Boy Scouts

Sitting on a motorcycle for hours each day, I had plenty of time to think. Day 1 we covered nearly 500 miles arriving in Telluride, CO to camp for the night.

During that day I spent time just being grateful. Thinking through all the things that I was glad that happened in my life. I began with the earliest memories and worked forward.

It didn't take long to arrive at "Boy Scouts". I began at the earliest possible age and did not leave until I was 18 years old. I was one rank away from Eagle Scout (story of my life), but loved being involved.

Greatest lesson for me? Being in the Scouts helped forge me into being a hard working young man. Our troop was not driven by proper uniforms or lots of merit badges, rather we focused in on service and help to the community and scout camp.

I am grateful to have learned hard work, discipline and a love for the outdoors!

Think back over your life. What are you grateful for? Spend some significant time working backwards and discover all the twists and turns that your life has taken and how that has actually become a great part of your story today!

In the Summer of 2012, I was able to take a Sabbatical. In short, the camp gave me 4 weeks off after 10 years of serving to be refreshed and renewed. We took a lot of family vacation time, but in the middle I was able to go on an 8 day, 3,400 mile motor cycle ride!

During this time of the motorcycle, I spent a lot of time...thinking! Later I totaled up about 70 hours of sitting and thinking about my life.

Over the next few posts, I am going to begin to unveil some of what I discovered. This is done in part to remind me about all that God whispered during that ride and partly because I hope it brings reminder to you.

People are all that matters!

Over the years working with kids in the Church and at camp, I have made statements about the only things that matter are Faith and People.

I rediscovered this truth recently and wanted to remind myself and those around me who true this concept is!

I spent two full days riding my motorcycle and thinking about all the things for which I was grateful. I began at my earliest memories and moved forward. Two themes began to emerge; People and Experiences. All the other memories where less clear, but the experiences combined with people or the just those individuals in my life stood out the most.

Good and bad memories involve people who celebrated or agonized WITH YOU. All parts of my life where dominated by people like Joby when I was younger. My dad, brother and other young men during my time as a Boy Scout. Serving at Mission Trips because of Don or Doug (Youth Pastors)...okay, you get the point.

Why don't you take time and consider all those who have contributed to who you are and thank them! That's what I am going to do. Thank those people who are part of me and part of God's story in me.

David

The Road We Travel

In "The Message" Bible, Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says this:
"So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life."

My plans get in the way of what God is doing. It's blunt but true! Sometimes my life would have the verse above saying "follow the road that David thinks is best". Can you relate?

Most of us struggle with following the road that God has for us. It may me riches, but likely it means average income or being poor. His road could have suffering and hurt from those around us...probably lots of that. Success in our work??? Ha, there is no guaruntee of that for anyone!

Today, for me and you, submit to the road that God has laid out for you. Regardless of who you feel about where you are, the fact remains...that's where you are! Will you allow God to move you each day? Will you allow Him to be more directly involved in what you are doing?

Enjoy the trip my friends. The best road is the one that God has, it comes with the most support!

Trying something new in prayer

I am trying something new as a tool to help me stay organized when I pray! At first I tried an "app" for my phone but I didn't like who it operated so I kept looking. I found echoprayer.com.

This simple website allows you to write out the prayers that you wish to offer and follow. You can have the site email or text you the reminders in 5 minute increments.

I have it text me early in the day the recurring specific themes that I want to pray about and then I have it text me random prayer requests in the afternoon. My hope is to "pray continually". Hope this is helpful or comment back on your prayer tools.

God bless your day!

Truth in Advertising

Driving through Boulder City, NV recently I passed this trailer. While it's diffiult to read, if you focus on the trailer door you will see this phrase. "Veteran needs beer, gas and ammo $". Truthful statement!

You will also notice the Wood Canes and Carvings for $1 so this is not panhandling. This veteran is working to support himself/herself. I just loved the sign.

Also, the trailer is actually a flatbed trailer that they have mounted this truck-bed camper on it and now it's Travel Trailer...AWESOME!

Keep your eyes open on the road, who knows what you will see!

We will do it ourselves

Reading in "Money" magazine November 2011 edition, I found an article regarding how the economy has changed people. It's a great read!

It covers surveys in 2009 and 2011 regarding how the economy has affected families. There is a glaring result that caught my attention. The data suggests that in most households 2011 is better than 2009 and the future looks better for them. HOWEVER, it's definetly not because of the actions of the government.

It seems clear that families have lowered their debt, began saving more money and live a simpler life enjoying time with family more than ever! The government solution and/or economy does not look better yet they are optimistic because THEY ARE DOING IT THEMSELVES.

Sounds like the Country that I know and love. Join the rest and take control, don't wait for someone else to help!