Reveal: Talk About It

God desires to reveal... He wants to give us a clearer picture of who He is, of who we are and of what He wants us to do. Are you ready to follow His leading and direction in your life?

This is an amazing journey we're traveling on TOGETHER! God never designed us to travel this road alone.
On this page we hope you'll find encouragement and strength as you see God's faithful hand at work in our lives. These are real stories of real people who desire God and nothing less...

Want to share your story? Just click here.

Monday, November 17, 2008

As I sit here reading the other entries, I feel compelled to write. Not because I have something to say, but because God needs to be praised. There are so many days that go by that the rocks end up crying out because I didn't. It's not that I don't want to give God the glory, it's just that I either forget or I tell everyone else how awesome He is except Him.

I love talking about God, about who He is and what He has done, I love discussing verses from the Bible..........but for some reason, I find it more challenging to stop and talk to Him. Maybe because He doesn't converse the way we humans do. I don't always get a response. So even though I have been walking with God for 25 years, I'm still learning how to be with Him, talk with Him, and worship Him.

This week was good practice for that. It was a focused time for our family. We gave up TV, which to some may seem like the easy way out, but for us it was very meaningful. I can't say that God revealed anything super huge but we did experience Him with our kids, reading and praying together more. We realized that even though we don't watch a lot of TV, that we use it a lot, we default to it and most times we come up so empty. I am just amazed at the habits we fall into and we'll continue doing something, even when it doesn't sound good because that is just what we normally do. There is more if we will look.

God is good. He is Sovereign. He Reveals. He Answers. He is there.

POSTED BY CHRISTIE S. AT 7:11 AM

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Today, we are now done with this short journey and the fast is over. For me, it actually was a lot easier this time than last. Was it because it was shorter? No. Was it because we we better prepared? Not hardly. Was it because there were more participating this time with me? Definitely not. I don't know why except that it's all by God's grace and mercy.

I know that at the start, when the caffeine withdraws began to hit, when the smell of toasted bagels at church hit, when the news announced a "free prime rib steak dinner for Veterans and their families at M and S steakhouse, (Oh man did I earn that one) today, only, to honor you. When the chills and body aches started, I was honestly thinking, "you can give up something else, you don't have to do this, it really isn't necessary, look what your asking your family to do, this is dumb, you can quit early." All those temptations, that could be easily justified, I mean there is always an out, if we need one, right?

But, no, I knew I needed to look up, look down, two steps forward and press on. As Jeff likes to say, "Bring IT" this is going to grow me, those things are temporary moments in time. God is working eternity on me through this, that is way more better than anything in this life. So in the end, it became easy, maybe that is it. God carries us through these times. Yes, this was much more easier then last year.

Yes, this was way more easier than the hike with the Motley Crew and Band of Brothers, so odd with one idiot. I am looking forward to what else will come, after this, hard or easy, whatever may come. Except that I hope that after this trip, I don't break out with some Poison Oak three days from now. Too funny.

Not that I have gained this yet, but I too am pressing for the prize, straining forward, bearing the weight, endure the pain, persevering, building character, and all the good stuff that comes with sweat and through endurance, for that which GOD calls me. Paraphrase by Paul from Paul in Philippians 3. Read it, grasp it and I challenge you to join me in the fight.

Your Brother, Paul G.

POSTED BY PAUL G. AT 8:26 AM

Friday, November 14, 2008

I read Meghan's devotional about asking God to open our eyes. Not only does he open our eyes when asked, but lately has been providing me with answers through His word!

I had been praying about a delicate situation with my Brother-In-Law the same week we were talking about love at women's group. That weekend when I called my sister, he answered the phone and we talked for 20 minutes, this is about 20 more minutes than we've spoken in the last year!

The following week, as I was dealing with a situation at work and asking God to reveal what path I should take. Amazingly, we are reading about patience for women's group this week. There will be rough patches in our lives, but in the end, God is perfecting us for the day we finally meet our Redeemer! As I was praying and thanking God, rejoicing about how great he is, John called to tell me, he was struggling with wires on the boat and was about to give up when he stopped to pray "God, if you want this to be done, please show me the way." On his next try, he was able to do what he was trying to accomplish. I excitedly shared with John why I didn't answer the phone because I was praising God for the same thing! God is so great to provide us with answers when we seek Him!

