So I wanted to write this yesterday, but I had too much to do until now.
Saturday was a rough day for school, but it ended really well. My best friend and I stayed up late on Saturday and talked about a variety of things. I have been so busy lately, and it was really encouraging to spend time talking with him. I walked away with a deeper love for the grace of God that night. The more I hear about my fellow believers' lives, the more I end up encouraged by the workings of our Lord. Between my best friend, and hearing the testimony of another friend this weekend at a birthday party, I have been moved towards trusting the Lord more in his gracious works. I can think about my own lif and how the Lord has called me and be amazed by God's grace, but the more I learn about my fellow beleivers and the innumerable ways in which the Lord has drawn people to himself the more I just am filled with joy and awe our God! Saturday night (Sunday morning...) I went to bed just filled with a joy, a joy in knowing more about how the Lord has worked. Praise the Lord!
Sunday morning... went to church with my friends and Scott closed his message by quoting two verses:
Psalm 107.28-32
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Isaiah 43.2-3a
When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Now, here's the cool part... After church I went to prepare to teach my Sunday school lessons. I opened up my curriculum and the verse for the week was the quoted Isaiah verse! It was so encouraging to read that and teach to my kids that God is with you in hard times.
And the Lord is. He's always there when you're going through hard times. Praise the Lord and rejoice in his goodness.
Monday, March 31
Tuesday, March 25
2 Timothy
So in theology class today I decided to read 2 Timothy. The Lord really encouraged me and challenged me.
Here are some quick thoughts and commands from the book:
God gave us a spirit NOT of fear...
... but LOVE, POWER, and SELF-CONTROL
GOD called me because of his own PURPOSE and GRACE
Be STRENGTHENED by the GRACE in CHRIST JESUS
Pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, and PEACE
Be KIND to ALL
Be able to TEACH
PATIENTLY endure evil
CORRECT with GENTLENESS
So that "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured to do his will."
I had a challenging and encouraging conversation with Siona today. I was definitely encouraged in Christ's grace during our conversation, and it was joyful to rejoice and glory in his grace together. But, I also feel challenged to an even more radical love and more dependent prayer life. The Cross can break the chains of any sin. The grace of our Lord can cover the most vile of all sins. May we be reminded of the grace we've been shown, and may we plead with the world to repent and receive that wonderous grace!
Ona and I talked about the fact that Christ is alive! Amen. We talked about being so amazed at Christ and so joyful in his grace that that knowledge and experience of loving and walking with him causes us to rejoice to in all circumstances. We know Christ and therefore rejoice. I feel like words on this page can't describe what I'm trying to convey.
Praise the Lord for his grace! And plead with the Lord to show that grace to sinners!
Here are some quick thoughts and commands from the book:
God gave us a spirit NOT of fear...
... but LOVE, POWER, and SELF-CONTROL
GOD called me because of his own PURPOSE and GRACE
Be STRENGTHENED by the GRACE in CHRIST JESUS
Pursue RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, and PEACE
Be KIND to ALL
Be able to TEACH
PATIENTLY endure evil
CORRECT with GENTLENESS
So that "God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured to do his will."
I had a challenging and encouraging conversation with Siona today. I was definitely encouraged in Christ's grace during our conversation, and it was joyful to rejoice and glory in his grace together. But, I also feel challenged to an even more radical love and more dependent prayer life. The Cross can break the chains of any sin. The grace of our Lord can cover the most vile of all sins. May we be reminded of the grace we've been shown, and may we plead with the world to repent and receive that wonderous grace!
Ona and I talked about the fact that Christ is alive! Amen. We talked about being so amazed at Christ and so joyful in his grace that that knowledge and experience of loving and walking with him causes us to rejoice to in all circumstances. We know Christ and therefore rejoice. I feel like words on this page can't describe what I'm trying to convey.
Praise the Lord for his grace! And plead with the Lord to show that grace to sinners!
Sunday, March 23
Time to Relect on the Cross
It's Easter, or as some say, Resurrection Day.
It's a day we Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim that "He is Risen." We dress up in our Sunday best and sign hymns like "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Many of the millions who attended an Easter service around the world today have heard the gospel message before. They know they are celebrating the day in which Christ rose from the dead.
What an amazing thing it is to look back to the day Christ broke the sting of death and sin and rose to life! This Easter is only my second Easter as a believer, and it has been encouraging to look at that historical event. But, I suppose that as important of an event it is to commemorate, it is also important to look at what Christ's resurrection and life means for us today.
