tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64152958492631476232024-02-20T07:32:26.044-08:00HorsmanNorthHorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-22345014622428907632020-06-25T09:31:00.002-07:002020-06-25T09:31:37.867-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 15:1-20, June 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Jesus is teaching and has the Pharisees and scribes question Him. Their motive was not really to gain information but it was a question that was intended to catch, judge, and shame Jesus. Rather than directly responding to this question, Jesus points to their failure to obey God’s commandments. While they obey the letter of the Law, they violate it in their hearts. Jesus then refers to Isaiah 29:13, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” This is the background for his teaching on the heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Matthew 15:12-20 is where we find Jesus giving another parable and then interpreting the meaning to his disciples. In essence, Jesus is teaching that what comes into our body does not spoil us, spiritually. Rather, our words and our actions are evidence of what is already spoiled in our hearts. I was again reminded of the physical aspects of a damaged heart. It cannot be repaired except by someone skilled and trained, and appointed, to cut into us and repair that heart. Likewise, Jesus reveals that an untreated heart is spoiled. What we think, how we perceive and interpret things, and all of our behaviors come from the heart of us. God is the only One that can repair that heart, and he made that way through his Son, Jesus. Right now it is popular to refer to Jesus as the “Way-Maker,” and that he is. He made it possible for us to be in a relationship with a Holy God and be restored as children of God. But it is also he that is the “Heart-Changer” and so he makes it possible for this spoiled heart to speak and act in ways that please God. The question for me is what kind of heart my actions reveal. Do I have a Pharisee's heart or a heart that has been surgically repaired by Jesus and so it reflects the heart of God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-30451827137692465342020-06-19T09:19:00.002-07:002020-06-19T09:19:21.137-07:00Put on Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My world today.....<br />
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48-58 F today<br />
RAIN...rain...rain<br />
But there is this: 4:16 AM sunrise 11:45 PM sunset<br />
(It's all in the wording since it never actually gets dark!)<br />
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Reading in one of my favorite passages this morning, which is most definitely needed in our world today.<br />
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"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him- a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all and in all. SO, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. <b><i>Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.</i></b> Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:9-17<br />
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We cannot make sense of anything that is happening without looking back, because history matters. But we can't just look back to the '40s or the 1800s. We have to look back to Genesis 1-3. Genesis 1 & 2- God was, He created, He called everything good, He gave man purpose, He set a boundary.<br />
Genesis 3 - man decided to run out of bounds, everything changes and it is not good. God promises to repair it - by making the way Himself. And He did. But...now we live between two realities. The current world is filled with sin and pain, death, and destruction. The final destination in heaven with God. So what's God doing now?<br />
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We can't know the specifics. But we DO know that God is involved, loves His creation and His world and the people, and is doing whatever He chooses to DRAW OUR ATTENTION TO HIM.<br />
God has a plan to bring unity and for us to enjoy diversity within that unity. That plan has always been by repenting of our sinful heart and doing things God's way, through Jesus Who made the pathway to God. Then we have His power and His Advocacy to live out these passages. <br />
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How do we create a unified and kind and gentle world? Only in God's way. It is by putting on His love, which is God's perfect bond of unity. God's purposes aren't thwarted by anything that happens here on this earth. He is involved in all that happens on this earth. And He uses everything that happens on this earth to shout to His Creation- "I AM." <br />
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If you are one of His adopted children, "put on love" because it IS the perfect bond of unity.<br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-45200372090125709862020-05-09T12:24:00.001-07:002020-05-09T12:24:06.423-07:00#COVID19 #LettheNationsKnow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When...nobody with two legs comes to call! <div>
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I guess three years is long enough between posts! I always have a thought or two as I sit reading each morning, but does anyone else want to know those thoughts? Who knows. So, as they say, I am sending this out to the digital abyss. If it blesses anyone, then that is a wonderful thing!</div>
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Like everyone, we've daily pondered this whole virus. Is it real? Is it dangerous? Contagious? Like the flu? Not like that? Worth a global destruction of anything? What does God think about this virus. Is it from Him to get out attention? Is it a consequence of living in a world filled with sin? Are we responding wrongly? Rightly? Everyone comes at this with a conclusion, and many of them differ in what they believe is the truth in this pandemic. Regardless of which track you take in making sense of this all, there is one thing that is solidly True among all the truth or half-truths or outright lies and deception. God does want our attention.</div>
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Today I was reading through Psalm 9. It begins by framing our attention squarely on God. Not only that, but it says what David will do- it is actually his spiritual discipline. How he does this is with all of his heart. What he does: (Verses 1,2)</div>
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Give thanks to God</div>
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Tells of God's wonders</div>
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Glad (joyful) in God</div>
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Exalts or is lifted up in rejoicing who God is</div>
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Sings praises to God</div>
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Then in verses 3-6 we see the circumstances David finds himself in, and this is even more relevant. Things were difficult for David at this time. He had enemies. And yet he was praising God, and thankful, that God was acting on his behalf. </div>
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Much of the Psalm is talking about God's action and His judgment. He reminds us over and over that He does not just let sin go without punishment. In this Psalm He also talks about entire nations. Verse 15 talks about nations that have gone so far from God's righteous desire for them that they are caught in the very net they placed! But it is God that will catch them and execute judgment. Verse 17 reminds us that all the nations that forget God will be punished. </div>
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Finally, I really was taken by the last several verses (19-20). David calls on God to be Who He is, and not let man prevail. He is God and man is not. David agrees with God that nations should be judged. But there is a way out, and that is through relationship with God, through respect and reverence for God rather than an individual, or national, that usurps the place of God.</div>
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How does this short Psalm connect with Covid-19? If nothing else, God has allowed our world to be shaken to the very core. Nothing we have trusted in is reliable. Our economy, our travel, our relationships, our comfort, and our health are all impacted. Each one was taken away in a cosmic moment. While God calls each of us to relationship with Him, I wonder if this isn't His message in a more global way. Psalm 9 really captures this in the last verse. "Let the nations know that they are but men." If nothing else, Covid-19 has reminded all of us (collectively) that we ARE but men. </div>
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The God reminder- we are but men.</div>
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God's hope- He is in control, He is still God, He wants us to turn to Him.</div>
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Just like Theodore coming visiting without an invitation, this Virus has done the same. It has barged into our lives like a moose trying to come in the front door. The difference lies in how God wants to use this unwelcome visitor in each of our lives.</div>
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Blessings on this beautiful Spring day, from Alaska.</div>
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HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-57415452684982318652017-12-20T18:47:00.002-08:002017-12-20T18:47:30.105-08:00Are You Blessed to have had a Pastor Jim?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>While Steve and I sit with snowflakes swirling outside in the darkness of an Alaskan morning and the Christmas lights twinkle on our tree, our thoughts turn elsewhere. As I pen these words, our dear friends and acquaintances, family, missionaries, colleagues, and other disciplers are gathering to celebrate and thank the Lord for the life of Pastor Jim. Some belonging to Pastor Jim's "Boys (and a few girls,)" will gather together. Steve and I are honored to have been counted among this group, and regret that we cannot be at First Free today to weep, share stories, and laugh together as we recall the impact of such a godly man. </i></b></div>