POSTED BY JAYNE D. AT 9:23 AM

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

When I ask God for clarity, HE GIVES IT. I'm not kidding!

After being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years, Adam and I looked at our finances and realized that it was time for me to get a job... anything. A little bit of extra money coming in would be better than nothing.

I decided exactly what job I wanted, and applied. In lieu of a resume', I wrote a letter, explaining that I'd been at home with my children since 1996, and that I was ready to "go back to work." I told them everything I'd experienced as a customer of their company, and that I would love to work for them in order to re-build my resume'. I couldn't believe it when they called and offered me an interview. Two weeks later, I was employed! There was obviously something about me that they felt would contribute to their team.

Fast forward several weeks... my hours had started to dwindle, due to lack of business, and eventually I was getting ZERO hours per week. I knew the economy had taken a down-turn, but why wasn't I being chosen for the few precious labor hours that were to be divided among us? Was it something I said? Was it something I did or didn't do?

I called the first week, and it was explained that there just weren't enough hours to go around. I kept a chipper attitude and reminded my employer that I am completely available, so all she needed to do was call if she needed me. Week two, zero hours. Hmm. Called again, asked if there was anything I could do to get a few more hours... nope. Business was just slow. Week 3, we're in to November now. Things should be picking up... went in to get my schedule... my manager hadn't even bothered to make me a copy. Why? Because zero hours again. OUCH. Now I was taking it personally. It was getting harder to keep a positive attitude. I told her I was going to be calling her to make an appointment to talk.

As soon as I walked out of there, I finally cracked. Cried until I thought my head was going to explode. I felt humiliated! Why wasn't I good enough?? I had been early to every shift, always ready and prepared to work, I took criticism well and made an effort to improve my performance, I had a great attitude, loved being there, and I communicated well with customers and my co-workers! I felt that I had demonstrated Romans 12:11 - Never be lazy, serve the Lord enthusiastically.

I went to church the next day, broken, knowing that if I made the effort to be there, God would fill me up. I needed to let Him change the way I was thinking about this situation, so that I could know what His will was for me (Romans 12:2) in this situation. I was reminded of Romans 12:12, "Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." Through Jeff's words, God was warning me not to have an "I deserve" attitude, and that if I reacted too quickly to the situation, I was bound to make the problem bigger. I needed to let some things go unsaid.

UGH! I SO wanted to tell my manager how she had wronged me; you know, open her eyes. If not for me, then for the good of all unjustly-treated employees everywhere! (Can you see me with my flowing cape and my hands on my hips??) Nope. Not gonna' happen. Instead, I was to use my gift of being kind to others (Romans 12:8). I was to not only honor her, but take delight in it (Romans 12:10)! God wanted me to bless her (Romans 12:14), and to conduct myself in an honorable way (Romans 12:17). Regardless of the circumstances, I was to DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING.

The next morning, I was to go help a friend. I had decided that I wasn't in a hurry to call my manager. I had a peace about not rushing it, because God had renewed my mind! I still didn't know what was ahead, but the words that kept coming to my mind were, "SHE can't give ME what I need." I had the revelation that it wasn't that I'm not "good enough," but it was she who had failed to provide the hours I needed (and that we had agreed upon). I even called Faith G. first thing that morning and told her that I wasn't sure if or when I would be calling my manager to make that appointment, but that the words that I was pretty sure I'd be using would include, "You can't give me what I need."

After taking my friend home from her appointment, and literally before I pulled out onto the road, my phone rang. It was my boss. The first words out of her mouth were, "Liz, I can't give you what you need." WOW! The very words that I thought God was giving me to say to her, she was saying to me! I'm not even sure now of everything she said to me, but the bottom line was, she was letting me go. It kinda' bugged me that she broke up with me before I could break up with her, but God allowed both of us to come to the same CLEAR conclusion. And, instead of spewing out accusations of injustice, I thanked her profusely for "giving me a chance" and for everything she'd done for me. I loved that job, and told her that if she could ever use me again, to please give me a call.

