Winter in Woodford 12/13/14

Overnight Winter Camping Adventure

I've often thought about taking the family out for a grand camping trip, and long remembered a couple of weeks in the summertime when my parents sent us to camp at nearby Merck Forest, just over an hour from home. We would spend the days exploring the 3,100 acres of land, learning to make different crafts (beeswax candles), tracking and survival skills, or cooling off with a dip in the nearby pond complete with rope swim. If behavior was not appropriate during meals in the large pavilion, kids would have to get up and sing silly songs in front of the whole camp (I had more practice in this area than I am happy to admit now). At night, we would retreat to our lean-tos and jump in the sleeping bags and drift off to sleep under the starlit sky. In fact, during one night every summer we would venture out in small groups and rough it under the open sky - I still recall the gooiest mac and cheese ever made over the open campfire. Great memories!

I came across a link to Merck Forest in the fall, and I decided to look at some dates when we might use the lands there as a family. In addition to the facilities that I remember, their website lists a number of camps throughout the property that accommodate parties of 2-15. Since we have snowshoes and the kids had vacation this week, I called the welcome center to ask about the best option for our group, and was suggested that Ridge Cabin would be a good fit of the available cabins, although a little more than 2 miles from base. With Jinho visiting his father and Emma busy with work and school, Lena, Preston and Lina agreed to join me.

Link to Merck's trail map

I have to admit that I was not exactly sure how the trip would work out. Lena did a great job of getting the food supplies and the like ready, and I was able to borrow a propane grill from a coworker. I received a camping lantern from my good friend John MacDonald years ago, so after checking that everything was in working order I knew that we were all set with heat, food, and light on the trip. Since my boss, Larry, is an avid camper, I used him as a resource. I tried to think about the experience in terms of movies I've seen, and was hoping that it would be least like Misery and more closely resemble John Candy's fun in The Great Outdoors .. minus the bear, of course!

We started packing the van Wednesday morning and everything was all set, except for sleds. Not that we were looking for some fun hills to go sledding, but I thought that they would help with transportation since we don't own "real" hiking backpacks. I I was optimistic that we would easily find a sled (I live in New England, and it's been a traditional heavy winter with lots of snow), but no place in town had any. Lena was not thrilled, but I kept hope that we'd find them along the way to the forest. We stopped by Lena's sister house, and while she had no sleds she did offer some places to stop in Manchester that might carry them. We found the last two sleds and some string at RK Miles, a lumber yard, on our second stop. How exciting, especially with the snow falling around us!

After driving to Merck, we checked in at the Welcome Center to warm up by the fire and also get some more information. They have a really neat stuffed bobcat among the organic maple syrup products and farm-fresh meat and dairy supplies. With questions answered and some trail maps, we headed back to the car to load up and move out. It was almost magically with the snow coming down, as it was warm outside (around off) and the flakes were the large, wet ones perfect for packing. With our snowshoes on and cargo loaded on the two sleds and our backs, we headed out.

After a short walk through the woods we came upon the Sap House and the barns. The sleds were not cooperating; Preston had no problems with his by mine (with the stove, plastic bin with sleeping bags, lantern, and water) kept tipping over. While it was a good laugh at first, Lena was beginning to wonder how we would manage for the whole trip, as we were just a quarter-mile into the journey. After readjusting, I decided to carry the purple bin and give up the sled to Liana. This worked ok as we made our way through the clearing to Old Town Road, the main trail that runs from the north to south on the property. I remember that it was a bit of an incline, and the staff reminded us of that. Well, the incline was a bit more than I thought, running for almost a mile up a strong incline. We had to make many stops to catch our breath, and I tried to keep the troops focused on getting to the cabin when we get there while not feeling rushed to do so.

Finally peaking the first climb, we spotted Lodge Road to the east, and made our way up another (much) smaller hill past Spruce Cabin and then down a bend to the Lodge, about 1.25 mile from base and one of few areas in this wilderness with solar power. Shortly after passing Spruce, I tied the two sleds together and pulled them while holding the purple bin, as the kids were getting winded. The challenge with winter hiking is having to walk a bit differently due to the weight and size of the snowshoes, and having to bring more supplies and clothing to keep warm. Add to that the somewhat quick changes in temperature, and going from feeling cold to sweating while covered in layers and you have some difficulties to overcome. I knew that if we worked together to solve the issues we came across and kept a positive outlook, the trip would be a success. Everyone did a great job of joining me in this regard, even though it took some encouragement to accomplish.

