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Tacoma to San Francisco, Day Two, Oregon

June 16, 2016 by areliablefaith

Our trip was a nine day road trip from the SeaTac Airport just south of Seattle, Washington to San Francisco.  The route was plotted out to be 150 – 250 miles driving a day with 3 or 4 highlights visited each day.  We were blessed with good weather the entire trip.  We were also able to visit several touted sites without too much competition from crowds.  I took about 3000 pics and I am going to share about 15 from each day of the trip over the next couple of weeks.

One of my goals was to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible.  I knew ahead of time I would be alone for the sunrises.  My travel buddies are not as enthusiastic about seeing the break of day as I am.  I have already posted pictures of Day One and portions of Day Six and Eight in previous posts.  Check out Lesson in Love and Justice on Mt Tamalpais for Day Eight and Walking Among Giants for Day Six.

This was our itinerary.

Day One – Tacoma, Washington to Seaside, Oregon

Day Two – Seaside, Oregon to Portland, Oregon

Day Three – Portland, Oregon to Bend, Oregon

Day Four – Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake, Oregon

Day Five – Crater Lake Oregon to Klamath, California

Day Six – Klamath, California to Fort Bragg, California

Day Seven – Fort Bragg, California to Novato, California

Day Eight – Novato, California to San Francisco, California

Day Nine – SF to Home

Without further ado, here are Day Two Pics.

From Seaside we headed south a little ways to Cannon Beach and then Hug Point before backtracking and taking highway 27 into Portland.

Haystack rock at Cannon Beach. Note the person on the beach in front of the rock to get the scale of the rock.

Haystack rock at Cannon Beach. Note the person on the beach in front of the rock to get the scale of the rock.

 

Tide pool at the base of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Tide pool at the base of Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

 

Cannon Beach at Low Tide. It was mid morning and low clouds were still hanging around.

Cannon Beach at Low Tide. It was mid morning and low clouds were still hanging around.

 

Lots of cool sea creatures live in the tidal zone like this anemone.

Lots of cool sea creatures live in the tidal zone like this anemone.

 

Another view southward on Cannon Beach. We drove about half of the Oregon Coast on the trip and this is fairly indicative of what it is like.

Another view southward on Cannon Beach. We drove about half of the Oregon Coast on the trip and this is fairly indicative of what it is like.

 

Haystack Rock was alive with Sea Birds. This gull was fluffing up it's nest. There were also dozens of cormorant and puffins roosting on the Rock.

Haystack Rock was alive with Sea Birds. This gull was fluffing up it’s nest. There were also dozens of cormorant and puffins roosting on the Rock.

 

These gulls did a dance for about 30 seconds when one flew in. They alternately bobbed and sang to each other. The term "Love Birds" came to mind as I watched.

These gulls did a dance for about 30 seconds when one flew in. They alternately bobbed and sang to each other. The term “Love Birds” came to mind as I watched.

 

View of Haystack Rock from the south. These are called Sea Stacks. They are the harder rock that stands longer while the softer rock and soil is eroded by years of pounding surf, storms, and winds.

View of Haystack Rock from the south. These are called Sea Stacks. They are the harder rock that stands longer while the softer rock and soil is eroded by years of pounding surf, storms, and winds.

 

In the days before modern roads, the coast at low tide was the road. At Hug Point the rocks extended out into the sea so they carved this road into the rock for the Mail Delivery carts. The road hugged the point here.

In the days before modern roads, the coast at low tide was the road. At Hug Point the rocks extended out into the sea so they carved this road into the rock for the Mail Delivery carts. The road hugged the point here.

 

This steep sided cove is really cool. Those are two sea caves behind Lisa. At low tide there is plenty of space here, but at high tide the water comes up into this cove area, continuing to erode the caves further.

This steep sided cove is really cool. Those are two sea caves behind Lisa. At low tide there is plenty of space here, but at high tide the water comes up into this cove area, continuing to erode the caves further.

 

Another interesting phenomenon was the almost constant swirl of wind in the cove. The onshore wind hits the steep sides and spins a whirlwind which creates this pretty spinning patter in the hard packed sand.

Another interesting phenomenon was the almost constant swirl of wind in the cove. The onshore wind hits the steep sides and spins a whirlwind which creates this pretty spinning patter in the hard packed sand.

 

View from back in one of the Sea Caves.

View from back in one of the Sea Caves.

 

Another Sea Cave view.

Another Sea Cave view.

 

The coastal mountains strain off a lot of moisture coming in from the Pacific Ocean creating numerous streams back to the sea.

The coastal mountains strain off a lot of moisture coming in from the Pacific Ocean creating numerous streams back to the sea.

 

My trademark - I take pictures and leave cairns.

My trademark – I take pictures and leave cairns.

 

It was late morning after visiting these two beaches so we decided to head inland.  The Rice NW Rock and Mineral Museum was right on the way so we decided to check it out.  This is in the family home of the Rice’s.  They were geologists who gathered hundreds of rocks and minerals over their lifetime from all over the world.  Their focus was the Pacific Northwest, which apparently is a rock and mineral gold mine (do you even have to ask if the pun was intended or not?)  It was a fun visit and surprisingly comprehensive.  Check it out on TripAdvisor which is where I found it.

Fossilized wood of a variety of species.

Fossilized wood of a variety of species.

I had no idea how beautiful a slice of petrified wood could be. These are as much pieces of art as they are rock specimens.

