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.

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.

Barton's Beach Nature Preserve and Grist SP

I had been thinking about this hike all week, pouring over maps and info from the web. I had never heard of this preserve before. It's web-description did it justice. Was most unlike any place I have hiked - the facilities are very unique in their architecture (thanks to Auburn Univ students!) and the area is really a large swamp (ox bow lakes and the Cahaba River).


This hike was more physical than spiritual due to the constant harassment of flies, mosquitoes, and the like. (Time to get out the DEET for hikes for the rest of the summer.) How easy we are distracted from what GOD is trying to tell us or do in our lives. We get distracted by the small "gnats" of this world. Help us LORD to keep YOU in focus no matter the distraction. May we all walk daily in YOUR SPIRIT!

Grist SP was small but nice. Lake Grist is peaceful (about 100 acres) and stocked well with bass and other fish. Primitive and full-service sites are available. Looks to be a good site for a weekend getaway - to really get away from the rush of city life. Hope to bring an RA group here for a campout later this summer. Only got to hike one of the trails. Nice hardwood and pine upland forest. Thank YOU LORD for the beautiful area we live in and the places YOU show me to hike!

Hiking Mtn Creek Park

Saturday morning hike at Alabama Confederate Memorial Park in Mountain Creek.
Wx: Sunny, light breeze, v-e-r-y warm.

Trail Conditions: No one else at the park this early (hiked the trail from 8:30 to 9:15am). Chipmunks, squirrels, birds, frogs, lizards, and big ants kept me company. Gnats and mosquitoes beginning to show up as well. May need DEET on next hike here. Took several pics.

Thoughts:
This is still my favorite place to hike. The tranquil setting and solitude allows me to focus on YOU, LORD and what YOU may be telling me. Today was no exception. I had been pondering exactly what message to bring tomorrow for our Commencement Service honoring Diane. YOU pointed me to Colossians 2 and 3.

My heart was also stirred by Psalm 147. This is the perfect Psalm for a hiker! It describes exactly how I feel each time I am able to hike. (Same thoughts and feelings I experienced as a young teen in the woods behind home.)

I am also inspired to bring a Sermon Series on HikingThe Life Trail. This could be a life-long sermon series! Would also like to bring the RA's/GA's here on a hike one Saturday morning - maybe even a day outing this summer (or for a Bible Camp Day?). I wonder if I could get permission for a night time hike here during the Winter??? Will need to find out.
Agape!

Greatest Gift

⁹ But as it is written:


“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor. 2: 9-12 NKJV)

How wonderful it is to know that GOD lives within us! As I go about the day – I have the PERSON, the Presence of HIS SPIRIT in my life!!! That is a comforting and empowering concept to grasp. The closest friend I have, the most intimate confidant, is GOD.

I will receive some great, exciting gifts this Christmas. My family loves me and they always surprise me with thoughtful gifts. But I will never receive a gift as wonderful as that given to me by GOD – HE has given me HIMSELF.

I hope HE is yours as well.

Agape<+><

How About Those Dawgs?...

My hat is off to Coach Grant and the 2005 Brundidge Bulldogs! What a year!...

From The Messenger:

Fourth state title could be Grant's last

By Jaine Treadwell, The Messenger

On a chilly December night, Wayne Grant led his Pike County High School Bulldogs to a Class 3A state championship.

It was the fourth time Grant had taken his Bulldogs to the top.

Many among the Bulldog faithful wondered if they were seeing the stoic leader on the field for the last time.

Speculation about this being Grant's final season on the Pike County sidelines has swirled all season.

After the game, he said he wasn't sure what would happen.

"I've got until Dec. 31 to decide," he said. "I'll make up my mind before Christmas. I'll let you know."

Ron Ingram, The Birmingham News sports editor, posed the question himself.

"He said this might be his last game," Ingram said, with a I-hope-not tone in his voice. "I love Wayne Grant. His teams outwork and outhustle their opponents. I've never seen a team that works any harder to get where they are."

Ingram didn't discount the fact that Grant has been blessed with "incredible" talent at Brundidge.

