course my dad was not so happy with my carry-on that weighed over 70 pounds and was filled with books!).

Andy, Kelly, Phyllis and Steve

Steve & Phyllis with their church in Japan.

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Similarly, I can remember the day my dad called me, I believe it was February of 2006. I had Katie Gray on my hip as I struggled to find my phone in time to answer it. He said, “Kel, I need you and David to come over tonight. We have something to discuss.” I had no idea that we would enter into a four year mission to serve the people of North Carolina. I had three small children, Katie Gray was just 8 months old. ...And he looked at me and said, “I can’t run this campaign without you.” Those four years were such a gift to me as Dad and I worked side by side to help him win the elections for the NC State Senate. I was recently in Raleigh and went for a run downtown. As I approached the State Legislature, I could have sworn I heard his voice through the wind, “Kelly, you can do anything you can set your mind to. Go for it and live your dream.”

My dad was the great encourager--He was so proud when I went to the School of Science and Math, and when Andy signed to play baseball with East Carolina University.

He was excited for each and every milestone we achieved…

Air Force, college degrees, volunteer leadership, job opportunities… Even the smallest accomplishments were celebrated in his eyes… And then along came his grandchildren--and WOW! That pride in our family quadrupled! He also encouraged us in much more subtle ways, through his acts of kindness to us, talks with my brother, caring for our children. When my second child died in the fall of 2001, my dad became my champion. The only way I could keep our world moving was to bring my then two year old, Cameron, to his house while I healed and dealt with my grief. He was a rock for my son and for me.

My dad was fun--and funny! He always had a tremendous (and often mischievous) sense of humor and I loved to hear his stories whether sitting beside him in his green recliner or from the pew of a church where he was preaching. My parents worked hard to deal with life in laughter and sensibility rather than anxiety and harshness. What a gift that has been--I see it as I am raising my own family!

Postscript By the time this story is published, Steve’s family will have endured 8 long months without his constant vigor to help sustain them. They have survived Steve’s 66th birthday without him present to celebrate, their first Thanksgiving and Christmas without him, and undoubtedly the most painful, Father’s Day. Grief is a journey that only a cord of three strands can survive. The dignity that Steve’s family exemplifies is indicative of their faith. A faith that an awesome “bridge builder” modeled for them daily.

Kelly lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband, David, and their three children, Cam, Cohen, and Katie Gray. She is a Rodan + Fields Skincare Consultant. Andy lives in Crestview, Florida with his wife, Kaleigh. He has two girls, Maddie and Bree. He served in the Air Force for 12 years and now works at Eglin AFB in Service Contracts. Phyllis resides in Boone and has been able to drive to Wilmington alone to visit with Kelly and her family. She will soon make her first drive to Florida alone to visit with Andy and his family.

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Testimonials Honoring the Legacy of Steve Goss I do not have words to tell you what Pastor Steve Goss meant to us. He was such a blessing to our church and to our family. We miss him so very much. We are so thankful that God led him to Fletcher and so thankful for the time we had with him!

-Ronald and Pat Halsey After our wonderful pastor Steve Goss passed away last year, it was said, “Everyone has a Steve story.” Our Steve story is one that several people could tell. We had been visiting Fletcher Memorial Baptist for a couple of months when surgery was set for knee replacement. Since we had recently moved from Charlotte, the surgery would be in Charlotte.

While Steve was visiting us in our home, we told him about the upcoming surgery, but we told Steve we did not want him to make the trip to Charlotte for the surgery. The morning of the surgery, Steve was there in Charlotte. After Charlotte, he went on to Winston-Salem to see someone else in the hospital there. We have often thought about how he ministered to not only those who were members of his church, but to anyone he knew who needed a word from our Lord.

-Jimmy and Linda Hudler My earliest remembrance of Steve Goss is from the time we were both students at Ashe Central High School. He was a year ahead of me and was known throughout the school as a good student, a great athlete and a friend to all regardless of social standing or economic background. After high school our paths went in separate ways and crossed again after college for both of us. We reconnected when Steve opened a sporting goods business in West Jefferson and he accepted a seat on my non-profit agency’s board of directors. Not long after that Steve entered the ministry and he turned to my father to mentor him through the early days of pastoring his first church. Several years later our paths crossed again when Steve was elected to the North Carolina Senate. I appealed to my friend, now Senator, to advocate for citizens with developmental disabilities. Steve took my appeal very seriously and became a voice for those who could not advocate for themselves. Following his tenure in the Senate, Steve returned to his original calling, that of ministry. We rekindled our friendship when Steve accepted the pastorate of Fletcher Memorial Baptist church and in so doing became my pastor. His ministry to the Fletcher family was a labor of love in concert with his wife Phyllis. Together they loved, nurtured, led and served us as they achieved their ultimate objective of serving God. Steve and Phyllis were very easy to love and they returned that love for as long as Steve’s health allowed. We join Phyllis in mourning his passing but we rejoice in the time he walked with us.

-Larry Ballou I became acquainted with Steve Goss when he was owner/operator of a local sporting goods store in West Jefferson. In that business he was always focused on helping his customers get the items they wanted and left them with a desire to return to his store for future purchases. His personality, quick wit and sense of humor endeared his customers to him in friendships that would last beyond the closing of his business. When Steve answered the call to ministry he sought the counsel of my father-in-law, Rev. Bill Ballou. Steve always told the Ballou family that had it not been for the mentoring provided him by “Brother Bill” he didn’t know if he would have survived those early days of pastoring a church. I expect he would have done just fine because he had as his helpmate the love of his life, his wife Phyllis, who stood beside him and supported him in every turn of his ministry. Steve saw his service to the state of North Carolina in the state Senate as an extension of his ministry. He was not interested in a constituent’s party affiliation, but he was always interested in how he could help the constituent. I called on Senator Goss to address our Association of Educational Office Professionals group at its district meeting. Steve shared with us his knowledge of how the state legislature works and how we could most effectively lobby for the issues important to us. He put an approachable face on state government.