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Pastor Jim first entered into our lives in 1975, before our marriage, when Steve began attending First Evangelical Free Church of Rockford, Illinois. As a part of the pastoral staff, he seemed friendly enough but little did we know the impact his life and ministry would have upon each of us.</div>
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It was several years later that we began to benefit directly from Pastor's Jim discipling. He gently, but strategically, discipled both Steve and me. We learned some valuable things from this godly, gentle and humble man of God. We would like to share these attributes with you.<br />
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<b>Gentle, Strategic Caring</b><br />
Pastor Jim barely knew us when he began to care about our concerns. He gently moved us both into active ministry with the church, in ways that were respectful and demonstrated that he really valued our opinions. I will never forget the day I sat in his office describing the issues I had observed in the church nursery. He listened carefully and I could see his mind working on the problem and the opportunity. I finished my story and he looked at me and said, "So what would you like to do about it?" If he had not already built such a caring relationship with Steve and me, I might have been offended. However, it was a straightforward question for me and God used it to motivate me to step forward in response to the need. Pastor Jim was always watching for people that he could motivate to grow and minister.<br />
<b>Investing in Others</b><br />
Steve remembered how he and Pastor Jim met regularly to discuss ways to build my confidence and help me grow spiritually. They prayed together and kept this collaborative prayer times to themselves, until years later when we all enjoyed a good laugh at their spiritual conspiracy! Steve commented that he knew Pastor Jim was not only interested in helping me find my place in the church, but that he was actively discipling Steve throughout this process.<br />
<b>Wisdom and Patience</b><br />
We both recall Pastor Jim's influence on us as a young family. He helped Steve grow as a young husband and father. When Steve began to sense God's call to full-time ministry, it was Pastor Jim with whom he met and discussed God's leading. We valued his wisdom. We appreciated his networking and experience in ministry. Ultimately, we knew Pastor Jim had watched us grow spiritually and was patient with our failings, our fears, and our struggles. Pastor Jim was instrumental in our journey into ministry. We saw God work in miraculous ways with our family,stretching our faith and trust in God, and preparing us for the journey in our future. Pastor Jim lent a steady hand and wise counsel as we walked through this new opportunity. He utilized his experiences, connected us to others, and supported, prayed, and helped launch us into ministry. Pastor Jim and Corey never stopped their discipling, supporting, and praying for us, our family, and our ministry. We knew that we could grab the phone and talk with him at any point, and glean from his years of experience and godly wisdom. And that's just what we did, knowing that he would always make time for our conversations.<br />
<b>Humility</b><br />
Finally, we remember Pastor Jim as a humble, gentle, behind-the-scenes kind of man. He and Corey were a stable and solid team in our lives, for which we are so grateful. Whether he was in leadership at First Free, the Home Office Missions Department, or seated in their living room, there was never any change in his demeanor. Pastor Jim could lead, support, come alongside, or watch and pray, and he bore all these roles equally well. We benefitted from his wisdom and he was so brilliant when it came to steering people into ministry. Pastor Jim and Corey were responsible for discipling and mentoring many godly men and women, individuals that started new mission organizations, and yet never was there a proud attitude in Pastor Jim. He wore his humility as easily and gracefully as he wore his gentle spirit. God used Pastor Jim and Corey to point us to missions, mobilize us, and support and pray for us. <br />
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Today as we reflect on the life and impact of Pastor Jim, we are so grateful to have known him and we value our friendship with Corey. He was a mentor, a friend, a partner in ministry, and he was always available for us. In the verbiage of, "Four Chair Discipling," Pastor Jim took us from Chair Two and discipled us into Chair Four. We pray that those of you reading this today have benefitted from a godly leader such as Pastor Jim. We pray that our lives also exhibit such godly attributes. To Corey, Mark, Shannon, and the rest of the Forstrom family, we thank you for sharing "Pastor Jim" with us and so many others. Our prayers are with you as you grieve his departure. We look to the day when we will also step into Heaven and see Pastor Jim's smiling face once again!</div>
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HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-3424079333084659672017-11-07T09:40:00.003-08:002017-11-07T09:40:54.226-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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But are we always REALLY searching? Whose truth? Do we really want to know it?</div>
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This morning as I enjoyed coffee and my Bible, I was reading through Mark 2. Jesus was at the beginning of His ministry, and yet was already facing opposition from the spiritual leaders of His time. Jesus had just finished healing a young man. "Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Mark 2:6-7.</div>
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At first glance, it looks like they had inquiring minds, truly seeking for Truth by observing Jesus with a spiritual discerning and critical eye. But that's not what was really happening. In fact, they revealed the truth of their hearts in these two simple verses.</div>
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First, they were not actually questioning. They never actually asked Jesus for clarification. The questions were a facade of being open to the truth. Second, they already formed their conclusions. By refraining clarification from Jesus, they could observe and conclude without any of the facts affecting their deductions. In other words, their minds were made up.</div>
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I think we are all guilty of doing the very same thing. We walk through life and make our own conclusions about God, about what He is doing or what He is not doing, based only on what makes sense to us. However, this only leads to TRUE conclusions if we are Truth. We know that we are NOT the source of all Truth. So when we form conclusions, if they are not based on the Word and lots of it, we are doomed to repeat the same mistake as these scribes- interpreting God, traveling down the pathway where that interpretation leads us and finding ourselves at the wrong destination.</div>
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Our conclusions, particularly about God and how He is at work in the world or our lives, has to be formed by first and foremost actually coming to God. Ask Him to guide the interpretation. Ask Him to show us what He is doing. And the primary way He does this is through His Word. Read Scripture. Not a random verse to prove our point, else we do exactly what the scribes did. Read all of the Word and know it. Let it seep into our lives and change the way we see life. Read. Pray. Change. Honestly seek TRUTH- the One Who IS TRUTH.</div>
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HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-14384683003176409592017-06-21T13:08:00.001-07:002017-06-21T13:08:10.681-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today! Here it is! The longest day.<br />
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Always a little sad when it actually arrives, since it ends the drastic increase of daylight each day, and tomorrow we begin to lose daylight.<br />
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Today is also Aboriginal Day in Canada, a day where we would be traveling to town and enjoying parades and extra events, usually in Boitanio Park. Happy Aboriginal Day to our CA friends!<br />
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Today what I was pondering was the passing of time. It made me think about HOW we spend our time. Eccelesiastes talks about time, and was frequently used at weddings and funerals. 3:1-8 was the foundation of a popular song in the 70's, sung by the Mamma's and the Papa's. <br />
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This morning I was reflecting on the passages of time. I want to utilize my time wisely and make the most of my days. I could just enjoy life and live for myself, and it would be fun for a season. But when the passing days began to shorten, and my life began to draw to a close in the last days of life, I might find I had little that was lasting.<br />
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This is a great season to ponder life and how we utilize the daylight. I want those days to last for eternity, and to have an impact for the good in this world and also in the next. It sure seems that the only way for that to happen is for me to be very connected to the ONE Who lives before, within, and beyond Time. As I am connected to God, and let Him guide my life, then what I do can extend beyond the short years of my life.<br />