I had no idea how beautiful a slice of petrified wood could be. These are as much pieces of art as they are rock specimens.

The Rice family collection is the basis for museum, but there are pieces from many of their peers and friends.

The Rice family collection is the basis for museum, but there are pieces from many of their peers and friends.

 

The Alma Rose is one of the centerpiece exhibits. The museum was informative and entertaining.

The Alma Rose is one of the centerpiece exhibits. The museum was informative and entertaining.

 

On to Portland.  We checked into our hotel and immediately headed into town on the MAX, the Portland Light Rail system.  Our destinations were 1) the Saturday Market, 2) The Japanese Garden, 3) the International Rose Garden, and then dinner at the City Grill.

 

The MAX lightrail system in Portland.

The MAX lightrail system in Portland.

A couple hundred vendors with almost anything you can imagine for sale. Did I mention that Oregon has recreational marijuana sales. There were plenty of shops offering medical and recreational MJ for sale.

A couple hundred vendors with almost anything you can imagine for sale. Did I mention that Oregon has recreational marijuana sales? There were plenty of shops offering medical and recreational MJ for sale.

 

These are the some of the street people semi-stalls. These were not part of the official Saturday Market, but they tried to take advantage of the crowd. There were large numbers of homeless in this area. Between the marijuana, the unwashed bodies, the multiple open air grilles of a variety of ethnic food choices, it was unusually aromatic.

These are some of the street people semi-stalls. These were not part of the official Saturday Market, but they were positioned just outside the market and took advantage of the crowds. There were large numbers of homeless in this area. Between the marijuana, the unwashed bodies, the multiple open air grilles of a variety of ethnic food choices – it was unusually aromatic.

 

There were plenty of musicians ranging from some fairly elaborate bands, to this semi-organized group, to homeless people playing percussion on assorted buckets and cans looking for handouts. Variety was definitely the watch-word.

There were plenty of musicians ranging from some fairly elaborate bands, to this semi-organized group, to homeless people playing percussion on assorted buckets and cans looking for handouts. Variety was definitely the watch-word.

 

Falling water in the Japanese Garden in Portland

Falling water in the Japanese Garden in Portland

 

One of the peaceful ponds in the Japanese Garden.

One of the peaceful ponds in the Japanese Garden.

 

The American Bonzai was the special exhibit in the Japanese Garden. This tree is over 100 years old.

The American Bonzai was the special exhibit in the Japanese Garden. This tree is over 100 years old.

 

The Japanese Garden is located inside Washington Park on the slopes west of the city of Portland. From here you can look across downtown Portland to Mount Hood.

The Japanese Garden is located inside Washington Park on the slopes west of the city of Portland. From here you can look across downtown Portland to Mount Hood.

 

The International Rose Test Garden was an absolute riot of color. Surprisingly only about 1 in 10 of the roses were fragrant. But almost all were rich in color and in full bloom.

The International Rose Test Garden was an absolute riot of color. Surprisingly only about 1 in 10 of the roses were fragrant. But almost all were rich in color and in full bloom.

 

We unknowingly arrived in the midst of the Rose Festival.

We unknowingly arrived in the midst of the Rose Festival.

 

This rose was so beautiful and luscious looking it made me think of a milkshake. I'm not sure why.

This rose was so beautiful and luscious looking it made me think of a milkshake. I’m not sure why.

 

There was bed upon bed of roses of single varieties, but I was drawn to this bed of a mixture of award winning roses of a palate of colors.

There were many beds of roses of single varieties, but I was drawn to this bed of a mixture of award winning roses creating a palate of colors.

 

One small section of the garden was an English style tea garden where I spied this Calla Lily straining toward the late afternoon sun.

One small section of the garden was an English style tea garden where I spied this Calla Lily straining toward the late afternoon sun.

 

There were hundreds of people wandering through the gardens snapping pictures of all sorts. There were prom pictures, wedding pictures, family photos, tons of "selfie with rose" pics, and of course lots, of couples-in-love pics.

There were hundreds of people wandering through the gardens snapping pictures of all sorts. There were prom pictures, wedding pictures, family photos, tons of “selfie with rose” pics, and of course lots, of couples-in-love pics.

 

It's funny, we left the Rose Garden with it's thousands of gorgeous blooms and yet, I think I like this simple magnolia bloom just as much.

It’s funny, we left the Rose Garden with it’s thousands of gorgeous blooms and yet, I think I like this simple magnolia bloom just as much.

 

 

We got lost a time or two, but handy signs like this one helped point us in... many directions at once. So we sought some advice from a guy who looked like he knew the place pretty well.

We got lost a time or two, but handy signs like this one helped point us in… many directions at once. So we sought some advice from a guy who looked like he knew the place pretty well.

 

He didn't say much but fortunately he was pointing the way to the City Grille. A great dinner and a million dollar view from the 30th floor.

He didn’t say much but fortunately he was pointing the way to the City Grille. A great dinner and a million dollar view from the 30th floor.

 

View over the Willamette River toward Mount Hood. This was from the City Grille on the 30th floor of a bank building.

View over the Willamette River toward Mount Hood. This was from the City Grille on the 30th floor of a bank building.

 

It was pretty late as we headed to our hotel a few blocks from the Portland Civic Center. Proud of this shot which was taken at night without a tripod.

It was pretty late as we headed to our hotel a few blocks from the Portland Civic Center. Proud of this shot which was taken at night without a tripod.