In time, Steve became my pastor when he was called to the pastorate of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church. His messages were always encouraging and called the congregation to be the servants God had called us to be. He demonstrated his love for us as a church family by always being there when we needed him and finding a way to console us in times of loss as well as using some self-deprecating humor to help lessen our angst in times of trouble. Steve loved his Lord, his wife, his family and his calling to serve. I am blessed to have been a member of the church family he was serving when God called him to his eternal home. We miss him, but we know there is a great reunion awaiting.

-Dianne Ballou

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Testimonials Honoring the Legacy of Steve Goss 18

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It has been a blessing and an honor to have known Steve Goss, both as a friend and as a pastor of Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church in Jefferson, NC. He was such a compassionate person, and he cared about all people regardless of their station in life. No one could have worked any harder for his fellow man than Steve Goss did. Rest in peace Pastor Steve.

Yours was a job well done.

-Bobby and Jan Bare Steve was the kind of person that left a lasting impression on people. Love seemed to be the driving force behind his sermons, the way he conducted business, dealt with individuals from children to elderly adults, and lived his everyday life. I still remember Steve sharing with a group of kids at Bible School that Christians just need to love people and accept them where they are. I am so thankful for the valuable lessons I learned from Steve.

-Tina Key I have been associated with Steve Goss for the past forty-eight years. He was in my biology class at Ashe Central High School as well as one of my biology students at Appalachian State University. During his senior year in high school, I was his principal. He was a terrific student academically and excelled in sports. I followed Steve’s career as a teacher, a minister, a missionary, a state senator, and as my pastor at the time of his death. In all of his endeavors, Steve displayed and insisted on excellence. He exhibited a love for people that was foremost in his actions. Steve possessed a passion for young folks and always promoted their best interests. He loved his family dearly. I am sure that upon entering Heaven, Steve Goss was greeted with the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21 -Richard C. Blackburn I would like to pay a tribute to Rev. Steve Goss pertaining to the time he was pastor at Fletcher Memorial Baptist Church. He spent many hours and miles on the road just “being there” for us and many people outside the church. He spoke very highly of us here at Fletcher but I sincerely believe that his great compassion, humility, and concern for his fellow man, along with his outstanding Christian ethics has given this church a new perspective and insight as to what God really wants from us. His leadership has molded and carved a niche for us to follow as we move forward, and for that we will always be grateful. Thanks to one of the most caring pastors I have ever known!

-Colleen M. Campbell

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Ken & Kim Furches with their grandchildren.

Purpose from Pain Kim Furches

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few years ago, K-LOVE Radio challenged their listeners with this: using only one word, describe what you're thankful for. My one word is “purpose.” Not too many years ago, Satan tricked me into thinking that I had no purpose and I sank into a terrible place defined as depression.

I wouldn't begin to put a value on all I learned through that journey and pray that I will NEVER have to suffer being that sick ever, ever again.

My story goes like this: I was born in El Paso, Texas at Fort Bliss Army Hospital. At three months of age, my Daddy completed his two years of service in the US Army, so I was traveling with my parents across the desert when our car broke down, in the middle of the desert. The temperature was 107 degrees and I didn’t cry. That is when I set myself up to be the person who over-achieved, pleased everyone, and created happiness all around me. That served me well throughout my childhood. As I look back, I truly believe

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that I lived the best childhood possible. My parents loved me and provided me with all I needed and more, and I was cherished by my grandparents. I’m sure that my younger brother and sister would agree.

After graduating from Beaver Creek High School in 1978, I had made plans to attend college. But much to my family’s surprise, I got married! (In November of this year we will celebrate our 38th year of marriage.) In 1980, we celebrated the birth of our first child, and by 1988 we were parenting four children. I very much enjoyed being a mother to our children, but little did I know that I had not prepared from them to grow up. In 1991, our family suffered several difficult hardships. The one that finally buckled me was when our youngest child began Kindergarten. In the fall of 1993, I was not well. I didn’t know what was wrong with me and couldn’t find a solution no matter what I tried. I thought I was crazy and that I was hiding my crazy from everyone. Finally, one fall morning I was desperate! I was living a nightmare, literally.

In my desperation, I called Dr. Richard Calhoun’s. I told the receptionist that even though I wasn’t a patient of Dr. Calhoun’s, I thought he might see me if she would relay the message that I was in dire need of medical care. I didn’t know that others could take one look at me and know that I was very sick. He agreed to see me and I credit him for playing a major role in my recovery.

He diagnosed me with clinical depression. I thought he was wrong—depressed people lay in bed with the covers over their head and refuse to get up for days at a time. I was like a hamster on a wheel that couldn’t get off. I couldn’t eat, sleep, drive, make a grilled cheese, pray, go to church, be alone, etc. All I could do was cry and be nervous. He suggested that I be hospitalized, but Ken and I were able to convince him that my biggest fear was being separated from my family. He then gave Ken strict orders that I was not to be under any stress. He prescribed me a heavy dose of anti-depressants along with a counselor’s name. I was reluctant to take medicine, and even more reluctant to

seek counseling but I was so sick that I was willing to do anything to get better. Seeing the counselor was the best decision ever! She helped me own what was mine and let go of issues which were not, but my biggest victory was acknowledging that I had lost my purpose. My kids were growing up and with no more babies to rock, what was I to do? I recall lying on the bed one evening glancing through the Wilkes Community College class schedule and it was as though social work was written in bold, 3D letters. The next thing I knew, I was on campus of Wilkes Community College sitting for a placement exam so that I could enroll and study Social Work. I spent a couple of years there before transferring to Appalachian State University. In 1999, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree at age 39. I then worked for the school system for five years in a job that I loved so much. I was living life in my comfort zone when I realized that God was calling me to go back to school so that I could receive training to help not only individuals, but families as well. I know now that without my experience with mental illness, I would not be compassionate with those I serve as a Christian counselor. God has used all of my hardships to offer hope to others. Mostly, God has grown me into a different person than I used to be. I have tried my best to adopt an attitude of thankfulness. My blessings have made me rich and I am wealthy by God’s standards.