Does it still hurt? Yes. Was it fair? No. But you know what? I did the best I could... and maybe it wasn't good enough. But I am not a failure! Believe me, I've had to convince myself of that! This random store manager does not determine my value; my Heavenly Father does! What a relief. ;)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9

POSTED BY LIZ C. AT 12:57 PM

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day is very special for our family. I'm so blessed to have many men and women in my family serve our country over the years. We are blessed as a community to have so many honorable men who have served or are presently serving both here and overseas. THANK YOU!

I was really moved by the poem on Sunday and wanted to post it today with Linda Colburn's permission.

The Veteran

He wakes each morning to raise his flag
Then sits on his porch in his rocking chair,
Thinking of thoughts he can hardly bear.

He prays to forget the sounds in the night,
But not his dear friends who fought a good fight.

As he wipes away the tears from his eye,
He thins of his friends that he had to watch die.

At day's end his flag he'll fold,
Each fold, a story waiting to be told.

He fought in a war so we could be free
On foreign soil and across the sea.

And for that he will always be,
An American Soldier who was willing to risk his life
For you and me.

Thank you for your love for our country and your selfless sacrifice. Veterans, you are in my prayers tonight.

POSTED BY RIC G. AT 11:08 PM

Every time I sit down to write, there is so much negativity in my head that I just give up. Who wants to hear me complain? Why am I complaining? Fall is here and so is the rain. I have talked with many people who are ready to hibernate until the sun comes back. This is no way to live.

I couldn't decide what to fast--TV, food, chocolate; I'll admit, I am being lazy. Yesterday, Trevor and I went and bought a Bible. We own one, but I never read it because it frustrates me. I had no idea when I bought it there were many different versions. For the rest of the week, I will sit with the Bible as I take in light from my light therapy box and remember the gorgeous summer God gave us and know that I will not always be trapped in the house with two small people who are reliant on me for just about everything. They are my biggest blessings and my biggest frustrations. Most of the time I want Wesley to nap for five more minutes and I wish that Keatt would nap at all.

I will be looking to the Lord for strength to get me through another Pacific NW winter.

POSTED BY MEGHAN T. AT 5:44 PM

We are also fasting from TV in the evenings. Darin and I have set aside time to read the bible together, which normally does not happen. It is a wonderful way to end the day, focused and listening to God's word.

POSTED BY LIZ G. AT 10:29 AM

Monday, November 10, 2008

This year I am fasting TV also. I have the TV on as company when I am alone, and then when I need to take a break, I sit down and watch it. Then I get involved and take a too-long break! So I am fasting TV and hope to grow closer to God as I listen to Him in the silence. Thank you Christie for your encouragement.

POSTED BY DENISE W. AT 12:44 PM

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Well, here I am nearing the end of day one of the fast. Our family has decided together to go without TV for a week. We don't watch a ton of TV during the day but it is definitely used as a relief of sorts as the day is winding down.......we all sit and watch a little Food Network or maybe some HGTV, the History Channel if dad has the remote.

It was interesting today as Sunday is one of our most draining days and is perfect for sleep, a good book and almost always some TV. Instead we played and wrestled around, read books and baked cookies (sorry all you food fasters). These are all things we normally do but somehow tonight was different. There was no option for TV, if there was we would have all welcomed the soothing numbness that settles over. Sickening huh! It's not that it's all bad......we just want to give up something good for something BETTER! We talked about the girl's Sunday school lessons and now I am spending some time with God too!

Again, I am excited for what God is going to do this week!

POSTED BY CHRISTIE S. AT 8:54 PM

So today, I am ready to start a new journey and begin this fast to see what changes, I need in my life. How better can I do for Christ.

Now already, I have begun to see some things around, that I hope are not actually there and cannot be. I see a pick and choose mentality, if the standard is to hard, I can just change the rules, or whine and gripe until somebody agrees and then what is right, can become wrong.