I hope you enjoyed day two.  Stay tuned for Day Three which will have the Columbia River Gorge and pics of the second tallest continuously flowing waterfall in the United States.

Posted in Beautiful Places, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Tacoma to San Francisco Trip, Day One

June 15, 2016 by areliablefaith

This post and some of the subsequent posts will be a little different from most of my posts.  I mentioned in my last post that my wife and I, along with our oldest daughter and her husband, made a trip down the west coast of the US.  Photography is a primary hobby of which also spills over into some of my work.  I would like to share some of the best photos from that trip.

The Mouth of the Mighty Columbia River. This is arguably the most dangerous river entrance in the United States. This view is from North Head Lighthouse.

The Mouth of the Mighty Columbia River. This is arguably the most dangerous river entrance in the United States. This view is from North Head Lighthouse.

 

Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse. The "youngest" of the two lighthouses. Only 118 years old. Warned ships coming from the north of the dangerous Columbia River mouth and shoals.

Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse. The “youngest” of the two lighthouses. Only 118 years old. Warned ships coming from the north of the dangerous Columbia River mouth and shoals.

 

This tenacious tree has laid claim to what little soil exists on it's personal island apart.

This tenacious tree has laid claim to what little soil exists on it’s personal island apart.

 

Raven harassing a Golden Eagle.

Raven harassing a Golden Eagle.

 

That Golden Eagle has a 7 - 8 foot wingspan.

That Golden Eagle has a 7 – 8 foot wingspan.

 

Coast Guard Severe Weather Training Station at Cape Disappointment. Hundreds of shipwrecks with over 700 lives lost in the waters off Cape Disappointment. Hundreds saved though due to the efforts of the Coast Guard teams here and from Astoria.

Coast Guard Severe Weather Training Station at Cape Disappointment. Hundreds of shipwrecks with over 700 lives lost in the waters off Cape Disappointment. Hundreds saved though due to the efforts of the Coast Guard teams here and from Astoria.

 

Ilwaco, Washington viewed from Cape Disappointment.

Ilwaco, Washington viewed from Cape Disappointment.

 

Plants I pay good money to plant in my garden grow like weeds in the Pacific Northwest. Beautiful shoulder side bed of Foxglove.

Plants I pay good money to plant in my garden grow like weeds in the Pacific Northwest. Beautiful shoulder side bed of Foxglove.

 

Astoria and the Astoria Megler Bridge, the final crossing of the Columbia River before the Pacific Ocean.

Astoria and the Astoria Megler Bridge, the final crossing of the Columbia River before the Pacific Ocean.

 

Astoria Column on the brow of the highest hill in Astoria.

Astoria Column on the brow of the highest hill in Astoria.

 

A wider view from the Astoria Column out the mouth of the Columbia River. Cape Disappointment, Washington in the far distance.

A wider view from the Astoria Column out the mouth of the Columbia River. Cape Disappointment, Washington in the far distance.

 

Necanicum River with Quatat Park on the right in Seaside, Oregon.

Necanicum River with Quatat Park on the right in Seaside, Oregon.

 

Statue of Lewis and Clark overlooking the beach at Seaside, Oregon at "The Turnaround". Marks the spot, theoretically, where the Corps of Discovery viewed the Pacific and then turned around and headed back to report to Thomas Jefferson.

Statue of Lewis and Clark overlooking the beach at Seaside, Oregon at “The Turnaround”. Marks the spot, theoretically, where the Corps of Discovery viewed the Pacific and then turned around and headed back to report to Thomas Jefferson.

 

The beach at Seaside, Oregon. Wide and sandy at low tide on this relatively peaceful Friday night. Showers came through earlier and other than occasional fog, we enjoyed good weather the rest of the trip.

The beach at Seaside, Oregon. Wide and sandy at low tide on this relatively peaceful Friday night. Showers came through earlier and other than occasional fog, we enjoyed good weather the rest of the trip.

 

Sunset approaches. View from Sunset Boulevard in Seaside, Oregon.

Sunset approaches. View from Sunset Boulevard in Seaside, Oregon.

 

Final shot on Day One from the Water's edge in Seaside, Oregon.

Final shot on Day One from the Water’s edge in Seaside, Oregon.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures.  We were just getting started and we had already seen some really beautiful sights.  The Golden Eagle at Cape Disappointment was the highlight of the day for me, but there were even better sites and inspirational moments ahead.  Check back in a day to two to see pics from Day Two.

Until then, May the Lord Bless you with the fullness and richness of His love.

 

 

Posted in Beautiful Places, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Lesson in Love and Justice on Mount Tamalpais

June 13, 2016 by areliablefaith

I rose early to catch the sunrise over the San Francisco Bay.  I had scouted out our route for the West Coast trip with a specific goal of catching sunrises and sunsets as often as possible.  Mornings are particularly meaningful to me as I like to rise early and spend the first of my day communing with our Father.

While I had identified Mount Tamalpais as an appropriate viewing location, I incorrectly assumed I could drive to the top on the service road.  I finally found a place to park and began my trek up the mountain with the pre-dawn light much further advanced than I had hoped.  Fortunately I broke into an open area where I could see the bay moments before the sun crested the horizon.  Since I had not made it to the top of the mountain, I was not able to capture the actual sunrise, but the view of the bay, the city, and the fog alternately edging in and then out of the Golden Gate narrows was beautiful to behold.

