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Where is your happy place?

Oct282007-VID00061-4.jpg picture by janaelbe

Where do you go to find happiness? Where you feel close to God and all that is important to you. Is it church, being close to your family and friends, or simply just finding a quiet place and having time to yourself? Time to think, to feel, and to pray.

Those who know me already know my answer to this question, but for those who don’t I would like to share my place with you. I head to the forest to enjoy some quality time with God and my family. Together we appreciate all the beauty He has given us.

The chapel is old and unique, the stained glass windows glow with charm, and you feel blessed to be a part of it all. I love having mass in the church, but I also enjoy the grado outside where we have church under a rock overhang. It’s like being in a cave! Seeing the moon and stars above, the lake right in front of you, and singing songs you can hear an echo to. Amazing!

Hiking through the forest is a challenge, but what you see and feel along the way is worth every step. I was there this past weekend and the gifts God put on my path were a true blessing. We saw deer, the legendary albino catfish, star gazing by the waterfall, a beautiful rainbow, and peace!

Come on in and enjoy some of my favorite photos of “my happy place!” I would love to hear where your happy place is, and how it makes you feel.

Peace, Jana<3

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:50 PM The Church at Camp Ondessonk

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:53 PM The is the grado, this shot was taken from about the cave.

	marley Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:53 PM great blog girl, the place i feel closest to God, family and nature is at the lake house up at mark twain lake especialy in the early morning before anyone wakes up, it is so peaceful and i love hearing the birds singing and the little creatures running through the woods. one of these days i will experience your happy place with you.

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:54 PM This is inside of the church<3

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:55 PM Oh Marley I can't wait to show you this place!

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:58 PM This is what I'm talking about

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 9:59 PM I love that picture of Lauren. It shows everything I feel when I'm there just by looking at her face. Peace, Love, Happiness, and all that God has to give!

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:01 PM At the top of my favorite waterfall, the stars are amazing from here.

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:02 PM The side view of the same waterfall. It's called Pakentuk!

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:04 PM Look at the rainbow!

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:05 PM A place we call home

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:07 PM This is "Hogs Bluff" a place where an indian burial ground is. Very special place.

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:08 PM We layed here Saturday nite and watched the stars

	marley Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:10 PM i like this pic, it looks so cool did ya notice i was the first to post LOL i love this part of the blogs i didnt even know it was here

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:11 PM I have so many pictures of this amazing place, but this gives you an idea of what I was talking about above. I love this place, and I hope someday to bring my grandchildren here and share all the wonder of God's creation with them. Peace, Jana<3

	candsw Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:11 PM Jana this is a great blog and a very beautiful place. I can't wait to get out there. Lauren does look so at peace.

	rosie Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:43 PM my happy place in on my couch now... but you have a lovely happy place, the pictures are awesome

	marvoe Oct 30, 2007 \| 10:57 PM Perryville......The Miracalous Medal Shrine. Every 13 of the month, a guy who lives in Perryville has "visions of Mary" We pray the rosery all 5 mysteries, and he shares what Mary had to say for her messaage to all the people...........Absoutly beautiful, peaceful, and we go or try to go on the 13th of every month........Its a very cool thing, there is a huge grotto and a huge statue of Mary on top of a hill......pretty neat! And very relaxing.

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:01 PM Rosie, thanks girl! Marvoe I would love to see some photos next time you go. Sounds wonderful!

	ErinG Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:26 PM Jana...the only pic missing is from our rock, deep inside Phantoms Canyon. That will always be the best place for me at Ondessonk! HEEPWAH!!!! Peace, Love and Hugz...all the way from Colorado! ~E

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:31 PM Erin here girl......sending ya a little peice of Heaven.

	nightpanther99 Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:33 PM This is my 80 acre farm with a small Cabin i have a litle pond and all the wild animals you could

	ErinG Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:35 PM That's what I'm talkin about Jana! The only way that could get any better would be to stand under that waterfall...so pure and cold...again! One day we will...together! Hugz!

	nightpanther99 Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:37 PM imagine this is where i go to get away .. its all mine .. Its my sanctuary .. my litle Piece of heaven ... There is nothing like having a place to go to be alone or sharing the outdoors with someone Special... Those are great pics jana i will have to go its someday,,, Click on my images to blow them up :>

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:39 PM Oh girl stop your making me cry AGAIN! That was by far the best moment I ever had at camp! The water was amazing and just breath taking! Thanks for the memories girl! Yes! It will happen again! Take lots of pictures of the mountains for me! I MISS YOU!

	ErinG Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:45 PM Pictures of the trip out here and of the mountains soon to come...just gotta get a chance to be organized and pull them all together...LOL! Wait till you come visit...I have a mountain view from my back porch!! Imagine sitting out there in the wee morning hours, sipping coffee and watching the sun come up over the Rockies. Ahhhhh....breathtaking! This too is a memory to come girl...look forward to that! Miss you bunches! ~E

	jana Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:49 PM I can't wait! I'm looking forward to seeing the mountains! Maybe I'll have my new camera by then! I am looking forward to it! I'll pack up katie and the gang and we will come packin' our silly string and PJ's!! Love you!!

	antsmomie Oct 30, 2007 \| 11:49 PM Jana great post! I have a few happy places. For family time it would be the lake of the ozarks or the beach, for time between Nik and I it is Eureka Springs, and for time with my girlfriends and myself it is Camp O. When I am unable to go to these places I have been known to lock myself in my room with some sort of sweet confection and just watch t.v. or read and relax. My kids are not old enough or patient enough to understand Camp O, but I do hope that one day they will be and I can take them there to enjoy the beauty that God has created. I will never forget our time there and I hope we go again soon.

	YeoMoe Oct 31, 2007 \| 1:04 AM The Mississippi River Anywhere along it. How could something so peaceful and beautiful be so powerful underneath. It reminds me of God and how peaceful He is and yet how powerful He is also.

	michelle4wellness Oct 31, 2007 \| 4:14 AM Jana, camping at Ondessank last weekend was one of the best experiences of my life. It's hard to describe the peace I felt to someone who hasn't been there. It sounds so weird but I love going out to my friend's graves for peace. My best friend Rhonda died 6 years ago and is buried in Lebanon MO....so even the drive there is a nice time to get away and reflect. Then my first love Brett died and is buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary. That is just a beautiful place...I am always amazed and never fail to drive away with a lump in my throat from the beauty there. This is me last Friday for Brett's 10 year death anniversary...

	jeanette Oct 31, 2007 \| 7:20 AM My Happy place is here with family and friends.

	perkypolock Oct 31, 2007 \| 8:44 AM Great blog, Jammin' Jana! I think we were chit chatting last night while you were creating this. One of my favorite happy places is when I am hiking around Cahokia Mounds with Thor. The beauty that is out there is breath taking. I think being outdoor and around all the our Good Lord above created it my happy place. I am extremely happy when I am around my family which is a huge part of me and chilling with my buddies!

	wilky69 Oct 31, 2007 \| 9:05 AM I try and find peace with God no matter where I am at, unfortunately I sometimes feel that he is either not listening. I am stressed out 20 hours a day and the other four I am sleeping and probably having a daymare. I work mids so I do not sleep at night! Anyway, my favorite place in the whole world is the bowling alley w/ attached pub!! Army Strong, Wilky69

	jana Oct 31, 2007 \| 9:57 AM Hey wilky! I totally understand the "thnking He's not listening." I was driving to camp one day and this is what came to my mind on that subject........When I'm at home and life is crazy, my head feels like a radio station that isn't tuned in. "Lots of static" "Voices in and out, not sure of the message." As I get closer to the forest, the static softens, and my thoughts are clear. Like hitting STEREO on your radio station. Ya I know thats a little weird, but its exactly how I feel. I tune in and my signal is amazing! We are planning a bowling nite soon, I hope you can make it! Peace always, Jana<3

	jana Oct 31, 2007 \| 10:00 AM Dan I love your pictures! Someday I want to go out there and see the beauty for myself! Thanks for sharing the pics! Peace, Jana<3

	mrmgrady Oct 31, 2007 \| 2:19 PM Many years ago, I visited a Trappist Monastery in Ava, MO (south of Springfield, MO). I used the book, "A Vacation with the Lord" by Green, SJ. It was the most wonderful, calming and centering experience I have ever had! Spending time alone with God, in Nature and listening to Jesuit Music was most relaxing and unwinding! I truly need to return for a "booster!"

	superjaybrd Oct 31, 2007 \| 2:41 PM I am most at peace when I am walking in our woods...alone. I talk to with my grandma who died June 2006. Believe it or not, she responds through the nature around me. Camp looks sooooooo awesome! Some day, Jana, some day....

