Category Archives: Steps Along This Journey

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Why is Your Garbage on my Driveway

Your garbage on my part of God's green Earth

Ok, you’ve “done gone and made me mad”!  This is my piece of God’s green Earth.  It’s where I live.  I see this view every day.  But I can’t enjoy this view because of your Stinkin’ Garbage.

What’s on the list?  Don’t get me started.  plastic bags, candy wrappers, bottles, beer cans.  I could go on and on…… I think I will….. Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Sonic bags and paper towels.  Chick-Fil-A bag and wrappers….. This fast food location is over 40 miles away, yet you wait until my driveway to litter.  These bags serve a purpose when you order to go. They just don’t belong next to my mailbox.  Wait, I’m not finished with the list of your junk.  discarded motor oil containers, a dirty diaper…. A DIRTY DIAPER……..a t- shirt, personal hygiene items…… cigarette butts, a busted coffee mug, a stray dog, hair brush, your junk mail (with your name on it……Busted).  Yes, believe me when I say that I have picked up this garbage all within 25 feet of my mailbox.  All within the past three  months.  I guess I’m through ranting and raving……. No I’m not….. I also picked up  your Electric bill.  It’s yours because my name isn’t xxxxxx  sxxxxxxx , and I don’t live in Mt. Olive.  The half full bottle of wine was a different find, along with the Jergens skin so soft.  What’s next?  Oh, I know.  The worn out, slightly stained sofa or love seat.  I’ll pull in my driveway off Airport Road and there it will be.  OK, you get my drift.  Well, apparently I’m getting everybody else’s.

Romans 12:2Contemporary English Version (CEV)2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.

Well, I’ve calmed down. Staci gave me a snickers candy bar, and yes, I threw the wrapper in the trash can.  Aren’t there times when you feel like you are getting dumped on by everyone?  Those are especially the times we need to let God change the way we think. There will always be “trash and garbage” from other people.  Whether it happens because they are careless, out of convenience, or just plain inconsiderate, it’s going to be happening. It’s irritating, but don’t let it come between you and God.  You may then become the trash you so despise.

I’ll continue to pick up other folks trash that is thrown on me.  Why? Cause it gets in the way of my seeing God’s beauty and Glory.  Focus on His works.  Focus on what He’s creating you to BE.  Don’t focus on the trash…….. but look at God’s green Earth.  Where?  It’s at the end of your drive.  But more importantly, God’s “green Earth” is in your own heart.  Because of this world you’ll have to deal with garbage thrown even at your heart.  Why?  I don’t know. Trash happens.  You’ll have to pick it up, and throw it away yourself.  Don’t let it get in the way.  Make sure your heart stays clean!  Allow God to change the way you think.

 

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Riding Horses Gives a Different Point of View

a different point of view

Instead of hiking, I’m riding horses with Zach and Jay.  This is a journey with a new way of thinking and a completely different point of view.  Why?  Because I’m riding a new horse.  Ruby, is not even 3 yrs old! Also Ruby is new to me, I’ve never ridden her.  It’s going to take me a little time to see how she responds to me.  Also, it’s going to take a little time to see how I respond to her.  We’ve got to develop a little trust for each other.

This trail is the one that I hike in the early mornings for exercise, for clearing my mind, for being in nature, for time alone with God.  I immediately can tell things are different from all the times I’ve walked on my own feet.  The main difference is that I have a different point of view.  I’m seeing things differently from a few feet higher off the ground, sitting on top of Ruby.  I am aware that there will be no movement in any direction unless Ruby takes me there.

I haven’t ridden a horse in a while.  I wanted to get “back in the saddle” to get the feel again.  (I’m possibly going to be an extra in a movie that may require my riding a horse.  Shhh……. if I make it into the movie you guys will be the first to know.  To be an extra in a movie has been on my bucket list.  I’ll let ya know if it happens.  Now you know why I’m having to grow my beard!)

I’m having a great time with the guys. We are all enjoying the outdoors and the horseback riding.  We do the “guy talk” with each other, you know, gruntin’ about work, hunting, fishing, the ladies, (as if any of us know what we’re talking about). But also I’ve got to admit that I’m nervous.  Well, just my legs and rear end. The legs are clamped on like vice grips.  It’s as if my rear end is covered in Gorilla Glue.  I’m not going to let go!  Seems like I can’t get relaxed because I’m holding on too tight.  I don’t know why.  The horse is acting great.  It’s just me thinking about all those what ifs.  What if she spooks….what if I do something stupid, it makes her jump…. what if…….. well you never know.  I’m not on my own two feet, I’m trusting Ruby’s four feet!