This is funny, because when I am sick and go to see the Doctor, do I say "The Medicine is too strong, can I just have a lite dose, or can somebody else take that in the tush for me." No I say, "I want whatever it takes to make me well, DOC."

So, why are we telling Christ, that THE WAY needs to be made easier, fit our lifestyles, agenda. If there is pain, ain't going that way. If not everyone is going to make it, then I'll stick with them because its more fun anyway. Lord, this requires discipline and there are do's and don'ts that don't fit me. Why are we demanding God water down this so called Christianity? Don't we want to be Spiritually healed?

What good is a Self Centered Christian? Is that even possible?

Then I look to GOD and see, yes, He is never Changing, His is Holy, He never took the easy way out. He didn't do for his personal agenda. No he did it all for me and you. His way is right. He was not selfish, no. He knew that some would not join him, persecute him and try to tie him down. Yet, he still died for us.

So today do we eat of the Tree that brings Spiritual Death or do we choose the Tree of Life?

POSTED BY PAUL G. AT 8:14 AM

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Just wanted to share my thoughts today...

God

You can see the tiniest detail
And still see all the strings of the enormous spider web
It travels over all times
You see all the intricate connections
How they create the whole

Layers upon layers is your understanding
My vision is so small
So, with you I will place my concerns
Nothing will throw you for a loop
Or cause you to panic

Put my mind at ease
Set my restless anxious thoughts to rest
I will trust you

Amen

POSTED BY FAITH G. AT 3:32 PM

I am excited about this Reveal series and especially this portion coming up with the fast and with the devotionals. I have to admit that I have become a bit lazy in my time with God. It is not really working out for me either. I can totally tell the difference when I come before Him everyday and gain wisdom from Him, insight from His Word.

I am going to try something different this year for the fast. Instead of doing the food fast, I am going to fast TV. Might sound silly but after thinking about it I have decided that for me, it would be easier for me to see a direct switch of things that I am spending my time doing. So instead of sitting in front of the television after the kids go to bed I am going to make that an extra Bible reading time, prayer time and journal time. This is going to be hard for me because my attention span at that time of day is less than desirable. That will mean more reliance on God, which is the whole point right?

I can't wait to hear what everyone else is doing and how God is going to be working in all of us this season!

POSTED BY CHRISTIE S. AT 8:37 AM

Sunday, November 2, 2008

I love that Jesus breaks thru the barriers of the social "norms" of those times, regarding gender, race, religion, and even social status, in order to share with that woman (and as a result, her entire village) that he was the Messiah they were expecting!
(John 4:1-42)

God expects us to also disregard the barriers of gender, race, religion and "social status" in order to tell our villages, our communities, that He is the one they are so desperately searching for in their lives, to satisfy their thirst, their needs. Not just for today, but for eternity!

POSTED BY LIZ C. AT 12:54 AM

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sarah, I just read your blog and can't close my computer without responding.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your God Story! I never get tired of hearing how God is taking broken and battered, disappointed and hurt people and is working it for good in their lives. I am so sorry that you have had to experience all of this immense pain and watch your mom and sister and brothers experience it too. It's not fair! But at the same time, like you said, I am so glad that God has shown you new and amazing things through it! You are an inspiring woman and God is using you right in the middle of figuring this all out. You have been an encouragement to me more than once in the kind things you have said!

I love you and all of your incredible family too.

POSTED BY CRISTIE S. AT 12:17 PM

There is so much that I could share from my wilderness experience and the things that God showed me, however, this morning I want to reveal some future warning signs that I find funny and true, some could have happened and didn't but if did would have been also a hoot.

You know your in for an adventure and possible trouble when:

Jeff says during a service, I am going on this hike, and "I don't need anything, all I have to do is follow know what pack to follow, and I won't get lost"

Heavens Gate, Seven Devils, and Hell are all mentioned as sites you will see on the trip.

It is referred to getting the group together as like "herding cats" The Van takes the long way out of the City, for one FINAL Look.

