June 19, 2011

June 17, 2011
Psalm 20

I spent a great two days singing Barbershop at Apple Corps. It was a great deal of fun. Spent both Afterglows in the bar singing tags until the "wee small hours of the morning."

God,
Thank you for music. Amen.

June 19, 2011
Psalm 22

Wow, what a long day. I preached at the Smithfield Christian Church. This is a beautiful church in the small town of smithfield, OH. After the service, I headed out for the big town of Erwin, TN about 7 hours away.
I have to confess, I have the pre-hike jitters. Do I have the stamina to do the hike? Some of this hills are very high up to 6000 ft. The last time I hiked, I had some severe knee pain. While conditioning, I have felt twindges of that pain. Will it come back and prevent me finishing my hike? I stopped at the Walgreens and picked up a knee brace. Now i have one for each knee. I would rather carry the extra weight and not have problems than to have an issue and not have a brace.

As i was driving on I26 I could see Roan Mountain at over 6000 ft. Tonight I am sleeping at 1700 ft. In three days I hope to be at the top of Roan Mountian. To get there, I will have several climbs but the longest is 6 miles long. The good news is that it isn't as steep the northbounders have. They climb to same altitude in half the distance, so that is really steep. I am happy to be a southbounder. I am excited that I have hiked less than 50 miles but have already raised over $1000 for these ministries. I am hoping for $5000.

Lord,
As I stand on the edge of the beginning of our journey together, I feel like that writer of Psalm 22. I have this challenge ahead of me that is both exciting and frieghtening. Make me aware of your presence as we begin this journey together. Open my heart and mind to discover your word for me. Amen.