We continued on Lodge Road, at this point the trail was well packed and wide due to snowmobile use. Merck taps over 17,000 trees for their maple sugar operation, and as the daytime temps have been rising work has begun in order to be prepared to transform that sweet tree sap into the fine amber nectar we all enjoying on everything from pancakes to ice cream (or straight from the jug!). I was getting tired, and the trail soon became narrower, only the width of the snowshoes. The sleds worked well in this track, but with our turn onto Meyer Road and it's up and downs I passed the bin off to the other three to carry. We came across a sign indicating that the cabin was only 0.25 miles ahead. Up a hill. We mustered on, soon meeting with Hammond Road on the mountain ridge. We first saw the wood shed, and were all very excited! The only downside was that the cabin was still further ahead (0.1 miles, but I think farther) and the trail ended - we had to break our own path to get to the cabin. Which we did, passing the outhouse on the rolling glade and finally sighting our shelter for the night.

Approaching the backside from the north with the snow lightly falling, I dumped the sleds three or four times and finally dropped them, deciding that getting into the cabin and starting a fire was the highest priority at this point in the day. After opening the door we discovered our rustic accommodations, quite literally the "cozy cabin on a remote wooded ridge with great views." There was a table with two small benches underneath, wooden planks on the west and east sides including bunks on the north wall. In between was the stove, complete with a large pile of wood. I had a fire-starting square that I use in the pellet stove at home, plus some newspaper and cardboard which I used to get the fire started, then slowly added wood to get heat for our cold bodies. It was amazing that within 20 minutes, Preston commented that we went from being able to see our breaths to having the warmth require us to shed some layers.

Lena and the kids moved the items into the cabin, so we set to organizing our space. On the table was a binder with a laminated map and information to help make the stay successful (specifically hints related to the stove). There was also a notebook for hikers to tell their story, which I filled in later in the evening. I took a sled out to get some more wood, and also make a patch to the outhouse. I counted on the way back 160 steps between doors, a long walk! After a short break with some hot chocolate, I set up the stove and took the food Lena set out and started preparing dinner - cheese quesadillas and chicken-noodle soup. Everything cooked evenly and we filled up under the glow of the lantern. We then played a game of Apples to Apples and roasted S'Mores over the stove before making the last trip to the outhouse; we wore headlamps though the heavy, misty air as it settled over the woods. The sky was trying unsuccessfully to produce more snow, so the clouds prevented us from seeing the stars or moon above.

Once settled in the cabin, I put out the lantern and was soon fast asleep. Mindful of the wood stove, I woke up roughly every three hours during the night to stoke the fire. Around 3am, the clouds had cleared and the moon light was illuminating the landscape, offering a beautiful view off the ridge. I found Preston's sleeping bag on the floor due to the heat in the cabin, so I roused him enough to get it under his body for a little comfort. As we moved towards daylight, the woods became alive with the sound of birds beginning their morning routines.

We woke up around 8am; Lena chopped up some apples and mixed them with some canned peaches and maple syrup before warming them up on the stove as I got the camp stove-top ready for pancakes. Pancakes (some with pieces of chocolate) were on the menu, along with some orange juice that we brought it. A great feast to enjoy as the sun warmed the snow about us and caused the icicles displayed around the roof to begin to melt. After I restocked the wood the cabin, Liana was interested in making a snowman so we set about that task. Using some wood and stones from the ground, we formed a friend to wish us well on our journey down the mountain and also welcome the next campers.

We finished packing the cabin, this time rearranging some of the items differently on the sleds. Lena was fed up with the purple bin, so we left that behind so others could use it for dry storage. She was able to make use of our remaining string by making loops to carry the sleeping bags around our backs. Around 11am we started back for the welcome center, full of energy from a full night's rest and fueled by some great food. The green signs directing us along the paths came upon us much more quickly, partly because we were more familiar with the terrain but also because the majority of the trip was downhill. Thirty minutes to the trip I realized that I left the lantern suspended from the ceiling in the cabin; I thought for a moment about going back for it but decided that I would leave a note at the center and plan to retrieve it in the future.

We passed the tubing from the maple sugar operation, some 17,000 tabs set up to deliver the sweet sap to collection points and then on to the sugar house to be transformed into the amber nectar destined for our plates. Here is the field just south of the Lodge, just under the half-way mark of the trip home. As we rounded Spruce Cabin, we returned to Old Town Road and the very long portion downhill. As we entered the clearing just east of the barn, we stopped to chat with a couple heading into the forest on their way to the Viewpoint Cabin. Returning to the area around the farm, a horse-drawn sleigh was touring the property with visitors, and Lena stopped to say hello to some horses. A short walk from there to the car and our adventure was complete. It took over three hours to hike to the cabin, and were at the car in less than two!

I personally love to be outside and enjoy nature, with all the grandeur that God created it to contain. Lena kept telling me that I was crazy to think of winter camping, and before the trip Liana mentioned that it seemed like a scary movie, where the audience asks "why would they go out in the woods?"! While the hiking was more strenuous than I had anticipated it to be, and some of the hills a bit larger (and longer) than I remember, I am very thankful that we could embark on this trip as a means to spend time together and work together to address the obstacles that we faced.