Most people my age have been orphaned, but yet I have both of my parents living vibrantly, healthy, and self-sufficiently. I have never been hungry, cold, or homeless, without shoes or a coat. I received twelve years of FREE public education. I can read and write and do simple math. Excellent medical care is at my fingertips. I have running water and it’s my choice whether I choose hot or cold. I am surrounded by a loving family and precious friends. I am free to worship as a pastor’s wife thanks to the many Veterans and their sacrifices. I am blessed to say that my roots run deep in beautiful Ashe County. I live in a home, not just a house. I am so thankful that God called me to be the mother of my children and their spouses. I LOVE being “Gee” to my ten (almost eleven) grandchildren. Finally, I am thankful for my husband. He has held my hand through each and every journey. God has been so good to me and I am thankful for the difficult journeys for without them, I would be ignorant in appreciating all of the blessings that He has endowed upon me. Oh yeah, did I mention that I’m thankful for purpose?

“A few years ago, K-LOVE Radio challenged their listeners with this: using only one word, describe what you’re thankful for. My one word is “purpose.””

“And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)

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Written by Kim Furches

Betsy with her brother and sisters.

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Ben & Connie Cox with all their children and grandchildren.

Milestone Moments and Where They Take Us Ben Cox

15 years ago, on June 12, 2001, I traveled to Cary, NC to sit in a hospital waiting room with other family members to await the arrival of my first granddaughter, Kaitlyn Joy Cotten! The name “Kaitlyn” means “Pure” so it was great fun for all of our family to tell our friends that “Pure Joy” had come into our lives!!!

Kaitlyn is the firstborn child of our firstborn child, Heather. Therefore, it was an added blessing that my wife Connie, who is the mother to our six children, got to be

by Heather’s side during her first birth experience. Only moms know, at the deepest level, what a powerful, painful and sacred moment that is. It was special to me, as a proud papa and husband, to get to tag along and behold the miracle of birth again.

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Now, though I’m tempted to go into detail about what a joy Kaitlyn really is and to tell you about how she is the first of eight grandchildren and then brag on them and my kids and my kids’ growing families and great spouses, etc, etc, that IS NOT the point of this story. The point is how important it is for us humans to really cue into the milestone moments in our lives and to capitalize on the significance of these milestones to take us to the good places that the Lord Himself has designed them for.

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He allowed me the sacred privilege of being able to come alongside and help the good people of NYC whose lives were changed forever by unspeakable horrors of 9/11/01.

That certainly put my own perceived “trauma” into a different light as I realized how insignificant that was, comparatively speaking.

Now that my 15-year-ago “milestone events” are piling up, here’s another significant milestone that occurred simultaneously with the birth of my first grandchild: I started a new job that I had never done before as a straight commission sales person, with only one product that I was allowed to sell. That product was a Buy One Get One Free Dining Pass that the company I now own still produces.

“Learning to pay attention to milestone moments in our lives and then discovering Having six children to support no idea of what my future held, how to put them into and I sold those little cards as if my For example, in my 37 years of depended on it. Now I’m sure the framework of who life experience as a full time and now that many of my initial sales were bi-vocational pastor, I’ve walked sales from people who we’re created to be is sympathy “through the valley of the shadow wanted to help me out. But total of death” alongside many people. strangers bought my dining passes Because my dad was also a pastor, and what I didn’t realize then is essential to becoming too I watched in amazement as he that I have a “gift” or “grace” to sell tapped into the grace of God to the increasingly whole that I had not discovered yet. help all kind of folks with all kinds of problems and traumas and hardAt the time I discovered this ships in a way that made me realize humans who God talent, I had no idea that one day I how strong the power of God’s love, would own Main Street Marketing grace, mercy and compassion really desires for each of us and now also High Country 365. is.

That brings me to now as it relates Besides this,15 years ago, in the to this magazine called The Journey, same year when I experienced the to aspire to be between and back again to this subject of joy of welcoming our first grandmilestone moments. child into the world, I also experihere and eternity.” enced my own painful milestone The birth of a child or a grandchild, a marriage, a salvation experience, a special vacation or other special moments in our lives are events we would view as positive milestones. However, we’ve all encountered some negative milestones as well, such as losing a spouse or child or career or health or wealth or various other “curve balls” that life throws our way.

of an unplanned, surprise career change, which is scary when you’re 45 years old. Then, less than three months later, the Lord saw fit to send me to New York City with Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to experience another milestone event that profoundly affected me on all kinds of levels.

Due to my strong sales abilities, I was allowed to sell other things besides dining cards.

Because we were and still are a niche marketing company, I started selling ads. That led to becoming a minority partner with a salary, which also put me in the position of doing non-sales things as well.

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One of my favorite non-sales “assignments” was doing the interviews and the stories for a little newsprint publication that was only published in Ashe County, called Good News. My pastoral training and background, along with my appreciation for the power of a person’s testimony, made this an enjoyable, inspirational task for me. There were many occasions where tears of joy and gratitude were shed as both the interviewer (me) and the interviewee realized afresh how awesome it is to have a faith that’s not based solely on religious beliefs and traditions and rules, but on having a personal, daily relationship with Christ.

