Answering a question with a question

What is up with people answering a question with a question? That just drives me crazy! This seems to be a growing trend in our culture and work life. It seems like I can never get my questions answered in a timely way. I think it is more about not committing to an answer because if that answer is wrong then that person might look bad. I'm interested to here what you think out there. Do people do this to you? Do you answer questions with questions? Do you feel like you are on the TV show "Whose line is it anyway"?

A New Look

Hello everyone, I've decided to go with a new look for my blog... let me know what you think. I got kind of bored with the old one. With the new look I'm also considering a new approach to blogging. I feel like my posts are to long and most people probably don't read them... so what I'll be doing is keeping them short and to the point. Shorter blogs and more of them.

ADK Trip (July 07)

Well it has taken a long time for me to write about this trip because it is hard for me to put into words what happened. For me it was a wake up call in many ways. Through it all I found a good hiking partner who guided me during our hike in July. We had 9 peaks scheduled but I only ended up doing two Mt. Marshall and Mt Colden. We got in late and planned to hike into Flowed Lands in the dark. This proved to be more challenging then expected. Hiking by headlamp is sometimes a difficult task. You are not always sure about your footing and it just feels a lot different then hiking in daytime. Regardless of this we were able to get to our lean-to at Flowed Lands without a lot of problems. The very next morning we got up to find the good part our breakfast the eggs was eaten by a bear. We did not have enough room in our bear canister so I had the eggs in a small Nalgene bottle. I figured this would hold up but there were claw marks in the side and top was ripped off. So we had sausage for breakfast which proved not to be a good for a hike.
We started from Flowed Lands and headed towards Colden Dam in search for the Mt. Marshall herd path. We were able to find it easily and we then started our ascent. Rich got way ahead of me, so I let him go and hiked at my own pace. I have never been a slow hiker so I was amazed that he got so far ahead of me. Near the top I branched off on another herd path that was descending. I knew it had to be wrong so I back tracked and started yelling for Rich. About 10 to 15 minutes later we found each other. We had both been yelling each others names during that time and both of us could not hear each other. So we then got to the top of Marshall and had lunch. Our descent was quick and we made it back to Colden Dam.
From this point we decided to split up. Rich would climb Iroquois and I would climb Colden. As I started to ascend I knew I was running out a steam fast. I decided to press on and get to the top. It was a hot day and I was sweating a lot. I had some to eat at the top of Colden but I proved not to be enough. On the way down I started to lose my mind a little. Eventually I got to Colden Lake and still had a bit to go. I was fading fast and knew this could be the end of my hike. I struggled to get to Colden Dam. Rich had been waiting for me and he saw that I was not right. A group offered me some soup and I ate it only for it to come up again several minutes later. I sat on the Dam not wanting to go anywhere for a good hour. We still had about a mile to go to our lean-to. Rich had to make a decision because at that point I could not think for myself. We decided to try to get back to out lean-to. It took us twice as long to make it back and I fell several times because of exhaustion. He was able to keep me going and we made it back.
When we got back I ate a little and went to bed, I woke up twice during the night and threw up. The next morning we hiked out 4 miles to the car. We had a good lunch/dinner at Ausable Inn and I still was not feeling right, the owner took good care of me. They gave me orange juice mixed with cranberry juice and I came back to within minutes. We decided to stay there for the night and re-charge. Rich went on to do two more peaks (Cascade and Porter) and after that we made the 8 hour trip back to Harrisburg PA.
All in all I learned a lot about my body. What I can do and can’t do. Also I learned that eating the right foods on the trail can make or break a trip. I plan to make a lot of changes for my next hike in April.