This week has been marked by much grief and a sober mood. When you love someone and their sin is exposed it hurts. Someone very dear to me brought unexpected news this week that I must confess did not completely surprise me, but nevertheless shocked me in a way. A reaction is to be grieved by the sin a loved one is convinced is righteous. Another reaction is to be hurt by the realization that your relationship with that person has been broken for sometime. But, another reaction is to understand that people choose sin. I can not, and I will not, accept the sin that my friend is practicing as righteous, but I also know that Christ has called me to continue to love this dear person. There is supposed paradox in how you can love someone and hate their sin, how you be longsuffering and share the truth.
But these paradoxes aren't what they appear to be. Both sides are true, and with God's wisdom and grace both are achievable. A reaction to someone's sin has to be to share the truth in love and to patiently wait upon the Lord to change someone's heart. You can be grieved by someone's sin, but you can't be controlled by it. You can be saddened by their wavering from the Lord, but you can't control them.
Ultimately, you must trust the saving work of our Savior and the purposes of the Lord. Only Christ's blood and work can change a hardened heart and forgive sin. And, only in God's timing and will will those things come to fruition. That is harder to rest in, but nevertheless, only waiting on the Lord and trusting in him can give peace.
2 Thessalonians says, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Back to my opening comments. Christ is risen. Amen? Amen!! I feel there is a danger to relegate Christ's work to the resurrection day. We can forget that the gospel and hope of Christ is not confined to the act of salvation. God's grace is poured out to us daily! Grace upon grace. I looked at the oceans this week in Pacific Grove and reminded myself about my thoughts on rain and grace. Imagine looking at the Pacific Ocean and seeing water as far as the eye can see... that is what God's grace is like to us Christians. When I was reflecting on God's grace I didn't expect to face trial later that week, but God knew.
I think the only reason I'm able to stay at peace in this situation is through God's grace. Looking to Christ as my hope is what comforts. Not past experiences, not worldly statistics, or conversations. A song I've sung over and over is "Inside Out." I've quoted this part before: Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame. And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise.
Christ's light will outshine any darkness that sin and the world produces. In trials, Christ is your light. Look to the Word and see the supremacy of our Savior! The blessed Lord!
In all things God's glory will prevail. We can't always undestand how God will receive glory in circumstances, but all things will be worked out to his glorious name.
In trials may my prayer be to praise the Lord through it.
Therefore, may I glorify and praise Him for his wondrous grace and will.
It's a day we Christians celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim that "He is Risen." We dress up in our Sunday best and sign hymns like "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." Many of the millions who attended an Easter service around the world today have heard the gospel message before. They know they are celebrating the day in which Christ rose from the dead.
What an amazing thing it is to look back to the day Christ broke the sting of death and sin and rose to life! This Easter is only my second Easter as a believer, and it has been encouraging to look at that historical event. But, I suppose that as important of an event it is to commemorate, it is also important to look at what Christ's resurrection and life means for us today.
This week has been marked by much grief and a sober mood. When you love someone and their sin is exposed it hurts. Someone very dear to me brought unexpected news this week that I must confess did not completely surprise me, but nevertheless shocked me in a way. A reaction is to be grieved by the sin a loved one is convinced is righteous. Another reaction is to be hurt by the realization that your relationship with that person has been broken for sometime. But, another reaction is to understand that people choose sin. I can not, and I will not, accept the sin that my friend is practicing as righteous, but I also know that Christ has called me to continue to love this dear person. There is supposed paradox in how you can love someone and hate their sin, how you be longsuffering and share the truth.
But these paradoxes aren't what they appear to be. Both sides are true, and with God's wisdom and grace both are achievable. A reaction to someone's sin has to be to share the truth in love and to patiently wait upon the Lord to change someone's heart. You can be grieved by someone's sin, but you can't be controlled by it. You can be saddened by their wavering from the Lord, but you can't control them.
Ultimately, you must trust the saving work of our Savior and the purposes of the Lord. Only Christ's blood and work can change a hardened heart and forgive sin. And, only in God's timing and will will those things come to fruition. That is harder to rest in, but nevertheless, only waiting on the Lord and trusting in him can give peace.
