Precious Moments

Every weekend we ask ourselves: What can we go do or see that doesn't cost money and is within a 15-mile radius? I'm always looking for fun stuff to get out and do or explore, because by the weekend, both of us are ready for something active and fun and something that takes us away from our humble apartment.

Since before we moved out of Rolla I was told of the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, which is about 15 miles from where we live now. So, when this Saturday morning's conversation went like this....:

"What do you want to do today?"
"Something....I just don't know what. There's nothing to do around here!"

 ...we both agreed it was a good time to find out if that Precious Moments Chapel was all it's cracked up to be.

We found ourselves driving out into the scenic green country on a winding, two-lane road and then out of nowhere there was a huge entrance for the Precious Moments Center. We had small expectations, but as we turned into one of the parking lots we felt like we were getting into something far greater than we imagined.

This place was really nice. The landscaping was so beautiful. There were Precious Moments figurines and fountains everywhere. The lawns, trees, and bushes were perfectly manicured. It was like stepping into Precious Moments Land. As we walked around the gardens we discovered beautiful views and scenes that left us wondering if they were real. Inside the chapel we learned that they were built into the views as depicted in the painted murals.

Inside the Chapel, everyone whispered. The paintings, murals, figurines, and stained glass windows, all crafted by Sam Butcher, were just breathtaking. It felt like a holy place. Sam Butcher dedicates his talent to God, and it is treated appropriately.

On our ride back home Brett said if we had brought his mom, we would have been there all day.
We would love to bring Brett's mom there, and anyone else.
We did not purchase anything in the gift shop, which is rather enormous - practically half of the visitor center is the gift shop, and the museum has one too.