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As I prayed and snapped pictures, a series of images rolled through my spirit prompting progressive waves of prayer for the people in the Bay area.  The first was the fact that where I stood, and for that matter much of the California coast, sits on or adjacent to one of the most active fault lines on the planet.  The opposing forces of the two tectonic plates generates tremendous stress which is periodically relieved in earthquakes both small and great.  Usually these plates move 1 – 2 inches per year in opposite directions.  In the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 the pent up energy was released in a massive jolt that resulted in 20 feet of movement over a one minute time span.   It was interesting because the prayer that flowed forth was that the people would be prepared for the sudden disaster that was coming.

San Francisco just after sunrise viewed from the side of Mt Tamalpais

San Francisco just after sunrise viewed from the side of Mt Tamalpais

The fog rolling in from the Pacific into the Golden Gate Strait

The fog rolling in from the Pacific into the Golden Gate Strait

In short order the picture changed and I saw multitudes choosing any and every way to express themselves – to accommodate their passions, lusts, and appetite except in seeking intimacy with God the Father.  This broke my heart and I grieved for a time, praying in the Spirit for God to move to open eyes and hearts and minds to the reality of Who He is.

It was not long before this vision began to merge with the first of the devastation that a massive earthquake would bring.  I pondered this, again asking the Lord to pray through me.  I began to think about God’s justice, an aspect of His nature that when viewed apart from His love may seem harsh and demanding.  At different times throughout history God’s justice has resulted in judgement falling upon people, nations, and tribes.  Some versions of the bible refer to this as the wrath of God.  I must admit, at this point the vision was uncomfortable and the prayer was labored and not fun.  I have learned that not everything God calls me to do will be fun.  But if, in obedient submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit, I do what I sense the Lord wants me to do, it will turn out good.  It always has.  I believe it always will.

As this heavy prayer burden began to lift, I continued to periodically snap the shutter on my camera.  Suddenly I heard the familiar noise of hummingbird hums all around me.  Immediately in front of me a hummingbird landed and sat there as if to say, “take my picture”.  I hesitated momentarily since I almost never catch a hummingbird perched for more than a few seconds.  After 5 seconds I realized, he wasn’t flying off.  It took me several more seconds to get properly positioned while the little fella patiently waited for me to get set.  Finally I was set and I snapped about a dozen pictures before he decided he was famous enough.  As soon as I finished the shots the Lord brought to my mind Jesus’ words to his disciples about the Father’s care in feeding the birds.  In Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:24 Jesus tells us the Father’s compassion goes so far as to provide food for the little birds.  In Luke 12:24b Jesus climactic words are: “And how much more valuable you are than birds!” 

Hummingbird Posing for Pics

Hummingbird Posing for Pics

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Mr Hummingbird thinks his profile shows off his beautiful beak better.

H moves behind me thinking the lighting is a little more flattering.

He moves behind me thinking the lighting is a little more flattering.

At that moment I got just a glimpse of the marriage in God’s character of His absolute justice and His overwhelming love.  I can’t say I truly understand it, but He demonstrated it to me that morning on Mount Tamalpais in a way that I can say I know it is real.  Sin will be judged and punished completely.  All sin.  Love will conquer.  It will triumph completely and eternally.

At this my prayer turned into praise for the great love He has for us.  God’s love reaches to the people in the San Francisco Bay area.  He wants people to turn to Him, to reach for Him, to turn away from their sin and receive His gracious love in the form of His mercy.  Jesus truly paid the price in our place.

My final thought from the mountain was that God still loves the sinner who chooses not to turn to Him.  Judgement comes, but not because God didn’t extend mercy, but rather because the one never turned to God and let go of their life.

I have come to know God as intensely personal and relational in the most wonderful of ways.  He comforts me in my sorrow.  He joins me in my celebration.  He whispers guidance when I am confused and uncertain.  He envelopes me with His peace at just the right time.  I believe that His heart is grieved by each one who fades from this life without accepting the finished work wrought by Jesus’ death on the cross.

Those final moments on the mountain were bittersweet.  I know God’s love is real and it still extends to the people living under the shadow of death.  He is calling out.  He burdens His children who do know Him to intercede, to love, and to reach out to those who don’t know Him.  Some will experience His love in direct response to our obedience and participation with God in His redeeming love.  Others will not turn, will not accept, will not receive the love the Lord extends.

Love and Justice.  Our God is a consuming fire in the purest and fullest sense.  The fire of His love drove Him to send Jesus to take our place in judgement.  And for those who fail to heed, fail to turn, fail to receive, there is a consuming fire of His absolute justice to be faced.

An interesting footnote in history.  Most of the people killed in the 1906 earthquake were killed by the fires spawned by the earthquake rather than the earthquake itself.

Be blessed my friend and let the Holy Spirit intercede and move through you today.

Posted in Beautiful Places, God, God Stories, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Photography, Prayer, The Father, Vision | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Walking Among Giants

June 3, 2016 by areliablefaith

The Coastal Redwoods found in Pacific Northwest are the largest, and among the oldest, living things in all creation.  Soaring in excess of 300 feet and with circumferences over 60 feet, these giants of the forest grace the steep slopes of the Pacific Coast for approximately 300 miles from south of San Francisco northward to southern Oregon.  I am visiting this area for the first time this week and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful scenery and lessons learned walking among giants.

Looking up in the Redwood Forest.

Looking up in the Redwood Forest.