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1 John talks a lot about walking in the Light. And, of course, the Light John is talking about is Jesus. If I walk with Him, living my days as He leads, commands, and directs, then I'm in the Light and the things I do will count for something that outlasts me.<br />
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What's the Inheritance you are leaving? As you enjoy the Summer Solstice, take a few moments to ponder the Light. <br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-62955395194312749342017-02-03T07:49:00.004-08:002017-02-03T07:49:58.682-08:00The northern lights were just above the Chugach mountains this morning, waving one last farewell to the night and welcoming the sun- in several hours. A cup of fresh coffee and soft music waited as I settled in my living room corner. <br />
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Thinking of yesterdays thoughts, I listened to Chris Tomlin's song, "You're a Good, Good Father." And that was the difference between these two pieces of music- "You're a good, good Father, it's who You are, it's who You are. And I'm loved by You, it's who I am, it's who I am." My identity is not that I am worthy of His love or saving, but that I'm loved by Him because of WHO He is. Beautiful way to start my morning.<br />
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<b>1 John 4:7-21 All about love.</b></div>
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<b><i>Good morning from Alaska.</i></b>HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-85256177033605153262017-02-02T17:57:00.000-08:002017-02-02T17:57:18.517-08:00"Back to God?" Groundhog Day- 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b> </b>Back to God- have you seen it? Reba McEntire's new album has been featured on Facebook, with a video of her feature song, "Back to God." Most of this song is pretty amazing and engaging. It is a poignant reminder that we cannot remove the pain, turmoil, confusion, sin, and desperation without turning to God. He stands before us with the answers, with the hope, and with the Deliverance. Keep on praying- amen. Give this world back to God- amen. (Although we didn't actually have the power to remove it from Him!) <br />
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But, while I appreciated MOST of this beautiful song, and her praiseworthy efforts to shift our focus where it belong, there is continues to play in my mind- because it stands in contrast to the rest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsvSVJPDnql7VypgI-xWHlE4hI9FphFQSVNBGipTlae8FqOeNKlc2MaM1AvPs_90s3OVQBlAMtjwwZO9x6_OhyCOIjliGZf_re6yKPFEc1uij9xIBRzXV4Wgb6ceAx21phnuIr4Gr5ysH/s1600/IMG_5393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsvSVJPDnql7VypgI-xWHlE4hI9FphFQSVNBGipTlae8FqOeNKlc2MaM1AvPs_90s3OVQBlAMtjwwZO9x6_OhyCOIjliGZf_re6yKPFEc1uij9xIBRzXV4Wgb6ceAx21phnuIr4Gr5ysH/s320/IMG_5393.JPG" width="320" /></a>"We're still worth saving."</div>
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Are we? I value life. We are told that we are created in the image of God. That means life is valuable and precious. But does it mean that we are worthy of saving?</div>
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We have been going over and over the book of 1 John. I believe God has a different view of mankind. He loves us. But His love for us comes NOT because we are so wonderful. His love for us comes only out of His character and His choice. He loves us because He IS love. We are not wonderful. Without His redeeming us we are nothing but dirty rags. </div>
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So, in my reflective moment...I believe we DO need to symbolically hand this world back to God. We Do need to get on our knees and pray. We DO need to cry out to Him.</div>
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But we do it because He has provided a way to Himself through Jesus, not because we have a right or even an access to the Creator God. We come with the recognition that He is not obligated to do anything for us. We are full of sin and flaws and failures. I am so thankful that God's saving work in my life and in our world does not depend upon my own worthiness. It is because He is just, righteous, pure, and full of love and mercy- and He has provided Himself as a way out of the pain.</div>
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-18672367590304043772015-03-15T17:00:00.003-07:002015-03-15T17:00:47.249-07:002014-2015 Winter! Enjoy a few snapshots of ministry and life in Alaska.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2715t4z5YL2N9_McZ5H9S7CUdMGkloqPoZfr3z_UvWeYA2yVlkj7H9UjwGYrqxiT-NAQlGzlBlBRIrCarmU4MCk2ovZcLB2xeYbvKFNJ8o1o_V1tsRQPDFkHL5vPdyUaOWdqn1iXRG-E/s1600/IMG_4402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2715t4z5YL2N9_McZ5H9S7CUdMGkloqPoZfr3z_UvWeYA2yVlkj7H9UjwGYrqxiT-NAQlGzlBlBRIrCarmU4MCk2ovZcLB2xeYbvKFNJ8o1o_V1tsRQPDFkHL5vPdyUaOWdqn1iXRG-E/s1600/IMG_4402.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native Musicale 2015.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEaD Alaska 2014-2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching for a fish from the ice!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaEcyFoiYjYgMxBnFv3KUyaVMwPLKpbFSDG9Ge2Rk_dPzTtRmOVyjGFPbKG3nXX-GGnTB4V03ODSmLMl0x26w4y3MKlmXfXGSUkwU51o0Ds54gHl_faDvsZYFrtWzbcsJA4Or3ulG4pCe/s1600/IMG_4295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaEcyFoiYjYgMxBnFv3KUyaVMwPLKpbFSDG9Ge2Rk_dPzTtRmOVyjGFPbKG3nXX-GGnTB4V03ODSmLMl0x26w4y3MKlmXfXGSUkwU51o0Ds54gHl_faDvsZYFrtWzbcsJA4Or3ulG4pCe/s1600/IMG_4295.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frequent visitor in our yard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqJ9pXJ3m1_gnIuTCa1H7h8LVRWzLScqWHfWNHXFe95xNg6JQu3PYZotXtw_084EOcK-GANCpZ2hBhg_PtwSHRp5M3oKb66RCT60AimE5pgkIqtYaV_CvmT3BYf2FWuZOGtz95WK72Keo/s1600/IMG_4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqJ9pXJ3m1_gnIuTCa1H7h8LVRWzLScqWHfWNHXFe95xNg6JQu3PYZotXtw_084EOcK-GANCpZ2hBhg_PtwSHRp5M3oKb66RCT60AimE5pgkIqtYaV_CvmT3BYf2FWuZOGtz95WK72Keo/s1600/IMG_4243.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conan the fantastic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP9Ouwgy_Q2iggtqzQnRpWgb3o5tHpr05lHkdybFv1HsTnxdBKHdSGCmYjtQpZteWGrW8nZ2P6kTmGJOFTtfzRcqrLJZq-sHA4BRvT61oFIOuqIbNoqBVvCQEZ6cN-8Q3kF7eRf4_Mfm-/s1600/IMG_4104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP9Ouwgy_Q2iggtqzQnRpWgb3o5tHpr05lHkdybFv1HsTnxdBKHdSGCmYjtQpZteWGrW8nZ2P6kTmGJOFTtfzRcqrLJZq-sHA4BRvT61oFIOuqIbNoqBVvCQEZ6cN-8Q3kF7eRf4_Mfm-/s1600/IMG_4104.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quaid and Devlin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alaska "Horsman" women at Annual Christmas Tea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDe4qcJbT3QlzKTrbJpOA3yvympsHBrEMWDMkknr9vxP6WvB-XSAD09nYYS508QOBpTTPR-jbt4-KqpSvmgZefVKWA-2wBZLGdJWf5Km2J6qMsAqrDOcvKtDI7wHyYf-1lQZ7tL3fsJmL/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDe4qcJbT3QlzKTrbJpOA3yvympsHBrEMWDMkknr9vxP6WvB-XSAD09nYYS508QOBpTTPR-jbt4-KqpSvmgZefVKWA-2wBZLGdJWf5Km2J6qMsAqrDOcvKtDI7wHyYf-1lQZ7tL3fsJmL/s1600/IMG_4202.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our girls- skating on the pond.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEaD Alaska guys working on a sled.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEaD Alaska Passover Activity.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWupegsGmEhRg7NWBw8CEHW0itkrCFcHcQ59jw2705MSxHHywNLXwzLQQ8zrUPiCkyJUOyQIF8NldLUy7TrNgAf_ufP3k7bweD8v05GEjBy7QmhYNNO7tMdRmVNG-hfjIewvwcGygiz7F/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWupegsGmEhRg7NWBw8CEHW0itkrCFcHcQ59jw2705MSxHHywNLXwzLQQ8zrUPiCkyJUOyQIF8NldLUy7TrNgAf_ufP3k7bweD8v05GEjBy7QmhYNNO7tMdRmVNG-hfjIewvwcGygiz7F/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watts' family and great idea- InterAct giving water to the Palmer Colony Christmas volunteers. (Anna Coke helping Grandma.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BQig8zQ8GlMslPPKMItHcW6wN_kP3gscSXghr7qSz8f7OKucB8Nqc2gsZITyxud_yLvZ9WBrgFk5KMc3DKp7DUM8yTR70J4UKompPqj2KnPh7p-1LgDCG8fhSxZIUzBhqO1jpXcojrxq/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BQig8zQ8GlMslPPKMItHcW6wN_kP3gscSXghr7qSz8f7OKucB8Nqc2gsZITyxud_yLvZ9WBrgFk5KMc3DKp7DUM8yTR70J4UKompPqj2KnPh7p-1LgDCG8fhSxZIUzBhqO1jpXcojrxq/s1600/IMG_4063.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sunset from office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGhmwUyk2unEQi-aNb4feFMM_sX471XlKk04DfTVG-pPXiTEri2rsvuO5U0hbP_tJ8N8kn955LcUgseWUH-WD4bnrcblrtVzP8wlUT0HxKkhG4CsQr2ufNmIkJxey_QYyIP1LdJvEIgcA/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGhmwUyk2unEQi-aNb4feFMM_sX471XlKk04DfTVG-pPXiTEri2rsvuO5U0hbP_tJ8N8kn955LcUgseWUH-WD4bnrcblrtVzP8wlUT0HxKkhG4CsQr2ufNmIkJxey_QYyIP1LdJvEIgcA/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from our house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs5W3GJCeIzSmMdcLVT4-id7XziaSDnWC4Gzy3xgy_J6T9PetMf-M65JF3o7Kkkok_LmvAMagjbnzfFfPnNCNhzlGjxOTq7MCabaPxYSXIPOwwP7gBQIqwnPTLpVJCw_qIiA-Z3lEeKqs/s1600/IMG_4040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs5W3GJCeIzSmMdcLVT4-id7XziaSDnWC4Gzy3xgy_J6T9PetMf-M65JF3o7Kkkok_LmvAMagjbnzfFfPnNCNhzlGjxOTq7MCabaPxYSXIPOwwP7gBQIqwnPTLpVJCw_qIiA-Z3lEeKqs/s1600/IMG_4040.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 of may Christmas concerts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCw75I7z_LujyXNdNecFfK3AgXEgCcG3MTlR9EDOdP6BOee24joMbQUd5cph3skXa3madJYv_BW7KHw5OxGc07j37UkQBFPrmzKRrWM_Z8TzgipzhI96jNMYxsi4IBb7BmOAOgVPw6oXo/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCw75I7z_LujyXNdNecFfK3AgXEgCcG3MTlR9EDOdP6BOee24joMbQUd5cph3skXa3madJYv_BW7KHw5OxGc07j37UkQBFPrmzKRrWM_Z8TzgipzhI96jNMYxsi4IBb7BmOAOgVPw6oXo/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the girls!