When our minds assail us with the kind of worry, doubt and fear that accompanies our human tendencies to obsess over all that’s wrong and bad on our “fallen planet” we must learn to fight back. Otherwise we can fall into the trap of becoming comfortably or uncomfortably numb, which has all kinds of negative side effects. Henry David Thoreau is famous for having said that “most men lead lives of quiet desperation,” and though that’s sad, it’s true. But we don’t have to settle for that! We can learn, by the grace of God to make wise attitudinal choices and priority choices that can get us out of life’s ruts that we are prone to fall into.

Now, here I am 15 years later writing an article for a magazine my company does called The Journey that’s published twice a year and that’s become very popular in Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes and Avery Counties. Who would have thunk it? Not me. I sure didn’t set out be a business owner and I certainly didn’t train for it.

If you are currently experiencing the joy of some “magical, mountaintop moments,” or if you’re experiencing the trauma of walking through a “valley of despair or heartache” that you never saw coming, please receive courage and hope from the awareness that this could be your milestone moment that propels you into the good, eternal future that the Lord has specifically designed for you.

One of the first interviews that I ever did when I became a salaried employee was Steve Goss, who is our featured story in this edition. At the time he was our state senator who represented Ashe, Watauga, Alleghany and Wilkes Counties. I had never met Steve, but was thoroughly impressed with his attitude, spirit and demeanor at our interview. Therefore, when I heard that he had passed away last year I wanted to honor him for his years of being a servant to many of us in the High Country as a teacher, coach, pastor and senator.

However, I did not know Steve’s wife Phyllis and felt awkward about calling her for a story. So, I decided to call Kim Furches, who sometimes writes stories for me, to see what she thought about my idea and if she knew the Gosses. She loved the idea and said she felt comfortable about calling Phyllis, because when she and Ken got married 37 years ago, Steve Goss was the pastor who officiated at their wedding!!! In fact, theirs was the very first wedding that Steve performed…. another milestone moment!

With all that in mind, I want to conclude this article with these final reflections on the significance of your own milestone moments. Learning to pay attention to milestone moments in our lives and then discovering how to put them into the framework of who we’re created to be is essential to becoming the increasingly whole humans who God desires for each of us to aspire to be between here and eternity. The Good Lord’s desire for every human He has created is for us to learn to experience life and love and joy and even pain and suffering and sorrow in a way that makes us increasingly whole people as opposed to bitter, disillusioned people.

The sad reality is that many of us, myself included, get bogged down or have gone through stages of getting bogged down into the morass of having to make sense of all the pain and suffering and injustice we humans perpetuate against each other, not to mention the natural disasters, accidents and tragedies that can and do randomly occur on a regular basis.

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Written by Ben Cox

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THE

Hands and Feet of

JESUS Hannah Arnette

Being called to live as Jesus lived

I

grew up in Linville Falls, North Carolina, where I was blessed to be around two people that set a good example for what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. From them, I learned that we must serve others before we serve ourselves.

The first person who influenced me was my grandma. Grandma Jean has the heart of a servant and continues to faithfully serve the Lord at the age of 86. She has been a house parent at Crossnore School, a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, an organizer of the Crop Walk to raise hunger awareness, and many other things.

Currently, she serves the Lord by volunteering at RAM’s Rack Thrift Shop, where she hangs and tags clothes to sell to raise money to help people in Avery County. The store uses its profits to meet the needs of low income families through running a food bank and paying heat and power bills.

The other person who was a huge influence on me is my mom. Throughout my life, she has always gone out

Joey & Hannah Arnette at the Hospitality House. of her way to help others. When I was growing up, we had elderly neighbors who had a disabled son. They had a wood stove and little money. Every fall, my mom would load up the farm truck with wood and take it to that family. They used the wood all winter.

When I was in elementary school, I had a friend who lived in a poor home. One year at the beginning of the school year, my mom invited her to go school shopping with us. My mom bought her several outfits so she could feel good about starting the new school year.

While I was in high school, a dear friend with a hard home life moved into our home. My mom welcomed him into our home and treated him as if he were one of her own.

He lived with my family for more than a year. I think John 13:35 describes my mom well: “By this people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

(ESV) My Journey to Serving Through Christ Although I grew up in a family that loved God, I was never truly sure what being saved meant. A friend prayed with me in sixth grade and told me that if I meant the prayer, I was saved, but between middle school and high school, I had many moments of questioning God about whether I actually belonged to Him. I never had peace about it.

When I was 16 and dating my husband, Joey, I started going to church with him. One morning, the pastor came into the Sunday school classroom and said he felt the Lord leading him there. He began talking about our

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relationships with Jesus, and I remember my heart breaking when he asked where we would be if we died that night. I honestly didn’t know.

supplies for women, so I came up with the idea of creating women’s care baskets filled with shampoo, soap, feminine care products, and other necessities.

Others in the class opened up, and walls were falling down. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest. With many tears, I admitted that I didn’t know Him, but I wanted to. The preacher took us all to the altar and lifted us up in prayer.

Every November, through the kindness of my husband’s boss, a tractor trailer takes a pallet of these care kits and school supplies to this ministry. It’s neat how God takes care of all the fine details. In these care kits, I always include a note to these women reminding them how much God loves them.

At that moment, I gave my heart to the Lord and became a daughter of the King. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I had peace in my soul.

Joey has been working for a trucking company since 2005, but when he got a license to drive a tractor trailer in 2013, our ministry expanded again. Sometimes on the weekends when there aren’t enough truck drivers, we take loads to different locations across the U.S.