2 Thessalonians says, Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Back to my opening comments. Christ is risen. Amen? Amen!! I feel there is a danger to relegate Christ's work to the resurrection day. We can forget that the gospel and hope of Christ is not confined to the act of salvation. God's grace is poured out to us daily! Grace upon grace. I looked at the oceans this week in Pacific Grove and reminded myself about my thoughts on rain and grace. Imagine looking at the Pacific Ocean and seeing water as far as the eye can see... that is what God's grace is like to us Christians. When I was reflecting on God's grace I didn't expect to face trial later that week, but God knew.
I think the only reason I'm able to stay at peace in this situation is through God's grace. Looking to Christ as my hope is what comforts. Not past experiences, not worldly statistics, or conversations. A song I've sung over and over is "Inside Out." I've quoted this part before: Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades. Never ending your glory goes beyond all fame. And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise.
Christ's light will outshine any darkness that sin and the world produces. In trials, Christ is your light. Look to the Word and see the supremacy of our Savior! The blessed Lord!
In all things God's glory will prevail. We can't always undestand how God will receive glory in circumstances, but all things will be worked out to his glorious name.
In trials may my prayer be to praise the Lord through it.
Therefore, may I glorify and praise Him for his wondrous grace and will.
Tuesday, March 4
A busy weekend
The past few days have been amazing... but it's Tuesday and the weekend's craziness is causing me to be tired! haha. So, here's brief update on what happened...
Friday afternoon Amy, Tanner, Valinda, Abi, Meghan and I headed down to Huntington Beach for a Foosball Tournament at Abi's house. We got there early, so Amy and I took a stroll on the beach and walked around downtown Huntington Beach. So fun to be a on beach again! The party was amazing, even though Amy and I got booted out of the game in our first round. Intense! Saturday, did what's called 'Community Day.' Tanner, Stephen and I went to a house and helped clean up their yard. A lot to get done, but it was encouraging to make a difference at least. Went to the intermural soccer game. Then, Amy, Tanner, Valinda and I went to a pizza place called Numero Uno... amazing pizza! HAd a blast. Came back and saw "The Importance of Being Ernest." Then the four of us went out to Starbucks. A great night. Had a very important conversation with a friend who is going through a hard time. Hard night, but it is so encouraging to see the Lord working in his life! Can't write much about the situation, but praise the Lord for his work and grace. I had a difficult time understanding the situation, but Sunday morning the Lord humbled me and I remembered once again his love, grace, and sufficiency. Taught sunday school with Amy. We took our kids for a walk. Went to the Ghetty with a friend and his brother, then came back and did some homework and watched parts of Indiana Jones with Amy. That's a survey of this weekend... Hope you all have a great week!
Friday afternoon Amy, Tanner, Valinda, Abi, Meghan and I headed down to Huntington Beach for a Foosball Tournament at Abi's house. We got there early, so Amy and I took a stroll on the beach and walked around downtown Huntington Beach. So fun to be a on beach again! The party was amazing, even though Amy and I got booted out of the game in our first round. Intense! Saturday, did what's called 'Community Day.' Tanner, Stephen and I went to a house and helped clean up their yard. A lot to get done, but it was encouraging to make a difference at least. Went to the intermural soccer game. Then, Amy, Tanner, Valinda and I went to a pizza place called Numero Uno... amazing pizza! HAd a blast. Came back and saw "The Importance of Being Ernest." Then the four of us went out to Starbucks. A great night. Had a very important conversation with a friend who is going through a hard time. Hard night, but it is so encouraging to see the Lord working in his life! Can't write much about the situation, but praise the Lord for his work and grace. I had a difficult time understanding the situation, but Sunday morning the Lord humbled me and I remembered once again his love, grace, and sufficiency. Taught sunday school with Amy. We took our kids for a walk. Went to the Ghetty with a friend and his brother, then came back and did some homework and watched parts of Indiana Jones with Amy. That's a survey of this weekend... Hope you all have a great week!
Sunday, February 24
Another week gone by
So, it never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes by. I feel like it's a total lie that time will ever slow. But I'm not complaining! Life is great right now, it's just amazing to me how much there is to do.
Lets see what's happened since Saturday when I last posted...
Had some great conversations with Amy, Tanner, Josh B., Joe, and Siona.
Seen two ridiculous movies.
Read several hundred pages for my history classes, had four exams, and lived through endless pages of science questions for my DS.
Started a new Bible reading plan.