"Oh, he's had some great ones - Fred Baxter, Cornelius Griffin, Nick Walker, Chris Nickson - to name a few," Ingram said ."But Wayne Grant has the ability to take exceptional players and surround them with average players and field outstanding teams - championship teams. That's what great coaches do and he is one great coach."

Ingram said he has been impressed with the offensive output of the 2005 Bulldogs.

"Only three other teams have scored more points than this team," he said. "Going into tonight's game, Pike County has scored 676 points and realistically, they could have scored 800."

As good as the offense is, Ingram said the defense is probably better.

"The defense is tough," he said. "They'll hit you and they'll hit you hard. The offense has been good because the defense is so good. Together, they're an outstanding team."

Ingram said Grant is a tough coach and he has his team in condition.

"I don't know of a better conditioned team," he said. "But, he knows how to handle kids. They know that he's going to push them to be the best they can be, but he knows how far he can push them. He never pushes too far."

As tough as Grant is as a coach, Ingram said he's all about kids and what's best for them on the field and off.

"He bonds with these kids," Ingram said. "I think it started when he was a young coach and one of his players drowned on a team trip to the beach. He bonded with those kids then and he bonds with them now.

"If you're looking for a coach who will go out and play a round of golf with the sports boosters, it's not Wayne Grant. But if you're looking for a coach that cares about his players and what kind of men they will be and one that pushes them to as far as they can go, he's your man."

On Dec. 1 2005, Wayne Grant and the 2005 Bulldogs went as far as they could go. They are state champs.

Go Dawgs!

Go Dawgs!

The Brundidge (Pike County High School) Bulldogs (Class 3A) will be traveling to Birmingham this week to play for the state 3A championship on Thursday at 3pm. A win would be the second crown in three years and would, joining 1988 and 1989, be a total of 4 state crowns! Wow! My commendations to Coach Grant and the 25 guys who give it their all every week (and have done so since the summer).

I noticed an article in The Messenger this morning by Ken Rogers, Success Starts with Good Blocking…

The numbers are impressive, of course. Pike County has outgained its opponents 5,578 yards to 1,522. The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 675-71. Four running backs are averaging 9 yards or better per carry.
That doesn't happen without a dominant offensive line."It starts with blocking," Bulldogs head coach Wayne Grant said Monday. "That's probably the part of our team that's been overlooked the most this season."
That line is a key factor for the Bulldogs this week as they prepare for the Class 3A championship game Thursday at 3 p.m. against Cherokee County.
As Grant reviewed tape of Friday night's 42-21 victory over region rival T.R. Miller, he noticed the effectiveness of the offensive line got better as the game went along.

I agree with Coach Grant and with Mr. Rogers. Without those guys on the front line, the great offense would just fizzle out.

How often in life to we fail to see this truth as well? Every person cannot be “a star” someone has to block. We absolutely have to take our eyes off of self and consider GOD first and others next. Love has got to be outwardly focused – not looking inward all the time. True love is not about “what’s in it for me” but rather about selflessness and sacrifice. Love is an act of the will, not a feeling. If we continue to be a self-centered and selfish people, tragedy and destruction will overtake us (individually and as a nation).

Agape

Rainy Morning Musings 2005-11-28

The result of eating a late dinner of Mexican food and going to bed before 10:00pm is waking up at 3:00am!  That really is no surprise.  Contrary to most people’s first thought however, this was a good thing…  Awaking that early allows more time for devotions, prayer, and study – I truly did enjoy the couple of hours of Bible reading, prayer, journaling, and studying.  Another example of GOD working all things out for our good!

Brother Zachary died yesterday afternoon – unexpectedly in spite of his recent illness.  We had a special time of prayer for Mrs. Connie and his family during Evening Praise.  He certainly was a man of faith.  He was a fighter, daily fighting the good fight.  He has left a great legacy and provided an example for us to follow.

Romans 8 is a wonderful, beautiful, glorious chapter on our life of faith!  If we would but heed HIS words to walk (read that live daily) in The SPIRIT rather than in our own (carnally minded) flesh, how glorious our life would be here and now!  Pride is a dreadful thing.