That's My King by S.M. Lockridge

The Bible says my King is a seven-way king....He's the King of the Jews; that's a racial king....He's the King of Israel; that's a national King....He's the King of Righteousness....He's the King of the Ages.....He's the King of Heaven....He's the King of Glory....He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him?.... David said, "The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He's enduringly strong....He's entirely sincere....He's eternally steadfast....He's immortally graceful....He's imperially powerful....He's impartially merciful....... Do you know Him?
He's the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's Son....He's a sinner's Saviour....He's the centerpiece of civilization....He stands in the solitude of Himself....He's august....He's unique....He's unparalleled....He's unprecedented....He's the loftiest idea in literature....He's the highest personality in philosophy....He's the supreme problem in higher criticism....He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology....He's the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion....He's the miracle of the age.... He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him....He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour...... I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak....He's available for the tempted and the tried....He sympathizes and He saves....He strengthens and sustains....He guards and He guides....He heals the sick....He cleanses lepers....He forgives sinners....He discharges debtors....He delivers captives....He defends the feeble....He blesses the young....He serves the unfortunate....He regards the aged....He rewards the diligent....and He beautifies the meek....... I wonder if you know Him?
Well, my King....is the King....He's the key to knowledge....He's the wellspring to wisdom....He's the doorway of deliverance....He's the pathway of peace....He's the roadway of righteousness ....He's the highway of holiness....He's the gateway of glory....... Do you know Him?
Well....His office is manifold....His promise is sure....His light is matchless....His goodness is limitless....His mercy is everlasting....His love never changes....His word is enough....His grace is sufficient....His reign is righteous....and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He's indescribable....He's incomprehensible....He's invincible....He's irresistible.
Well, you can't get Him out of your mind....You can't get Him off of your hand....You can't out live Him, and you can't live without Him....The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him....Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him....The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree....Herod couldn't kill Him....Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him. Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King.
Father..."Thine is the Kingdom....and the Power....and the Glory....Forever"....and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever. How long is that? And ever...and ever...and when you get through with all the forevers, then.... AMEN!....AMEN!

Christmas Wonderland

This is perhaps the busiest week for me as our church gets ready for our Christmas drama. Christmas Wonderland is the largest church event/outreach I have ever been a part of. This year I am honored and humbled because I get to direct the orchestra. We have two more dress rehearsals (Thursday and Friday) then we start the first of seven performances on Saturday. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes. Only God knows how it all gets done. I continue to lean on Him for strength during this time.

Torn

So often we are torn between two loves. Will we submit to the lordship of Christ or the lordship of the world? One thing for consideration is how we use our time. Although we serve a God who is timeless, He cares about how we allocate our time. Americans are prone to fill up our days with meaningless activity. The TV is probably the largest offender in our homes and the internet is a close second in our younger generation. We can enter into the “land of the numb.” This is a realm of pure entertainment and enjoyment that can cloud our thoughts and take up vast amounts of valuable time. I’ll be the first one to say I love a little TV after a long days work. But when is enough, enough? How does it affect our relationship with the most Holy One? How does it affect our relationships with our friends and family? Time is the one of the most precious gifts we have. Will we use or abuse the time that God has given us today?

His Workmanship

This is the season where people like me wait for all year. Late summer and early fall are perhaps the best time for outdoor enthusiasts because the bugs begin to fade away and the colors begin to change from green to deep reds. The changing of seasons suggests a creative God who is interested in nature and all of its inhabitants. God cares about all creatures but He has his eye fixed on one in particular. Humans are God’s prized possession. He cares for you like no other creature that has ever walked on the face of this planet. So, why is it we say God could care less about the details of our lives? The prayers that seem insignificant are often times the prayers that God wants us to pray because He is genuinely concerned about us. One of Satan’s biggest lies to God’s people is the God does not care. I challenge you today not to believe that lie and to walk in the fact that you are God’s workmanship. “We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works” Eph 2:10 Workmanship means that God created you with skill and crafted your very being. Walk in the light of truth today because He cares deeply for you.

Spelling Bee winner- Evan O’dorney

Congratulations Evan! I was actually interested as I watched the national spelling bee last night. The reason I was interest was because of the pressure on these 7th and 8th graders to spell in front of a national audience. Evan, who is a musician and math wiz, was calm and cool and as a result he walked away with the national championship. It’s not that the others were bad spellers; it’s probably that they cracked under pressure. I’m sure I would do the same! It is emotional to see kid after kid spell incorrectly and go over and sit with their parents; I felt for them at times and I identified with them at times. These kids are giving there all with butterflies in there stomachs and nervous twitches all around. I salute you spelling bee contestants!

