Projects Ahead

Recently a friend of mine posted how far he has been able to work through his project list on his new home since he moved. He had accomplished much in a relatively short time. It made me think how much I don't really think in terms of lists of projects. But I am learning. I have a couple left on my summer 'honey do' list. And I'm thankful that even though I am back at school, summer isn't officially over for several more weeks. I may make that one yet. I used to say that I like to be spontaneous, but many times that was a mere cover for being afraid of not getting anything done or getting it done poorly. It was more a problem in me, about me, than a positive aspect of my personality. Well, one of the little tools I have learned to help keep me accountable is a posted list, so here goes...looking at my first semester. 1. Completing my summer honey do list. 2. Working on the PastorServe website: focusing on the front page and some structure issues, with a company that can do the work. 3. Listening to long series of teaching by David Powlison about the Dynamics of Biblical Change. 4. Reading the following week's preaching text in Greek. 5. Getting into a small group with Jane. Well, there it is. I said it. Now, by the power of the Lord, I'm heading off to the fall and looking to see what He'll do that is more than I can ask or imagine! (But first back to facebook and brag up my list some!)

Thanks to Johnny Cash

Hang on cowboys. You too, mountain guys. The song is a comin'. But first, thanks to the man in black, Johnny Cash, for the inspiration. I heard his name associated with one of my favorite pastor/teachers--Tim Keller. The quote goes something like this: Tim Keller is like Johnny Cash. His material is always getting ripped off and he never gets the credit. Thanks Johnny, it's burnin'. And thanks, Tim, it's always grace. "I'm goin' higher" The top is beautiful thing It makes me sing I can see everything A goal I long to reach It’s up and back And then I teach But I sat down cause my legs they were on fire My lungs they burned But my friends all pointed higher and soon I’m up I’m going higher I’m going higher Soon we’ll be up there But where’s the air Give me a chair I’m walking Not doing much talking Oh where’s the air Give me a chair So I sit down cause my legs they are on fire My lungs they burn My friends all point much higher And I keep on goin’ Oh I am a trier to get much higher When we reach the top Oh then we’ll stop And go back down Then’s the time to say It was an easy day When we’re back in town Cause then we’ll sit and our legs won’t be on fire Our lungs won’t burn We don’t have to go no higher And our friends will say ‘Oh you’re a climber. Oh you’re a climber!”

Back from the Mountains

The middle of August is here and I made it back from the mountains safely. Two groups of Men from Colonial, an in between adventure and now it's back to school time for me. So what did I learn this year? We had incredible hikers and climbers. They did great--in spite of a downpour on the very first acclimation hike. We wondered what would happen the next day, God gave us great weather, and Pastor Paul Parsons showed up to climb with us. Glorious. The second day, 16 of 19 went climbing--an all time high percent! Everyone made at least one summit and many got both Grays and Torreys. Congrats, gents. The Snowmass adventure was just as much fun, even without such great success. Six of us started an eight mile plus hike 2500 vertical feet up a valley about fifteen minutes before it decided to rain on us. My rain pants dragged me down, the puddles made it hard to walk, my pack was too heavy and I was pooped. We camped partway up the trail and completed the hike on the second day. On Friday, as we climbed, I found an easy bail out space and let the others attempt the summit. They got turned around by the weather. We all got rained on, hailed on, and there were plenty of crack-booms!!! The hike out was a quick four hours and get in the car looking for a triple cheeseburger with bacon. The second climbing trip was also superb. Wonderful weather, almost everyone summited Evans, some good second day climbing and even an attempt on Quandary by moonlight. Crazy-talk. And what did I learn??? That the Lord is far more in love with us than we will ever be in love with Him. He draws us to himself. He woos us. He calls to us. He delights in us. He is sufficient. And I will follow Him. You can check out some photos at my photobucket page, right here.

Next week, I'll get the words for my song up!

grace

Dan