Mountain Creek 2008-05-24

Hike: Mountain Creek, 05/24/2008 10:00-12:00
Distance: 4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Partly cloudy, very warm, humid; mild breeze.
Thoughts/Observations:
Wonderful hike. Observed grey squirrel, several hawks, numerous birds (various kinds), large tadpoles at the reservoir, bass, large black ants, velvet ants, smelled a skunk (didn't see him, thankfully!), and a gorgeous tiger swallowtail butterfly. I continue to find trees and bushes that I'm not familiar with (even as many times as I have been to this park). There is a treasure trove of flora and fauna here. Thank YOU, LORD, for speaking to my heart today. Message for tomorrow is "Listen Up!" from John 3. "Open my eyes that I may see visions of love YOU have for me." I love YOU, LORD.

Oak Mountain State Park Hike

Hike: Oak Mountain State Park, Mon., 5/19/2008 10:00-15:00
Distance: 9 miles
Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Conditions: Mostly sunny, low to mid 80's. Solo hike (Glenn had training today).
Thoughts/Observations:
Went to the Wildlife Rehab Center; hiked the Treetop Nature Trail out and back; and hiked Peavine Falls Trail (Green Trail) all the way to the bottom of the falls and back out. This was probably the hardest hike I've done to date. I was physically exhausted at the end. Drank 1.5L of water on the trail and ate 1 protein bar. After hike drank cold Tropicana Lemonade from vending machine at Park HQ and got a large Coke from McDonalds in Clanton on way back. Lots of birds, lizards, and insects. Peavine Falls was outstanding, but it was a very difficult trail down to the bottom of the falls and then a little bit of rock climbing to get out! These trails require lots of physical energy - up and down and some of the elevations gains are acute! A definite physical workout. Don't believe I got much of a spiritual workout on this one though. LORD, help me to keep focused on YOU always, in everything I do. Thank YOU for showing me these sights and getting me through the very difficult areas. Took lots of pics.

Wilderness Park Prattville

Hike: Wilderness Park, Prattville, AL 05/18/2008 15:30-16:00
Distance: 0.5 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Sunny, warm to very warm.
Thoughts/Observations:
Hike before evening church with Glenn. The huge bamboo is still a sight to see. One large bamboo stalk had broken off and was full of water, just like Bear Grills demonstrated the other night. It was amazing to see it in actual practice. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me.

Another Mountain Creek Hike

Hike: Mountain Creek, AL, Sat-05/10/2008 09:00-11:00CDT
Distance: approx 4 miles
Rating: 5/5 (Just about always at this site)
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Cloudy; mild temps (upper 70's) - moderate humidity. Still to light breeze. No one else on trails.
Thoughts/Observations:
Saw a coyote, 2 cottontails, and numerous pasarines. I was greeted with a beautiful concert of bird songs and the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle today. Thank YOU, LORD, for the beautiful peace that YOU provide for me -- the tranquility that I experience here is profound. I certainly need it.
Please give me YOUR words to speak and teach -- help me shepherd YOUR people at Crestview. Thank YOU for YOUR love and for this place!

Rainy Restful Saturday Morning

Sitting here in my great room with Soundscapes playing and watching the rain through the front storm door is quite relaxing. I had planned to go hiking this morning or to take Kathy to the Alabama Wildlife Nature Center at Lanark for their Birding Weekend – but that is not to be. Instead I am here in the restful quiet of the house (Kathy is still asleep) – just Gracie, Buttons, and me.

I was able to complete the powerpoints for both morning and evening sermons for tomorrow along with the Kids with The KING message. I even managed to complete the eTrailGuide powerpoint!

LORD, thank YOU for YOUR peace and stillness. I need that in my life, so much more so today. The demands of family, job, and ministry are wearing heavily on me of late. I pray for YOUR strength, wisdom, and peace.

The soothing sounds and thoughts gently wash over me this morning. Thank YOU, LORD.