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dwD-iptk9pm-DcDxx0EjSQEOyIwF7b4ymurG3DNArX3-EBR_-fAqoPAJe5p65gQgOeWb0_eflymReJZdUY_v2XZQzv1WsNcq5bwwxKR9yMB6fVxFVvE1eN-utiU2r-alqknvTVIqlkmP/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dwD-iptk9pm-DcDxx0EjSQEOyIwF7b4ymurG3DNArX3-EBR_-fAqoPAJe5p65gQgOeWb0_eflymReJZdUY_v2XZQzv1WsNcq5bwwxKR9yMB6fVxFVvE1eN-utiU2r-alqknvTVIqlkmP/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning activity with LEaD Alaska.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkzlQZchUdb-Rb6Ve-rZIg3jqRbqZt2PLyqbLTLsj_nem2yAr5BjeLXkRLkpS40ThttjzcpJ0ScxNd3O8SGxyALwldcjOktmRYnLkRMXo_u1_OJcP_EM9S-QuEk01U0qEPxr1usmy2ZN1/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkzlQZchUdb-Rb6Ve-rZIg3jqRbqZt2PLyqbLTLsj_nem2yAr5BjeLXkRLkpS40ThttjzcpJ0ScxNd3O8SGxyALwldcjOktmRYnLkRMXo_u1_OJcP_EM9S-QuEk01U0qEPxr1usmy2ZN1/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More learning activities.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_iWV5hpy9kIgMyDYouBKiZCOlnN18pxaNX_K8qCxwZ08wzrDFbL9MSN2IQOuFUHEYNg6fuG6KrS-fzzjJQBp1wNE7scERvVphl_PGnK2731KRJ_7IIOCtR2dHhPrvLYSgZz0qt_dNghH/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_iWV5hpy9kIgMyDYouBKiZCOlnN18pxaNX_K8qCxwZ08wzrDFbL9MSN2IQOuFUHEYNg6fuG6KrS-fzzjJQBp1wNE7scERvVphl_PGnK2731KRJ_7IIOCtR2dHhPrvLYSgZz0qt_dNghH/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBi8oQCu2qI5QiVL72uKvL8umFvvyPGemFl9KubZUjsrSgy9I6aMMbGcYZDY5kMOghzWOb_KbiG3cSQTaiW-oIKog748cbyA43PXN8rKPSfqNGCpt4BhGgSg2zbxMmXvcXkTcjpujMRIX/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBi8oQCu2qI5QiVL72uKvL8umFvvyPGemFl9KubZUjsrSgy9I6aMMbGcYZDY5kMOghzWOb_KbiG3cSQTaiW-oIKog748cbyA43PXN8rKPSfqNGCpt4BhGgSg2zbxMmXvcXkTcjpujMRIX/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celtic Woman- Performing Arts Center in Anchorage, with friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuw79BxeOjHzk68P0GAhBJbUJPCFlTFSkFrh3tD8vglT2zTiEBPFCT8cg10yxbFkIBz_hhmUdoTezK58STDyY3_HNY0XAi3gcq22OqV1Qc3kqs6Npqs0hDwgL9eP70Hj3TDdsHYeXVhK3/s1600/IMG_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuw79BxeOjHzk68P0GAhBJbUJPCFlTFSkFrh3tD8vglT2zTiEBPFCT8cg10yxbFkIBz_hhmUdoTezK58STDyY3_HNY0XAi3gcq22OqV1Qc3kqs6Npqs0hDwgL9eP70Hj3TDdsHYeXVhK3/s1600/IMG_3851.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alaska Federation of Natives- 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAi5QQqqQTtfEfsDMMoazdviHOOVt0bMLSMLbP1gmm-y3cKw1OsBdQR2lCGeytdI78FGjSHHes1kr8LZuhLr03DpIV-0adpLG-UWThmk7pvGRlY0IYGySUoeuMenPjqdJ95hdg9gsdyK3/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAi5QQqqQTtfEfsDMMoazdviHOOVt0bMLSMLbP1gmm-y3cKw1OsBdQR2lCGeytdI78FGjSHHes1kr8LZuhLr03DpIV-0adpLG-UWThmk7pvGRlY0IYGySUoeuMenPjqdJ95hdg9gsdyK3/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving- Alaska views.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAu3IeowcdN7qg0et3EhrllodHNJ6CAO0FjczjalhwHGSle0EU_FAeov5105WKXg-YAsq8lGLuui485W3fxi-7iFD1BfqrhxoaKe_EQ7F5QCsIXjroeQZ9pxpApFAgQOnFNGWAF30usb/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xAu3IeowcdN7qg0et3EhrllodHNJ6CAO0FjczjalhwHGSle0EU_FAeov5105WKXg-YAsq8lGLuui485W3fxi-7iFD1BfqrhxoaKe_EQ7F5QCsIXjroeQZ9pxpApFAgQOnFNGWAF30usb/s1600/IMG_3734.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Devlin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmFTBzVnEbnXQ92LuYqUsCt7SxaBa2bn7eiM8HW1ZrK7f43-fGA0mBgB84NLUiDWrYr2k8clxFserwQM4WumXyacEQ2eOk7n-9Spm5dBmRy0BzLW_AOsepFUm-CV5SO3B20KhuciFONbg/s1600/IMG_3675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmFTBzVnEbnXQ92LuYqUsCt7SxaBa2bn7eiM8HW1ZrK7f43-fGA0mBgB84NLUiDWrYr2k8clxFserwQM4WumXyacEQ2eOk7n-9Spm5dBmRy0BzLW_AOsepFUm-CV5SO3B20KhuciFONbg/s1600/IMG_3675.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise room.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTjWlRQSpwl5cPqRqynqmh0274D-6bHQ7FOcOKdus87QmhkjeGHwJd7P_8QN5MH9cdVT2OlqAbI_qqB15ApR_L10ni-srqKyHOvrP9OGkyZI9MC6lQE5d7iinjwz1UB9hmnOLBx2J8zD5/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTjWlRQSpwl5cPqRqynqmh0274D-6bHQ7FOcOKdus87QmhkjeGHwJd7P_8QN5MH9cdVT2OlqAbI_qqB15ApR_L10ni-srqKyHOvrP9OGkyZI9MC6lQE5d7iinjwz1UB9hmnOLBx2J8zD5/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside our kitchen window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHh_A8mvj09qDtKHEgYgI_no5eQDIEIN9cvApratRyGLlOxcOD-XFe1MAQaZmAZzyJPiEyibJszC53s-T2ju0oHqmh24O8wG4pTZYlUQ0N0OFQVmNG0caIVkUnuIpzy1RBH_uglQdg5hQ/s1600/IMG_2052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHh_A8mvj09qDtKHEgYgI_no5eQDIEIN9cvApratRyGLlOxcOD-XFe1MAQaZmAZzyJPiEyibJszC53s-T2ju0oHqmh24O8wG4pTZYlUQ0N0OFQVmNG0caIVkUnuIpzy1RBH_uglQdg5hQ/s1600/IMG_2052.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice fishing- Kepler Lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lstq7lq3TsSODXDSWGttEs8Y1aSV1wSA4RnYEohKW3VGAFj5vWSLLZGnEAK68QHeCFVSqVrKtlxz9tGARGbeSwzn6eXq-XI1bkd8emoHpsV6BnYwrkrCnnJqaod4InKmEVH-ZxhRBp0g/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lstq7lq3TsSODXDSWGttEs8Y1aSV1wSA4RnYEohKW3VGAFj5vWSLLZGnEAK68QHeCFVSqVrKtlxz9tGARGbeSwzn6eXq-XI1bkd8emoHpsV6BnYwrkrCnnJqaod4InKmEVH-ZxhRBp0g/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had 3 days of "great" snowshoeing before the rain.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-JENeGHLR6c09x2udkiYiE890vX0fMnAAha1cuRLEjR3by8R3aF3mZfF931jfujqEW2U-Bk1T_-RrGs5G5h9qdYOMxBCCFkXMUHw-GzC6O4ik6U9OJhfXGxzlSF4Zn_3esVa1at0YI-f/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-JENeGHLR6c09x2udkiYiE890vX0fMnAAha1cuRLEjR3by8R3aF3mZfF931jfujqEW2U-Bk1T_-RrGs5G5h9qdYOMxBCCFkXMUHw-GzC6O4ik6U9OJhfXGxzlSF4Zn_3esVa1at0YI-f/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryley enjoying Blue Spruce Rec Site- his Eagle Scout Project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjUYGPJayT83W41jwRV1nB-J1WZRmwvTQC7oJJIvJLiy-X0XUjUsIWZlv1epCPmZdFllVarLcmrpIhiP98rLSaZ1pzIbrQmVW59zQywOqFcAmndnf_yEHsrsxaqjN9nSYzjA4v_J1-vam/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjUYGPJayT83W41jwRV1nB-J1WZRmwvTQC7oJJIvJLiy-X0XUjUsIWZlv1epCPmZdFllVarLcmrpIhiP98rLSaZ1pzIbrQmVW59zQywOqFcAmndnf_yEHsrsxaqjN9nSYzjA4v_J1-vam/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roanen at Wasilla Climbing competition.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlJBgr6rFtts066VOrgvm843h_fFt8FtGh3no8S3kDBJ4wDmrzTjpyAzTq8qZcFIlw0hXYpEDixY9hFh40K6qvwXoBC9DQLZKY-7kRtDegpREL8BvePLJ_tf6igJjgChr-gH9aXGgKhUs/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlJBgr6rFtts066VOrgvm843h_fFt8FtGh3no8S3kDBJ4wDmrzTjpyAzTq8qZcFIlw0hXYpEDixY9hFh40K6qvwXoBC9DQLZKY-7kRtDegpREL8BvePLJ_tf6igJjgChr-gH9aXGgKhUs/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Devlin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsHlqFdxks4xXEyhRjL_8UFT51B2cc5DBPa3wTFdrFKFnllXJRix1sZPjfb16e87zFgQQnw1f6xUJCl_mTv-pYonqbeueX2jS7QEO5vzmHKiLQv1L2bFDx23-CHctYeSkjVBFS4nx-GUc/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsHlqFdxks4xXEyhRjL_8UFT51B2cc5DBPa3wTFdrFKFnllXJRix1sZPjfb16e87zFgQQnw1f6xUJCl_mTv-pYonqbeueX2jS7QEO5vzmHKiLQv1L2bFDx23-CHctYeSkjVBFS4nx-GUc/s1600/IMG_2040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving in Palmer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3z7MevmpfpUWyA2CXQYbJwHB_2AxbQhlGu1WS_sT9SdklvOwa_JzGKm6kg7xSBHdmsROh0H0H3dv9TJsYo10_HqwDAYcngwonTdNRwDUzLiveDACmwMTTUOg710sRYe_xQOx3YTZHScB/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3z7MevmpfpUWyA2CXQYbJwHB_2AxbQhlGu1WS_sT9SdklvOwa_JzGKm6kg7xSBHdmsROh0H0H3dv9TJsYo10_HqwDAYcngwonTdNRwDUzLiveDACmwMTTUOg710sRYe_xQOx3YTZHScB/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family meals at our house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUSEDERcqy5VfbJ64IPi5YOeLfysSS09UDXUq3nmTM-grFZhMmwI4HZEsDKBFYTScoQcLjYe6ppMg6iBgFtp7-Grv9UsVUyIGE-cLqSCINVzwvoWfr1JtFV_RZ7kgnRU9rwQFvz1mDhmg/s1600/IMG_1910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUSEDERcqy5VfbJ64IPi5YOeLfysSS09UDXUq3nmTM-grFZhMmwI4HZEsDKBFYTScoQcLjYe6ppMg6iBgFtp7-Grv9UsVUyIGE-cLqSCINVzwvoWfr1JtFV_RZ7kgnRU9rwQFvz1mDhmg/s1600/IMG_1910.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another winter sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavg_FA_b9o57ItO1LJ9Vf7yvGBRJ3Vh4DbIIUILXQo5sulVC_iBn33coZ6LweXGAU-W2XvQVH-4ykz_qmp6l2kQ-DASzc4JDMplcqdoaehNXaR5YHV6aOgwbE1Q-NOOjOpDJY2DkIq77z/s1600/IMG_1871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavg_FA_b9o57ItO1LJ9Vf7yvGBRJ3Vh4DbIIUILXQo5sulVC_iBn33coZ6LweXGAU-W2XvQVH-4ykz_qmp6l2kQ-DASzc4JDMplcqdoaehNXaR5YHV6aOgwbE1Q-NOOjOpDJY2DkIq77z/s1600/IMG_1871.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoveling the pond- a week of great skating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCi50QqZpTTvBK0miAylduSo5sQ40Y0JZaZ1ujr2prU1j63h-vPHTt7DMmLK4G8AMzhLOXd4ky2BXu1cjtEs0eVjmwd8wrpuif5tZ0N5_pMm8Xz24ZkVmEZYbf0A0pWbGet15IuXoGzTz/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCi50QqZpTTvBK0miAylduSo5sQ40Y0JZaZ1ujr2prU1j63h-vPHTt7DMmLK4G8AMzhLOXd4ky2BXu1cjtEs0eVjmwd8wrpuif5tZ0N5_pMm8Xz24ZkVmEZYbf0A0pWbGet15IuXoGzTz/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5MH7sh1f08aj6flCuzsUsD04e_HtkgrNSckm2Nyd2iM0lsUqjASpwNlWH6osCZc5t7yPzbSQiQSFzbe4QHMeLrhLc9r4gxwTdvz2nvyE5iFCp24ULp5AHxP2u5x-fd4xxABnUEiWL2Kf/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5MH7sh1f08aj6flCuzsUsD04e_HtkgrNSckm2Nyd2iM0lsUqjASpwNlWH6osCZc5t7yPzbSQiQSFzbe4QHMeLrhLc9r4gxwTdvz2nvyE5iFCp24ULp5AHxP2u5x-fd4xxABnUEiWL2Kf/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTchE6enKfbiZbFL7oHSj8g9XbGTBhYDSdyKvnNy2gFnvv6fDix6gnK8Os5KBy77L29SpgmqxB0wp1hwFYrVo2HsEvdZgwyjauQV_yhqfIlJJZLioJZL0-li6B83wOsMaba2NAaRITOi2e/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTchE6enKfbiZbFL7oHSj8g9XbGTBhYDSdyKvnNy2gFnvv6fDix6gnK8Os5KBy77L29SpgmqxB0wp1hwFYrVo2HsEvdZgwyjauQV_yhqfIlJJZLioJZL0-li6B83wOsMaba2NAaRITOi2e/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the tree!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC8447pO8Pi5a-yffbs7zYKEm-VpWni_IiV2dV1W15hPxP6xK77dVJ9anoEXkGZ9s5aodxUNRZ9D5BLsm7o5nvpw2ad011e6wZ746HwRiMD_b8oUpf730hc7bI0dV8hqUJhRbYtkz-hhB/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC8447pO8Pi5a-yffbs7zYKEm-VpWni_IiV2dV1W15hPxP6xK77dVJ9anoEXkGZ9s5aodxUNRZ9D5BLsm7o5nvpw2ad011e6wZ746HwRiMD_b8oUpf730hc7bI0dV8hqUJhRbYtkz-hhB/s1600/IMG_1788.