Back to God’s Country

Most people think of the natural attributes when they vision Washington State in their minds, and I must admit the mountains and valleys did draw me to this area of the country many years ago.  Then I started working in the city, and I have taken weekend vacations now and then outside of the city. The pull of family responsibilities and the growth of this church, and the young ministry in particular, seemed to draw me away from the scenic areas.  The same happened to the children of the church with their own set of concerns and priorities.  This was a problem.

I began a exercise program as part of my youth ministry with consultation with one of our doctors in the church to generally improve the health of those in my charge.  It helped me to, since I had to set the example.  There was another incentive.   Those that showed the most improvement were in a select group of children who had a higher challenge… a week-long camping and hiking trip provided by a travel agency and a wilderness outfitter both owned by members of the congregation.

We went in the North Cascades to the East Pasayten Wilderness.  We camped in the Horseshoe Basin area and hiked 5 to 10 miles a day.  This is a land of immense natural beauty on the extreme eastern end of the North Cascades.   Horseshoe Basin has long been a favorite destination for backpackers and day trips.

With sprawling alpine tundra, amazing fall colors in the changing trees, several wide-open, easy-to-scramble summits, and spectacular wildlife observations, we had to stay a whole week. For us city slickers, Horseshoe Basin’s fairly easy approach and gentle terrain made it easier for us than other places in the state. In each hike, there was around a 900-foot gain in elevation through larches, meadows, open slopes, lakes, streams, waterfalls to the Sunny Basin area.

I also learned more about the children, many of whom had never camped in the woods. It was an experience we will never forget.  The exercise program was much needed before such an outing.

The city called and I returned to a routine for my life and family, but I was a different person after the trip. The children went back to school and their friends, but I’m sure part of their life is different.  Being in the middle of God’s beauty has a way changing most everyone. By the way, the exercise program continues for the youth in the church, and now some of the adults have joined the classes.

Peace be you with always,

Rev. Paul Abernathy

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” -2 Peter 1:2

Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.

Want to know more about the members of Lambda Sigma Chi? Click here to meet the members of the unofficial fraternity.

Comfort in the shade

(Photo by Mike Hall)

The afternoon sun shines on these lavender wildflowers at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park this summer.

Would you like to start your own poetry blog? Learn how to do this in three easy steps.

 Photo Gallery

First Big Snow

Through the magic of technology and computers, the World of Words by Elias Tobias presents a portfolio of ArtBrushed images that originated as digital photographs by Mike Hall.  You save the entire image to your computer free, and use the ArtBrushed photo for wallpaper or the screensaver.  You can print it and frame it, too. Just click on the image on this post and and choose the “Save photo as” option when you right click again.  Select which folder the file will go, then you name that file. Approve the change and you’re set.

Videos on You Tube from the World of Words by Elias Tobias tap into the many faces of the poetry blog.

Troubleshooter

Brother Christopher Benedict has a away with writing for a living with newspapers, where the word count is gold.
Troubleshooter
Face all your problems.
Wake up to a new day.
Tell your troubles to God.
He will lead the way.

Photos by Mike Hall converted into brushed paintings are in the ArtBrushed Photo Gallery. Download art for free.

U-Q42

No pierda el whisky, el hombre

Para ver la versión original en inglés, haga click aquí.

No pierda el whisky, el hombre

No pierda el whisky, el hombre.
Todavía hay algunos en el vaso de chupito.
Mi dinero es un poco estrecho, se ve
Y tengo que hacerlo durar.

No pierda el whisky, el hombre.
¿Por qué tenemos que irnos ahora?
El vaso está medio lleno, y
Eso es algo que no puedo permitir.

No pierda el whisky, el hombre.
Vamos a ir para otra ronda.
No creo que usted está demasiado ocupado en este momento,
Y la banda tiene un sonido agradable.

No pierda el whisky, el hombre.
¿Por qué crees que tenemos que ir?
Todavía hay algunos en el vaso,
Y usted se está moviendo un poco lento.

Who is Elias Tobias? Go to his biography that is also in Spanish.

Calico Creek (French version)

Calico Creek

J’ai appris à pêcher sur Calico Creek.
J’ai compris comment mettre le wiggly
ver sur le crochet pointu.
Vous ne pouvez pas aller à la pêche par le livre.