Shortly after this choice, I decided, like my mom and grandma, I wanted to serve Him with all that I had. I knew He had something big for me to do. I thought He might call me to work in a developing country, but I waited and waited and no opportunities arose.

I remember thinking, “God, am I missing something?” For years I prayed, “God, what is this you have for me to do?”

I noticed that at a lot of the truck stops, there were people that had many needs. My husband and I put together large ziplock bags with snacks, hygiene supplies, and New Testament Bibles with special letters in them. The letters included in the Bibles are purposely written to remind them just how precious they are to Lord. We gave out many of our bags on our trucking trips.

“I didn’t need to go far away to do His work as a servant. I could We can serve using the He has given us. Joey do it right where He had me.” talents has always been the cook in

After a job-related conference I attended in downtown Atlanta in 2008, a homeless man greeted me and asked me about my morning. I gave a smile to him and a reply.

He asked for some money for breakfast. That morning, I had bought a snack and a drink in the hotel for the long ride home. I reached into my bag, and I pulled out the food.

It wasn’t much, but it was all I had to give. He graciously accepted the breakfast and told me He knew God was going to provide. God had to feed this man, and I was a part of that plan. God had used me to take care of one of His sheep.

Then it dawned on me. He wants me to serve people that I encounter daily. I didn’t need to go far away to do His work as a servant. I could do it right where He had me.

I remembered what Jesus said to Simon Peter. “‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs’” (John 21:15c, ESV).

Amazing Experiences I learned that serving can be as small as sending a card to tell someone you’re praying for them, inviting someone over for supper, or packing a shoebox for a child in a faraway country. I started looking at the different opportunities that God was putting before me and asking how I could use them for His glory.

In 2011, my husband, Joey, went on a mission trip with friends who run a ministry in Laredo, Texas. They cross the border daily into Mexico to build churches. When the churches are built, they turn them over to a local pastor but continue to support them with supplies such as Bibles. The ministry also runs a Christian school in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

After Joey saw the ministry firsthand, we wanted to help it in some way. I prayed and talked with my friend who runs this ministry. I realized there were great needs for basic hygiene

our home. On the other hand, I have a talent for burning food.

When a cooking opportunity came up in our church family for the local homeless shelter, Joey was able to start using his gift of cooking for the Lord. We lead a group once a month to prepare this meal. We love being a part of the Lord’s work.

In the future, we hope to shift our ministry focus. God has called us to be parents—but not in the traditional way. We’re going to start a family through adoption. In Ephesians 1:5, God said He adopted us into His family through the blood of Jesus. We want to follow that example. We’re praying for these children now, and we hope that next spring, we’ll be able to start the process.

Even at the end of Christ’s life, He was serving those around Him. On the cross, He told the man next to Him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43b, ESV). Jesus had compassion on this criminal. As those below Him mocked and cursed Him, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34b, ESV).

Even as He hung dying, His concern was for the people. He loved you and me.

When I wake up in the morning, I think to myself, “Who can I serve for you today, Lord? Who are you going to put in my path that needs to feel your love? Use me Lord, and let me be your hands and feet today.”

I think Mark 10:45 describes our purpose on Earth: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” We are called to love God, love others, and serve. Serving God is an amazing experience.

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Written by Hannah Arnette with Chelsea Charping

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God First, Each Other Second,

Everything Else Third Robert & Alice Denton

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lice Denton is, in herself, a story of accomplishment and achievement. Her titles include female business owner, Hospice board member, Woman of the Month, Business woman of the Year, Watauga Home Builders lifetime member, National Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals, Sunday School Teacher, mentor to many high school girls. She has started her own business, has had her insurance license for over sixty years, and the list goes on. She is a lesson that hard work and determination do pay off.

But this is not a story of mere accolades, it is a story of faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” As a young girl, Alice saw with eyes of faith a future she felt directed to pursue: to become a businesswoman in a man’s world.

Alice understands seeds. She comes from a simple background. A farm girl from rural eastern North Carolina, where they had everything they needed, except money. Raised in a Christian home, she was taught by example, the value of good character, work ethic, setting and fulfilling goals. Every farmer has a goal. You plant a seed, it grows a crop, and the harvest provides for himself and others. And this, as a young child, is what Alice learned. Discipline, character, commitment, honesty and integrity. She made a commitment to follow Christ as a young child, was baptized at age nine and has trusted the Lord and the power of prayer ever since.

“Commit to God, with His help, to always remain sweethearts, never go to bed angry, kiss each other the last thing of every day.”

Faith is not about flowery words or preaching, it is not in wealth or the lack thereof, it is not in verbiage, it is in the heart. Faith is like a seed planted in the heart, which becomes dependent upon the one who planted it — the Lord. Faith is a story of dependence, of believing that he who began a good work in you is able to complete the work He started. This concept can be understood both spiritually and practically. It is believing that the Lord can give guidance, direction, and answer simple prayers.

He can also place vision in a person’s heart. If we acknowledge Him first and ask Him for wisdom, He will faithfully give us that wisdom.

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In a family with little finances, she learned to appreciate the small things. At age six her birthday gift was being old enough to make her own bed. At age nine she was given her first doll with hair. She also began to help her father with his bookkeeping.

From this humble beginning, Alice believed God had put certain goals in her heart. She put herself through business school, working hard toward the goal in front of her. “The Lord was involved in every decision, where to go, what to put my hand to, the moves, businesses, work. Everything was bathed in prayer.” Alice found herself dependent upon the Lord to guide her, and trusting it was Him who was directing the course of her life, where and when to begin the business she had envisioned as a child.

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Alice believes that in all of these life decisions there is a simple truth: that if she prays, seeking God’s will, He is able to guide her with his peace, and if that peace is disturbed, that is His guiding protection as well.

