faithrunner

At the summit crater Guided by RMI Guides , Geoff and Bridgette at about 0850 PDT on 12 August 2013 we crested the summit of Mt Rainier, WA . Few other thrills have matched the accomplishment and exertion of effort. Although the wind and blowing snow only allowed us about 20 minutes in the crater of the summit, I savored every second. I carried a flag to honor those on my new journey with B. H. Carroll Theological Institute . I want that flag to represent all who are part of that community of faith and learning as they reach the summits to which God has called them.  Me crossing the ice bridge We left Camp Muir about 0100, and began our climb on the Disappointment Cleaver route . By the time we reached the top of the cleaver, three of our group had turned back. As I sat where I turned back two years ago, I knew I would make it unless something outside my control happened.  The Ice Step The most frightening section of the climb was the sect...

Hunger and thirst are two natural desires that keep us alive. Both drive us to food and water that sustain us physically.  When Jesus looked across the crowd that had gathered to hear him introduce "the kingdom of God" that was near, he blessed those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness . ( Matthew 5:6 ) And, he promised those folks would be satisfied . In my analogy of spiritual growth in my book, A New Way of Living , this Beatitude is the summit of our spiritual climb to be like Jesus. Climbing the summit of God's mighty presence is a journey that begins by exposing our tremendous lack of personal resources. And like on a physical climb, when our resources run out, we begin to hunger and thirst. The difference is that in tackling a mountain of spiritual growth, what we hunger and thirst for is refreshment only God can give our craving souls. (130) Righteousness is a characteristic of God ( Psalm 48:10 ). It describes our standing before God in Christ J...