On our morning in Klamath, California I woke early to visit the Father in the forest.  Redwoods grow in groves of dozens to hundreds of trees grouped together.  Interestingly, these massive trees do not have deep root systems.  The roots of a 300 foot tall tree will only go 8 feet or so into the soil.  However it will also spread some 500 feet around the base of the tree.  Trees in a grove will intertwine their roots as they spread creating a dense lattice work of roots and soaring trees joined together.  During winter storms with 60 mile per hour winds it is not unusual to see the tops of Redwood tress swaying 15 or more feet side to side and the earth at their base heaving 2 or 3 feet.  Yet because their roots are locked together they don’t topple over.  In fact they thrive.

In the same way, the people of God must be connected to one another in loving fellowship.  We are not made to do life alone.  We are made for godly community.

Another interesting fact about Redwoods is the importance of “tragic” events to their thriving.  Redwood lumber is amazing.  It is resistant to rot and insects and it has very good strength to weight characteristics.  For these reasons and more, Redwood harvesting was a major industry in California in the late 1800’s and into the mid 1900’s.  As timber harvesting became more prevalent and the excesses and damage of poor practices began to manifest themselves, conservation efforts began.  Naturalists were at first stumped with how to propagate these trees.  They had the seeds, but they couldn’t get them to germinate.  Then one year a major fire occurred and viola, the next year there were redwood seedlings everywhere.  It seems the seeds need the heat of the fire to cause them to burst open.

Life from the Roots.

Life from the Roots.

Perpetual twilight under these giant trees.

Perpetual twilight under these giant trees.

I see an obvious parallel in many people’s lives.  They live life trying just to survive, often wrapping themselves into various protective cocoons.  For those who achieve wealth and success, this provides a type of shield from the challenges of life.  For those with more modest means that barrier to life’s difficulties might be to immerse themselves in work, alcohol, or some hobby.  But life and true peace – deep, rich, and full, remains out of reach.  It is a hope or a dream.  Yet I have seen tragedy impact persons in the most amazing ways.  The Lord reaches into the depth of tragedy and brings life, growth, and hope.  Just like the redwood seeds, something painful becomes the pathway to life.

Another observation was the regrowth coming out of redwood stumps.  For the few redwoods that are damaged, many are able to start anew because of the life in the roots.  In fact, during the rainy season the roots of the Redwoods are able to store up to 150 gallons of water per day in anticipation of the coming dry season.  Therefore developing a robust root system is essential for the vitality and longevity of the Redwood.  For the believer this root system is reading and incorporating the Word into our life and learning to live in close communion with the Holy Spirit as our counselor.  Applying the Word by obeying what Jesus said is the best way to develop a root system that will sustain us during the droughts of life.

When we think of spiritual giants we will most often think of Moses, King David, Peter, Paul or a similar spiritual giant.  But the impression the Lord laid on my heart was the widow Jesus referred to for His disciples to consider.  Many persons had placed large sums into the temple treasury, but Jesus pointed out this poor, yet faith-filled, widow as their example.  She, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on.  How could she do that?  Because she trusted the Lord completely.  Her job was not to focus upon providing for her own needs, but to trust and obey the Lord.

When I return home shortly, I will return to tasks to be done, work to be caught up on, and future plans to be made.  But as I do so I will remember my walk among the giant redwoods.  And I will strive to remember that I walk among giants in faith when I allow the Word of God to fill me, when I apply its truths to my thoughts and actions, when I seek to know Jesus better and when I allow Him to live through me.   We walk among giants, my friend.  Keep the faith and, over time, the Lord will make us giants through our simple obedience.

Be blessed today and be a blessing.

 

Posted in Beautiful Places, Church, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Photography, Spiritual Growth, The Father | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Cape Disappointment

May 28, 2016 by areliablefaith

Psalm 27:8 “My heart says of you “Seek His face! “  Your face, LORD, I will seek”.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

Today we begin a 9 day road trip down the West Coast from Seattle to San Francisco.  We actually made it to Tacoma last night.  As with most of our adventures I am anxious to get started. I am ready to rush out and conquer the trip. Too often I slip into the attitude of a “task to be quickly dispatched” rather than “a good meal to be savored.” We head to Seaside, Oregon from Tacoma today. Along the way we will visit Cape Disappointment, Washington. Now if you’re like Lisa you just scrunched up your face and thought “Disappointment? Why do they call it that? And who wants to begin with disappointment? “

It’s funny but I never even considered the odd name until Lisa posed the question last night. I popped out the first logical thing that came to mind. “Because a lot of ship wrecks have happened here which is a very disappointing thing.”  She believed me. I hope I’m correct and we’ll try to find the answer.

As I sit here I realize that a lot of people seem to live in perpetual disappointment. I think of Eeyore, the donkey character from Winnie the Pooh. For Eeyore life is a perpetual grey. Eeyore lives in the same world as the ever optimistic Pooh, but their comprehension of that world couldn’t be more different.

I believe that’s a truth that makes the admonition from today’s scripture so powerful. I could follow through with my first inclination to rush through the day ticking off tasks.  But unmet expectations, detours, and changes could easily cause me to miss the Cape and just end up at disappointment.

When we seek the LORD first and we wait for Him, He meets us and He transforms us. Instead of our goal being a completed task list by days end, it becomes the sacred journey with Him and the people He places in our path.

And that my friend is the journey I want to take.