Played a crazy game of ERS.
Visited a potential graduate school I'm thinking of applying to.
... well that's some of what's happened this week. The conversations have been a huge blessing! It's been inredible to talk about so many different things throughout the week. Last night I stayed up until almost 4am talking to my friend Josh about his life. He is an MK from South Africa. We watched Hotel Rowanda, and then he told me about his experiences there in Africa, and then just about life. It was incredibly encouraging to me. I was super tired, but I feel like knowing someone better is always more important that getting rest. If I could have the depth of conversation we had last night with every conversation, I would have no problem staying up late often.
I think it's amazing how often you can hang with people and be around people and still not know them well. There's guys I've known my whole time here at Masters and yet I still do not know them well. It takes time and honesty and trust to get to know a person. There are less than five people on campus that I would say I know well, and yet I still learn more about them everyday. I feel so encouraged when the Lord gives me the opportunity to know some of my brothers better. When you know someone more you can pray for them better, minister better. But it's hard work to know someone. It's scary, too. The closer you get to people the more of them you see - and more frightening is that you become more exposed to them.
And yet, walking with my brothers the more I get to know them the more I hear about the Lord in their lives, and the encouragement that comes from learning about how my God has worked in their lives is just astonishing. Our God is great! Amen! No one has had the same experiences, and yet my brothers have all been saved by the same grace that I am justified by. I think about Galatians 3.28. I am so blessed to have brothers, and sisters, in Christ. What has made my time here at Masters has not really been the school at all, but the people that are here who love the Lord. My time here would not have been the same if I had not known those whom God has placed in my life. So, I am thankful to the Lord for the friendships that he's given me here. And, if you're reading this, you know how thankful I am for you!
To close: Happy Birthday Gramps!!
Lets see what's happened since Saturday when I last posted...
Had some great conversations with Amy, Tanner, Josh B., Joe, and Siona.
Seen two ridiculous movies.
Read several hundred pages for my history classes, had four exams, and lived through endless pages of science questions for my DS.
Started a new Bible reading plan.
Played a crazy game of ERS.
Visited a potential graduate school I'm thinking of applying to.
... well that's some of what's happened this week. The conversations have been a huge blessing! It's been inredible to talk about so many different things throughout the week. Last night I stayed up until almost 4am talking to my friend Josh about his life. He is an MK from South Africa. We watched Hotel Rowanda, and then he told me about his experiences there in Africa, and then just about life. It was incredibly encouraging to me. I was super tired, but I feel like knowing someone better is always more important that getting rest. If I could have the depth of conversation we had last night with every conversation, I would have no problem staying up late often.
I think it's amazing how often you can hang with people and be around people and still not know them well. There's guys I've known my whole time here at Masters and yet I still do not know them well. It takes time and honesty and trust to get to know a person. There are less than five people on campus that I would say I know well, and yet I still learn more about them everyday. I feel so encouraged when the Lord gives me the opportunity to know some of my brothers better. When you know someone more you can pray for them better, minister better. But it's hard work to know someone. It's scary, too. The closer you get to people the more of them you see - and more frightening is that you become more exposed to them.
And yet, walking with my brothers the more I get to know them the more I hear about the Lord in their lives, and the encouragement that comes from learning about how my God has worked in their lives is just astonishing. Our God is great! Amen! No one has had the same experiences, and yet my brothers have all been saved by the same grace that I am justified by. I think about Galatians 3.28. I am so blessed to have brothers, and sisters, in Christ. What has made my time here at Masters has not really been the school at all, but the people that are here who love the Lord. My time here would not have been the same if I had not known those whom God has placed in my life. So, I am thankful to the Lord for the friendships that he's given me here. And, if you're reading this, you know how thankful I am for you!
To close: Happy Birthday Gramps!!
Saturday, February 16
Valentine's Day
Well, it's Saturday, and I've been at my homework for the past 3 hours. I decided I could use a break... and what other great thing to do during a quick break than write a blog?
Thursday was Valentine's Day - and what an amazingly fun day it was! Thursday morning Amy and I gave each other 'sweet' cards before walking to class. All I'll say is that they are hysterical and nice. I had lunch with Steve Severance (Kent's dad). It was a really encouraging lunch and he asked some great questions. My best friend and I went out to figure out some things for the night. Came back from that, and Amy had surprised me with a journal with Russian writing (!!) and candy. So sweet! She totally surprised me =) Amy and I had night class together - our favorite class - Dr. Roland's "Early National Period of the United States." We were going out after class, so we went to class all dressed up! Went out to 'our' Starbucks for our thursday night ritual. Met up with my best friend and his girlfriend and...
