HOLAMICKEY

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Location: Hatboro, Pennsylvania, United States

Monday, August 27, 2007

MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, AND SPIRITUAL LESSONS

Last night I slept while jetting across the country, and true to its name I have red eyes today. I spent a little over a week in the Northwest with my family - alot of fun to be there with my family and friends. I had to climb while I was out there. So I took on Mt. Theilson, which punches the blue ski at 9,182 feet above sea level (it still had snow on the north side). The last 15 minutes of the climb (the very top) is actually a rock face. And the top is really no bigger than a "normal size" bathroom. There is a steel can in the rocks where people leave notes for fellow climbers - Here is what I wrote: "Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled... You have turned my mourning into dancing... for the purpose that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent." (Ps. 30:7,11,12) I had read this verse for my devotions the week before - God challenges us to take on our "mountains," to move them by faith, but sometimes He stands on the other side holding the mountain in place in order that we will have to persist. But in the end, He will turn our mourning into dancing and the ultimate purpose will be songs of praise to Him. Don't be discouraged if God doesn't allow your mountain to move right away, persist... and prepare to dance.
This was Sabbath morning at a church campout - this guy reminded me that there are times to just dig in and enjoy... don't worry about the jelly on your face.

This is my mom and I after a hike to some falls.

From behind the falls - some serious shower pressure.

I spent a day with my family white-water rafting down the Rogue River.
The trip was a blast and I had the best "mates" but I also was reminded of life: There are rapids when everything is going without effort but most of the time is spent just putting one paddle in front of the other. But the mundane is exactly where God shows up - "mercies are new every morning."

Monday, August 13, 2007

HE IS HERE
I was supposed to be helping with some yard work but during one of my "quick" breaks I laid on my stomach taking the lawn in at "eye level." Reflecting on my continuing search of a deeper relationship with my Creator I thought of the lyrics of a hymn - "in the rustling grass I hear Him pass..." If your questions are anything like mine, than no doubt you too wonder if He passes you. I know He does... but maybe we need to get "eye level" with the grass.

This weekend I attended one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I have been to. I actually did more than attend, I had an official title - "Extra Table Skirt Buyer." 1 1/2 hours before the wedding was to begin I was at the store buying a few last minute things for the reception. At the reception Norman and Joelle (Groom and Bride) handed out "small brains" to all the guests, reminding them that as marriage is a union the greater union we have is with Chirst. The book of Phillipians tells us to take on the "mind of Chirst" and then it describes it - as being humble in service and obedience. I choose a deeper union with the Christ, and that by beholding I will become changed. (I posed with the glasses, shirt and tie - attempting to look "studious." I am aware they don't match).

And then there is putt-putt. Nothing like relieving stress out on the green "grass."

Kyle was a fan favorite giving them not one but two hole-in-one demonstrations.

Autumn also did very well putting her ball in tight places - including the little hole at the end of the green.


Tuesday, August 07, 2007

GOD'S SPEED

The high/low of Sunday afternoon was that we celebrated Tennille's graduation but then said our goodbyes to her - she left to do social work in Africa for 4 months. When somebody wished her "God's speed" the person next to me asked me what really that meant. So I did my research and... As most of us would have guessed it's an old farewell inviting the protection of God against the many perils of life. But one lady wrote about it's double significance in her life - and that she wanted to learn to live life in the rhythm of God's speed. This reminded me a Psalm I read the other morning - let me share: I would have lost heart unless I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord." (27:13-14) I read this verse while I was on my knees and when I read it I had to stand up - it was that good. However it gets better - This Psalm reminded me of a favorite text of mine in Luke 18:1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not to lose heart. The parable Jesus then told was of the woman going before the judge repeatedly with her petition. To loose heart is to stop petitioning. David wrote, he would have stopped petitioning but he believed he would see the goodness of the Lord while here on earth. But in order to do that he had to live his life in God's speed - meaning he had to consistently go before God with expectant hope (waiting).

On another note, have you ever wondered what people do in their office after lunch?

I found out when I gave Kyle a surprise visit this afternoon - crayola kept the after-lunch-sleepy from winning. (okay, this was framed)

I wish to you, a life with God's speed and at God's speed.