All of you on this trip with us are special friends and family. We love you and we are so thankful you are in our lives. I hope (and pray) that what we share will make you laugh, smile, think, and perhaps touch your heart.

 

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Whose Yoke Will It Be?

May 23, 2016 by areliablefaith

I saw a very familiar scripture in an entirely new way the other day.  Perhaps it is more accurate to say I saw it with an entirely new emphasis.  Matthew 11:28-30 is one of my favorites.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Whenever I read this previously my focus had been on gaining rest or help with the challenges and burdens of life.  I had always skimmed over the “take my yoke” part, accepting that this meant to be a believer.

Well, that changed last Friday.  I was worshipping the Lord and seeking His guidance for a word of exhortation I was to give.  As I sensed the Lord calling me to a place of holy listening, I became aware of a song playing that simply repeated this scripture.  Somehow it seemed like the volume increased whenever the yoke was mentioned.  As I prayed and pondered several thoughts came together which I share with you today.

First off, what is a yoke?  For many today the agrarian imagery that Jesus used may not be as familiar as it was to His 1st century listeners.  A yoke is a type of harness used to hitch a beast of burden to a load of some sort.  The burden could be a cart, something with wheels, or it might be a plow or harrow – devices used in breaking up ground.  In addition to connecting to a load the yoke connected a pair or team of oxen or similar to one another so they would pull as a team.  Finally the yoke provided a means for a driver to guide and direct the beast or team of beasts.

This scripture has a progression to it.  It begins with coming to Jesus.  For most of us this occurs when we get to the end of ourselves, a condition usually resulting in being weary and burdened.  When we come to Jesus He immediately gives us a measure of tangible rest and peace.  I remember this well and it was such a wonderful place to be, standing in stark contrast to the turmoil and difficulties of striving to do life in my own strength.  Today, I can look back and say that this was merely an initial deposit.  God has so much more in mind for each of His children if we but dive deeper into Him.  Hence the progression continues.

The next step is a big one – Take My Yoke upon you.  This is an invitation into the deepest, most amazing, most fulfilling journey this life offers.  However Jesus leaves the decision up to us whether to slip ourselves into the yoke.  As the description of a yoke above mentions this yoke will harness us to the work Jesus has planned for us.  In some instances it will connect us with others pulling in the same direction, lifting the same load.  It also provides a means for Jesus to lead and direct us.  All of these things play out in taking Jesus’ yoke upon us.

One of the greatest benefits of wearing Jesus’ yoke is that we become pupils of the Master.  Jesus says, “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…”  There are many, many things He will teach us and I am convinced that for each one of us He knows us well enough to teach us in exactly the manner we need for exactly the work He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).  But this scripture points to a universal “learning” when Jesus alludes to two of His character traits that we are to emulate – gentle and humble in heart.  Being fitted into Jesus’ harness will cultivate gentleness and humility that blesses those the Lord sends us to and opens doors to being Jesus’ hands and feet.

As we willingly wear the yoke we will find the character of Jesus being created in us.  By His Holy Spirit we are transformed into the faith-filled followers we were created to be.  And the rest we were given when we first came to Him becomes a soul-satisfying, deep and abiding “rest for your souls”.  It is as different in scale as a spring rain is from a raging hurricane.

It is at this point that we realize the Lord has given us work which we have accomplished without fanfare and seemingly without extraordinary effort on our part.  Yet these things are well beyond what we could have envisioned from the outset.  Following the Lord, doing the work He gives us – making disciples, caring for the hurting and sorrowful, meeting the needs of those in want, encouraging the fainthearted, preaching the Word, living a life that rejects sin, but embraces the sinner with Christ’s love – these tasks, these burdens become lightly carried, yet effectively accomplished.

This scripture offers us rest, but it offers so much more.  Life as a Jesus-follower is a life of growth and constant transformation.  Where He will take us is beyond our comprehension, but it is also good beyond comparison.

Be blessed today and allow the Lord to bless through you as you take on His yoke and live.

Posted in God, Jesus Christ, Responsibility, Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Come Let Me Kiss You

May 22, 2016 by areliablefaith

The Lord knows what we need.  He always, always does.  The real question is do we respond when He says, “Let Me give you what you need.”

This week marks my 10th straight week of travel for work.  I signed up for it.  Actually I like to see new places, meet new people, tackle new challenges.  But 10 weeks is a long time to be away.  A few weeks ago the Father brought me to one of those – “Let Me give you what you need” moments.  It was a tremendous encouragement to me.  But over the past few days I have realized the message of that moment was given not just for me, but to be shared with others.

It started on a Friday night.  I had traveled all week.  My wife and I sat down together and watched a melodrama we like called “Heartland”.  We watched three episodes and to be quite honest with you, I was upset with the amount of drama going on in the characters lives as I went to sleep.  Now I know it is bit silly to get emotionally invested in fictional characters on a TV show, but what was happening wasn’t totally fiction.  You see I know people who are hurting just like those characters.  I also love people who can’t seem to consistently make wise decisions and that hurts me too.  I cannot unplug from the problems of the people around me and the show that evening touched a resonant chord in me.

After a restless night of waking, praying, dosing off for a few minutes only to wake and begin praying again, I finally fell asleep around 5.  I woke at 7 with a start.  It was like I was shaken awake.  And I immediately sensed the Lord whisper in my spirit, “Come let Me kiss you.”  I have three grandchildren and they know me as Papi.  When they come over, particularly if we have been apart for a while, the homecoming has plenty of hugs and kisses.  It was with that same sense of excitement that I got up and slipped into the front of the house.

