Life Verse:

"...I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." -- JESUS in John 10:10

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail





Hike: North Loop with side trip to Chimney Rock; 3.0 miles; 08:45 - 11:00
Wx: Sunny, light breeze, very h-o-t, humid. Predicted high today 99 degrees F! Conditions: Trails very well maintained. Spectacular vistas of Lake Martin. Really enjoyed "Moss Drip" Signage (white blazes) were only on one side of trees. Many types of birds and insects. Quite a few spider webs on the trails. Scared by a Black Racer! (He was probably more scared than me - he was moving faster too!) Thoughts: Romans 1:1 - 2:16 All around man's ways are evident. Even in these serene settings one can see, hear, and almost feel the way of man. GOD forgive me for when I choose self over YOU. Cleanse me and draw me ever closer to YOU.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Ft. Toulouse Hike


Wx:
Cloudy, damp from rain yesterday, warm, very light breeze. Hiked 08:30 - 10:30.

Conditions:
Trails are well maintained for part. Unfortunately a good bit of originally designed trail has been lost - some walkways and steps have given way and are blocked off (for safety?). Was still a very nice hike. 3.5 on 5.0 scale. Many birds throughout the park. Shared part of the trail with a Terrapin. Squirrels playing in hardwoods. Friendly rabbit at the recreated fort.
Ft. Toulouse is a well-done recreation. Ft. Jackson has not been restored but it is easy to see its footprint in the landscape. The Mississippian Indian Mound would be lost to the average eye if it was not for the sign identifying its location.

Thoughts:
Speak to my heart LORD JESUS. I enjoy the spiritual refreshing and beauty as well as the physical surroundings. The beauty, complexity, order, and mystery of nature speaks to YOUR glory LORD. We can be drawn toward YOU through YOUR creation. All of creation sings forth YOUR praise.
Daniel 6:3 says, "...Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him..." Excellent means better than average - something different -set apart (holy). I am set apart by YOU. I am nothing without YOU. Thank YOU for YOUR presence in my life - YOUR call on my life, for all of my life!
This place is beautiful because YOU are here. Open my heart to know YOU better and my eyes to see clearer. May I lead others closer to YOU.
Amen.