Our trip reminded me of that narrow gate that Jesus referred to in the book of Matthew. In verses 13 and 14 of chapter 7, our Lord stated: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." We are all faced with choices on a daily basis, and can choose to follow the wide path that everyone else is filing down, or we can choose to tackle a more difficult route that is lightly treaded upon. The reward, for me, in following the advice of my Savior and leaning on His strength when my own is in short supply yields a growth that the easier decisions in life do not allow. Ask someone on this trip if they feel the same, as I think we found it.

"Christianity: The Religion of the Possessive Pronoun"

Below is the devotional that I received this morning from ptl.org:

Romans 1:8a:
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ...

Thoughts for Today:

"I thank my God," Paul says. Thomas said upon touching the wounds of Jesus, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Martin Luther once said, "Christianity is uniquely the religion of the possessive pronoun." In other words, you can be a Buddhist without knowing Buddha; you can be a Hare Krishna without knowing Krishna; but you can't be a Christian unless you know Jesus. Christianity is unique because it is not a religion -- it is a relationship.

Marriage is a great example of this concept. My wife and I do not live under a set of rules which someone else created for us to follow. For example, what time to have dinner, who is to make dinner, clean the house, do yard work, or anything else. We have freedom in our marriage because it is a relationship between us as individuals --governed by love -- not laws or regulations created by others.

Many people misunderstand Christianity when they place it in the category of a religion. I have had people say to me, "Oh that's right, you don't do ______________ because it's against your religion." It's sometimes hard for people to understand that my choice to not do something is not because it violates a religious rule -- rather I might consider it to be disrespectful or harmful in my relationship with Jesus.

Questions to Ponder:

How has your relationship been lately? And I'm not talking about your spouse or friends. Relationships are built because of time spent together sharing, learning, and in fellowship. How much time are you spending with the Lord? He always has time for you; will you make time for Him? Is Christianity just your religion or is your relationship with Jesus growing stronger and deeper?

For His Glory has been the mission in our home for many years. It's a choice in how we live our lives. A choice regarding the music we listen to or the movies we watch. I surely don't need any more pollution in my head. Continuing to go deeper, to the richness of a life alive with Jesus Christ.

Remembering Cold Nights

It is 3 degrees right now, and will dip below zero overnight.  The sky is practically cloudless, and the moon is shinning brightly in the sky with the stars twinkling above the rooflines and chimneys that gently puff out a warm exhaust.  If we had a deeper snowpack, it would surely get colder.  These are the nights that, strangely, I long to experience.

After my mom passed away in '95, I find myself not sleeping all that well.  Lena and I lived in the apartment off the house I grew up in, and on cold nights like these, I would venture from the warmth of our bed to the pond deep in the night.  With only the moon to guide me past the slumbering garden, I would make my way down the old stone steps to the memorial bench that was etched with her initials and two years, "1945" and "1995."  I would lay down on the hard granite slab, which matched two others at the far side of the pond that paid tribute to my grandparents and great aunt and uncle.  Just spending time looking into the heavens, listening to the trees clicking as they swayed, warmed from the outside in by clothing but chilled from in the inside out by the air being breathed into my lungs..

These days, the pond area has been neglected and overgrown, but the bench still stands tall in honor of my parents. I try to visit it a few times a year, but it is hard to see the area in such a state (especially feeling like a stranger there.  I also am watching Northern Exposure dvds we have at the house, as this show was picked up with the old antenna in reruns during the wee hours of the morning in between these quiet visits.  It was as if, during these times of depressing solace, this particular tv show helped to remind me of community and family.  Now, it is almost therapeutic to watch these episodes again, especially since so many of the shows highlighted a brilliant moon over the snowy, cold landscape.  Just like those times back on Furnace Grove.

Are We Listening to God?

Do We Believe What We Hear?

As the Christmas season comes fresh this year, let's look at another section of scripture that is written before one of the narratives of Jesus' birth.  The first chapter of Luke looks at the two families that conceive in miraculous ways, but responded to the news differently, which ought to urge us as well to really think about whether the Word of God is the trusted source of guidance in our own lives.

The Gospel of Luke was written by the physician of the same name, who also penned the Book of Acts (both volumes make up one-quarter of the New Testament scriptures), a remarkable fact since he was most likely the only non-Jewish writer of the NT (Ref: Col 4:10-14).  Luke drafted perhaps the most most comprehensive, chronological account of Jesus Christ's life (birth, life, miracles and teachings, death, burial, and Resurrection), with an emphasis on his compassion for the less fortunate and neglected segments of society.  