I left our dark bedroom, slipped through the lighter kitchen and into the living room.  When I turned toward the east facing front of the house, the brilliant sunshine reflecting off the china cabinet struck me with tangible force.  I was drawn to it.  As I stepped into the warmth of the sunshine I felt the Lord embrace me and I knew the reality of the Father holding his child, me, and giving him a kiss of pure love.  I don’t know how long I stood there just soaking up the Lord’s gracious love.  After some minutes, I started making a circuit back into the darkened kitchen and back into the light.  For six or seven circuits I would just stop and soak in the sunshine and the Father’s assurance of His love for me.

After some time, I found myself just staring out the back of the house to where the sun’s rays were turning the early spring morning into one of golden clarity.  And the Lord spoke one more time.  “I am not through with you.  The best is yet to come!”

That, my friends is a balm for a road-weary soul.  That is a promise I can and will hold on to.  That is a promise for everyone who puts their trust in Jesus and then pursues Him with all their heart.  He wants to be found by us.  He desires to fill us with good things.  He will transform our heart to become more and more like His heart if we diligently seek Him.

And God, my God is new every day.  The creator of the universe is able to do abundantly, amazingly more in and through us than we can possibly imagine.  All He is asking is for us to take our Next Step with Him.

To reach out when He whispers, “Say hello to that person.”

To take the time to listen in love to that hard-to-love person God has put in your life.

To read His Word because you realize it contains the Word and words of life.

To be the spouse you know God is calling you to be.

To live a prayerful life even when busy-ness threatens to overtake you.

To slip out of bed when He says, “Come let Me kiss you.”

 

Be blessed my friend and realize you are the blessing God wants to bring into someone’s life today.

Posted in God Stories, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, The Father, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

From Seeds You Planted

May 19, 2016 by areliablefaith

Wild flowers from "seeds you planted"

Wild flowers from “seeds you planted”

20160518_193744I enjoy yardening.  That’s 3 parts lawn work, 2 parts gardening, mixed with equal but liberal amounts of dirt, sweat, rain, and sunshine.  The other day my wife was making me proud mowing the grass while I shoveled mulch onto the flower beds.  When she finished she walked over and commented on a group of wispy yellow flowers growing in one of the beds.  I looked and it suddenly struck me, these were flowers that had come back from last year’s wild flower patch.  During the late winter when I made my first weeding round, I had almost pulled them up, but hesitated when I saw how they were bunched in the same place I had planted wildflowers last spring.  This afternoon was the first time I had thoughtfully returned to those plants (9 straight weeks on the road will do that to you).  Obviously I was delighted.

As I pondered the flowers the thought stuck me, “these are from seeds you planted.”    In the wonder of that moment I realized that this was a nudge from the Lord.  I serve on the Care Team at our Church.  Dozens of volunteers meet with and minister to dozens of people every Sunday listening, loving, and caring for persons who need to know someone cares and especially that God cares.  Having been in a number of those conversations, I am intensely aware of how dependent I am on the Lord to provide the wisdom and Godly counsel that people need.  I can comfortably do the ‘listen, empathize, and love on people’ part.  It is how the Father has wired me and trained me.  But I don’t want to speak words that simply parrot clichés or worldly wisdom.  The practice of being quick to listen, quick to love, and slow to speak has proven to be an apt approach in care-giving for me.  For when I listen and love, the Holy Spirit either brings nuggets of wisdom from His Word OR He brings another person into the conversation who has that word.  In some cases the words of guidance I give are few, but the prayer that I am able to confidently offer is 0ften my primary contribution.

As I watched the flowers wave in the afternoon breeze I had a mental picture of the lives that the Lord touches through faithful care-giving.  While our care team has a specific time and place where we join in God’s work each Sunday, the reality is we have these opportunities throughout our week.  On some occasions we get to see the great work God does in a person, marriage, or family.  In other instances our follow up is limited to just a few contacts.  However, when we are faithful we can rest assured God is continuing the work.

The final scene of that mental picture is a truly glorious one.  As we stand there in heaven surrounded by the host of the redeemed, the Lord leans over and says to us, “these are from seeds you planted.”

And our joy knows no bounds.

Be blessed today my friend.  And be a blessing.

Posted in Church, God, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Service, Spiritual Growth, Vision | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Divine Conversations

May 17, 2016 by areliablefaith

Always be ready.

I was not raised evangelical.  In fact the denomination I was raised in, Episcopal, was referred to as the “Frozen Chosen” by evangelist Billy Sunday.  Talking about faith, particularly speaking from the heart, speaking with passion, was NOT something I witnessed growing up.  That is not a value statement or a condemnation.  In fact I knew many Episcopalians who practiced the faith in very real, very devout ways.  It was just not a normal experience for people in the church I grew up in to speak about the faith… unless they were paid clergy.  And even then it was primarily a cerebral exercise more than a discussion that engaged the emotions.

So when I came to faith at age 23… in an Episcopal retreat called Cursillo, I was on fire for God, overwhelmed by a love and passion for Jesus and others, yet without a natural outlet to tell my story.  I can distinctly remember my Dad laughing good-naturedly and telling me, “Yeah, some people think that new Christians need to be locked up for a few months right after conversion so they don’t scare everybody to death.”  I believe I took that in the right way… that I needed to be sensitive to where others were and approach them in the right manner.  I also realized that was a very “Episcopal” thing to say.