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Meresiet at Christmas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywXOASilPqfXspngr9pEkd3eroYYWQ7oEVLINdzoC4Kj_O0bACNGXX_wEnVEORDZjKAel6wrlLvKy6ATf2OJeBJDKSCQN7Bx9XKLfKXx2HPWFjNSgtUyK0ssr0x6Y4iG8BzOML6Tr8ai5/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywXOASilPqfXspngr9pEkd3eroYYWQ7oEVLINdzoC4Kj_O0bACNGXX_wEnVEORDZjKAel6wrlLvKy6ATf2OJeBJDKSCQN7Bx9XKLfKXx2HPWFjNSgtUyK0ssr0x6Y4iG8BzOML6Tr8ai5/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryley and his scout troop- Blue Spruce Rec Site on Lazy Mountain Campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdGRFYx6OEWWNKLDjhm043LM58eC4MzRwW58lkdMMPPkqHUsghTdCcghTCZrqfEgCxEbzOgqzMUxjJRS6gAOn2sWosqeARO0HYPyzh5mhP8XbeYrJGX2XP40ihMdVLjWjsjsfUsOsQrZO/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdGRFYx6OEWWNKLDjhm043LM58eC4MzRwW58lkdMMPPkqHUsghTdCcghTCZrqfEgCxEbzOgqzMUxjJRS6gAOn2sWosqeARO0HYPyzh5mhP8XbeYrJGX2XP40ihMdVLjWjsjsfUsOsQrZO/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth and her family. Congratulations to Ruth and Jeremy- August wedding!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsrcCtGPVXGFay3W3fsdPMtZvnWin1YJqUrgVprLwCqoHpCg8Sdaj4CEpHuJ85G-Bk1zUA2tlJlvDQaMQy80bJ5EjRLnEEIR-zwGSzkvsKMVlt2CgrSgvar_OYDAZGw-OyOBSnI-749Lh/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsrcCtGPVXGFay3W3fsdPMtZvnWin1YJqUrgVprLwCqoHpCg8Sdaj4CEpHuJ85G-Bk1zUA2tlJlvDQaMQy80bJ5EjRLnEEIR-zwGSzkvsKMVlt2CgrSgvar_OYDAZGw-OyOBSnI-749Lh/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJgBIzJRV3AtaIft_ZCjUKNKCK-H1HLs8mwgRHX3iDVjNfdHPrm9G37OvEA5UkUIy29A9tW5_lZPVok6sMINcpf1Nalrl9b3k0DwAPFemZGsi7L3jis2iYF8JHKaaYZ-oZE849qjqeXD0/s1600/IMG_1641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJgBIzJRV3AtaIft_ZCjUKNKCK-H1HLs8mwgRHX3iDVjNfdHPrm9G37OvEA5UkUIy29A9tW5_lZPVok6sMINcpf1Nalrl9b3k0DwAPFemZGsi7L3jis2iYF8JHKaaYZ-oZE849qjqeXD0/s1600/IMG_1641.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the tree?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHbXXloeHwhO0x07hrULHBtIzW14igNPDUnbwx3gXz6j_cNpBpX0hFwKQQ-I0yuYJ634_xRZP0QZR0VeqZP472Z4PlofEygfDj4eVmZDZbfDbQ7byHrg-ZMiOaZ2XOnD28yyJO-PhWXt/s1600/IMG_1513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFHbXXloeHwhO0x07hrULHBtIzW14igNPDUnbwx3gXz6j_cNpBpX0hFwKQQ-I0yuYJ634_xRZP0QZR0VeqZP472Z4PlofEygfDj4eVmZDZbfDbQ7byHrg-ZMiOaZ2XOnD28yyJO-PhWXt/s1600/IMG_1513.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nutcracker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHKAGWQckklaX5s0CpjaMDQr_9ZXHAyxUwQe9EcDYOD9S_5g47XCF3NCjE9_RIIWs5rYmnB-mFSGbt6Wimu4Kh0Qke9qw9wFb6smdH6SsWWiu6FuR9GiGASYku6gbRDXGE3gJcSTe8tU5/s1600/IMG_1502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHKAGWQckklaX5s0CpjaMDQr_9ZXHAyxUwQe9EcDYOD9S_5g47XCF3NCjE9_RIIWs5rYmnB-mFSGbt6Wimu4Kh0Qke9qw9wFb6smdH6SsWWiu6FuR9GiGASYku6gbRDXGE3gJcSTe8tU5/s1600/IMG_1502.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Devlin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwnox3uQgooGhtj4GxFAPdwL70IPGh8V0ld2KI9YaFMrVASWLmoc1t5_KxuQhWi-aJfUxRp7MvqGUNIXVcKpekbUCy6CKqoBnuK_V-PmO-So0MvLiL1BTEHEpWB7anu4L2inom0cuik5r/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwnox3uQgooGhtj4GxFAPdwL70IPGh8V0ld2KI9YaFMrVASWLmoc1t5_KxuQhWi-aJfUxRp7MvqGUNIXVcKpekbUCy6CKqoBnuK_V-PmO-So0MvLiL1BTEHEpWB7anu4L2inom0cuik5r/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunsets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gnnZMvmaXneyeX7fLCuQlmCcqQFLpLyQRXh9uYPthKcKihpEJgfpgrIe8RG9remuU3PFKJqPAWpGq3-rWfTK8bkP8Bvb5rjrpR2N8P1EKPtk8pd8Kz_XjkY644yJI7JAOwry74Hrv5p1/s1600/10269345_10152785208743812_951412914540304959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gnnZMvmaXneyeX7fLCuQlmCcqQFLpLyQRXh9uYPthKcKihpEJgfpgrIe8RG9remuU3PFKJqPAWpGq3-rWfTK8bkP8Bvb5rjrpR2N8P1EKPtk8pd8Kz_XjkY644yJI7JAOwry74Hrv5p1/s1600/10269345_10152785208743812_951412914540304959_n.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan and his new son.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LoZf6lM7VJ32WDSxI3HaoEGJtgvx58wfCyox5iqFS4oxlZcv_ehkW5fC1RrMFcMMN_9Suj99Dz51d9UNqcuPg2B_IBK8AFMjNYyd1PbRgaIrcsBmPWEx8b6B-KHk9wK8turBTUXH-5Aa/s1600/10633594_10152729777428812_7485109497135242783_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LoZf6lM7VJ32WDSxI3HaoEGJtgvx58wfCyox5iqFS4oxlZcv_ehkW5fC1RrMFcMMN_9Suj99Dz51d9UNqcuPg2B_IBK8AFMjNYyd1PbRgaIrcsBmPWEx8b6B-KHk9wK8turBTUXH-5Aa/s1600/10633594_10152729777428812_7485109497135242783_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsman family with Devlin- September.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nWwv_Jw_hiSmCYO4lLLTbJl2EK0heuxoMo7U-2CiVbR7u-nYtWKTFWNxPRbnsHJfw1Gq21fAxxA691F15ngV7JehNnhUjoalmZgh_VvhVKDTeZmpOGPyILkMs-Jx-8L1qDV4xFMdb255/s1600/10710622_10152726791748360_5657327550950902197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nWwv_Jw_hiSmCYO4lLLTbJl2EK0heuxoMo7U-2CiVbR7u-nYtWKTFWNxPRbnsHJfw1Gq21fAxxA691F15ngV7JehNnhUjoalmZgh_VvhVKDTeZmpOGPyILkMs-Jx-8L1qDV4xFMdb255/s1600/10710622_10152726791748360_5657327550950902197_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coke family- welcome to our two new granddaughters.</td></tr>
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-4406382875595708052014-08-28T16:19:00.001-07:002014-08-28T16:19:41.554-07:00Along For the Ride!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCG-vzhxY2MgeNFcxKBv4NhVSftlY7D3HLIf71Myw815eoVXaaZno1qBXgRKYPiQPt-4wqf-1lmJtH6LCRiZGhLyYhTMulE66A7FawGlKwSPHqeAanjBNtTFUFxhpFFwRSxlJ6nK-1QPj/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCG-vzhxY2MgeNFcxKBv4NhVSftlY7D3HLIf71Myw815eoVXaaZno1qBXgRKYPiQPt-4wqf-1lmJtH6LCRiZGhLyYhTMulE66A7FawGlKwSPHqeAanjBNtTFUFxhpFFwRSxlJ6nK-1QPj/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1001 Nachts= Grandkids Adventure=Alaska State Fair<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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They are all smiles as they take their seats. The ride operator flips a switch and they are locked in. It is all smiles and laughter as the large bench rotates from right to left, gently sweeping past the platform and those of us watching their ride. Sweep one- smiles. Sweep two- a little higher but still smiles from the riders. Sweep three and four- going higher and higher, significantly altering the facial expressions of those now fully committed to the ride. Sweep five and they reach the top, rotating all the way around the circle, like manic arms of an out of control alarm clock. Some of the riders shout with glee. Others, an unnamed grandchild of mine, vacillate between fun and fright! But it matters little- the riders cannot get off the ride. There they will stay, until the moment the ride is over and the operator releases them. The ride started and they have no choice but to ride it out and wait until it is completed. The only choice they have is how they will interact with the motion of the ride- will they interpret it as fun, or with fear?<br />
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I could not help but visualize the analogy between this ride and LIFE! From the moment we are conceived we are locked into our seat by THE Operator. Off we go, gently moving through the cycle of life, but eventually we reach those moments of our Life Ride when we also vacillate between enjoyment of the "ride" and fear of the unexpected. Perhaps, like our carnival riders, we also experience fear because we DO know what to expect with the next round. Fun or Fear, or sometimes both. One thing we all share, though, is that we are "stuck" just like those riders. Life is going to carry us along and we are locked into it.<br />
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Unlike this carnival ride, though, we do have choices. We can face the situations in life differently because we can KNOW the Operator. Unlike the carnival ride, The Operator of our Life cares deeply about us. Even when we face those cycles that strike fear in our hearts, we can trust that The Operator has our best interests and that He has a plan to carry us through. It all depends on if we know The Operator, or if we do not. So, the next time you face those moment in life when you cannot decide how to respond- fun or fear- look around and see how well you know The Operator. Then He can help you relax in your seat and experience peace, even when you feel like circumstances are out of control.<br />
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Now, for some cotton candy!<br />
<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-21774300978747939712014-05-25T14:33:00.004-07:002014-05-25T14:33:56.120-07:00Lazy Mountain- not too lazy this spring!We decided to try our hand at tapping birch trees. The idea? It had lingered in our minds, growing over the years. But what really brought it to the forefront was the tapping done by our daughter's family, Cokes, and by our neighbors at Lazy Mountain, the Watts. We gathered up the materials and marched out the back door to tap a tree or two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEee4cg-Oix3Lowl0LbR1tAOrxwQpJNFNuICs6Hy38b6zJxwP81Op9qFJZiwT_RYom9dpWZcg4bGTOhrcGlhvy8CMlcJRCgzxokrOG3bvfy6fohjVI0mjpy6re3M9rrLv5XQODZvcEJGAf/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEee4cg-Oix3Lowl0LbR1tAOrxwQpJNFNuICs6Hy38b6zJxwP81Op9qFJZiwT_RYom9dpWZcg4bGTOhrcGlhvy8CMlcJRCgzxokrOG3bvfy6fohjVI0mjpy6re3M9rrLv5XQODZvcEJGAf/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right outside our door! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv6GZ8llcPRtm8RkG9GXZ94dQINGyeMCeFJJEbKnqZosR1NoPqVTowR46AUxiyfmNkyT199WpBZDsPW4DwA09VfqqsT65poCRWarvNOZ0oFuY0vn-WFUUfihxKzk7i7Usuwj1pHVj5qYk/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv6GZ8llcPRtm8RkG9GXZ94dQINGyeMCeFJJEbKnqZosR1NoPqVTowR46AUxiyfmNkyT199WpBZDsPW4DwA09VfqqsT65poCRWarvNOZ0oFuY0vn-WFUUfihxKzk7i7Usuwj1pHVj5qYk/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple. But the season is short. Too soon, and nothing drips (We know this from experience now.) But once the soil is warmed by the midnight sun, it flows freely. Sound like a goldmine? Well, it depends on how many trees you tap for the season only lasts until the tree sends forth leaves. Then you are done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve, switching containers. We each spent about an hour a day emptying containers, or condensing it down. Our small trial was not time-consuming, but fun.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Once we had enough to work with, we began the condensing process. Wonder how much sap it actually takes to get syrup? It takes about 100 gallons of birch sap to make 1 gallon of birch syrup. 100/1 is the ratio. Maple syrup? A much "better" ratio of 40/1. </div>
