CELEBRATIONS! BOX R

BOX R became synonymous with Thanksgiving within most of our Oregon family. We held a family reunion in 1984 in California and in November 1985, those of us who lived in Oregon met again at Box R. At the time it was not known that we would continue to do this clear into 2002. It has been 7 years since we have been at Box R. We did get together at Fish Lake in 2007 but this year we are back at Box R once again. We are excited! We pray for safety on the roads!

At Box R we are away from everything! We have electricity and bathrooms, but no heat except for the large wood fireplace. There are two bedrooms in each cabin and lofts with mats. They do have kitchens with all the amenities and even a washer and dryer in each cabin. The wooded area, with a pond and a ghost town are some of the scenic spots we visit. There is a small grave yard that dates back to the 1800's and an old one room schoolhouse. A lot of additional construction has been going on in our absence, so we are looking forward to seeing what changes have been made and what new memories we can create.

Box R had been a tradition for 17 years. Box R will always be one of those kinds of memories that becomes a legacy handed down through generations of those who continued to celebrate at Box R; Because, it means family! Box R has always been a promise of great times. Those who couldn't make it, usually missed out on some special memory.

Included in our Box R memories is having a worship service and the hearing of God's word. Our family is blessed with talents galore. They are interchangeable! Many lead in worship of songs and praise, while others can preach the Word with knowledge and wisdom; Communion is shared and our hearts are laid at the feet of Jesus. Our bond in Jesus Christ brings us even closer to one another than do our family ties. "I will sing of the loving-kindness of the Lord forever; to all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth." Psalm 89:1

The very first time we went to Box R it was during beautiful fall weather. It was chilly with smells of pine permeating the air. But snow fell during our stay and no one was particularly prepared for that. But oh how wonderful it was! The dryers came in handy because every time the kids went out to play, everything had to be dried before they could go out again.

When it was time to leave, the dirt road we came in on, was now covered with over a foot of snow. We were going to have to plow it with our cars and trucks. Some had chains! Lynn and Kathleen's car was long and low. Many were there to help to get in on the move, which was a good thing. The adventure of leaving Box R was pretty exciting to say the least. After we all reached the Green Springs Hwy, we drove about 10 miles or so and then pulled over to take our chains off. So memorable and invigorating. We could hardly wait until we could do this again.

I don't believe we ever had as much snow as that first time, but we have had snow. Never quite know what our weekend will hold but we have never been disappointed. I guess that is why we are looking forward to this year and returning to Box R, once again.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving. And His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name, for the Lord is good! His loving-kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness is to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5 That is exactly what we do when we come together at Box R. We are there to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones. We are there to celebrate our Lord's faithfulness and His blessings. Hear our prayers, O Lord! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 11/14/09