The 6 hour trip takes 12, because the MEN need more stops on the trip then your children.

The Magellan refers to where the Van is traveling as OFF Road and CLiff ahead and to left.

You get to your 1st Camp Site, and they feed you a final meal request and the best meal you'll ever eat.

Someone brings a Guitar for Worship and Burial songs if necessary.

Someone checks their phone for BARS and there is none. Then someone mistakes Cows for BARS.

You get 100 Yards down the trail, and two signs points to your trail, but nobody goes that way.

5 guys walk toward a cliff looking for the trail and 2 come back. Later you find out the others just climbed up to scope the trail for the team. Their comments about what they saw, are not like Joshua's but more like the other ten.

When you get to the camp site there is a Dead Mauled Elk carcass by the River, and Grizzly is more than a word to describe the scene.

You prepare in the morning for an ascent, but no one has any good scent about them.

You realize there is only, way out, up or up or up, or yes up.

You begin to think thoughts of "I wonder what they are going to say at my funeral?" or "is there anyone really willing to come back and get my body?"

With every step you can give a new sermon on Grace and Mercy.

When no one catches fish after individuals bathe in the river.

When you get home and read about and unexplained fish kill in the Hell's Canyon area.

When on the way home McDonald's refuses your service.

Thank you Lord for your Grace and Mercy and being able to laugh at the times you have taught us so much.

POSTED BY PAUL G. AT 9:01 AM

Thursday, October 16, 2008

To begin this blog I want to explain that I started "my story" not long after my father left my family in July of 2005. It has been three years now and I finally decided to finish it, realizing that I was only holding onto bitterness caused by his decisions. I began to realize that holding close this bitter feeling toward my father was only going to affect me and not him. The Lord has given me so much clarity in the last few months. It's been an amazing experience. I long to grow closer to him with everyday. I now pray for my father and his relationship with the Lord, hoping that one day he will have his eyes opened again. So here it is....

July 2005
Age: 17

My Story

How do you ever get to a place where you feel nothing? Can love really be lost, or is it a choice people make? How do you leave someone you claim to have loved? Well I’ll tell you!

This man had the life most men could only dream of. A beautiful, talented, and caring wife who would give her life for him. Four amazing children who longed for the love of their father. A gorgeous home, a nice car, and a good job. Most men would say that’s all they have ever wanted. But not this man, he just wasn’t satisfied. Somehow love had faded for him and the worlds temptations took over.

Are you happy now “Papa”? Is this the way you always pictured your life? Divorcing the women who saved herself for you, and worked for 25 years to make you happy? Leaving the children you said you always dreamed of having? Well, now you have a new life, a new woman, and a new son. Loss of all your relationships with the only people you ever claimed to love. I hope you know what you have chosen to leave behind. The people you think weren’t worth working for:

Jenny: One of the most amazing women I have ever met. She has more love in her heart then anyone you know. She is beyond talented and with her hands makes beautiful things. Her strength is breathtaking and her beauty captivating. She has taken a broken child and turned her into a beautiful wife and mother. She is my best friend.

Jesse: He is the kind of man to give a complete stranger the shirt off his back. He seems as though he is tougher than rock. A soldier in life. Like not a thing you say would shake his steady. A role model to most and a mystery to others. His faith in God is relentless and love for his family unimaginable. He is my big brother.

Sean: The ladies man. His mind is beyond his age. His heart is true and his love for the Lord unbelievable. He is strong in every way. He knows what he wants and no one can change his mind. He finds joy in the little things. He has the power to make someone feel like a shooting star and he can lift them up to shine.

Mommy: I don’t quite know how to start here. There is no beginning or end to her. She has always been my hero. She tried to make a man of a child. She put her life into this man. He is gone now. Losing all hope in everything she ever believed in. But she is triumphant; she won’t give up, not on anything or anyone. I feel the love of the Lord when she loves on me. She is the most stunning women I have ever laid eyes on. There is an angelic sense about her… And the way she smiles, she lights up the room. Day or night, she is there for us. Like a rock, more strength and consistency then anyone. She is my angel.