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Well, away we went. Anna came to help me finish the processing. We canned small jars, only about 10 minutes in a water bath. Quick and maybe these will even sell at the Friday Fling in Palmer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQNdT-VxgSgrzovG_g1WKeRqYH2FmZ9anllm2IzStkC3TH7RuBd8NNAQXQwBBE8wTygXieZPb2QtIyk6IKJ9f5JEE7CZll6SmiayBuoXke7RYmOzv5dIw27DTaSbKg7rxy_wkaNgBPJS0/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQNdT-VxgSgrzovG_g1WKeRqYH2FmZ9anllm2IzStkC3TH7RuBd8NNAQXQwBBE8wTygXieZPb2QtIyk6IKJ9f5JEE7CZll6SmiayBuoXke7RYmOzv5dIw27DTaSbKg7rxy_wkaNgBPJS0/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what does it taste like, you wonder? Well, so did we. So I purchased a small bottle (9 oz) at the local kitchen store. $8.00 for this little bottle. We opened it up and gave it a taste. SWEET! THICK! Hm. Ours was not this sweet, nor was it thick. Darn, we thought we would have to condense it further. Then, we got to thinking. Look at the LABEL. Sure enough- it was loaded with "organic cane sugar syrup." Good old fashioned way to sweeten, thicken, AND stretch your precious syrup. <br />
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Well, at that point we made a decision to leave ours just as it is. The flavor was the same. But we didn't want to dilute ours with sugar. It is 100% natural, Lazy Mountain Birch Syrup.<br />
And now you see why life on Lazy Mountain is.....NOT so very lazy!HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-19835801714377430372014-03-18T15:18:00.002-07:002014-03-18T15:22:17.201-07:00Iditarod and TEAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sun was shining brightly and the air warm and inviting as we joined the crowd of spectators for the Ceremonial Start of Iditarod 2014. Ironically, snow had been transported in the evening prior to the start, marginally covering the race track for the mushers. Team after team mushed past as we cheered them on. Hopefulness and anticipation flooded both the spectators and participants. They were off to a destination!<br />
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We were thinking this week about the nature of teamwork. Some people feel a dogsled team is a great analogy. Others think not. We think it all depends on the type of team is required for the specific task and end goal.<br />
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Certainly there is a vertical or hierarchical arrangement to dogsled teams. The leader is...well, the leader. However, it is also true that the leader cannot pull the sled from Anchorage (or Willow) to Nome. The entire team is needed for the task to be completed. The lead dog is actually NOT the leader, because that part of the team is largely filled by the musher. It is the musher that reads the trail, chooses course corrections, and is ultimately responsible for the well-being of the rest of the "team." The musher relies heavily on the lead dog or dogs, and they, in turn, rely on the strength and responsibilities of those dogs pulling behind them.<br />
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I will refrain from drawing the analogy to a close- that is something that each ready can probably do adequately. Multiple applications and conclusions could be made. This is the age, the era, of collaboration. We have learned to love the accomplishments that are achieved through teams, and have recognized that even a solo sport star has a team of individuals helping them accomplish their goal. So, the next sporting event you watch, you will want to analyze the type of team, and how it might apply to teamwork in your own lives.<br />
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Will your team reach Nome?<br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-31890625303417117062014-02-06T16:06:00.001-08:002014-02-06T16:06:08.336-08:00Disciples. What are they? How are they developed? Is there an end?<br />
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We are moving toward the development of<br />
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<b>LEaD Alaska-</b></div>
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<b>A residential Leadership and Discipleship Community</b></div>
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A future "program" on the Lazy Mountain campus.<br />
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The LEaD Alaska team will be wrestling with a core question-<br />
WHAT does it mean to <b>disciple</b> someone?<br />
What does it mean to be <b>discipled</b>?<br />
Is it for everyone with a relationship with God?<br />
IS it simply that....a relationship with God?<br />
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Is it something we are "roped" into?</div>
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Are we <b>discipled </b>in "herds?"</div>
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When we are a<b> disciple</b></div>
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is it a mountain-top experience?</div>
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WHO is a <b>disciple?</b></div>
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Is being a <b>disciple</b> only for children?<br />
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Should we enter into the process as enthusiastically as these children?<br />
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To be <b>discipled.</b>.....is it a long journey?<br />
Is there a destination?<br />
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Is the road straight? Crooked?<br />
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If you are a <b>disciple,</b> does it make you soar?</div>
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These are REAL issues we face as we, the LEaD Alaska team, work toward the development and realization of this program.</div>
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How do we define <b>discipleship</b>?</div>
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What makes a <b>disciple</b>?</div>
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How will we know if a participant is being/has been <b>discipled</b>?</div>
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What did Jesus mean when He told us to go and make <b>disciples?</b></div>
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As we wrestle through this next week, we would welcome your thoughts.</div>
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PLEASE comment, email, or even call with your thoughts and ideas.</div>
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-74754654687932591132014-01-18T16:19:00.001-08:002014-01-18T16:19:38.879-08:00How'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<br />
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!) <br />
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It caused me to consider my own life as it related to my outdoor activity this morning!<br />
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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How's your path?</div>
<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-20040888809869202592014-01-15T18:48:00.002-08:002014-01-15T18:48:49.726-08:00Dad Jacobson- a Tribute on his Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkMLuTa7Q2cGklrgI0yWXb7cIPTEUFoXvdRqAsBByw9Giw0gBGo6-E1KQ2R5B8hfvyaGsJUUCXurgO21tkPsXYo2xyfdhl9hdvVJdcSfdUH3ZNp9QBiacea0mPOok3XY1g_tBHtigvXEe/s1600/Scan+copy+11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkMLuTa7Q2cGklrgI0yWXb7cIPTEUFoXvdRqAsBByw9Giw0gBGo6-E1KQ2R5B8hfvyaGsJUUCXurgO21tkPsXYo2xyfdhl9hdvVJdcSfdUH3ZNp9QBiacea0mPOok3XY1g_tBHtigvXEe/s1600/Scan+copy+11.jpeg" height="320" width="228" /></a><br />
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Dad- before their wedding. Richard Arthur Jacobson, born January 15, 1928, in Stanley, Wisconsin to Arthur Christian and Thelma Mae Jacobson. Brother was Robert.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expecting their first child- me!<br />I surprised them and was born at 7 months- weighing in at 3 pounds.</td></tr>
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Yes, Dad served in the US Army, and was in WWII and was stationed in Korea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad married Mom, June Elaine Douglas, November 28, 1953. Mom was from Waukesha, Wisconsin.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad loved people!</td></tr>
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And he loved his family!<br />
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Dad loved to fish!<br />
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He LOVED to joke around! He had a highly developed sense of humor and utilized it at every opportunity.<br />
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Dad was known as a man who loved the Lord, and loved people.<br />
His last "hang out" was the Baker's Dozen coffee shop in Loves Park.<br />
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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.<br />
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Dad loved his wife! <br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Dad. See you again some day.<br />
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HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-83370002334231845802014-01-14T17:57:00.000-08:002014-01-14T18:00:26.901-08:00Doing 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."<br />
