It Ain't No Climb for a Climber

This Nana's got some game! In many ways, I'm not just a spectator, but I'm in the game! Seems I still have enough tread on these tires -- to keep going! I know it is God Who gives me the strength and drive to keep playing!

This brings me to my week in Austin with my highly active family here. I shared about helping 15-year-old Brennan with his school project. Little did I realize that he wasn’t planning on standing in one set location. It was in multiple, precarious locations with downward paths about 300 feet to a creek that runs behind their home. It is not for the faint-of-heart as the steps can be narrow and steep. And, about that creek – uneven huge rocks were where his mom and I (the video crew) were recording. I laughed to myself that no one considered my young age in many awkward, precarious positions. My grandson said, “We just figure you’ll tell us if you can’t do it!” He's right. I don't plan to utter "can't" any time soon. The project was a huge success.

Then there's my 13-year-old Bryson, the rock wall climber, who wanted me to see Reimer’s Park (over 2,400 acres of wildlife refuge, mountain bike trails, hiking canyon and epic descending and ascending caverns trails, that run alongside the Pedernales River.) I assure you, the primitive and beyond-magnificent, rocky canyons and climbing walls, waterfalls, mammoth trees, and foliage are a sight to behold. That is, IF – you’re not so focused trying to stay upright and not falling, breaking something important. The sheer drop-offs have handhold chains bolted to the cliff help in the most treacherous area. Bryson was beyond patient with me, helping me manage the rough terrain. But, then, AHA! I had an epiphany! All I needed was a walking stick to help me maneuver. Bryson was up to the task to find me one. What confidence a walking stick can bring!

And if that day wasn’t excitement enough, we went again the next day with lunch in our backpack. Maneuvering the canyons and caverns came with more confidence with my walking stick. We enjoyed our PB&J’s on a huge boulder overlooking the river. Bryson dove from the boulders into the beautiful, clear river and swam to his heart’s content. I confess I am proud of myself that I ventured out beyond my comfort zone that resulted in memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for letting me document my “games” with my Austin grands. My phone in hand helps me "capture moments". I don’t want to have regrets about once-in-a-lifetime photo ops! I rarely miss opportunities to take up my grandchildren’s invitations to go somewhere or do something with them. They are my treasures. They hold places in my heart that are reserved just for them. But, also there are places in my heart that are reserved for God's voice to interrupt anything I'm doing. Not missing out on an opportunity to drop the God-word. Like when we came upon a "drifter" with his guitar and backpack. He said he lives everywhere. I said, “You must love to be here in God’s creation. Do you sense Him here with you?” And his response: “Oh, yes, Mam – that’s why I’m here.” After we bid him a good day, ahead was a slippery, uneven boulder that we needed to traverse. He quickly ran to me, reaching out his hand: “Can I please help you down?” His ever-so-gentle hand was welcomed. I like to think just maybe he was representing Jesus to me – reaching out to me as He does so often.

This life is too short not to be embracing places, people and moments that give us a breath of fresh air in giving and receiving. We are here at this moment of time, for a specific purpose that God gives for only us to fulfill. Let's be done with just going with the flow, and start living ALL-IN -- looking for over-the-top outrageous, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Then tomorrow, we'll look back and say, "I not only lived with game -- I conquered some mountains!"

Got Mountains?

Seattle is one of my favorite places to visit -- of course, the main reason is because my kids live there, but, coming from the plains, I have a great appreciation for the massive, magnificent Northwest mountains – the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Glacier Peak, and so many more. I’ve enjoyed hiking on them, fishing under them, driving through them, tubing and skiing down them. These amazing mountains were created by our Master Creator for a purpose, much of which is sheer enjoyment for His kids.

But, what about the mountains in our lives – those vast, enormous obstacles and circumstances that seem beyond overwhelming, that seem like a dead end to any progress forward? Our mountains might even be people who represent discomfort, annoyance, harassment, bitterness, and pain in our lives. We think that if only these mountains were removed, our lives might be more peaceful, comfortable, and a lot easier to be holy. And, we know Matthew 17:20 "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." But these “mountains” might just be the very perfect plan of our Creator (the same One, who created the majestic mountain ranges) to help us become and achieve what He created us to be and do. Everything we encounter in our lives are part of the undescribable love He has for us -- part of His Master plan.

There must be mountains to appreciate the valleys. And perhaps, God, in all His wisdom, is wanting us to scale those mountains. He is wanting us to hike up those mountains, for a “mountain-top experience” where we are refreshed, restored, nourished, and where we receive divine revelation. His revelation is always intended to grow our faith, strengthen our resolve, and equip us to take on any mountain that may be standing in our way.

As I was writing this message, in my head was this song -- I think it perfectly describes God's unfailing love song to us. I know it's a secular love song -- but, after all, God IS Love and He is a mountain-moving God.

"There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep ME from getting to you.

If you need ME, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call MY name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry

Remember the day
I set you free
I told you
You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want ME
Some way, some how

There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep ME from getting to you.