If you have ever had a physical place that triggers great memories, you will know what I am talking about.

Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA, is that place for Elaine and I and our two daughters. It is one of the top 50 state parks in the US and is located between Cleveland, GA, and Blairsville, GA, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the Park.

Elaine and her family grew up going camping at Vogel, and she took me up there for a day trip when we were still in high school. I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. We spent several days on our honeymoon at Vogel State Park, and we have been camping or staying in cabins for 35+ years.

One of the greatest on-going memory at Vogel is the week of July 4th. There are probably 25-35 families that all go the same week to Vogel, and all our children grew up together. Going to Vogel for the week of July 4th triggers great memories with longtime friends and vivid images of my two daughters when they were young girls growing up through elementary school, middle school, high school, and college.

This place has deep meaning for my family and me.

As we all know, certain things bring back memories like smells, places, voices, etc. There are also things and places that bring back bad memories. The Bible says to think about the good memories and focus on those. I have found that over time the bad memories become less and less of a factor, but good memories somehow remain stronger as the years pass by.

I hope that the 4^th of July holds some good memories for you and your family. If not, start building good, long-lasting memories for you and your children. KT