Alice believes it was the Lord who brought her and her husband of sixty-eight years together. At the age of fourteen she met Robert, and they knew from that moment that they were meant for each other. They held hands and prayed together, asking God to help them always remain sweethearts. Adopting the motto early on to “Put God first, each other second, and everything else third.” They were married four years later, and have believed this motto throughout all these years, remaining sweethearts for sixty-eight years.

Keeping their love alive is an example to the young couples she has endeavored to mentor. “Commit to God, with His help, to always remain sweethearts, never go to bed angry, kiss each other the last thing of every day. In the morning open your eyes and thank God for another day, and your spouse. Ask God to help you with each day’s journey, there will always be good and bad times, we need God’s help.”

At nearly eighty-eight years old, Alice says, “I have a good Lord, a good life. I find my joy in helping others with the opportunities God has blessed me with.” Throughout these years mentoring young women in business and young couples in marriage she still says, “Be smart, work hard, you can do it.”

“We have a daily choice to embrace each day anew with grateful hearts to the Lord and to choose joy every day.”

Each day begins and ends with prayer. Thanking God and choosing to have a good attitude. “We have a daily choice to embrace each day anew with grateful hearts to the Lord and to choose joy every day. Be happy, enjoy your work, and take time for all things that are important.”

Alice has done just that, with God’s help, in her home and as a businesswoman. “Becoming a businesswoman in the sixties was quite an accomplishment. It truly was a man’s world. And it could not have been possible without God’s guidance and direction, without dependence and faith in God.”

Alice Denton and husband Robert still live in Boone, now retired, yet continue to serve various nonprofits and in their church fellowship at First Baptist. They have been blessed with two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. They remain a blessing to our community.

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Written by Connie Cox with Alice Denton

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The Lord Almighty’s Hand Robert & Julie Getty with their children.

I

t was a cold and blustery day in January during blizzard like conditions while in the mountains of North Carolina. We had just been blessed with sixteen inches of white powdery snow. My neighbor had called to ask if we would like for him to plow our driveway with his four wheeler. Our driveway is fifty feet long and on a forty-five degree angle, so I quickly obliged. We decided to venture out and get the essential groceries and staple items needed to weather the storm.

Upon returning home it was a nice surprise to see the driveway was plowed and clear, although still a little bit icy.

I parked my truck at the very top like always, and helped my oldest daughter out of the back door on my side. I advised both girls to be careful and walk in the snow so they would not fall, and then proceeded to help my youngest daughter out of the passenger side rear door. We walked hand in hand since it was deep snow off to the side, and an icy mix on the driveway crossing behind the truck. We made it to the front lawn and she proceeded with caution to the front porch. I continued back around the truck to help my wife out of the front, while grabbing some groceries along the way. We both tiptoed across the drive and slowly made it to the front porch safe and sound with no spills.

Out of nowhere a silence ensued and you could literally hear a pin drop. A huge gust of wind howled across the front yard and whisked a thin layer of snow with it. The hair on the back of my neck stood straight up. My oldest daughter began to scream; it really startled me. We all turned to see what she was screaming and pointing at. My 6000lb. truck slid as if it was whisked away by a feather, making no sound at all. It slid forty feet, all the way to the bottom of my driveway, landing next to my wife’s car. My youngest daughter began to cry as if she had witnessed a ghost. We were all in awe of what we had just witnessed.

My initial reaction was one of anger, but after a closer look to assess the damage to our vehicles, there was no damage, not even a scratch to either vehicle. I was still shocked at what had taken place. Then I felt a calmness blanket over me.

Robert J. Getty Jr. None of it mattered. Monetary items matter not. The only things in my life that mattered were surrounding me on that front porch. My next emotion was, “What caused this?

Was it Divine Intervention, or God teaching me a lesson?” I have always been a faithful believer of Jesus and the Almighty Lord for their grace in my life’s journey, but that day I really witnessed a MIRACLE. What if the truck had run over me and my youngest daughter? What if my children were on the front porch and watched as both of their parents were run over by my truck? Would they know where to go in 12° weather? I truly believe that the Almighty Lord was holding that truck on that cold blustery day in January to protect my family and myself. But why? The only reason I can fathom is so that I could tell this story to those who are questioning their faith in Jesus and the Almighty Lord.

If you have ever felt that Jesus is not listening to you or your life is not working out the way you had planned, please rest assured that miracles happen every day, and don’t lose faith or hope because the Lord is your guardian angel and all you have to do is BELIEVE.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Written by Robert J. Getty Jr.

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Best

The of the High Country 365

Dining Pass From a HC365 blog post by Hannah Maxson

Navigating through the 43 restaurants on our $45 High Country 365 Dining Pass can be quite the challenge, but we’re here to help you out. No matter what type of food you’re feeling, the dining pass has something for you. We’ve put together a list featuring some of our favorite restaurants on the High Country 365 dining pass and the menu items we can’t live without.

2. The Best Cellar: This restaurant was always too expensive for my youngadult budget, but thanks to the coupon on the dining pass, eating at this key restaurant in Blowing Rock has actually become a reality. The menu item I chose to indulge in was the roasted Duck and I was not disappointed. The Duck was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the raspberry sauce layered on top was the perfect amount of sweetness needed to compliment the seasoned meat. Best Cellar also has one of the most beautiful dining areas with each table giving a nice view of their outside garden.

APPALACHIAN COOKIE CO

1. Appalachia Cookie Co: This coupon allows you to buy 6 cookies and get 6 free, so you don't have to pick just one favorite. My all time favorite is the smores cookie and the Ron Swanson...and the chocolate peanut butter. Ok so it's impossible to pick. They're all amazing. In fact we have an entire blog dedicated to a tasting which you can find on our website. Also, App Cookie Co, If you're reading this please bring back the pink champagne cookie you had for Valentine's day. I have dreams about that.