Grab your Bible and read through the whole chapter.  Now we'll look at some key ideas, remembering that for over 400 years (since the prophet Malachi recorded his book), God was silent to the nation Israel.  Men and women still had faith in the God of their ancestors, but He was quiet.

vs 1-4: 

Luke uses eyewitness accounts to offer his readers a complete picture of the Son of God, so that we may know with certainty our Lord and Savior.

vs. 5-25: 

An angel first appears to deliver a message.  

vs 7: Remind you of another couple that conceived at an old age?  How about Abraham and Sarah.  Remember, the birth of a baby is miraculous, but what is most important here is that in the case of both Elizabeth and her cousin Mary, the child that they bore was conceived through the miraculous work of God.

vs 8-9: Burnt offerings were made to God twice daily, as a symbol of prayers and praise to God. Wilmington notes that for the priest to enter the temple was a special honor, happening only once in a lifetime.  What a great place for God to again speak, at this appointed time in history, to a man that walked blamelessly before the Lord (vs 6).

vs 18-20: Here we see Zechariah's response to the angel delivering the Word of God - DOUBT.  Even today, when we doubt what God can do, we have difficulty hearing him (and often wonder why).  For Zechariah, this meant becoming mute; in a sense, God was preventing him from wandering farther down a path of disbelief by preventing his tongue from working (sometimes, I think we all could benefit from this).  Not a punishment per say, but a method to lovingly restore this servant unto his Lord.

vs. 26-38:

Now Zechariah's wife, Elizabeth, is six months along in her pregnancy (although no one else is aware, see vs. 24), and the same angel of the Lord that visited her husband now appears to her cousin, Mary, with similar news.  However, Mary is to give birth to JESUS (vs 31-33).

vs. 34: BELIEF. Notice the subtle difference to Mary's reaction as compared to Zechariah's:  He could not believe what the Lord said would be accomplished, whereas Mary simply asked how it would be so.  Do we fully trust what God has planned, or do we try to use our own ways to make something happen our own way?

vs. 36: Proof of God's work is delivered, since Mary could not have known of her cousin's miracle.

vs. 37: AMEN!

vs. 39-56:

Mary leaves with haste to go to her cousin to share in this miracle, and stays with Elizabeth for three months. She also sings a song of praise to God.

vs. 42: Note that Elizabeth, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, acknowledges that Mary is blessed among women, not above.  We are not to worship the mother of Jesus, but rather follow in her pattern by worshiping the One himself who provides salvation to each person estranged from God, Jesus (vs. 47).

vs. 57-66:

The time has come for Elizabeth to give birth, and a great celebration follows.  For a moment, let's consider the means of the names in this family.  Zechariah translates to "The Lord remembers," and Elizabeth means "God is my oath."  Wow, the Lord remembers His oath - a clear reminder that God's promises endure and that He, through the Holy Spirit, is with those who call unto Him for salvation always, eternally.

vs. 59-60: The Jewish tradition of that day was for the eldest son to be named after his father.  Keep in mind that Zechariah has not spoken in over nine months (depending on which spouse you are, that though may be exciting or troubling!).  Elizabeth, keenly aware of God's plan for her child, intervenes and surprises the gathering by stating her son's name will be John (vs. 13), "the Lord is gracious."

vs. 63-64: True to His Word (vs. 20), at the moment that Zechariah communicates (via writing) that his son shall be called John, his tongue is freed and God allows his servant to speak again.  After waiting for nearly a year to utter a word, Zechariah can only praise God!

vs 67-80:

Zechariah's song, a prophesy about the life and ministry of his son, John the Baptist (reference the Gospel of John, first chapter) in proclaiming to the world that Jesus is the Christ, the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises and prophesies, the only one to walk ever in the perfect law of God the Father and able to save a guilty person from their sins.  

God Cares For Us

Jesus spoke many parables while He was on earth because much of the wisdom that He tried to impart was just to complex for the people to understand.  A parable is a way of using earthly examples to explain a Heavenly principle so that it could be understood, and when reading the Bible we see that Jesus used this pattern many times.

In John 10, we read about the Good Shepard.  We see that the Lord uses a familiar idea in that culture: shepards and their flocks.  As you probably know, sheep have a way of knowing their master, and will follow him only, even when multiple folks are brought together.  This happened often at night, when in the courtyard of a home a gatekeeper ("porter") was hired to keep all of the sheep in a pen while the shepard's slept.

On my father's dairy farm growing up, we did not have sheep, but the cows did follow his voice when it came time to calling them down from the hillside for feeding.  They knew him, and he knew them - even if one of the 80 were missing.  Same with sheep, and also the same with God - He knows us and is calling out to us so that we might choose to follow Him.

Let's look at the entire portion of Scripture now:
John 10:1-18 (KJV)
^10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
² But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
³ To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
⁴ And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
⁵ And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
⁶ This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
⁷ Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
⁸ All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
⁹ I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
¹¹ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
¹² But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
¹³ The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
¹⁴ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
¹⁵ As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
¹⁶ And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
¹⁷ Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
¹⁸ No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Jesus starts out this parable stating, "Verily, verily" and again echos this phase in verse 7.  Remember that in Scripture key ideas are repeated again and again, and when Jesus says "verifly" He is in essence saying "this is the truth."  The sheep here are just like us humans in that we are dependent on our Creator (even if we don't know it), and the sheep fold is the Church (remember, this is not only specific to a "congregation" because the Bible makes clear that an individual believer in Jesus is the Church.