Went to Hollywood! What a blast and great way to finish the evening! We all went to Grauman's Chinese Theatre (the famous theatre with the handprints in the concrete) and saw Jumper!! We had all been to the theatre on the outside - never on the inside. What a pleasant surprise - the theatre was amazingly beautiful on the inside. An old 1920s movie house restored! The movie wasn't incredible, but our time together was. We got to roam around the Kodak Theatre region and take goofy pictures. Stopped at McDonlands on the way back for sundaes, and then made it back to Hotchkiss about 1.30am.
I had an amazing time throughout the entire day! It was such a blessing to spend so much time with my girlfriend, and then to catch up with my best friend and his girlfriend. For Amy and I, it was great to return back to Hollywood - that's where we had experienced 'russia' last semester. So many great memories in Hollywood. (shout out to my family - Hollywood! in the Taurus). Well, I need to get back to school... but that's a little recap of a great day!
Thursday was Valentine's Day - and what an amazingly fun day it was! Thursday morning Amy and I gave each other 'sweet' cards before walking to class. All I'll say is that they are hysterical and nice. I had lunch with Steve Severance (Kent's dad). It was a really encouraging lunch and he asked some great questions. My best friend and I went out to figure out some things for the night. Came back from that, and Amy had surprised me with a journal with Russian writing (!!) and candy. So sweet! She totally surprised me =) Amy and I had night class together - our favorite class - Dr. Roland's "Early National Period of the United States." We were going out after class, so we went to class all dressed up! Went out to 'our' Starbucks for our thursday night ritual. Met up with my best friend and his girlfriend and...
Went to Hollywood! What a blast and great way to finish the evening! We all went to Grauman's Chinese Theatre (the famous theatre with the handprints in the concrete) and saw Jumper!! We had all been to the theatre on the outside - never on the inside. What a pleasant surprise - the theatre was amazingly beautiful on the inside. An old 1920s movie house restored! The movie wasn't incredible, but our time together was. We got to roam around the Kodak Theatre region and take goofy pictures. Stopped at McDonlands on the way back for sundaes, and then made it back to Hotchkiss about 1.30am.
I had an amazing time throughout the entire day! It was such a blessing to spend so much time with my girlfriend, and then to catch up with my best friend and his girlfriend. For Amy and I, it was great to return back to Hollywood - that's where we had experienced 'russia' last semester. So many great memories in Hollywood. (shout out to my family - Hollywood! in the Taurus). Well, I need to get back to school... but that's a little recap of a great day!
Monday, February 11
The Weekend
Saturday: Slept in until about 9:30am. Had brunch with my roommate. Then, studied in the library for over 5 hours. Have to make a 50-piece bibliography for one of my history classes. Not a super hard project, but just annoyingly long. Amy came and visited me, and we decided to go off campus to study. We found this place called "Bridgeport." It's a subdivision in Santa Clarita where all the colonialesque homes are situated around a massive manmade water feature. We found a park bench to do homework on for several hours. Once the sun went down we just hung out and talked - and watched bats fly by. Went to my last basketball home game as a college student. Then, we finished watching Bourne Supremacy.
Sunday: Went to church, taught our 3rd and 4th graders outside because it was a gorgeous day, then had a sunday school meeting. Drove down to Orange. A beautiful city! Walked around downtown and visited antique stores, then my sis Sarah and her friend Rae met us. We had dinner at a bagel shop. Went to a beauitful Lutheran church to hear Azusa Pacific University's choir and orchestra. Amazing! I've heard them numerous times, but I never get tired. This concert was especially Christ-centered, and it was incredibly encouraging. Loved it! It was cool to get to show Amy APU's choir because she'd never heard them before. Amy and I then headed over to Downtown Disney. We got there right before the fireworks went off! Amazing. Hung out there for about an hour. Two great days!!
