I’m back in school and here’s some of the books that I’ll be studying:
Alright, I just want to try out my links.
I learned today that “Thru Hiking” is not only a term that describes what the Appalachian Trail (AT) hikers that go the distance do, but something that describes all those who are daring enough to blaze trails across the country.
Maps
9/2/2006
As I’ve thought about the AT, I’ve decided that I’m going to do it. From now until I finish premed classes I’m going to learn more about it, prepare and gather friends that are also interested in heading out on the journey with me.
The other day I received my video, Trek. It’s nearing 2 a.m. and I’m watching it. This will be one of the first things I’ve done to intentionally expose myself to what hiking the AT is going to be like. On Monday I found an article at work in Backbacker Magazine. A small blurb in the front talked about a new section to the site. It was my first visit to the site and it was to see their guide on what they called “the classic trails,” the Appalachian Trail, The Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
I’m also waiting to receive 2 trail guides for hiking the AT. I’m very excited! Since at work I’m looking into podcasts as a marketing meduim I decided to look for any AT podcasts…found one! I”m stoked. Some guy interviews hikers of the AT and gets real life insights into what it’s like.
Bottom line, life is fun, I’m livin’ it up.
Just talked to my cuz Matt. It’s been a LONG time, over a year perhaps. Good man. He suggested a couple really good books he’s been reading. They’re cheap and have really impacted him it sounds like. Thought I’d post:
There once was a lad ‘o long time ago
His bicycle, to be sure, was grand
The whitewalls were sturdy, the breaks in their prime
No equal did it have in the land
One sinister eve the man and his bike
Decided to challenge the law
Thought he, ‘If I’m quick, ‘ol Trixie and me
Can run and never be saw…seen.
So along sped the boy, no lights on his bike
‘Till past the old mounty he rode
With the speed of a puma he jumped in a bush
Then scurried back to his parents abode
Nervous and timid his conscience did wax
And his father no help tried to offer
Lessons must be learned, my boy needs to know
That transgressors in this life never prosper
So in his heart the boy pledged change
A new being he aspired to be
He’d teach the world not to ride lightless at night
For him, the choice no longer binary
Time rolled on and the boy upright grew
His accomplice in crime even turned a new tire
Now a father with kids, he taught them so well
Until one day some kids toyed with fire
A boy dropped in and asked out his darling girl
A biking date was planned and set
So the man took his cycle and patched up a hole
The streets hadn’t seen the last of ‘Ol Trixie yet
With a smile the man gleamed and hoped in his heart
That ‘ol Trixie would keep them from sin
Alas, his life goal, was shattered in two
When he asked if in the dark they had been
It was true, their bike ride was without lights and outside
And reminded him of his day in the bush
And just like him, they too felt the guilt
And decided ne’er more the law to push
The moral seems clear, but please lend me your ear
And indulge me as I utter and moan:
When the sun’s gone down, there’s no place in town
As safe and as lighty as home
by a nighttime rider
A news story caught my eye today. The headline read, “Rich man claims to be Jesus.” Curious about this claim, I watched the MSN Video. While not refuting biblical teachings of “donations,” this man claims that prayer isn’t necessary. He says that there’s no such thing as sin. He also says there’s no hell.
Interesting real life reflections on 2 Nephi 28 “And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none —and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.”
Just as my thoughts were leading me to recognize a modern day Korihor (anti-Christ) I spotted an ad for the *NEW* Desperate Housewives. It’s curious indeed that the media so often reports on the world’s ills and asks in apparently sincere tones why these things are happening; then they turn around and in the same breathe advertise “entertainment” that reinforces the baser instincts of human life. You can’t question the consequences of the actions that you applaude or even silently support.
As the video news stories rolled through their queue I was reminded in another way that the end is near. With vivid images of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction I pondered again the question that I’ve come to ask myself so often these days, “Do you have a testimony of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?” Perhaps an odd question to ask at this point you say? Maybe. But then again, we never know when we’ll be called home to stand before our Savior. I imagine that it will be pretty important at that time to have an answer to that question.
Perhaps the digital snippet of saddening haps that stirred my blood the most was the story on the new “morning after pill”. Referencing the sexual revolution that began back in the 1960s with the advent of the first “Pill”, birth control, the story spoke about the possibility that a similar change in sexual behavior may be on the way. The pill is called “Plan B” and will soon be available over-the-counter. To me the biggest potential negative effect of a pill like this is a further degradation of how we as a society see and value life.
We as a culture are continually seeking new and ever secret ways to hide from public view the consequences of our poor and bad decisions. Sure, we may hide our poor food habits with liposuction; we may mask our alcoholism with mouthwash and a cold shower; we may hide our sexual irresponsibility with pills and contraceptions, but when all is said and done, each poor decisions becomes part of who we are. Yes, we may overcome the effects of our bad choices I believe; however, the very real danger we run is to wake up one day, without the motivation to change our ways. We will then begin to lay the foundation of flawed character and the rewards we gain, will be just as flawed.
If negative news stories were saturated fat, the next Super Size Me video would have to be about how mainstream media is clogging our minds and dulling our desire to do good. I recommend that we eat news sparingly and make sure to include lots of service in our diets in order to keep our perspective clean and priorities in order. Perhaps the following will help us realign: