The name The Bluebird Sanctuary was chosen with intention and heart. Bluebirds have long been symbols of joy, hope, and renewal—reminders of God’s faithfulness and the beauty that surrounds us when we take time to notice. This lakehouse is meant to be a sanctuary, not just in name but in spirit—a quiet place where you can pause, reflect, and feel restored. Just as the bluebird sings after a storm, we hope your time here brings peace after a busy season, joy in the stillness, and a renewed sense of wonder in the simple gifts of nature.
Adonia is the visionary and creator of this retreat home. She resides in Tennessee with her husband, Kevin. She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Austin Peay State University and earned her Masters Degree in Christian Education. Together, they have five children. Adonia’s professional career began as a social worker in Memphis, Tennessee. She then resigned from social work to care for her five children. Adonia has always had a heart for discipling her children and college age girls- hosting different Bible studies and mentoring programs. She has a passion to gather and connect women to grow in relationship with God and others. In 2023, Adonia started a podcast called “See the Light” and began hosting monthly ladies nights to encourage women in life. Her current role as a real estate professional is a new journey in which she is learning and growing. With being a former college soccer player and growing up playing basketball, she enjoys coaching her daughters and other youth in sports. When life allows- she loves to be outside enjoying a beautiful day, traveling with her family, running, baking, going to the beach or hiking in the mountains, and spending time with family & friends. She loves Jesus and wants to make Him known. She considers each day of life to be a gift and believes strongly in always being kind, doing your best, and loving well. Adonia knows that life is not always easy, but she strives to always see and remember God’s goodness that is always present while encouraging others to do the same. She prays that people come to know God more and feel His grace, love, and hope as they connect with others during their experiences at The Bluebird Sanctuary.
Adonia's favorite thing to do at the sanctuary is to watch the beautiful sunset. It reminds her of how incredible God is and leaves her feeling His love and in awe of His greatness!
The Bluebird Sanctuary was created to be a welcoming and peaceful safe haven set apart from the noisy world for people of all ages to come rest & connect to God, His creation, and with others.
This place is more than just a random rental house to us… it is a place that we want people to come to experience rest and have the time & space to connect with God, His creation, and others. It is a dream that was placed on my heart after the passing of my beloved Pappaw who was very special to me. He and my Mammaw had a home that was so peaceful and you could really rest while you were there. It seemed that worries left your mind- at least for a little while. They created a home environment where everyone was welcome, where family & friends were brought back together, and where love was always felt.
People were seen, known, and loved when they were at their home. Good food, wonderful times, and great memories were always experienced. They loved God’s creation- whether it was tending to their garden, feeding the birds, or watching bunnies in the yard. A love for God, His truth, and others was always a priority in their home. Singing praises to the Lord and serving others was a way of life there. Over time, I have realized what a blessing it was to have a place like that to go to and to have a foundation of love to experience and grow as a result. I also know that everyone in life has not experienced that kind of place to be or known that kind of love. So I wanted others to feel the love that can happen by staying in a home together while experiencing God’s creation and feeling His presence & love. This began the thought of creating a home for this purpose.
My parents also gave me the wonderful experience of growing up going to the lake. I love feeling the breeze on a boat ride, going water skiing, or seeing kids laugh and have fun while tubing or jumping into the water for a swim. I enjoy adventure, nature. and doing activities outside like kayaking & paddle boards. I absolutely LOVE beautiful sunsets and taking in the stillness of the water. It makes my heart so happy to gather people together to connect and enjoy one another. This sanctuary is my desire to provide the space to intentionally be together. Whether it’s talking in the rocking chairs, sharing a meal together, playing air hockey, or snuggling up to watch a movie. Great memories are made together on the lake!
So in memory of my Pappaw & Mammaw and to continue their legacy of love & peaceful home- The Bluebird Sanctuary was created. I combined my love for the lake, God, others, & hospitality to create a peaceful getaway for people to enjoy. With a desire to honor my grandparents and my parents who gave me a firm foundation of love and incredible core memories to cherish, I want others to have those experiences as well at The Bluebird Sanctuary. So relax and enjoy your stay here! You are right where you need to be to experience peace, comfort, fun, and connection! We hope you love your time here and come back to stay with us again and again! Blessings to you now & always!
This is a picture of Don Strong, Adonia’s Pappaw, standing in the doorway of his home in Kingsport, TN, where he would always greet people and say goodbye with a hug, a kiss, and an ‘I love you’.
Adonia and Pappaw in His home after church while he sung some of his favorite hymns.
Pappaw feeding the birds with his great granddaughter.
Pappaw feeding the birds with his great granddaughter.
Pappaw feeding the birds with his great granddaughter.
Pappaw.
Pappaw with his great granddaughter.
Pappaw with his great granddaughter.
On the way home from seeing my Pappaw for the last time before he went to Heaven, I was starting to grieve on my six hour drive. I began thinking about the loss of him here on earth, as well as the loss of being able to go visit him at his home. The thought came to my mind, then that I wish I could keep his home and start a ministry in it so that others could experience the kind of love our family had there. I did not want their legacy of love there to end. I also began researching what the word “sanctuary” actually means. I love that it means a sacred, holy place where God is present. That it’s a place of safe refuge and protection. Being that my husband is very kind and gracious, he honored that vision I had, but suggested that we try to find another place closer to where we live to do something like that. After two years of praying, waiting, and looking - God led us to this home on South Shore in Big Sandy, Tennessee.
My Mammaw and Pappaw always loved birds and watching them out their back window while they drank coffee. They kept a small glass bluebird in their home and said the bluebird was a sign of a “happy home”. My mom gave me this glass bluebird right after my Pappaw passed, and it reminds me of their love. Bluebirds are known to represent hope, love, positivity, and renewal- they symbolize the essence of life and beauty. Seeing a bluebird can represent joy and hope. Bluebirds are often known as the “bluebirds of happiness” and are generally associated with the concept of joy, happiness and harmony. So the name for this place of ministry - “The Bluebird Sanctuary” - seemed fitting.
My Pappaw loved life and made it so enjoyable. He did not take life for granted and was thankful for everyday. He was pleasant to be around, was often the life of the party, and you always felt better after being in his presence. He appreciated the beauty of creation and all that is within it so well. I pray you can also enjoy life and know that you are loved while you are here at the sanctuary, but also in your everyday life wherever God has placed you.
This is the glass bluebird given to Adonia in memory of her Mammaw and Pappaw.