Agape <+><

Thanks for the Family!

I am thankful for my family! That is my overriding thought from yesterday. And beyond the immediacy of that thought is the depth of realization that my family is more than just a biological family – it is a family of faith, a spiritual family.

It was a delight to have Adrian and her Dad spend Thanksgiving dinner with us. Glenn came by at 10:00pm to have his dinner with us and stayed to watch a Hallmark Channel movie. It was indeed a good day. Thank YOU, LORD, for calling me into YOUR family.

Trials, Tribulations, and Thanksgiving

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. -- Romans 5:3-4 NKJV

Part of my daily Bible reading (actually from our church's Concert of Prayer) today included the above verses. I could not help but think of some who are dear to my heart and who are going through some difficult times right now. Situations such as these force us to ask the age-old question "Why do the righteous suffer?". While I do not profess to have all the answers to this sage question, I do believe the above Scripture can shed some light in this particular situation. GOD can and does build our faith -- our life, through difficulties and tribulations. We do not suffer through these times alone or without cause -- JESUS is there with us. HIS SPIRIT never leaves us. What we must practice is drawing closer to HIM, hearing HIS still small voice, being attentive to HIS leading, and being that hope (remember hope is an assurance and looking forward to what is to come) for others.

I believe in this particular situation, GOD will use these Christians to bring HIS message of hope to a family who will take notice of the way these Christians undergo tribulation.

May we each be that same living hope!

Agape <+><

Convinced!

"He did not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to GOD, and being fully convinced that what HE had promised HE was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21)

Living CONVINCED! That is a great concept in my way of thinking. If I lived CONVINCED, then I am living in faith! If I am living convinced then I am fully persuaded that GOD WILL DO all that HE has said; that I can rest fully in HIM; and that I can trust HIM with all of my life.

Sometimes the storm-clouds of life obscure the sun, but they never really obscure the SON!

I pray that I may live a CONVINCED life each day - I pray the same for you! In JESUS' name, Amen.

Agape <+><

Inside Out and Thankful Thoughts

28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. (Romans 2:28-29 NKJV)

This passage is from our Concert of Prayer Daily Bible reading (if you would like to receive this weekly – please e-mail me with a request).  I believe it is most timely in our present age.  We are NOT what we display on the outside (in the flesh) but rather what we are on the inside (the spirit).  Make no mistake though!  If we truly are HIS on the inside then that will show forth on the outside!!!  I like to say that we MUST BE before WE CAN DO.  Our actions must flow (naturally) outwardly from who we are inwardly.

Therein lies the struggle.  Even though I am saved and belong to JESUS, I still have this carnal nature.  Believe me it wars against my spiritual nature on a daily basis (shades of Paul’s words, O wretched man that I am) and sometimes the carnal side wins out – those times when I rely on my own strength or when I am looking at self or situation rather than GOD.  I am certain that any Christian reading this can also relate.

I believe the key to victory is found in living in and with CHRIST on a daily basis.   We must surrender to HIM and then we must practice (read that, live daily) spiritual disciplines.  This is how we become men and women of valor – you see, GOD deals with me about what HE calls me to preach.  HE is usually dealing with me before anyone in the church hears the message.

Thank YOU, LORD, for teaching me these things.  Help me to live them out before all men – to teach others YOUR will and way.  In JESUS name, Amen.

Agape <+><

Thursday Nov 17 2005 In Everything Be Thankful

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 - In Everything Be Thankful…

Phil 4:6 (Amplified Bible) says: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. (Emphasis mine.)

GOD really touched my heart with this verse this morning as I was driving to work and listening to Focus on the Family.  The speaker (did not catch his name) was expounding upon the verses’ impact on his life when GOD began dealing with my own heart.  

I was thinking that I do not have any “hardship” or “serious problem” to have to be thankful in the midst of… but then it dawned upon me that I was deceiving myself.  I do struggle against discouragement and disillusionment in the ministry and in the church.  It slammed into my consciousness that GOD wants me to be thankful IN the midst of these “problems” and not be pulled down by the negatives!