Sarah: A beautiful little girl. A princess in her little flannel nightgown. A snuggle bug. A child whose first love was her father. The only man in her eyes. She needed more love then some, but she lost it. He found the attention and praise of others more important. Her prince died within her father.

But this isn’t about the little girl who lost her first love. It’s about those that she loves. The ones she watched torn to pieces in a second due to a mans selfish decisions. A man whose chose to follow his worldly desires and leave behind the only people who have ever truly loved him. He left his life for what?

August 2008
Age:20

I finish my story: And though this may seem to be a sad story it isn’t, because through this time what seems to have been a tragedy was actually a blessing. God has shown us that whatever securities we have on this earth can be lost. But, if our security is in him we have nothing to fear. “Whatever the enemy means for our destruction, God will use for our good.” He has proven to each one of us through our struggles that he is all we need. We have grown and been strengthened by his grace, mercy, power and love. It has taken these difficult times to give us the knowledge that we would have never found had we not lost our worldly securities.

The Lord has shown me so many things. Not to judge people, because you never know what could happen to you tomorrow, and teaching me not to put my trust in mankind but in him. I’ve learned that I am never alone and that God will never fail me! And, sometimes change is God’s way of helping us to grow in ways we never thought possible, continuously showing me that I have to relinquish control to him.

And in the end when things seem the darkest and even when we don’t trust him God always comes to our rescue and lifts us to heights we thought unreachable.

POSTED BY SARAH L. AT 12:14 AM

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

I itch, I itch, I Itch, OH HOW I itch!

Yes, as some of you know, in our life on the trail we experienced some, poison oak, ivy, and I believe I saw some sumac. I also know that some of my brothers are not experiencing the after life of the Garden of Eden and the Valley of Death. (Thank You Craig). I am learning forgiveness for those that are not sharing in this itchy experience. Weren't we one for all and all for one? What about the scripture that says "it rains on the just and the unjust," doesn't this apply to poison oak, ivy also? Why does it seem the JUST got the worst of it? Scott, can I have a witness on this, one? I even dipped seven times in the Snake, and didn't get healed. Of course, thinking about that, Pastor Jeff, was upstream, did I get all the curse that washed off of him? There is a picture no one brought back, Jeff Austin bathing in the Snake. I am surprised the river didn't go dry so we could walk to the dam. No we don't want to go there, "do we?"

Ok, some much for the memories. Here is the point, here is the revelation. As Christians, we are in the world, but not suppose to be of the world. We live in this world and yes sometimes we unknowingly become infected with the sin of the world. We carry the burdens of sin for others, we hurt for those in sin, we serve and hope they will turn to God. Yet the SIN, it gets all over us. Most the time it doesn't crop up or break out for awhile, but when it does it is painful.

Also, like the trail, there is no way to get around being in a Sinful World. We have to head down (Pray), walk in faith, and press through, because we can't get to where we are going without going through this poisonous, noxious, stuff. Ric asked me on trail, Paul, what does Poison Oak looks like again, All I could say at that point was, "Don't Ask." We were stepping and steeping in it, not to mention it gets into the air also, when its HOT.

Sometimes people ask me what is Sin? What does it look like, again? I tell them, that it is knowing what God wants you to do and not doing it. Yes, as a Christian it is all around you, right now, it will affect you, you will break out, but you will conquer it by leaning on GOD, head down (Pray), keeping moving forward. The Jordan is ahead and God's Grace will heal you by your faith and his touch and soon we will be whole again. So we suffer for others and we suffer for our own good. Thank You Lord, you are always good to me.

POSTED BY PAUL G. AT 8:04 AM

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Wow! I just caught myself up on all these amazing stories of the guys that went on the hike. What a cool experience! I loved what Craig said, "I left with a bunch of guys and came home with a bunch of brothers." I have to say that I'm a bit jealous of this trek they all shared together. An awesome outcome, but also an intense fight to get it.