Walking blind

This past week I have been reading about a blind man named Erik Weihenmayer. Erik was the first and only blind man to summit Mount Everest. He also completed his 7-year quest to climb the Seven Summits which are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. At age 33 he was one of the youngest climbers to be added to the other 100 mountaineers who completed this task.

I realized that Erik will do more than most adventurers will do in a lifetime without one of his major senses. There are many lessons to be learned from Erik. For me seeing is very important, without sight I could not read a map and without reading a map I could not often get to where I need to go. Sight enables me to read music and complete my job.

As Christians we are blessed with both physical and spiritual sight. Most, if not all of us, can see and/or have scene the goodness of the Lord in our lives. Yet, how many of us would say there was a time in our lives that we felt spiritually blind and could not see the hand of God. In that time did you make the decision to keep moving in spite of your blindness? Were you like Paul who chose to “press on towards the mark…” Phil. 3:14?

What inspires me about Erik Weihenmayer is that he put one foot in front of the other without seeing where he was going and ended up on top of Mt. Everest. Is that not what faith is about? Putting trust in something we cannot see. “Trust in the Lord with your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5,6) There are times that God asks us to follow blindly so that His will and purpose can be fulfilled in our lives. So walk blindly today and trust Him to lead you down paths of uncertainty. Put one foot in front of the other and see what spiritual Mount Everest you may climb.

MySpace

Hello friends and family,
I've decided to close my page at myspace for one reason and one reason only. I find the ads offensive... Especially the dating ones! I would rather not support myspace at this time. Let me know if you have any questions. I'd rather you ask me directly though instead of going to someone else who may or may not have all the answers.

what a sad day

Yesterday was a sad day for 'cuse fans around the world... as devoted fans watched on selection Sunday there were many good teams that were announced unfortunately Syracuse was not one of them. In a shocking move by the selection committee the 20 game winners will not be joining the 65 teams in the torney this year. The argument was that because Drexel was not in then Syracuse was not in as well. Really Drexel and Syracuse can blame this on a team called Old Dominion. I’ll be cheering passionately against them. How it is that beating G’town doesn’t get you in the Tournament? The problem is… Old Dominion and Syracuse both beat G’town however Old Dominion did it at G’town. Also Old Dominion beat Drexel twice this year to boot. I see the logic but I don’t have to like it. Bloggers feel free to console me.

House!

I am pleased to say that my wife and I have bought a house! We are first time homeowners and we are excited to be moving in. Our closing date is February 27th. It is an amazing thing to actually own a home. I feel blessed that I live in a country were this is possible. We have been renting for about 4 years and we have been looking for a house for close to 4 months. That wait is over and our hearts are content. Please pray for my wife and me as we embark on this journey together. Also I'd be interested in knowing about your thoughts regarding home ownership and the blessing it can be.

…And then what?

A deeper look into faith

Taking a leap of faith for me requires a little information ahead of time. Why is it that I lack the faith to take the leap? Perhaps I am afraid that He will not catch me? Is it so bad that I want to be a well informed Christian? I would like to see the big picture and I want to ask the question “and then what Lord?” What I’m interested in is what happens next, not necessarily what is happening now. So many times in our lives, the “next” precedes the “now”, and in turn we lose out on the blessing God offers us today. Our faith is diminished when we concern ourselves with what happens tomorrow. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34. An increase of worry results in a decrease of faith. It draws the eyes of our soul away from heaven and on our present circumstances.

I have a fear of heights and, believe it or not, I climb to the tops of mountains. It takes a lot of physical and mental strength to climb. At times I feel like giving up on the trail and turning around but, I know the view from the top will be amazing. Therefore, I continue. Once I begin to think about how far the top is away from me I become flooded with worry. Will I make it to the top? Will I fall? What happens if the sun goes down and I’m still hiking? Where is the next water source? Am I going to slow? When I focus on one step at a time I come to the realization that all of these steps will add up to one glorious moment. In essence, each step becomes a blessing in and of itself. Each moment is filled with the sites and sounds of nature and the questions of a worried hiker fade away in high mountains. May you become caught up with your Savior as He leads you on this hike we call life. In the simple yet quite moments of your soul, may you find comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is faithful. Jump faithfully into his arms! And then what…Trust that he will catch you.