It is easy to see the bad… to see what is wrong or what could be better… to see those that are not committed and not living out their faith.  I believe as I focus on JESUS CHRIST, HE will help me to see the sunshine in the midst of the storm.  I can see where HE is moving; lives that HE is changing; people who are giving of themselves; and HIS Kingdom moving forward.  

Yes, I do have much to be thankful for… I just need to keep my eyes on HIM and my spirit in tune with HIS.  

Agape <+><

Tropical Monsoons....!

Well it does appear that we are actively in our Hurricane Season! Now Hurricane Dennis (the Menace?) is bearing down on Cuba and long-range forcasters call for a bulls-eye on Mobile Bay. Dennis is a Cat-2 storm (winds about 115mph) but would likely strengthen over the Gulfo de Mexico.

Time to check CERT gear and replace those first aid items that have been used.
What about flashlights and batteries?
Make sure the poncho or rain suit is handy.
Keep cell-phones charged up and a full tank of gas in the Jeep.
Add those few additional tools that might come in handy to the Jeep. (Tow straps, rope, come-a-long).
Looks like the axe/shovel mount arrived very timely. Better install it early this weekend.
Might ought to actually buy that gas-powered chain saw I was thinking about last year!


Isn't it great to know that GOD is our refuge in the storm!

Agape.

Of Jeep, Bikes, and Tykes...

If I could finally shake this week-old respiratory virus, I believe that I would have Spring fever at full-tilt. The weather (rain and t-storms not withstanding) has been absolutely gorgeous lately. I thought seriously about changing the top on CHI-J for the Safari Bikini top -- but prudence would not let me (it's not fun getting wet riding to Church or work). But soon, very soon... you will see CHI-J sporting around town with the Safari top!

I finished adding the off-road lights a few weekends ago. Looks sharp. I still plan to add one light on the rear of the roof-rack for illumination while backing in unfamiliar territory.

Next on the Jeep list is: new tires (that's a whole story - one for a later time); Raingler cargo nets; overhead console for CB radio; rear tow hitch/receiver; tow hooks; and finally 2-inch suspension lift! Plenty to keep me busy for the summer.

Diane and I have made a pact about walking daily. I even bought us pedometers to count our steps. Our goal is 10,000 steps/day. Honestly, we are not averaging that amount yet -- hopefully we will increase up to that amount as we get over our colds!

I also plan to break the Mountain Bike out for service this Spring and Summer! Looks like it will need a tune up from Bike Shop - Having trouble shifting into last gear. Any of you game for some off-road biking (maybe at Swayback Bridge Trail)??? What about you Doobie, Crittle, or Ade???

And speaking of Tykes... there were quite a few at Church Sunday. It is a wonderful site to behold! I praise and thank GOD for the growth at Crestview. May we all be passionate in our pursuit of HIM.

Agape!

Jeep Ramblings...

It is good, on occaision, to think on matters not so weighty; to dabble with something not quite so important -- hence; let me ramble for a few minutes about Jeeps...

Yes, I will confess that my Wrangler (named "CHI-J", that's the Greek letter CHI) is my "toy". But is it wrong to think that GOD can and will bless us with our toys as well as in other areas of our lives? In fact, I have dedicated even my toy to GOD -- its name points to CHRIST. (CHI = Greek for CHRIST and J, the normally second letter of the model designation for Jeep) This is not just a passing gesture on my part. I do desire that GOD will use this Jeep in ways that will glorify HIM and point others to HIM. (Hey, I've already had several people ask me what the letters on my personalized tag mean!...)

I plan to equip CHI-J with lots of additional features... still have lights to add; tow hooks; high-lift jack; suspension lift; rear hitch; CB-radio/PA; CD/Stereo; and who-knows-what-else I may think of! I'm eager to make its first trip to the Panhandle of Florida this coming Summer! How great would it be to ride to Tomahawk Landing or Destin with a Safari Bikini Top or without a top?! I'll take reservations for a passenger or two. Any takers???