	White_Shadow_Photog Oct 31, 2007 \| 2:48 PM For me its Arizona, since thats home for me...especially Sedona... Sedona at night...

	White_Shadow_Photog Oct 31, 2007 \| 3:21 PM oops and this one too...

	jana Oct 31, 2007 \| 3:32 PM White_shadow I literally got goose bumps looking at your photos! I have always wanted to go there! I hear the most amazing stories of this place! Thank you for sharing, please if you have more photos put them up. I want to go soooo bad!! Peace, Jana<3

	White_Shadow_Photog Oct 31, 2007 \| 5:05 PM Well here are two more... The Road to Sedona... Native American in Sedona... I have more Jana, just have to upload them to Flickr first....

	White_Shadow_Photog Oct 31, 2007 \| 6:13 PM Hope Im not filling up your blog, Jana but found one more for the road, actually till I upload more to flickr.

	jana Oct 31, 2007 \| 11:47 PM White_shadow I love seeing these pictures, please keep them coming!! I want to see them all! I would love to hear your stories about this wonderful place. Thanks, I keep coming back looking for more. Peace baby!

	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 12:13 AM Those pics are awesome what a beautiful Place !!!

	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 1:26 AM The Summer of 2000 i had the pleasure of going to seattle Washington .. This Is Mount Raineire .. Click on the thumbnails and this means you to Jeanette i know you dont like it when i do this so :P
	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 1:32 AM And heres some pics of alley springs and Meramec Caverns and some orchids for jana i know she loves flowers !!
	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 1:33 AM hmmmmm the cavern Pics didnt work

	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 1:35 AM

	nightpanther99 Nov 1, 2007 \| 1:36 AM THere we go !!!! sorry jana im just playing around here lol

	mincooper Nov 1, 2007 \| 9:32 AM My happiness is found in memories of my grandparents. I lost both sets in the late 70's when I was only 10 and I see other people with their grandparents or kids who disrespect theirs and think you don't know how luck you are. I also find happiness in helping abused and neglected animals.

	White_Shadow_Photog Nov 1, 2007 \| 10:25 AM Okay Jana,ask and ye shall recieve, so here are a couple more...Now for a little back story...Happiness is Arizona, especially Sedona not only because I was born in Phoenix, but I still can vividly recall my parents taking me to Sedona when I was "knee high". Taking the trip with mom and dad and me in the back seat (my sister wasnt around yet) so I had the entire back seat to myself. Granted Sedona has become a tourist mecca now similar to that of Branson, but growing up I can remember taking walks in the streams, trying to climb the red rocks, but being a kid I never did make it far or very high and mom yelling at dad, telling him that he was going to do laundry since I had stained every article of clothing I had on from the red dust of the rocks...So now when I return to visit Arizona and fly into Sky Harbor International Airport (great name for a airport in my opinion), and visit Sedona, I relive those countless memories in my mind and it always brings a huge smile to my face. The ironic thing about this is the fact that my sister who never lived in Arizona as we moved from there after she was born, is now a OB/GYN at the very hospital I was born at in Phoenix. So as the song Rocky Top goes....with a few changes... Sedona, will always be home sweet home to me!
	White_Shadow_Photog Nov 1, 2007 \| 10:27 AM A couple of my pics didnt appear in the last message...So here they are again...

	inriislord Nov 1, 2007 \| 12:07 PM awesome pictures all, God created all of this and this earth is soooo beautiful, can you imagine how gorgeous His home is HEAVEN.

	inriislord Nov 1, 2007 \| 12:11 PM where is camp ondessonk, street cordinates for map quest

	jana Nov 1, 2007 \| 12:34 PM The photos are amazing White_Shadow I'm in love with the place already and have never been there! I will definately find my way there someday in the future! Inriislord- camps address is 3760 Ondessonk Road, Ozark, IL 62972 You will love it! Peace, Jana

	jana Nov 1, 2007 \| 12:37 PM Dan I love the mountains! I wish I could visit all these places. This world is so big, I would love to be able to see all the beauty God has created all over it! Love the flowers! Peace, Jana

	wilky69 Nov 2, 2007 \| 12:21 AM Jana, Thanks for the shout out! Anyway, I just got done punishing some pins, but it was fun night so I did not go after score. I feel that God wants us to be happy and whatever we do that makes us happy, I think he is cool with that (as long as it is not illegal!) Life is too short and just Mon night I had this dude approach me in the can and said "how's the bowling?" in a sarcastic manner, well if getting high or drunk and acting like a total donkey makes him happy, who am I to judge? Just a thought, Army Strong, Wilky69

