What About a Dream?

A few years ago, a dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail hit me. It’s been on my “Goals” list for that many years. Events come up and the dream is still there but it re-positioned to another part of my life’s journey. (by the way … grandkids are awesome!) 

 As I’ve grown in age (as well as weight) I am realizing that I need to put this dream to rest or fruition. I have chosen the latter. With prayer, discussion, pondering, and worrying (see below) I have set into motion the process of Hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail. It even has a name ~ ” 2014 Appalachian Trail Venture!” Catchy, isn’t it! 

 As I am sitting here thinking, about hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail next summer, I have a feeling of uncertainty – Can I do it? Can I plan well enough to get the others on the trip ready? What about my wife? What if her health bottoms out while I’m gone? What if her health bottoms out between now and the start of the trip? What about money? What if I forget something important? There are MANY more questions and thoughts that wander in my wanderers brain. While this is going on, I can here Jesus’ words … “Worry?! Stop it!! Look at the birds of the air. They are taken care of and I love you more than them!” 

 So, as I begin the process of planning a “roving retreat” for some guys for next summer, I am relying on the wisdom, strength and heart of my favorite outdoor venturer ~ Jesus! With that said, I will also be putting together a smaller trip (2-3 day/1-2 night) here in Wisconsin. There are so many places to hike and beautiful place to see. If we are going to hike the Georgia to North Carolina section of the A.T., we need to be in shape, and what better that some backpacking in the wilderness of Wisconsin. (oh, I’m sure there might be some better places, but I’m already here!) So, on this beautiful Saturday in Wisconsin … I am ready for the next venture of the trek on this journey! 

 Happy trails and we’ll see ya in the woods! Randy ~ GeoJavaMan ~ the Toolman ~ Whistler

The End of One Man's Journey

As I sit here putting these thoughts down, I'm reminded once again that life is to short! I like to say that Life is to short to be grumpy (but never to short to be Jesus to someone.) It also brings to mind a book by John Piper titled "Don't Waste Your Life." - There's a new one ~ Life is to short to waste it!

I just finished writing a Funeral message to be delivered for the funeral of the father of one of my dear friends. He died early Friday morning. (Thank you for praying for them.) in talking with her and her husband, it made me realize how much we need to draw close together with our friends and family. My folks are older than this man was ... I don't ever expect to get "that" call. My folks will live forever. It seems to be a running thought in the minds of most people that get along and have a deep love and respect for their family. Or ... at least in my head its that way.

As this man's journey of life came to an end on Friday - after dealing with health issues - it brings to my thoughts about what are we doing to show people that regardless of what others believe, there is an after-life. And if they don't believe ... at least play it safe and ask Jesus into your heart and live that life ~ the believing will come as He shows/reveals Himself to you. At the end of life, we have the God of comfort. We have the God of grace. We have the God of peace ~ a peace that most of the time is at least on step past our understanding ~ but its there.

So ... the end of one man's journey has me thinking about who is going to be there when we are hurting and wanting to challenge anyone who reads this or stumbles across this. Here's the challenge: Do your best! Don't give up! God is there for us when we're hurting; when we're lonely; when we need a hug; when we're angry and need someone to yell at. God is there - He is FOREVER FAITHFUL! He is FOREVER STRONG! He is FOREVER WITH US!

For those of us that are still among the living - Enjoy the journey! And remember ... Life's to short to be grumpy! (but never to short to be Jesus to someone!) Live the dream ~ Randy "The Toolman"