How's Your Path?

I was reading this morning in Luke. "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."  Luke 13:24
I started thinking about the ebb and flow of life, and the mountain top experiences and days in dark valleys.  (You have a lot of time to think while shoveling snow!)

It caused me to consider my own life as it related to my outdoor activity this morning!

Storm after storm has loaded the pathway with snow.  Eventually, we were walking on top of what nature placed on the pathway.  It was slippery and difficult. Each new storm made it more challenging and the path became choked with snow, making some places very narrow and hard to get through. Then we had the Chinook come through this week- AH, a season of ease and warmth (no comment on if we liked this or not) and everything seemed easier. And it provided the opportunity and time to clear the pathway again, make it passable and easier for future use.

It made me think of the times in life when our clear pathway and journey with God can become blocked, or at least crowded with things that life (nature) places in our way. Just like our sidewalk, it can become hard to travel the pathway with God because of what we have to navigate through. It takes effort to keep that pathway clear and passage open. I am so thankful that God always seems to provide the seasons when it is possible to clear the walkway to our relationship with Him, and remove all those things that clog that path.  

How's your path?

Dad Jacobson- a Tribute on his Birthday

Dad- before their wedding.  Richard Arthur Jacobson, born January 15, 1928, in Stanley, Wisconsin to Arthur Christian and Thelma Mae Jacobson. Brother was Robert.

Expecting their first child- me!
I surprised them and was born at 7 months- weighing in at 3 pounds.

Yes, Dad served in the US Army, and was in WWII and was stationed in Korea.

Dad married Mom, June Elaine Douglas, November 28, 1953.  Mom was from Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Dad loved people!

And he loved his family!

Dad loved to fish!

He LOVED to joke around!  He had a highly developed sense of humor and utilized it at every opportunity.

Dad was known as a man who loved the Lord, and loved people.
His last "hang out" was the Baker's Dozen coffee shop in Loves Park.

He loved to fish and was an accomplishes muskie fisherman. Those vacation days that were cold at the lake, with dark skies and ferocious waters found most of the family inside reading, playing games, or shopping- but not Dad.  THOSE were his favorite days to stay out in the boat all day and hunt those elusive muskies. He loved to write and I have a file full of his thoughts- poems, songs, letters, and short stories.

Dad loved his wife!













Today as I reflected on my Dad and his life, there were many thoughts.  Of course, there were memories that were not pleasant- every family is bound to have those. But I think that if we allow God to do so, those memories will fade as we forgive the imperfections and flaws of our parents, as we hope our own children and grandchildren will forgive our inadequacies.  I choose to remember the good things. I had a Dad that loved us all. He worked hard to provide for us. He gave us a rich heritage of family memories with our grandparents and extended family. And he showed us the value of a spiritual life and a relationship with the Lord.

I wish for each of you the same blessings. Not of a perfect family- they do not exist. But the blessing of being able to forgive, extend grace, and to choose to recall precious memories. I wish for you the blessing of allowing God to grow you into maturity through your heritage, no matter what it was. And I wish for you to take the good things from your past and grow them into bigger blessings for those in your family. Finally, I wish for you the blessing of having a relationship with God so that you can know that you will be reunited one day with those you love who also love God.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Dad.  See you again some day.

Doing Church or Changing Lives?

We attended a conference this past week at a large church. The room was filled with church leaders from all over the state, missionaries, and Native leaders all seeking ways to work with God to transform lives versus building church empires.  We were there to learn. We were there to explore and see if this could be a helpful tool for "LEaD Alaska."

We were encouraged by the solid historical perspective and solid Biblical teaching that accompanies this particular program, including expository teaching.

When you think of Church.....

Do you think of an event or something different?

Do you think of programs or people?

Does it look anything like the movement described in the book of Acts?

Ever wondered about ways to DO things differently without tossing aside the foundational components of our faith?

What would YOU change if you could?


It is always good to reflect and dialogue, to look at the way Jesus reached out and see how we are doing.  It WAS good.

Wondering what program we reviewed?  MSG us and we will be happy to give you the link to review yourself, and maybe you already know about this particular approach.

http://steveandjillhorsman.wix.com/horsmans-alaska