3. Local Lion: This coupon is perfect for any day that you need to get an assignment done or for when you're about to spend hours in the library. Buy any beverage and get a free donut of equal or lesser value. So grab that large chai latte to give your brain just enough energy to power through that essay and then reward yourself with a fresh homemade chocolate donut with coconut shavings.

4. Papa John's: This pizza chain isn't anything new, but I had to mention it because of the unbelievable savings you get from this coupon. With your High Country 365 Dining Pass you have an unlimited use coupon that allows you to buy a large pizza and get a second pizza of equal or lesser value for free. As I said before, you can use this as many times as your heart desires until the coupon expires, creating a ton of savings for you pizza lovers.

LOST PROVINCE

5. Lost Province: I'm convinced you could try anything on Lost Province's menu and be thrown into a world of deliciousness, but there are a couple things that I feel compelled to order every time I visit. We're going to move away from the immediate thought of ordering pizza and head over to the appetizers. They have a a fried vegetable appetizer that immediately makes all my problems go away. It changes weekly and is served with their house made pimento cheese, which is the best I've ever had, and pickled onions, jalapeños and carrots. So far I've had fried broccoli, hushpuppies (that counts as a vegetable right?) and cauliflower.

6. Black Cat Burrito: This funky downtown burrito paradise has become quite the staple in Boone and is one of my favorite restaurants to hit on the dining card. My go to is a burrito called Zorba the Greek. This burrito is loaded with chicken or tofu, olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, lettuce and wrapped in a spinach tortilla with a zesty tzatziki sauce. One of the other reasons Black Cat is so great is because their tofu can be described as firm and tasty instead of watered down. So if you are on a meatless diet or just looking to try something new, this is the place to try tofu.

7. Roots: I can only begin by saying I love this restaurant. It has the perfect environment for a cozy or intimate date. I went in the late fall for my birthday, but I can only imagine how nice it is to sit on the stone patio in the summer. I recommend the Grilled Pork Chops which are big enough that you're sure to have leftovers. This savory menu item comes with two bone-in chops glazed with apple butter sauce and served over wild rice. In addition to this you get to pick a side from their traditional classics. I chose the cranberry sourdough herb stuffing which did the family recipe justice.

8. Basil's: The great thing about Basil's is it's affordable and absolutely delicious. You have a wide range of choices including flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and their homemade pasta. My choice dish is spinach ravioli served with artichoke pesto and a side of bread. I'm not going to lie, my favorite part was the side of bread. It was toasted to perfection but fluffy enough to pull apart and covered in the perfect amount of garlic and butter. Every piece I tore off and dipped into my pasta dish tasted like pure bliss. They say you shouldn't fill up on bread, but in this case it was totally worth it.

9. Galileo's: Galileo's is as equally fun as it is appetizing. This bar and grill holds a basement full of pool tables, board games, oversized Jenga, and more! For a small price you can rent out the entire basement for graduation parties, birthday parties, and whatever other party you can

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think of. Back to the dining pass, word on the street is that Galileo's has some of the best burgers in town. If you can handle it, and are braver than I, order their Ghost Burger. Each sensational bite you take will hold melted mozzarella cheese, red onion, spinach, bacon, and their NC ghost pepper rub. A single tear will fall from your eye as a result of the heat and the happiness that comes from consuming this delicious burger. If you were thinking yeah this sounds great but beef isn't my thing, then you can also swap an organic chicken breast or a black bean patty at no additional charge.

11. Sweet Frog: I feel like I don't have to say much about this because it's a build your own frozen yogurt kind of deal. They have rotating flavors of soft-serve frozen yogurt and a magnificent topping bar filled with fresh ingredients stocked daily. If you are feeling healthy, or as healthy as you can be with frozen yogurt, try fat-free chocolate topped with strawberries, blue berries, and kiwi. If you're going all out you have your choice of gummy bears, chocolate chips, hot fudge and so much more. I could give you some of my favorites, but who am I to tell you what to put on your frozen yogurt. Our dining pass also gives you 3 coupons for Sweet Frog, so go ahead and try all they have to offer.

SWEET FROG

STICK BOY KITCHEN

10. Stick Boy Kitchen: This bakery turned restaurant either starts me off in a good mood for the day with their breakfast or cheers me up at lunch. Their fresh bagels made daily make for the perfect breakfast sandwich and are something you should definitely indulge in once in a while. One of my personal favorites is “Son of a Gouda.” You pick your bagel and it gets piled high with caramelized onion, ham, gooey gouda cheese, egg, and garlic aioli. My advice is to get there early because the dining area fills up fast. However, this is also the perfect takeout spot for those days you want to just lounge around the house.

12. Woodlands: People near and far from the High Country have heard of the famous Woodlands Barbeque restaurant. This barbeque is up to southern standards and has become a restaurant destination over the years. Their menu features barbeque beef, chicken, pork, and ribs in addition to homestyle Mexican food. The best news is, you can now save up to $8.95 on any menu item.

13. The TApp Room: TApp is for the True APPalachian State fans who will love the decor, the plentiful beer options, and the bar food. Typically when I think of a buy one get one free coupon it means you take a friend and split the bill, but in the case of TApp Room I treat myself. I start out with the southwestern poppers which are fried balls of cheese, potato, and jalapeño. Yum. After that I can't help but order a Western Burger topped with savory BBQ sauce, bacon, crispy fried onion sticks and melted cheddar. You have your choice of seasoned ground chuck, marinated chicken breast, or a housemade veggie burger. The veggie patty is always my pick because it is so so good. It is crafted from mushrooms, peppers, sweet onion, and a pinch of cumin and chipotle for a southwestern flavor.