It is interesting to me that verses 1-5 of this parable is directed towards those in ministry; at the time it was for the Pharisees and now can be looked at for those looking to enter into the pastorate (the only way is through Jesus Christ).  Jesus points out that His flock will only follow Him and His words, not those of a stranger.  God has given us not only His Word, the Bible, but also the Holy Spirit to test those things that we see and hear in order to prove if they are of God or not.

Verse 6 shows that those listening to Jesus still didn't get what he was trying to say.  There are times when I do not fully understand what the Bible tells me, but through prayer and studying God makes His way known to me.  I need to be patient and commit to seeking after Him.  Jesus gets his audience's attention again by clearly stating that "I am the door of the sheep."  In my own house, the front door offers an opportunity for fellowship as friends and family may enter in to share in my life, but also security and protection.  Jesus makes clear that this is the same with those who trust in Him, and that the Holy Spirit that is available to us now will help us to see what ideas or actions are of God or man.

Verses 9-11 explain more of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus was to make for me, and you, and all those who live in this fallen world.  He saved us from death, and offers today a way of salvation by the forgiveness of sins
because of His death, burial, and resurrection; we can have eternal life!  So much in this world continues to point towards the way of death and separation from God, but in His infinite love He offers a life that is more abundant than any of the perceived riches we can obtain on this earth.

We go on to read about a difference between someone hired to watch the flock and its owner in verses 12-14.  On the farm of my youth, my dad could not care for every aspect of the lives of his cows.  There was milking twice daily, feeding and cleaning, as well as going out to gather hay and plant corn.  He needed to hire people to help him, and when my siblings and I were old enough we were assigned duties to assist my dad.  We cared for the responsibilities that he gave us, but not to the full expectations that he had.  His care was greater because he had a bigger stake than just helping - he was responsible for everything.  Same with me at work in the pharmacy: at the end of the day everything to do with the business is on me (from proper filling and dispensing of medicines to recording the refrigerator temperatures).  I have people to help me, but in the end it is my responsibility to be sure every task is completed properly.  Jesus is the good shepard, and will not flee from us in times of trouble - Charles Stanley refers to Him as our "anchor in times of storm."  He was, is, and will be here with us.  He knows us and cares for us.

The parable concludes with Jesus again foreshadowing his death on the cross for His people, even those that were not Jewish.  Remember that Jesus' earthly ministry was focused towards offering salvation to his people, the nation Israel.  On the cross, he was mocked as the "King of the Jews" and yet endured the pain of our sins our of obedience to the plan that God had for him.  He came to be our living sacrifice (John 15:13) and make a way for the Gentiles (like me - I am in the fold of vs 16 that He speaks of) to be offered the forgiveness of sins by His act of love for us.

God knows us, and He loves us.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth to fulfill all of the requirements of the Hebrew law, and offer a way of salvation from the death of sin for those who believe in Him.  It is not by works, but from faith in what He did.  That is caring that is out of this world!

Another Resolution?

New Year's Resolutions often revolve around things in our lives that we want to change - dieting to lose weight, exercising to become healthier, finding or improving friendships or romance to avoid loneliness, and prosperity.  It is interesting to note that only 8-10 out of 100 people actually keep their resolutions for the entire year.  I have seen evidence of this while exercising at the local recreation center - the pool and weight room are packed for the first 4-8 weeks of the year, taken over by "resolutionists" but then things get back to "normal" as they lose their motivation to complete their resolution.

A fresh start for a new year?  For many years I have not made resolutions, as I often find that when I try to change something about myself I fail.  Don't you?  Soon the level of commitment required to make a change on our own takes too much energy to fulfill and we go back to the thing we are trying to evade.  I am so thankful that the Bible offers something far greater - a new life, in Jesus Christ, that is obtained once and for all by faith because of the forgiveness of sins that we can have only in Him.  

Remember, when God created the world, "it was good."  After that seventh day, man started to muck it up, and we have been ever since Adam and Eve thought it would be ok to ignore God's plan for their lives and take to their own choices.  This new life is eternal, and happens when God causes a transformation for all who believe in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross.  We are not held hostage by our sins, even though we must still make a choice to yield control of our life over to the Creator and allow the Holy Spirit to take hold of our thoughts and actions.  

Believers in the New Testament are called to be new creatures - not "remodeled" but altogether new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  It should be no surprise that the most of the books in this section of the Bible follow a similar theme (which was carried over from the Old Testament): believers in towns fall away from God and His teachings and a letter is written to them, often pointing out their failed attempts to live according to their own ways and lovingly guiding them back to the Truth.