I am excited about this REVEAL series. I love it when God reveals things to me, lets me see something a bit clearer but I am finding that I like that revealing to come easy and without pain. However, it seems that life's real lessons, the most impactful, the most life-changing ones, are the ones that we have to wait the longest for, the ones we have to experience the most pain in.

I guess it makes sense.....no pain, no gain. Or maybe better yet no real pain, no real gain. I wish we could learn things easier but as Jeff once put it...........we are like a bunch of dumb sheep. It's true though, I wish it weren't. Sometimes I am able to learn from other people's mistakes but most of the time I have to learn for myself.

So, I don't know what God is going to show me. It may be something really small, something that to me seems sort of insignificant or it may be something that completely blows my mind. I will be watching and waiting, anticipating His voice.

POSTED BY CRISTIE S. AT 9:16 PM

O.k. And now the true story is told.

On 27 Sept. 2008, fifteen of the men of New Life left on a hike to The Garden of Eden, which is located in the state of Idaho. I knew that this would be a time of strolling through lovely scenery on beautiful graded walkways.

We hadn't even made it to out of the van and into our first campsite when we saw our first sign of wildlife. We came around a sharp bend in the road and there they were. " Bears! " came the call from the back of the van. Two big old black bears. As we carefully passed them, one of them roared his displeasure at us. "moo".

Next , we set up camp and ate a meal fit for the Kings we were. The next morning it was off to Heaven's Gate Lookout. You could tell we were close to Heaven because we could hardly suck enough oxygen in . Sounded like a team of mules pulling a heavy loaded wagon up a cliff.

On to the trail... It was then that I noticed a mistake in my thinking. This was not the garden. The paths were not groomed. They also weren't all that wide either. Nor were they very easy to find. Spent the next days trying very hard to play mountain goat and not fall down one of those lovely "rolling hills". Did I happen to mention, I ain't that fond of heights? The one verse that came to mind? You got it. " Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death....."

Was it worth it you ask? The pain and hardship. I wouldn't have missed it. The way I look at it I left with a group of guys and I came home with a bunch of Brothers. Looking forward to the next adventure.

POSTED BY CRAIG O. AT 10:57 AM

Saturday, October 12, 2008

That was a great post Scott! Thanks for sharing and thanks for going on the hike!

I too am a survivor of the "To Hell and Back 2008 Hike" I had an incredible adventure with the other 14 guys from Real Life. Anytime I can be out in the wild - fishing, hunting, hiking, etc, I really enjoy the beauty of God's creation. The hike was no exception.

I wanted to share with everyone what God revealed to me on the hike. First, I have to set the stage.

The hikers have just been separated into three or four groups for two hours while we were trying to find the trail. We all rendezvous, find the trail, and decide to all stick together. We proceed uphill, switch-backing our way along a trail the mountain goats didn't dare tread on and find that we have lost the trail again!

We are getting depressed and some of the guys are low on water. We are checking and re-checking maps and GPS units. "The trail should be that way... about 500 feet" and "Camp should be about a mile away... according to the GPS" are frequent statements. We begin to fan out and trudge up a very steep incline. The elevation is making it a little harder to breath - not to mention the fifty pound backpack.

I was trudging along on my own and gradually was at a higher elevation than the others. I prayed "God, this is starting to get kind of scary. We need to find camp and the spring. Please help us find the trail and keep us safe." I took one more step and a grouse flew up right in front of me and landed in a tree about thirty feet away. I admired the grouse for a minute and then took another step. Another grouse flew up. I walked uphill about thirty feet and there was the trail! God answered my prayer immediately. He showed me the trail by sending the grouse to get my attention. I yelled "We've got trail!!!" and then said it again into the walkie talkie. You should have heard the hoots and hollers! I thanked God for showing us the trail and for answering my prayer so quickly.

We eventually found the campsite and the spring (Oh sweet water of life!)

So... God revealed the trail to me and He also reminded me that I need Him and His plan for me. I can't do it alone. I need to take the time to listen to Him. Prayer isn't one way communication.