15. Red Onion Cafe: In April it rains and usually rain can stop you from being able to sit outside. Red Onion Cafe solves this problem with their outside patio that is perfectly positioned so no rain can come your way. One of my favorite items to order, and yelpers agree, is the french onion soup.

Traditional onion broth and french bread are topped with bubbly toasted parmesan and mozzarella cheeses made to warm you up with the first sip. Since you have the buy one get one free coupon I recommend getting one to go.

This doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the many savings the High Country 365 Dining Pass has to offer, but I didn't want to overwhelm you. The other 28 restaurants are listed below so you can get an idea of the other great restaurants you'll have an excuse to try. To get in on the savings call our office or order online!

Additional Restaurants: Barberitos, Blue Ridge Diner, Bojangles', Boondocks Brewing, Boone Drug, China Wok, Cilantro's, Coyote Kitchen, Dan'l Boone Inn, Dos Amigos, Foscoe Country Corner, Hardee's, Hotel Tavern, IHOP Restaurant, The Log House Uptown, Los Arcoiris, Makoto's, McKethan Brothers, Melanie's, Menchie's, Mint, Murphy's, Rivers Street Ale House, The Rock, Subway, Tipton's Bar-B-Que, The Town Tavern Boone & Blowing Rock

For more blogs like this, or to purchase a Dining Pass, visit www.HighCountry365.com

RED ONION CAFE

FARM TO FLAME

14. Farm to Flame: If you like pizza, this local food truck has you covered. Farm To Flame practices environmentally conscious standards and offers a variety of pizza and taco combinations. My go to pie is the Shitchyeah. Picture a 12in pizza topped with chicken, bacon, diced pineapple, ricotta, a truck made cheese blend, and covered with Honey Badger Blonde tangy habanero BBQ sauce.

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4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales........................................................................................15 A Plus Realty.............................................................................................................................................32 AJ’s Tire and Auto..................................................................................................................................44 Alterations by Joanne.........................................................................................................................28 Appalachian District Health Department................................................................................48 Appalachian Flooring and Tile.....................................................................................................14 Appalachian Furniture.......................................................................................................................45 Ashe Assisted 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Rent-All........................................................................................................................................21 Brame Huie Pharmacy.........................................................................................................................46 Burger King...............................................................................................................................................23 Caldwell Hospice..................................................................................................................................11 Carolina Barbeque.............................................................................................................................33 Casa Rustica & CR Catering.........................................................................................................45 Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff............................................................................................................................37 Church of Jesus Christ..........................................................................................................................38 Coffee House Waffle Shop..............................................................................................................33 Covenant Family Therapy & Christian Counseling............................................................21 Crossnore School.................................................................................................................................17 Cutter’s Edge..........................................................................................................................................21 Dan’l Boone Inn......................................................................................................................................14 Dougnet......................................................................................................................................................37 Dr Pepper...................................................................................................................................................15 Farm Bureau - Toby Oliver...............................................................................................................36 Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub................................................................................................................15 Full Circle Wealth Management...................................................................................................44 Gary Trivette Electric.........................................................................................................................38 Greene Construction Inc..................................................................................................................19 Guardian Insurance.............................................................................................................................19 H&W Oil Company................................................................................................................................27 Hardee’s.....................................................................................................................................................27 Hidden Creek Management...........................................................................................................38 High Country 365 Mobile App.....................................................................................................43 High Country 365 Dining Pass.......................................................................................................23 High Country Home Show....................................................................................................................7 High Country Insurance Services................................................................................................27 Holston Presbytery Camp................................................................................................................26 Hope Pregnancy Resource Center............................................................................................38 J&B Auto Repair......................................................................................................................................44 Jefferson Rent-All...................................................................................................................................28 Jo-Lynn Enterprises, Inc......................................................................................................................15 Legacy Pre-Finishing, Inc..................................................................................................................32 Lifestore......................................................................................................................................................15 Linville Caverns......................................................................................................................................32 Log House Uptown...............................................................................................................................21

McDonald’s..............................................................................................................................................46 Melanie’s Food Fantasy....................................................................................................................33 Melissa Goodman, CPA....................................................................................................................44 Mount Vernon Baptist Church.......................................................................................................45 Mountain Tile...........................................................................................................................................31 Mountain Town Dental......................................................................................................................35 Mountain View Nursery & Landscaping..................................................................................42 Mountaineer Tractor...........................................................................................................................28 Nationwide Insurance- Andy Harkins...........................................................................................4 New River Archery Supply...............................................................................................................38 New River Building Supply..................................................................................................................6 Parker Tie...................................................................................................................................................47 Perry’s Gold Mine.................................................................................................................................38 Petal Pusher Designs & Gifts...........................................................................................................32 Precision Cabinets...............................................................................................................................42 Precision Printing...................................................................................................................................36 Ray’s Weather.........................................................................................................................................19 Repubic Services..................................................................................................................................19 Samaritan’s Purse.....................................................................................................................................2 Scott Brothers.........................................................................................................................................37 Sears............................................................................................................................................................18 SkyLine/SkyBest......................................................................................................................................46 Stick Boy Bread Company..............................................................................................................42 TYH Bottled Water...............................................................................................................................15 Triangle Vending...................................................................................................................................15 Watsonatta Western World............................................................................................................22 Watauga Building Supply................................................................................................................28 Wilkes Vocational Services.............................................................................................................18

MSM & HC365 Staff Deck Moser, Ben Cox, Sarah Lynn Mills, Becky Zaragoza & Hannah Maxson

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The Journey / 2016 Summer

The Journey / 2016 Summer

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The Journey / 2016 Summer

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