In Paul's first letter to the folks at Thessalonica calls on them to increase in their faith by loving and serving others, as well as going to the Lord in prayer.  J. Venon McGee notes that Paul offers 19 tips to live a life that is pleasing to God, and the points are easily applicable to us today just like they were almost 2000 years ago.  See if you can find all of them:

1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 (KJV)
^5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.
¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.
¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.
²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.
²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

How are you doing with applying these to your life?  If they were not against our human nature, it won't be tough to patient to all men or hold fast that which is good.  See, when we try to do things our way, we go right back to desiring to control our life, and that will eventually end up in us being disobedient to God.  My way is not His, so my way way is not good.  Thank God we can find rest in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of all the baggage in our life.  Our relationship with God is only fixed when we trust in His Son, and then we can find that with Him working through us, those points above in Paul's letter can be put into practice.

"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out another."  Found that anonymous quote while looking through the web, and it is so true!  We need to give our will and choices over to God so that we can be the people that He created us to be, as individuals and as larger communities.  God's promise of salvation does not change, and He is waiting for you to come to Him.  You see, we can do something that He can't: sin. Titus 1:2 (KJV) "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began."  He does not lie, ever.

I won't worry about a resolution that will fade away just like our good intentions.  Only God can cause the changes in our lives that will mold us into the people that He can use to complete the plans that He has for each of us.  Resolve this year for the revelation of God in your life, and know that you can trust Him to keep His promises.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Christmas means many things to many people:

 - Presents (finding the perfect one), parties (planning all the details to outdo last year), and of course Santa.   

 - Watered down greetings Merry Christmas -> Holidays -> Winter. Happy Winter??? 

 - Our attention is being taken away from Jesus, the reason we have to celebrate this season

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

The Bible story about the birth of our Savior is one that we know:  

Luke 2:1-20 (KJV) 

^2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Let's look closer:

Why did Jesus come?

 - To become the savior to a fallen man, because WE want to be in charge of this life instead of following His plan for us

 - Gen 1:31 tells us that what God created was good, and that Adam and Eve (living in a "good" environment) had but one action to avoid (Gen 2:17).  We know the story: soon after there is the BAD of sin that entered into God's creation, caused by man, that ruined the relationship between God and man. 

- Romans 6:23 -  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Psalms 8:4 - What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Our God is a God of second chances!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

How did Jesus come?

 - God left Heaven to become a man and take on the sin of each one of us (remember, He did not sin - only man has that capacity)

 - By the miracle of virgin birth (Gen 3:15 forshawdows the coming savior, as did many prophets in the Old Testament).  Note the differences between His virgin birth (Luke 1:31) and our own (Psalms 51:5)

 - He came to save the us that are born in sin 

-Psalms 51:3-4  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

 - In the OT, we read how people constantly fell into sin and away from God, then God judged them and punished their sin, but He always invited them back into a relationship with him.  This cycle continues today.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Who did Jesus come to save?

 - Salvation is offered to all who choose to accept the free gift of grace that only Jesus can offer:

- John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

****For this purpose, Jesus Christ was born on this earth – to save us from our sin and allow us to restore our relationship with God.  Like Adam and Eve, we do not need much prompting to make bad decisions - they almost seem to come with less of a fight as compared to making the "right" choice.

God: Absolute (love and holiness)         

(Offers the greatest gift - forgiveness of sins and everlasting life)

Man: Changing (sinful, never content)  

(Offers the latest fad - Tickle-Me Elmo, Kindle - will end up in ruin)

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

No gift can ever compare to the gift that we remember this day - God gave His son to me and you to be our Savior.  

- 2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

But we have to decide if we want to receive this gift (His invitation is to all people, like a present under the tree.  Will you leave it there, unopened?). All other things in this world will fall short, because there is no way that we can come close to the superior gift that God has given to us.

- 1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

If Jesus was not born, then He would not have died on the cross for our sins, and He would not have risen again, a Resurrection that provides a victory of death and is the only means to restore our relationship to a loving and Holy God.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Praise the Lord!

New England Masters 10K Championships

I completed my first 10K swim today in Coventry, Rhode Island, at the 5th annual Flat River Reservoir Champion's Challenge. There were just over 40 total participants swimming in either the 5K or 10K events, with a mix of folks donning wetsuits or not. I choose not to, and was happy since the water temp was a warm 68 degrees. Here is what the course looked like - essentially we started on the south end of the lake, swam north for 1 mile, then went east for 1/2 mile, round a buoy and back for 5K, with those doing the 10K make 2 laps.

I swam this loop twice to complete the 10K

The race was started shortly after 9am, with all swimmers entering the water together, but the USMS registered swimmers in the 10K race starting 5 seconds later (so that the results can be certified). I was in the later wave, and found that since the field was not large there was no problem getting out from the start and through the pack.


I found myself near the front after the first mile, and looked back as I did some backstroke to stretch out my shoulders and found that a pack of 4-5 folks were bunched in behind me. No one was really interested to take over the point, so I keep churning. After we made the first right to the short buoy our group broke up a bit and I stopped for some hydration from my kayaker, Bob, who made the trip down from Maine to paddle with me.

There I am, to the right, in front of the pod.

