Springs of Life

What a promise we have in the Old and the New Testaments: if we choose the love of God through Jesus, we will never be thirsty again.  I love all the blessings I have been given on this earth, but it is so much better to know that He will let us drink eternally from "the springs of life" when our earthly time is finished!

the God we serve is able to save us

Recently, I read the book of Daniel.  We all recall the fiery furnace that Sadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were tossed into for their refusal to serve the gods of King Nebuchandnezzar. But I love what they tell him first: "we do not need to defend ourselves before you.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.  He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."  Daniel 3: 16-18

"Even if he doesn't."  What marvelous faith in God himself, His Presence alone, in the joy of knowing God's strength can overcome anything, but trusting so deeply in His sovereignty that we accept any outcome in our lives.  I was reminded of these thoughts as I went through a heart catheterization this past Thursday which led to a stent being placed in my heart.  I had faith that the Lord would direct the gifts of the doctors to bring about a successful outcome, but more importantly, Meg and I went into the procedure with the joy that God's will is perfect, regardless of the whatever human hopes we have in the outcome.

On a brief side note.  I had noticed my symptoms in June as I was training hard on steep trails for backpacking.  However, they would go away when I rested a bit, or go away as I worked through them, so I ignored them--until I talked with a good high school friend whose similar symptoms had led him to a cardiologist and two stents.  So, finally shared with Meg what was happening, saw my internist, did a cardio-vascular stress test, and from there, had the procedure done three days ago.  Drop me an email if you want, but if you are experiencing similar symptoms, tell your spouse and see a doctor!  The procedure is amazing and recovery is easy. Blessings, Eric

Stehekin and Lake Chelan

Stehekin, like that magical, mysterious Scottish village in the musical, Brigadoon, is a place where most do not know of its existence.  Reachable only by boat or boot, it lies at the end of Lake Chelan, WA, a fifty five mile long glacial lake, the third deepest in the United States.  Stehekin offers a special tranquility beneath the rugged peaks of the North Cascades. Within this setting, nine miles up an eleven mile road (the only one there), you find the Stehekin Valley Ranch. Run by Cliff and Kerry Courtney, the ranch reflects their deep love and respect for this country that dates back to Cliff's great grandparents. The amenities are simple: tent and frame cabins, and delicious family style meals, with wonderful bread, cookies, and pies from the Stehekin Bakery.  The mood is both serene and invigorating.  You can read and take easy walks, or you can raft or fish the wild and scenic Stehekin River, rent bicycles, hike, horseback ride. Whatever your choice, it will be right and wonderful, exceptionally refreshing for mind, body, and soul.  Meg and I, along with younger son Michael and his wife Sara, enjoyed a delightful three day family time here in early August, after our backpack into the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

The Lord's almighty Presence and Power

"The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way."  This wise statement from Proverbs might seem offensive on its face.  Yet it does not mean we stop using the mind our Father has blessed each of us with.  Rather, it means simply not to over think; not to overindulge in our own egos. God's mighty power is what surrounds us, saves us and blesses us. "Speechless silence in is awesome Presence" (Tozer) establishes and restores us to that power.

Spider Meadow, Glacier Peak Wilderness

Located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, north of Leavenworth, WA, Spider Meadow is a place that is always new, recreating its beauty year after year. Its many waterfalls--we counted fifteen--feed into Phelps Creek, the name of the trailhead that starts near a blip on the map known as Trinity. Although the area is isolated, it is popular with hikers.  Fortunately the meadow provides many campsites, but it is best to avoid it on weekends. Still, all one has to do is raise one's eyes to the peaks and waterfalls, and soak up their renewing energy in heart, mind, and soul.

As you know from my last post, Meg and I, Michael and his wife Sara spent three days and two nights in a delightful campsite that was visited periodically by deer. I carried a birthday cupcake in to celebrate Michael's 38th birthday at our campsite Sunday morning. Obviously, it was an outstanding place to celebrate a birthday!

A place of His Presence and Safety

Meg and I spent a delightful two days/nights with younger son Michael and his wife, Sara in the Glacier Peak Wilderness north of Leavenworth WA.  We backpacked in five and half miles to this gorgeous meadow with fifteen!! waterfalls flowing down the steep glacial walls.  Michael and Sara had flown in from New Hampshire for his twentieth high school reunion here in La Grande.  We then took the ferry into Stehekin on Lake Chelan for additional quality outdoor and family time.