Sunday: Went to church, taught our 3rd and 4th graders outside because it was a gorgeous day, then had a sunday school meeting. Drove down to Orange. A beautiful city! Walked around downtown and visited antique stores, then my sis Sarah and her friend Rae met us. We had dinner at a bagel shop. Went to a beauitful Lutheran church to hear Azusa Pacific University's choir and orchestra. Amazing! I've heard them numerous times, but I never get tired. This concert was especially Christ-centered, and it was incredibly encouraging. Loved it! It was cool to get to show Amy APU's choir because she'd never heard them before. Amy and I then headed over to Downtown Disney. We got there right before the fireworks went off! Amazing. Hung out there for about an hour. Two great days!!
Saturday, February 9
One Way Out: Prayer
Yesterday was a great day. It was jampacked with things from when I woke up at 7am until I went to bed around 2am. The day started off normal - chapel, class, lunch with friends. Then, Amy, Betsy and I decided to go for an adventure. Now notice I don't say hike... but adventure. We were going to climb to some radio transmitters above the 14, but decided that it was too late in the day to begin such an obstacle as that. So, we found some hills/mountains that are near the school that we've always dreamed of hiking on. These geographic features are not part of a park, or have any trails. We would have to trailblaze up and down these mountains if we wanted to achieve our goal: reaching the top. We made it up the mountain without too much difficulty. A few scrapes here and there, some dirt in our shoes... nothing too eventful. Towards the top of the mountain we got stuck and had to hike down and hike up another ravine before we could reach the crest. We made it to the top of the mountain, and we got to look out all across the Santa Clarita Valley. Beatiful! Squished a bug and claimed the top for BAM and Hotchkiss.
Here's where the fun began...
We headed back down the mountain only to deadend at a cliff with a 30' drop. Now, hiking down to this deadend had been quite eventful in itself. We had slid down a steep hill for about 40', kept outselves from rolling down sandy areas by holding on to bushes. We truly felt like we were on an adventure deep in the brush of some other country. We were a little dissapointed to reach a deadend, but headed back up to the crest again. Headed down another ravine. This was crazy... fought our way through brush and trees. Clung for life to bushes to keep ourselves from sliding down 20'. I slipped over a small hill and fell about 6'... got a nice spanking on a rock. But, our spirits were still high.... until we reached another cliff. Another deadend. This dropoff was even bigger than the first. We had to hike back up to the crest, but we had skidded down such a steep embankment that it would be very difficult to get out. Betsy started to get upset and worried that we'd have to be helicoptered out... but the three of us sat down and prayed for a while. Almost immediately Amy found the trail we had come up on not far from where we were. We headed back down the mountain and made it down safely. We got to the bottom and praised the Lord together.
It was amazing to climb a mountain thinking we could conquer all things, and then come off the mountain praising the Lord and giving him glory for giving us strength and wisdom. Not the lesson we expected to learn yesterday.
After that Amy and I had a nice talk at In N Out (something we were craving on the hike). Went to a Ghetto party and played Old Maid (yea, kind of ironic). And then watched parts of Bourne Supremacy. Such a great day. We got to see the Lord give grace in ways we couldn't expect.
Here's where the fun began...
We headed back down the mountain only to deadend at a cliff with a 30' drop. Now, hiking down to this deadend had been quite eventful in itself. We had slid down a steep hill for about 40', kept outselves from rolling down sandy areas by holding on to bushes. We truly felt like we were on an adventure deep in the brush of some other country. We were a little dissapointed to reach a deadend, but headed back up to the crest again. Headed down another ravine. This was crazy... fought our way through brush and trees. Clung for life to bushes to keep ourselves from sliding down 20'. I slipped over a small hill and fell about 6'... got a nice spanking on a rock. But, our spirits were still high.... until we reached another cliff. Another deadend. This dropoff was even bigger than the first. We had to hike back up to the crest, but we had skidded down such a steep embankment that it would be very difficult to get out. Betsy started to get upset and worried that we'd have to be helicoptered out... but the three of us sat down and prayed for a while. Almost immediately Amy found the trail we had come up on not far from where we were. We headed back down the mountain and made it down safely. We got to the bottom and praised the Lord together.
It was amazing to climb a mountain thinking we could conquer all things, and then come off the mountain praising the Lord and giving him glory for giving us strength and wisdom. Not the lesson we expected to learn yesterday.
After that Amy and I had a nice talk at In N Out (something we were craving on the hike). Went to a Ghetto party and played Old Maid (yea, kind of ironic). And then watched parts of Bourne Supremacy. Such a great day. We got to see the Lord give grace in ways we couldn't expect.
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