Speak

There are times in my life when I wish that God would speak. In His voice I would find comfort. In His voice I would find the strength that I lack. A voice the transcends my so-called good judgment and a voice which puts my very soul at ease. But who is to say I would even listen if I heard such a voice. Chances are I would ignore it and go on with my daily duties and responsibilities. We ask God to speak but how many of us are really listening? How many of us would sit down during the day and stop what work we are doing and listen? How many of us would shut up and shut off our brains from the world for one minute? We are deaf and dumb in this culture, me included. Our culture keeps our thoughts occupied with billboards, TV, the Internet, video games, movies, and fantasies. My brain is overloaded with this junk and in turn it finds its way to my heart. My heart becomes hard to the things of God because there is so much exterior noise I can't focus on that still small voice. No wonder I can't hear it. No wonder Christians in America are deaf to it. We have forgotten what our Father's voice sounds like; we have forgotten our first love.

Cover to Cover

It has been my new year’s resolution for the past several years to read the Bible cover to cover. In years past unfortunately I have failed to do that task. I hope this year will be different... I will attempt to read the bible from Genesis to Revelation in effort to know the one who inspired men to write it. Many Christians see no value in reading the Bible cover to cover... in my honest opinion I think it can only help the Christian grow in their faith and knowledge. You can begin to see the hand of God throughout the generations and you can also begin to know the God of the Old and New Testament. What am amazing journey to embark on. Pray for me.

His creation speaks for itself

In the past several years my love for the Adirondack Mountains has grown considerably. In the northeastern region of the Adirondack State Park there are 46 high peaks, each rising at least 4,000 feet above sea level. I have made it my goal to hike to the tops of these peaks. As I continue on this journey I seek to learn more about myself, nature and the one who made these majestic lands.

I have already gone several times to this wilderness area and I have found solitude and escape from the outside world. Basic needs such as food, water, and shelter are of the importance there. Life becomes simple in the mountains and in my opinion life is better when it is simplified. The minuet details of existence fade away in the beauty of high mountains, roaring rivers and quiet valleys.

Some question why I would want to climb all 46 peaks. It is not to gain the approval of other hikers, friends or family. It is a personal goal that I would like to prove to myself that I can do. Also it is to help me better appreciate the beauty of God’s astonishing creation. As I soak in what God has made I become closer to Him and I am more apt to acknowledge His lordship in my life.

Some take it a step farther and ask why I go to the woods in the first place. In my estimation there are many great lessons to be learned in the wilds. You can learn everything from basic survival skills to finding how far your body can take you. God teaches you to depend solely on Him as you push your body to the brink of exhaustion. Also, there are very little distractions in the woods. I have found that the only distraction is my own self. I simply can choose to ignore God and to follow my own course. It is difficult to ignore the presents of God because creation cries His name. It is hard to deny that there is a God when you are standing on top of one of the high peaks on clear sunny day. As you can see for miles you begin to realize that this artwork is not of man. The hands of God crafted the very mountains, rivers and valleys that you are gazing at. At that very moment you are captivated by the sites and sounds of nature. You are brought into the sanctuary of the King. The God of creation deserves our praise and adoration. His creation speaks for itself.

"Whenever we go to the mountains we find more then we seek"
John Muir

"The lands of the state, now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed."
New York State Constitution

Cancer

I recently found out that my close friend and mentor Paul Hogan was diagnosed with cancer. The word cancer means so many things to so many people; Most of those things are negative and rightly so. I feel great sadness today and I feel somewhat helpless because of where I am and my circumstances. A man who has helped me through the trials of life is about to face a very large one himself. How can I help? Even though his particular cancer may be curable through chemo or surgery my heart feels heavy for him and his family. Why is it that the people around me seem to be suffering? Why is it that I was handed good genes? I keep thinking that I need to do something… I need to use my somewhat healthy life to help others… I pray that God would point me to the area in which I can be used by Him to people who suffer from Cancer.