I settled into a grove behind 2-3 folks through the turnaround and for the next mile or so. After another hydration break, I finished the last 1/4 mile of the 5K. All of a sudden a swimmer was headed towards us - I though it was a late starter but Bob confirmed it was the lead guy going for his second lap. I caught up to the group at the starting buoy and was surprised that most of them finished for the 5K, while I turned around for the 10K! haha - I guess it helped to pace with them as my split was 1hr 18min and change.


My right calf cramped up at the turnaround, so I was slowed down a bit to stretch it out. I tried a blackberry goo shot, which was just plain gross. For the rest of the race my right leg was bothering me, but I decided to get in a cycle of 40 hard stokes followed by 100 long/strong. It worked well back to the 1 mile marker, but my goggles kept fogging up so I was hampered there. I increased my hydration to 20 minute intervals, and decided after the far turnaround to try some food. One fruit cup later, and the way to sweet cherries I knew that was a bad idea! I keep moving and was not able to gain much on a gentleman in front of me, or lose ground from the guy behind.


The last 1/4 mile was tough; my arms were shot, right leg bothering me, and I was starting to feel nauseous from my failed fielding attempts. Bob was a great encouragement as always, cheering my on to finish as strong as possible. I came in at an official time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, 12 seconds. Not to shabby for my first marathon distance swim. I was spent after the race, and even got sick, but we were treated to a great post-race lunch and a chocolate bar shaped like a swimmer as an award.


Bob wondered what I thought about during the swim. I employed some counting (forward and backward), but I used much of the time praying for family and friends and also reciting the books of the New Testament in order by book (my son had a test at school this week on these). The end of the swim was tough, but I found that by focusing on these, I was able to block out the pain and exhaustion that I was feeling. It took me about 15 minutes to start thinking clearly again and try something to eat (Bob was kind enough to give me a shoulder rub).


I will post the final results once they are available, but I was able to average 2.25 mph for the race. Ray Gandy and the folks in RI put on a great swim, where safety was the number one concern. There were four buoys dividing the lake, two jet skiers patrolling as well as some other boats, and every swimmer had a kayaker to keep an extra set of eyes on the water. In addition, we had a great feast set up after the swim and a really energized feeling from all of the racers, family/friends, and volunteers that came together to make this event happen.


I never swam more than a 500yd as an age-grouper, and after just 2 years back in the water I am trying these longer distances with the hopes of tackling the English Channel in the next 6 years or so. Time will tell on that, but I am very thankful that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to swim, and has surrounded me with a loving family and friends to encourage me, even though sometimes I think I might be crazier than they think I am!


A special thanks to my family for being so supportive, my buddy Bob who (and his family that let him) came to kayak for me, and for the Bible, because if it was not for reciting the order of the New Testament books I am not sure if I could have finished!  


Thoughts for next year ...

• No fruit cups or Goo shots (must find a better eating strategy) 
• Put in more pacing work, and longer swims leading up to the event
• Get a new pair of goggles leading up to the event, to prevent the fogging issue
• Try some Dramamine to see if the nausea stays away

5k Down, and a Great Weekend

I had a great weekend with the family in the Catskills of New York. This was a great time to spend together as we celebrated Lena's birthday on Friday.

We were invited to join my good friend from college, Chris (who is also Preston's godfather), get married to his sweetheart Rachel.  The ceremony took place in a cozy Russian church, with a reception at a romantic, refurbished barn, where we danced the night away until the cows came home!  (their British friends last longer than yours truly)

We stayed both Friday and Saturday night at the Inn at Stone Ridge, a wonderful getaway that was convenient to the weekend's festivities. We enjoyed comfortable lodging and fantastic breakfasts to fuel our day.

Before leaving on Friday, I was able to hop in the pool for a workout. I focused on alternating distance sets (500 to 1000 yards each) with minimal rest, and was able to complete 5k in just over 1 hour and 24 minutes. This is half the distance I will be swimming next weekend, and given that I had some kicking sets the time was right where I hoped it would be. I will have another long swim tomorrow, then a lake swim on Wednesday, a regular swim Thursday, then off to the race this weekend.

New England 10k swim in just two weeks!

After a successful 2.4 mileswim at the Peaks to Portland (Maine) in July, in which I swam without a wetsuit in 62-64 degree Atlantic Ocean water in a time of 49:54, I am now looking towards my first 6.2 mile swim on Sunday, 9/25, in Rhode Island.

Ray, the race coordinator, gave me a call last night and mentioned that 40+ folks are registered for either the 5K or 10K swims. I am going to be able to have my buddy Bob join me as my kayaker for the event, which I am really happy about.

I have been reading the Open Water forums at usms.org for helpful hints for this distance. I have had limited training this month due to Hurricane Irene pummeling Vermont. Our town had no main water supply for 7 days, and the Rec center where I train was closed for 2 weeks (one for yearly maintenance, the other since we had no water). Finally the major road traversing the southern border of Vermont, from Bennington to Brattelboro, was reopened this past weekend.