Thirty two years later I’ve made plenty of mistakes both being too bold and being too timid in sharing my faith.  But along the way I’ve learned a few things that I think the Father would have me share with you.  As always we cannot go wrong with looking at Jesus, modeling what He did, and seeking to follow the Holy Spirit in speaking and doing as He leads.

  1. Beginning our day in intimacy with the Father sets the stage for our engagement with others.  When we start with time alone speaking with God, reading the Word, and allowing His Spirit to brood over us and work within us, we are spiritually prepared for the meetings with others we will have through the day.
  2. Keeping an open heart to the Holy Spirit will make us sensitive to the needs of others.  Today I was in a trade show for the consulting firm I work for.  I gave a presentation this morning (which for all intents and purposes was my main reason for being here) and then I manned the booth to meet potential customers as they walked through the exhibits.  On multiple occasions today as I stood at my booth awaiting someone to walk up the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to pray for divine conversations.  I did and sure enough, they happened.  (That is the real reason I was here!)
  3. Divine conversations have a two critical components – a listener who is receptive and a story-teller who is sensitive to the Lord’s leading.  I talked business about 85 – 90% of the day, but the 10 – 15% where the Holy Spirit opened the door were amazing.  This is an area where I have often erred either being too strong or too soft in my delivery, but today it consistently flowed.
  4. Our job is not to convert people.  Our role is to be obedient to the Lord’s leading and faithfully share from the Word in us and the life experiences He has brought us through.  It is the Holy Spirit’s job to bring people to conversion.  Yes, there will be times when we are there at the point someone makes a decision to give their life to Christ.  This is a glorious experience and true blessing to be a part of, however we do not need to take too much responsibility.  Our responsibility is simply to be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
  5. This life is a prelude to something greater, something more real.  It is the door through which we pass to get to our ultimate home.  This life is not inconsequential, but it is also not our ultimate destiny.  The relationships we have here are the one thing that appears to have a link on through to eternity.  That belief helps me to hold onto the things of this life lightly, the relationships in this life more firmly, and the faith in Jesus most tightly.

It was a God-day and a great day.  I was able to hear other people’s stories, engage them where they were, and in a number of instances share God’s love through telling God-stories.  I sit here with a light and joyful spirit thinking of how good God is to allow us to participate with Him in His work to reach people wherever they are and draw them closer to Himself.  He is soooo good!

I pray you have a day full of divine conversations.  Be blessed and be a blessing!

Posted in God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, The Father, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Relevance

May 12, 2016 by areliablefaith

I hit the drive-thru for supper this evening.  At the window I noticed the attendant yawn in boredom as she waited for my order.  A high schooler making a little pocket money perhaps.  Hopefully not a single mom trying to make ends meet.  I meant to slip in, slip out, and quietly eat my gyro in the room while I finished up some work for the plant, but because I had to wait I took the time to notice.

When she turned to hand me my order, I looked her in the eye gave her the most sincere “Thank you, mam” I could.  Behind the thanks was a heartfelt prayer that the Lord bless her and help her to know she is adored by a loving Father in heaven….

I got word a little while ago that a friend’s father passed away suddenly last night.  He had been up and down with illness, but until last night every down was followed by an up.  Actually, I guess last night was the ultimate recovery for one who knows the Lord.  But it is still a time of separation and loss for the family left behind.  Our heart goes out to them in empathy, sharing a small slice of their pain.  We will grieve with them as they offer up their last goodbyes to Big John.

At 55 years old I am most likely past the halfway point in my earthly life – closer to the end than the beginning.  Since I gave Jesus my life almost 33 years ago I have not worried about dying.  With my heart issue, I really haven’t fretted about dying even though I was on the cusp of a potentially fatal heart attack.  But I have pondered becoming irrelevant.

I want my life to count.  Not in a famous or noteworthy way, but in accomplishing those things that God wants me to accomplish.  Ephesians 2:10 says: “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  I know God is at work, but I also understand he has not made me a puppet.  I am given choices.  I can choose to take the easier way, the popular path.  I can go with the flow if I decide to.  But that is not what I sense in my spirit is God’s best.  Simply sliding through life does not line up with where I hear God calling me.  I don’t think it is where God is calling you either, dear reader.

The call is becoming clearer.  It is birthed in intimacy with God, our Father, in blessed union with Jesus our Lord and Savior, and confirmed by His Holy Spirit in our inner being as we willingly submit to His direction in our life.  It is a life of supreme relevance to those the Lord brings into our lives, regardless of how long or how brief that contact may be.

Tonight as I come to the end of the day, I ask for guidance on how to make these final moments count.  “Lord, please pray through me.”  “Father, show me who needs a word of encouragement.”  “Jesus, please prepare me for a day of relevance in your kingdom work and the lives you touch through me tomorrow.”

You are loved and you are relevant my friend.  God has called you into the deepest intimacy with Him.  It is beyond our reckoning.  But that’s okay because He will initiate it, He will draw us deeper, and He will accomplish His purpose as we simply seek Him with all that we are.  From out of that intimacy He makes us relevant.  It is tied first to the fact that we are His adopted children (Romans 8:15), but it is made manifest in the people we meet and get to love on every single day.

Be blessed today and be a blessing!

Posted in God, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, The Father | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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