First Baptist Church, Athens, Tennessee Aluminum Ornament
by Jennifer Pinkner

Buildings of faith become our homes.
I'm reminded of an Amy Grant song:
“If these old walls, if these old walls would talk…of things that they remember well…
These halls built my youth…
I spent many hours wandering this building and using my imagination in my daddy’s office.
I learned Bible verses and ancient truths and anthems that stick in my heart and head.
I learned the magic of reading music and the life giving beauty of reading God’s word.
I ate dinners filled with laughter and sang songs that still ring in the rafters.
I played hide and seek, met on the steps for Bible school and played Red Rover with friends that are imprinted on my heart.
I learned to serve here and learned excellence in my first job.
I learned what it is to be a family here.
I matured in my faith here.
I launched as a senior in my cap and gown on the front steps.
I launched from my family of origin as I married my husband here.
And I am not alone in these stories.

If this has been a special place to you, I am sharing ways to commemorate through an ornament and prints.