The hike was similar to life. You may wander off the trail you were trying to follow. Your "pack" may be heavy and burdensome, but necessary. It may not turn out how you envisioned it. Some of it may drag on and on and on, and some of it may end way too short. You don't get to pick who is going through it with you. But if you make God part of it and listen to Him, it will be a much better time!

Disclaimer - I am not embellishing this story in any way... just ask one of the other hikers (except Craig)

POSTED BY RICK T. AT 10:43 PM

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Last week at about this time I was unnumbing and coming to the realization of what a few good men of the many great men of our church and been through and accomplished. Then throughout this week of recovery and reflection, God has given me an understanding of how the world and yes most of the church is lost.

So many have belief systems concocted by men and material things. So many this week are in fear because we have seen material wealth, disappear into vapor. The uncertainties have taken hold, the media is driving fear and anxiety into many in these uncertain days. If you listen you will hear there is no hope for today. Ouch!

I see Church attendees caught up, scared and also uncertain. This has amazed me, just like on the trail, we have the MAP, we have a trail, a good trail, the path is straight and narrow, yes that is true, yes it is hard, but this trail is so well defined. Yes, it is hard, Satan and the forces of evil are buffeting us with heat, false truths and many are out of spiritual water. Let me say this, 100 yards, there is good water, and in our hands, we have the Word of God. This is our MAP, if we open it, you will see the trail, you will find truth, courage and GOD's amazing grace and find the well that never runs dry. Most important, you will find the hope that can carry you through anything and understand, "We are not home, yet."

POSTED BY PAUL G. AT 5:27 PM

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Well, I figured it was time for my first ever blog. I wanted to share my story about the Hell's Canyon trip we just got back from with the guys from Real Life. This was my first ever overnight hiking trip and man was it a tough one. I am sure most of you have heard about how difficult of a hike it was. I had no idea it was going to be so tough.

I like to think of myself as a guy who stays in pretty good shape. I am active in many sports and I go to the gym regularly. This hike pushed me harder than anything else I have ever done in my life. I cannot say it was fun- that would not be true. Yes, there were some fun times along the way but over all I cannot describe it that way.

It all started out when my wife and kids wanted me to go as a Father's Day gift. I was a little leery at first due to the fact that I have the disease Multiple Sclerosis. I did not want to go thru any flare ups that might hinder me during the hike. Then I started to become excited once I talked to a few of the guys going. I figured I would leave it in God's hands to keep me healthy. As far as this went, God was there for me and I have not had any issues with the disease.

I could go on and on about everything that happened in those 5 days. Mostly I wanted to share how I felt God with me the whole way. It started from the first day we hiked and sat on top of the mountain. The view was amazing and the fellowship was just starting. We talked about what we wanted out of this trip and sang a few songs about how great God is.

He continued to walk with us throughout the next couple of days. I was never worried or scared even when we were lost and out of water. I had this feeling that God would lead us the way. He had already given us a few great guys who I had a huge amount of confidence in. I don't really know why since I had never hiked with them before. I guess they just seemed like they knew what they were doing- so I went along.

The last day was the toughest for me. It was a long hike down to the Snake River- our last stop. The sun was beating down on us and there was no shade to cool us down. I must have prayed to God about a hundred times- asking him to give me the strength to keep going. I was tired, hot, and in pain with the blisters on my feet. I kept thinking what Jesus went thru and how what I was feeling was nowhere near as bad as He had it. So I pushed thru and we all made it to the end- as a group- as one.

After all we went thru, I would have to say one of my favorite parts of the trip was the van ride back. Not only were we going home and not having to walk any longer, I felt much closer to the guys I met. I was able to learn more about how God was working in their lives and was touch by the honesty and emotions that came out.

So what did God teach me during this trip??? He taught me to be strong, to have patience, to learn to trust Him and my fellow man, to look around at what He has created, to know that He loves me and will always walk with me, and to realize that there is much more to this life than just walking my way thru it.

I am so glad I went on this trip- but don't get me wrong, I don't feel like doing it again!

POSTED BY SCOTT A. AT 8:35 PM