We’ve probably been riding for over an hour when it happened.  No, I didn’t fall off,…… I relaxed.  Just out of the blue Ruby and I became a team.  She was probably glad I took the “clamps” off her rib cage.  I could sense her movements and almost tell what she was thinking.  I was enjoying the view.  It was like I felt her say, “Enjoy the view and the ride, I’ll be carrying you all the way”.

Isaiah 46:4The Message (MSG)3-4 “I’ve been carrying you on my back
    from the day you were born,And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old.
    I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray.
    I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.

My horse is carrying me all the way.  We come to the creek where I usually have to go around when I’m walking on my two feet, and cross a log to get to the other side.  Not with Ruby.  She is carrying me over this water.  The other guys are also carried across.  Just like our Lord and Saviour who promises to carry us on His back. We just need to “Let go and Let God”.  Maybe in our spiritual journey we “hang on like vice grips and Gorilla glue”. I guess you are like me and get nervous when you are not on your own two feet, but instead you are letting God carry you.  That’s what was becoming clear to me on this adventure.  My different point of view?  I’m trusting my horse instead of myself!  You see things different when you are being carried by a horse.  Things definitely look different when you are being carried by God.

Jay gave some words of wisdom when he said, “So, if you make it back home without falling off, it’s been a good ride!”  I took a spiritual meaning from that.  When God is carrying you on this journey, stay in touch with Him so that you won’t fall off.

Zach gave me some encouraging words.  “Let’s ride again next week!!”   Sounds good to me.  Let God carry you on lots of spiritual journeys.  Go for it.  Keep riding, letting God carry you.   You’ll see things in a different way.  Ride on!

See Ya!!   Dan Ainsworth  wildernesspreacher

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Your choice! Fishsticks or ………. Rocky Mtn Lakes Trout

Frozen microwaved fishsticks

Fresh Rocky Mtn Trout and Bacon !!!

The Real Thing…..Fresh Rocky Mtn Trout and Bacon!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You get to choose.  Which one do you want?  If you wanted to eat fish for supper, which of the two meals would you pick?

Most people want the fresh mountain lake trout. But, sadly most people choose to settle for fish sticks.  Why?  You tell me.  More than likely we grab the frozen sticks from the freezer because it’s convenient, easy, and quick.  Bake them in the oven for a few minutes or better yet, pop ’em in the microwave and Bam!, you’ve got a fish dinner.  With enough ketchup they don’t taste that bad.  Invite a few friends over.  Better yet, make this a Valentine’s date……. one that she’ll never forget.

Really!  Treating the one you love to fish sticks?  Not happening at my house.  The love of my life deserves better than to have to settle for frozen, minced fish sticks.

So,……… on your spiritual journey are you wanting the Real Thing from God, or are you just settling for fish sticks.  Is Jesus the Love of your life spiritually?  Really, and all you are getting (and giving) from this relationship is fish sticks?  What’s up with that?

John 5:44 NIV   How can you believe since you accept glory from one another, but do not SEEK the glory that comes from the only God ?

Accepting glory from one another is like settling for fish sticks.  There is no effort required.  Seeking the Glory from God involves well,…. seeking.  It’s taking effort, putting forth some action.  It’s definitely not settling.  Seeking the Glory of God and His Will for your life involves you seeking, watching, and even moving closer to your Lord and Savior.  I’d even compare it to hiking to a mountain lake, actually catching your supper, and then cooking it.  But all this effort makes the event that much more meaningful.  Spiritually, you and the love of your life, Jesus are on the spiritual Valentine date each and every day. Each and every journey.  One that you’ll never forget……forever!

Don’t settle for fish sticks!  My prayer is that you “skin your knees”,  as you travel on your journey.  It’s definite proof that you aren’t settling for less.  The journey seeking the Glory of God involves effort, seeking from you, sometimes “skinning our knees”.  Sort of reminds me of why I like to go fishing.

We’ve got a choice of popping in frozen minced fish in a microwave, or hiking for miles, outwitting these cutthroat trout, cooking, and then eating this delicious meal.

We’ve got a choice of going through the motions of religion, or actually praying, reading God’s Word, seeking and being with God.   What’s your choice?   Here’s mine!

SEEKING both God's Will and fish

SEEKING both God’s Will and fish