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We were encouraged by the solid historical perspective and solid Biblical teaching that accompanies this particular program, including expository teaching. <br />
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When you think of Church.....<br />
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Do you think of an event or something different?<br />
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Do you think of programs or people?<br />
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Does it look anything like the movement described in the book of Acts?<br />
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Ever wondered about ways to DO things differently without tossing aside the foundational components of our faith?<br />
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What would YOU change if you could?<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<a href="http://steveandjillhorsman.wix.com/horsmans-alaska" target="_blank">http://steveandjillhorsman.wix.com/horsmans-alaska</a>HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-29722025825327523462013-12-30T21:59:00.001-08:002013-12-30T21:59:19.810-08:00Youth Leading with their Faith....Grandsons!What an amazing Sunday when we attended Wasilla Christian Church, where the youth were leading the entire worship service.<br />
Grandson Josiah was the lead drummer.<br />
Grandson Ryley was on the guitar, and provided the Sunday message.<br />
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<a href="http://www.wasillachristianchurch.org/">Wasilla Christian Church Sermon</a><br />
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What an exciting thing to see churches promoting the youth, their faith, and empowering them to live out their faith. How cool to sit and hear your grandsons sharing about their faith.<br />
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Take a few minutes out of your day and check out the link. Watch Ryley as he shares a little bit of his life, and how God is guiding him to live each day with intentionality. How about you?<br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-85471947479537115272013-12-27T15:26:00.003-08:002013-12-27T15:30:25.890-08:00Does it MAKE a Difference?Christmas has come and gone, although we are still waiting to celebrate the new year! We enjoyed our celebration here in Alaska. But it does give one time to pause and consider our lives.<br />
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Those gifts that seem so amazing are often forgotten within a year. Do you recall what you received last Christmas? Or do you recall what you gave last Christmas? Of course, sometimes we give or receive something extra-special, and it stays as a sweet memory in our lives. But many times the gifts break or are discarded, sold or broken, and the memory fades.<br />
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Today I viewed this link provided by some friends of ours, who are missionaries in Alberta. The video, however, depicts the ministry of other acquaintances of ours. You might expect it to begin like other missionary videos, but it quickly surprises you as the recipients of the ministry in this far away land plead with the "American Church" to consider coming to their land to help others know about God's love for them. And it reminded me of gifts that never fade. It reminded me of the Gift given by Jesus, when He came here so that we could have a relationship with the Creator God. It reminded me of the gift that we can give when we share our lives with others, and help them to know the Christmas Gift in a way that they can understand.<br />
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As you think about this today, watch this video. The time for us to go and make a difference in the lives of others, to give of ourselves as a gift, is still as needed today as it was in 1978 when George and Harriet went to the Bisorio. And we need people like this to join us here in Alaska.<br />
Has God called YOU to give yourself and your life as a gift to others?<br />
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.<br />
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Jill & Steve Horsman<br />
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<a href="http://<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rVygsGg_xrQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>">Bisorioland</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVygsGg_xrQ&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVygsGg_xrQ&feature=youtu.be</a><br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-88739397551837496772013-09-15T09:27:00.001-07:002013-09-15T09:27:41.064-07:00CloudsI awoke this morning and the view from the front window was inviting. The light was just beginning to disperse the night's darkness. From my vantage point I could see the trees and fields on Lazy Mountain. There was not a breath of breeze to flutter the leaves on the trees. And so I sat down with my coffee and Bible to enjoy the stillness of a beautiful morning.<br />
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I have been reading in the book of Isaiah and had just read 44:22, "I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Amazingly, I looked up and everything was blanketed in a thick cloud. I could no longer see the mountain, the buildings on this campus, or even the lilac tree right in our yard. Everything was covered over. It created a new reality from my perspective. The mountain no longer even existed, in this enshrouded new world. <br />
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This is exactly what God claims that He will do for us. If we do things His way, as the Creator Who exists, is relational and personal, and the One Who exists in three as Father, Jesus, and His Spirit. He does for us what the cloud did in this environment. We can be in relationship with this Creator. We can be His children because He is the cloud maker. He is the One that covers us in this cloud. The sins in our lives can be completely covered so that they change our life as radically as the cloud changed the scene here on the mountain. He takes away the sin, and the shame.<br />
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It was a beautiful thing to see as I was reading today. The power of God's cloud to blot out our sin and shame. Wow.<br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-83523493584663315442013-07-07T13:35:00.001-07:002013-07-07T23:35:23.889-07:00Who Holds Your Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A baby has no fear when holding the hand of their parent. They cling to those fingers, knowing the the loving hands holding them will keep them steady when they falter, and guide them on their path.<br />
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It sounds so idyllic. But infants and children are not always so willing to go where the hand guides them. If you have had children or even observed a parent and child in the store, then you know the hands of the parents must, at times, lead the child where they do not want to go. They may strain and protest, but the parent knows what it best for the child.<br />
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I was thinking of this image today when reading Psalm 37:24, "When he (a man that is in relationship with God) falls, he will not be hurled headlong because The Lord is the One who holds his hand."<br />
This One holding the hands is loving and relational, like the parent. He also knows what is best for His child. I think that we so glibly and easily embrace this childlike faith when we first come to a relationship with this Heavenly Father. But time, experiences, and challenges either deepen or destroy that faith. It is this mature kind of faith that I witnessed in the pain-filled eyes of our friends who so recently lost their only son in an accident. I hear it in the words of our friends who are both facing cancer. It is in the voice of our children who are facing challenges, and in the hearts of friends who face those last years of their lives.<br />
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I think that God, that Heavenly Father, would want us to embrace the analogy and images of our children. To know that He has my hand and will keep holding it, even when I stumble and fall, is a comfort. I may not understand where He is taking me, and I might even resist, but even so He will not allow me to fall headlong.<br />
He holds my hand!<br />
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Who holds yours?HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-37240424878797961622013-07-04T01:08:00.001-07:002013-07-04T01:08:24.656-07:00Alaskan 4th of JulySo it is 12:10 am. That's right- just after midnight. The Fourth of July. But it is Alaskan style. Steve is outside practicing golf swings with our son, and it is barely dusk enough to watch the distant fireworks. Big Lake or Houston, perhaps? A parade is on the schedule for tomorrow. A picnic. And who knows? If we can stay up until dusk, maybe more firrworks. About 24 hours from now!!HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-47593574776175854372013-06-05T18:57:00.002-07:002013-06-05T19:00:48.204-07:00A Grand DayToday was one of the <span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><b>sweet </b></span>moments in life, mingled with a little <span style="background-color: #999999;"><b>sadness.</b></span><br />
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You see, our son and his family are staying with us in Alaska while he is working. And today was Quaid's 9th birthday! Oh, the excitement. It has been going on for days. "Only 3 more days, Grandma." "Grandma, this is the last dinner I will ever eat being 8 years old." "Grandma, when I wake up I will be 9!"<br />