The Key

Today after lunch I saw a man with about 100 keys hanging off his belt. I thought to myself why does this man need all those keys? Perhaps it makes him feel more important. After all a man with all those keys must have more authority because he has access to more rooms… right? But what if he has no clue as to what those keys unlock? Maybe he is saving a key on that ring from an old padlock that he lost twenty years ago in hopes that he will find it someday. Chances are if I went up to him and asked him if he knew what each key could unlock he would have no idea.

I have several keys on my ring, one to our place of residence, one for each car we have, one for the storage unit that we rent out and one to my parent’s house. I have another set of keys devoted for my job as well. I use all of these keys frequently (except for the one to my parents house) and as a matter of fact I use a majority of them every day. But what is the most important key to me? I would say the key to my residence because when I walk through that door I see my wife. In my future I also see kids and a cat, God willing. If I neglect to unlock that door I neglect to be with those that I love the most. Maybe instead of using that key I decide to stay longer at work or maybe I decide to go out with friends after work. The point is that those things need to be secondary in my life to my duty as a husband and someday a father.
As some of you know I work for a church and in that church there is a lot of work to be done. It can consume you if you let it. Throughout the church this is a common problem and it has swallowed ministers whole. The key to the church becomes more important then the key to the home. The family gets pushed aside and the minister becomes a workaholic. He sacrifices his family on the alter of ministry which is sad and tragic. In my own life as I start ministry I must be aware of this common mistake, I must guard the key to my residence and use it frequency. The key is to live a life of balance.

Sanctuary: The Land of the Falling Lakes

The Land of the Falling Lakes is located in Croatia's magical Plitvice Lakes National Park. "A chain of sixteen pristine lakes connected by waterfalls, this World Heritage Site possesses a stunning myriad of dynamic and interrelated worlds. Formed and ruled by water, the park sees each season brings its own beauty." (http://www.ddegroup.com/) I was introduced to this area of the world through a PBS program in which I was captivated by the beauty of this National Park. As some of you know I love the outdoors and I enjoy hiking a great deal. As some of you also know I am employed by a church with a large beautiful sanctuary. (scene above) Throughout watching this PBS program I started to think about where my real sanctuary was. I realized it was not man made instead it was in the quiteness of the woods far away from civilization, in the calmness of a gentle waterfall and the strong mountain tops. A place where my spirit was renewed and my soul was refreshed. Also, in this place I find that I am once again able to put my full trust in the Lord. He will safely bring me home. He will hear my cry when I feel like giving up. He will pick me up if I fall. He will carry me.

Jesus Painter Review

www.jesuspainter.com

While I was at CHIC 2006 I was introduced to the Jesus Painter. His real name is Mike Lewis and he has used his paintings to touch many people around the country. As we worshipped through song at CHIC I saw a man in the middle of the arena with a huge canvass in front of him. I questioned what he was doing and if he was a distraction to me. I soon realized his purpose and at that moment I was brought into worship through his art. He was painting a work called Christ's eyes which is pictured above. Christ's eyes is an amazing depiction of the face of Christ and the compassion He offers. As I looked into His eyes I realized again what he had done for me on the cross and His eyes of compassion pierced my very being. It’s almost as if Christ said to me "I Love you” as I looked at His face. I was touched beyond words, I was lead to the throne and humbled by his perfect grace. A grace he freely gave to me, above and beyond what I deserve. It reminds me of a song called Oh What a Savior.

~ OH, WHAT A SAVIOR ~

He gave His life's blood for even me.

Once I was straying, in sin's dark valley,
No hope within could I see.
They searched through Heaven and found a Savior,
To save a poor, lost soul like me.

Oh, what a Savior, oh hallelujah!
His heart was broken on calvary
His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven,
He gave His life's blood for even me.

Death's chilling' water I'll soon be crossing,
But His hand will lead me safe oe'r.
Then I'll join the chorus, in that bright city,
And I'll sing up there forevermore!

Oh, what a Savior, oh hallelujah!
His heart was broken on calvary
His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven,
He gave His life's blood for even me.
OH, WHAT A SAVIOR!