J’ai appris à nager à Calico Creek.
Mes frères pensé qu’il serait amusant
Un jour, à me jeter du haut du pont.
J’ai dû nager si je voulais vivre.

J’ai appris à aimer à Calico Creek.
J’ai apporté ma première petite amie il ya
Et gagné mon premier baiser sous un arbre.
Avec une autre fille, j’ai perdu ma virginité.

J’ai appris sur Dieu au Calico Creek.
J’ai vu comment il a fait l’herbe, l’eau,
Le mouvement de l’eau et pourquoi
Les gens, comme mon père, a dû mourir.

J’ai appris beaucoup de choses à Calico Creek.
Lorsque, en tant qu’adulte lorsque j’ai besoin d’un
Privé lieu secret que je pourrais appeler le mien,
C’est un endroit que je peux penser et d’être seul.

Like a friendly scavenger hunt? Learn more about this web blog with two Elias Tobias Trivia Quizzes.

Four steps to Problem Solving

Public schools for years have used techniques and methods which have standardized education with a fact-based knowledge foundation that lacks problem solving skills. There are exceptions of course, such as magnet schools which specialized in subject area that demand problem solving skills. However, in general the national educational results show a generation who is dependent on the small percentage of people who understand how to use problem solving skills to their advantage.  The people in the smaller group are the risk takers, the leaders and the inventors the rest of new generation follows. There are four steps to problem solving, that with effort, anyone can use to their benefit.

First, a person has to recognize or realize there is a problem to solve.  In many recovery programs, this is the first step.  When a problem is not recognized, situations for that person at a minimum stay the same, and at maximum, get much worse.  When there is change, it must not be made for its own sake, since that is fruitless. There needs to be a reason for a change, and that starts when a problem exists.

With the knowledge is that alterations needs to be made, the question next is, how does someone get started? Barriers can be overcome with more information.  Details are found, and options are formed.  Information can be found easily, electronically, and with a network of other people looking for answers.  Resources are shared, but sometimes difficult questions have the most obvious answers.  Choices are ready to be made, while others stuck at the first step are given their choices, some of which may not apply to the problem-solving person.

The third step in the problem solving process is acting on one of the choices. It is important to note here that inaction, once the choices are presented, counts as an action.  Procrastination is an art for some people.  It is now entrepreneurs emerge, politicians begin their careers, and leaders in life get recognized.  Children who possess these qualities have a brighter future ahead of them.  They ask “what if…” or ”how much would it take to…”  This is a creative, intuitive process, but it works.

The last step, the follow-up, may take years for the ultimate results of choices made to come to life. Athletes, singers, artists and performers of all types can trace their careers to a time when a choice was made to make a turn in a different direction.  The follow up may mean hours of repetition of routine tasks by those involved to rise above the competition.  Mentors, teachers and coaches challenge the students to be better problem-solvers.

The Lord created man in His own image, and looking at the natural world, it is clear He was creative beyond in a way man could ever imagine.  We were created with intelligence to make choices, to solve problems, and to help others.  Our problems we face everyday can be solved by anyone if the four steps of the problem-solving process are used, and  then our lives, and the lives of those around us, can be better.

Peace be you with always,

Rev. Paul Abernathy

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” -2 Peter 1:2

Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.

Want to know more about the members of Lambda Sigma Chi? Click here to meet the members of the unofficial fraternity.

Natural Park

(Photo by Mike Hall)

Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park is a great place to go to take wildflower photos, even as break from the barbeque duties on a Saturday afternoon.

Keep up with the latest news from the World of Words by Elias Tobias with The Exponet, the official newsletter for the blog.

 Photo Gallery

Cowboy Portrait

Through the magic of technology and computers, the World of Words by Elias Tobias presents a portfolio of ArtBrushed images that originated as digital photographs by Mike Hall.  You save the entire image to your computer free, and use the ArtBrushed photo for wallpaper or the screensaver.  You can print it and frame it, too. Just click on the image on this post and and choose the “Save photo as” option when you right click again.  Select which folder the file will go, then you name that file. Approve the change and you’re set.

Do you have a poem that you would like to share? Submit your work to the Free Open Poetry Forum.