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So sleep was hard in coming last night, and it was an earlier than usual morning. But the sun did rise. And Quaid DID turn 9. And what a fun day it has been. A special breakfast, and then a scavenger hunt led him to his present from Nathan and Elizabeth. His own set of golf clubs. "<b style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">Sweet,</b>" was the word used! And then the guys all joined the Coke family for an afternoon at the driving range.<br />
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Meanwhile, the girls (and baby Conlan) came to Grandma's house for a knitting party and luncheon. We ended up having much more of the luncheon and never did get to the knitting. The guys returned for cake and ice cream. Now it is pizza and a slumber party.<br />
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The <span style="background-color: #999999;"><b><i>sadness</i></b></span>? Steve was not here to enjoy it all. But he is on the road, somewhere probably around Dease Lake (ha, you need an atlas to look up that one) and heading to Alaska in the convoy. Four men from Wisconsin are graciously helping with this big move.<br />
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Oh, and then we had such an exciting call from Ruth. Kaylie just became a freshman, and ended her junior high school career with a straight "A" report card- 4.0 GPA. Way to go Kaylie.<br />
Then there was Ryley, who just learned he excelled at his math course this year! Way to go Ryley. An expert in geometry now.<br />
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So my thought for today end with the gratefulness that comes from family. And some of you reading this are also part of our "adopted" family. So thankful for all of you, and for the special time in life when we can be a part of our grandson's special day. Signing off to go eat.....PIZZA!<br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-57788130930843158872013-06-04T16:36:00.003-07:002013-06-04T16:36:48.979-07:00Soul Depths<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Soul Deep....While Wearing out Soles...</span></div>
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It is summer in Alaska and the birds were filling the air with their music well before 3 AM. I laced up my running shoes around 8 AM and headed to the Matanuska River, and my new "tradition" for the morning. My new blue shoes have barely worn soles, making it a special pleasure to begin the habit of a daily run.<br />
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Today, however, I stopped near the shore of the raging river that is daily climbing the banks with the grey silt-laden waters. I paused in my run to visit with a youth pastor. As I chatted with him I met another member of the congregation. Soon we were engaged in conversation.<br />
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It began with the usual formalities, "Where do you live?" "Do you have a family?" "Do you walk or run every day?" Quickly our conversation turned to things belonging to the spiritual Soul rather than the footwear I was sporting.<br />
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We talked of the deep soul pain of man. We talked about people in general, but thinking particularly of those without an intimacy and a relationship with the Creator God. She asked if I felt that one of the deep soul wounds came from hopelessness. Immediately I was taken back to another Soul conversation with Mike Matthews, and I responded, "No, I do not think that hopelessness is the deepest soul wound. I think that the hopelessness comes from something deeper. I think that, for many people, it is SHAME that is the soul wound. Then you become hopeless, but I think that shame may be the deeper wound."<br />
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As I've pondered this today, reading in the book of Job, I think that Shame is a profoundly powerful emotion that drives a sharp wound into the deepest part of our soul. And shame can result from so many circumstances- things we have done, guilt, things done to us, robbed innocence. And we cannot remove the shame alone. How good that we have a Creator God Who is relational, powerful, and so willing to remove that shame from our souls. <br />
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So, what do you think? Is Shame the deepest soul wound, or do other things go deeper?HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-9469414659431123702013-06-03T18:06:00.001-07:002013-06-03T18:06:12.068-07:00Christianity and structure..<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: orange;">Is prayer enough? </span> <span style="background-color: yellow;">Do we need structure?</span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> Does strategy prevent God from working?</span> <span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If it is used in business, than can it ever be good for Christian organizations?</span></div>
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Funny how odd these sound when we actually see them in print, but we often function as though they are true. In fact, I wonder if we don't all have stories (narratives) that we can recall, or even rehearse, that might support one or all of these statements.<br />
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The problem is that it does not seem to square with Scripture. Or even how God works.<br />
Read the book of Nehemiah. Here was a drama that included a successful outcome, but only after adequate prayer, humiliation, use of human resources, and strategy. And they accomplished God's Will for their time.<br />
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Or read through the Genesis account of Creation. Hm, seems that God thought things through pretty strategically. The animals didn't appear before the air, or the waterfowl before the water. Or anything before there was life-giving sunlight. Strategy.<br />
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Then there is the building of the Temple. God gave incredible detail to King Solomon, and everything was accomplished according to this order and this plan.<br />
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So, the next time we shrug off the thought of structure or strategy and hint at it being unspiritual, I guess we need to go back to The Book. And maybe it is a good thing to learn from other professions and adopt what will work for us, and help us fully accomplish some of the things that God has laid before us. Seems that strategy and structure is scriptural after all. And SOUND! <br />
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<br />HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6415295849263147623.post-33209805060946244782013-05-30T19:30:00.001-07:002013-05-30T19:30:15.907-07:00And THEN.....Yes, well, okay. Since that last post, well- we have travelled a bit. That was March. Then we were on the road. Then we had no wi-fi. Well, then Mom got sick and I flew back to Illinois to help her out while she was in the hospital. Then I flew back. Well, not actually. You see we were in Arizona and so I flew from Phoenix. But then Steve headed north so I returned to Las Vegas. But we weren't really staying in Vegas. Well, he did pick me up there. Then we camped in the parking lot of a Casino somewhere east of Vegas. But that was only for the night. Then we stopped at Nathan's house in Utah. Then we headed north. We arrived in BC just before Easter. After church in town (Williams Lake) we drove out to our house in Chilanko Forks. But THEN Ruth had a medical emergency. So then I got in the car and drove to Seattle and flew to Denver and took a shuttle to somewhere and rode with a friend to the hospital in Steamboat Springs and then drove their truck back to her house in Kremmling. And then I stayed a week and took a shuttle back to Denver, flew back to Seattle, and drove back to Chilanko Forks. Then four days later we drove the Toyota and the Truck into Williams Lake and camped in the backyard of friends. But then in the morning we loaded the little Corolla and headed to Alaska. We drove all night the first night, taking turns. But then we were exhausted and so we stayed in a hotel in Whitehorse. We got up in the morning and then drove to Wasilla, where we stayed with Sarah and her family. But then after four days we left there and drove to Lazy Mountain, where InterAct has their property and where there will eventually be a really cool (or kewl) leadership/discipleship program. And then we moved into this empty house. We "horsed" temporary things from the big building, across the street, and into the rental so that we could actually live. The Corolla only had room for clothes, pillows, and 3 cast iron fry pans along with the crock pot. And THEN it was time for the Mission Conference. We went to the conference and then started adjusting to life here. We had a couple of weeks where we just lived in one place. And THEN I drove Steve to Anchorage and he flew back to Seattle. Then he stayed with our niece for one night and then got on a bus and travelled to Bellingham and then he stayed with friends. And then they drove him across the border and he got on a bus. And then he got to Williams Lake, and got our truck. And then he drove back to Chilanko Forks and cleaned out the last things in our house. And then he drove to Williams Lake and stayed in the WalMart parking lot in the camper, and then he drove to Seattle to get a trailer. And THEN....Steve had a HUGE, HUGE birthday all by himself!!!<br />
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So NOW...I am still in Alaska, and Steve is driving back from Seattle. And THEN he will have some friends come in a few days, get the U-Haul, and drive our things to Alaska. And then they will fly out on June 10. And THEN.........Staying put, with ALL the frying pans?HorsmanNorthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09697926930268513642noreply@blogger.com0