faithrunner

Here are some things I learned from my attempt to summit Mt. Rainier on August, 25, 2011. First, Creation is still larger than its creatures . I live in a manufactured suburb where we sometimes live by the false assumption that we are in control of our environment and that we are bigger than the land upon which we live. Get out at the base of Mt. Rainier--after driving through the beautiful Mt. Rainier National Park --and you will soon realize how small you are. Get ON the mountain, and you are humbled by how small you really are and how big are the things of God. I am glad the Psalmists lived in Creation rather than in the urban sprawls we have made for ourselves. Second, you are at your best in the footsteps of a guide . I know that some treasure the pioneering spirit of those who head out on uncharted paths, but most of us need a guide. The guides of RMI , Billy, Zeb, and Cody , trained, encouraged, and led us. They also made the trip safe and fun. Don't try something like...

Mt. Rainier, WA Next week about this time I plan to be climbing on the way to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier . Some of you know of my addiction to adrenalin and adventure so you will not be surprised.  Others of you may be asking , "Why would you want to do such a thing when you have a perfectly good life with good health and, if the Lord wills, a potentially wonderful future?" Good question, and here are some of my reasons. I'm doing this with a friend. Jim Craig invited me when he announced climbing Mt. Rainier was on his "bucket list" and wondered who wanted to go along? He grew up in Seattle, and the mountain loomed daily on his horizon, and he finally decided he would climb it. Jim and I cycle with Legacy Cyclists , share life together in our LifeGroup, and call Legacy Church our spiritual family. Friendships often determine the paths you end up taking. (Don't ask me, "Well, if your friend asked you to jump of that mountain, would you do th...

Daily News What is a leader to do when the bottom falls out? How is he or she to respond when people panic and look to their leader as the one who should know how to get them out of the mess or crisis. I'm no expert on leading in a crisis, but I do have some personal experience as a pastor and what I observe from the life of Jesus, the ideal servant leader. First, a servant leader reminds everyone that no matter the changing circumstances, the mission remains the same . For my family and those I serve as Legacy Church, our mission to help people trust Jesus as the church, at home, and in the world does not change no matter what goes on elsewhere. This stance allows the leader to be what Edwin Friedman called the "non-anxious presence." Knowing and sticking to the mission is the rudder and course in the storms of life. Good leaders call those they lead back to the reason for the group in the first place . Jesus continually reminded his closest followers that al...

We have returned to reading through the Bible this month at Legacy Church . We began this week by reading the story of Daniel , the exiled Israelite whom God used during his Babylonian captivity to reveal many things about the future. Daniel's prophecy has captured more attention in these uncertain days, but I have always been intrigued with his character . Daniel was chosen from among his peers to serve in the king's cour t. We all like to be chosen, and in those days this was a big deal. Enemies of the state were to be groomed to be servants to the king . No one in his or her right mind would refuse the opportunity. Daniel accepted the offer, but refused to be like everyone else. ( Daniel 1 ) This is where the story gets good for me. Daniel resisted the all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet of the king and stuck to the diet he had known from childhood -- a diet that honored his God and the traditions of his family's faith . That would be like telling the President of ...

I climbed my first 14,000-foot mountain peak this past weekend, San Luis Peak just outside Creede, CO (a "Class 1" walk up in difficulty talk) but the perfect first for me. It was a marvelous experience in every way, and upon reflection I see at least four things I know made it what it was.  Preparation: You don't wake up on a Monday and decide on Saturday you will climb a 14er, or, any ultra-endurance experience. The group I made the climb with had been planning the trip for almost a year. My personal preparation is ongoing, but about three months out, I ramped up my stair-stepping, weight lifting, and running/riding to get both my lungs and legs ready. I was prepared when I made the ascent. That did not lessen the difficulty, but all that sweat and pain before the hike made it enjoyable, not just survivable. Not everyone in the group was as prepared. All but one made the ascent, but it was not fun for everyone. I'll let them tell their stories. Persistenc...

A staff member informed me the other day that a couple of ministers we knew had extra-marital affairs and were no longer serving in their churches. He wanted to know what I was doing to safeguard my marriage and my role as a spiritual leader . That conversation led me to reflect on what I have done to stay faithful to my best friend for over thirty-six years . (Most of what I wrote in my previous blog applies to this topic, too.) In my book, An Angel in the Flame: A Tale of Two Saviors , the story of Samson with an eye to Jesus, our true Savior,  I write: You can tell a man's character by two things: how he prays and how he manages his sex drive. How a man prays exposes his heart and to whom he bends his knee. How he manages his sexual urges exposes the depth of discipline in his life. Hypocrisy can mask both aspects of his life, and he can act out a persona many will accept as real. However, crisis and leisure are crucibles that reveal a person's true character. No Oscar...

Thirty-six years ago today I married my best friend. It has been a wonderland adventure I could never have dreamed up on my on. We are serving together in Pachuca, Mexico, today with friends from Legacy Church , and I can't think of a better anniversary celebration because it represents so much of our lives together. Here are some things I've learned over these years that may help you out, too. 1. Marry your best friend . This seems like a trite phrase, but Kim was my friend before she was my wife. This friendship was deepened by marriage vows and is a foundation upon which we build our lives. When your spouse is your best friend, shared interests, laughter, and a desire to be together grows deeper each year. Romance follows the fun . You don't have to manufacture romance if you are doing life together. Also, accountability is easy with a friend. It's simply letting someone you care for to have the confidence you go where you say you are going and  you are with...