	jana Nov 2, 2007 \| 1:10 AM Hey wilky! Well, we are planning a bowling night! I will be putting up the newsletter for November soon, keep an eye out and if you have any questions just let me know! I agree, its important to be happy and not sweat the small stuff! Peace, Jana

	jana Nov 2, 2007 \| 1:12 AM Hey wilky! Well, we are planning a bowling night! I will be putting up the newsletter for November soon, keep an eye out and if you have any questions just let me know! I agree, its important to be happy and not sweat the small stuff! Peace, Jana

	sissytrucker Nov 2, 2007 \| 8:25 AM Jana, This is a great blog. I hope that some day soon I can find a place like this.I have tried to go back to the church that I grew up in. While the people are real nice I dont really care for the preacher. So I think Im going to try out a diffrent church Peace & Hugs Sissy<3

	White_Shadow_Photog Nov 2, 2007 \| 10:35 AM Jana, quick question for you, the photos that you have in the beginning of this blog, the waterfalls, etc...where is that!? Id love to go and spend a day there, and Id fill up so many memory cards on my digital camera!!! Thanks in advance!

	jana Nov 3, 2007 \| 12:07 AM Sissy you are welcome to join me anytime I go to Shawnee! You will love it I promise! White_Shadow its at Camp Ondessonk in Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Go to Ondessonk.com and you can check it out. Any questions just let me know. myfoxfamily2@yahoo.com Peace, Jana

	harp Nov 4, 2007 \| 12:02 PM Hi Jans I just saw this blog was not able to get on when it was up..And just now tryin to catch up on some.. My happy place in Ohio was the Sandusky rive across me house,loved that place.. Here just being at home with mom and dad and Willie by me side.. I put video up of daddy and me hiking infact there 2 diffrent blogs on hiking with diffrent videos... My first ones from video cam I got I finaly know how to kinda use it LOL... Only bad thing was the loud voices scaring any animals that was around..To find out later it was bunch kids guess they skipped school that day....

	jana Nov 4, 2007 \| 8:40 PM Hey Harp! How ya doing girl? I sure miss ya! Im going to check out those videos!~ Have a wonderful day! Peace, Jana<3

	PattyPoo Nov 4, 2007 \| 11:49 PM your pictures are nice but my [lace is a BINGO GAME with all my good friends and family .

	jana Nov 5, 2007 \| 12:07 AM Oh Bingo! PattyPoo I haven't played Bingo in years! Where do you go to play? I remember when I was young my mom would take me with her and she would have her little bag of chips and magnetic wand! It would be lots of fun to get a group together and play Bingo!

	YeoMoe Nov 6, 2007 \| 1:33 AM okay, I'll tell you something very personal. Wilky said something about God not listening. I feel that way sometimes but I know God is listening. Here's why: Quite a few years ago, life became very painful for me. I just wanted to quit. I was driving back from the hospital all the way up by the airport. My daughter was being treated there. I was coming home down 70 to 55 to 44. I tend to get lost but I didn't this time around. I was on 44 going West, almost home as my exit was at Grand or whatever (by that hospital that used to be Incarnate Word) I had been thinking on this drive home from the hospital how it would just be easier for me just to quit. Just quit life and go on to the next step........whatever God wanted for me. Well, unbelievably right after that thought right there along the wall in the median on Highway 44 where there was only cement was the biggest, tallest sunflower you have ever seen. God was talking to me and telling me to hang in there. I pulled over and cried my eyes out. God's listening.......just sometimes you have to look to hear the answer.

	jana Nov 6, 2007 \| 2:44 AM Wow YeoMoe what an amazing story! I love stories like that, when you truely know that you received a gift! Sounds like you received a blessing! He always listens, we just need to keep the faith and like you said "sometimes you have to look to hear the answer!" Peace, Jana<3

	ondessonk08 Nov 7, 2007 \| 5:03 PM hey jana my mom was wondering if you were still selling the camp necklaces and bracelets and if so she would want three story bracelets and one brown camp cross necklace and how much are the story necklaces? Thanks so much you can e-mail me at Go2ondessonk08@lycos.com to let me know thanks so much Amber

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Where is your happy place?