Jeep has now started producing the Jeep Wrangler - Unlimited (basically a stretched Wrangler). It seems to be okay... but the extra 15-inches makes it look strange to me. I prefer the regular Wrangler.

The Jeep Rescue is however another thing entirely... If Jeep actually does start producing them I certainly want to try one out. Mind you, I'm still a Wrangler fanatic, but the Rescue definitely has all of the Jeep muscle and then some! Look out Hummer the Rescue is coming!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. Enjoy the sunshine as much as possible. Spring will be here soon.

Agape.

Cursed...

This is what the LORD says: Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes [human] flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:5 HCSB)

I hope this is a truth that I never forget in my own life -- I hope this is a truth that somehow, somewhere sinks into the heart of mankind. I can't help but think as I go about my daily routines, driving through town, Christmas shopping, or going out to eat; how many people I encounter that never give a passing thought to GOD, unless of course some terror or disaster strikes in their life.

Worldly wisdom says to trust in mankind -- the power of science and our evolving brains. GOD's Word and simple observation of man's history tell me that man's wisdom is insignificant when compared to GOD. History will play out according to GOD's Divine will -- not according to the dictates of man, any man.

I desire (and I hope you do as well) to give my life, fully and completely to CHRIST.

"Take my life and let it be, consecrated LORD to THEE... Take my life it is THINE own, Make it LORD YOUR royal Throne, Make it LORD YOUR royal Throne."

Alive at the Touch!

We are not the same people.
We should not be the same people.
If we have met GOD, we cannot be the same people!

There should be a stirring within our spirit. A spark comes to life. Indeed we are feeling alive – real life. This only comes from GOD. We experience joy, and peace, and hope, and beauty as we have never experienced it before. We are being drawn closer to GOD.

GOD heals us. HE heals our relationships. HE heals our church. HE heals our nation. GOD’s touch brings hope, and love, and life.

I hope that you are experiencing the presence of GOD today!

We are embarking on a 40-Day Prayer and Fast for GOD's Church at Crestview. I hope we all get a better vision of GOD through this time. Oh, if we could only see HIM more clearly how everything else would fit into place.

Agape,
Pastor Larry

Thoughts on the Last Few Weeks...

The past couple of weeks has almost been one continuous blur... I hate it when that happens. Time seems to run together... sometimes it is difficult to remember which day it actually is... days become a series of tasks and events that must be accomplished.

And then one is able to stop and reflect and see GOD's hand at work through the whole situation! HE is indeed an awesome GOD. HE has never (and will never) leave me!

Pre-marriage counselling sessions were completed.
Weddings were performed.
Grieving families were comforted.
Funerals were performed.
Diane's surgery went well.

...and during all of this sermons were preached, classes were taught, the Bible was studied, and people were visited!

Thank you FATHER for a faithful few weeks in spite of the storms of life!

I guess my biggest heart concern over the last few weeks (in reality probably longer than that) has been the apathy of so many Christians. Far too many seem concerned only with their own feelings rather than GOD's will. Far too many give up within prayer-shot of GOD's answer. It hurts me greatly to see so many Christians seemingly not care whether they participate in the advancement of GOD's Kingdom or not -- to just give up on GOD.

I believe that I (and we) are in a season of testing right now. We must wait on GOD; seek HIS face and will; and discharge our roles/responsibilities in FAITH! Please pray for me and for us as we do just that! Pray for boldness, courage, faith, strength, and wisdom!!!

Agape.

"YOU're My All In All" ... ?

8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col. 2:8-10)

"YOU're My All In All" is a great song and a wonderful truth, but I can't help but wonder sometimes if we're living this statement. Sometimes as I look out over the congregation and see a small number of people I wonder where the devotion and dedication has gone. How can we sing songs, read Scripture, and hear preaching/teaching like this and not respond to GOD's tugging? If Sunday after Sunday you see no increase in attendance or degree of service and yet there remains no response to the invitation, what does that say?

LORD, I know that I do not want to just "go through the motions" of being a Christian -- I want to live YOUR ministry!

Agape.