Today Lena and I traveled it on my motorcycle - totally different landscape with roads washed out and buildings gone. We were blessed to only have rain and wind at my home, so I thank God for his protection.

Hit 100 miles today

My goal for this year is to swim 200 miles.  In 2010, I was able to accumulate just over 137 miles, based on the tool that US Master Swimming has on their website that lets you enter swim yardages and time in the water.  It also allows you to enter your workouts, so it is a really helpful record.

This year I set a goal a bit higher than my totals from last year in order to motivate myself to be more consistent about going to the pool.  I use swimming not only to help keep the pounds off, but it is a real stress reliever and I start to get a bit agitated when I am not able to get into the water for an extended period of time.

As of today, I am just over the half-way mark with my 1.5 mile swim before lunch.  101 miles is not too shabby!  I have been more diligent recently at working more intervals into my training as the Peaks to Portland event will take place in 3 weeks.  I am still not feeling as comfortable during the 30 minute swims I have been doing once weekly since the beginning of June, and the higher-intensity repetitions with a target time and short rest is really getting my lungs into shape.  At least I hope.

I am very thankful that I have a great pool to swim in just up the street from my home, and blessed with my wife and kids whom have been a great encouragement to my dive back into the swimming pool.  

Virtual High School Welcomes You! Academics-Spotlights

Here is a wonderful presentation that my daughter worked on as part of a virtual high school class that she took. She has the same desire and drive to preserve the environment as her mom, and I am so proud of both of them!

Check it out under the technology heading, maybe on the second page of the project overviews:
     Virtual High School Welcomes You! Academics-Spotlights

GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #5

Hello, GHO Team –

The time has arrived!  In a few days we will be seeing each other in Managua.  Just a few last minute reminders before we go.  But first, here are the weekly prayer reminders….

Prayer items for the week of May 10^th-May 14^th:

·         Please keep praying for Rolando and our National team in Nicaragua.  They are a vital link in our ministry there, and it is most important that we pray for strength and encouragement for them right now.

·         Pray that all the traveling will go smoothly (for some the trip starts in about 48 hours, on Friday afternoon).

·         Pray for Mark Davis and Ron Brown, who will be preaching in our two church services on Sunday and Wednesday nights.

Updates:

·        Thanks for sending in your blurb – I think we have heard from just about everyone, and it’s been great to get to know you better before the trip.

·       For our trip this year, please forward the following link to all of your friends and prayer team members: http://may2011ghonic.blogspot.com/

(I am still setting some of the parameters up, but I think you can get a sense of how it will look – please be sure not to forward the “april2010” link)

·        Again, we are still short children’s and adults vitamins; if you can bring any of either in your suitcases I am sure we can use them.

GHO May 2011 Trip Prep #4

Hello, GHO Team –

Just 11 more days!  I hope you are as excited as I am about what lies ahead.  This week’s note is directed toward practical matters and getting to know each other a little better.  But first, here are the….

Prayer items for the week of May 3^rd-May 9^th:

·         Continue to pray for Rolando and the final detailed planning he is doing for our trip.  I know he would really appreciate your prayers right now.

·         Pray that the Lord will make His way straight before us (Psalm 5:8).

·         Pray that each team member will know exactly what to say to each person they interact with on the trip (Col 4:4-6).

·         Pray for those on the team still collecting the remaining funding needed for the trip.

Updates:

·        Now is a good time to locate your passport, have your travel itinerary with it ( review it) , and make sure your loved ones have the phone numbers of how you can be reached.  These phone #'s are on the back of your name tag (in your soon to come care package).

·        Here are a few optional things to consider bringing along, they may not have been included in the packing checklist previously sent (thought be sure to review that list when you pack):

o   Single serving drink mix packets, that you can add to drinking water bottles that you will be given each day.

o   A small gift or two for someone special you get to know during the trip (a translator, local pastor, local church worker, etc.)  Do know that the Kingsport and Raleigh groups and Kitty Davis will be bringing small gifts for the pastors, translators, and Nicaraguan staff, to be able to efficiently (and equally) recognize them.

o   Single dollar bills - a little bulky but much easier to use at the market, souvenir shops.

o   Some fun things for the kids you will encounter - ""blow" bubbles and wands, Nerf balls or Frisbees, balloons (especially those you can form into shapes), coloring books/crayons (small packages), sugar free gum, (to be discretely handed out one stick at a time) or individually wrapped hard candy (again to be managed discretely to avoid creating chaos) - our dentist would prefer sugar free!

o   Photos of your family to show and give away.

o   If you have access to small Spanish testaments and can bring them, these are nice to give those you have opportunity to minister to in Nicaragua.

o   Several small bottles of antibacterial gel (be sure and pack in your suitcases).

o   A small "comfort food from home" item to save as a treat for during the trip (a favorite candy, snack, etc.).

o   A few empty plastic grocery bags (these often come in handy for all sorts of situations).