BJ and me backpacking at Red River Gorge


We will be in Denton, Texas this weekend to speak at Gracepointe Church. This is Whitney and Jared's church, and Sunday afternoon the church is putting on a wedding shower for them. We look forward to being with them.


I am most thankful for the memories I have of backpacking, camping, and hanging out by a fire with BJ. We derived a great deal of pleasure in doing these things together.

I know I have written before of his creativity in coming up with games to occupy his time, in the woods. From 'tree sliding' to running down steep banks at top speed just to see if he could make it from top to bottom without falling, were among his ideas. (The trip pictured above is the place he invented 'tree sliding.')

My own passion for the outdoors is ever present. I confess I have not been very proactive in pursuing it while living in Tulsa, but my thoughts often involve being back in God's Creation.

My pulse races at the sound of movement of unseen wildlife behind brush lined embankments. I love finding tracks on the forest floor and trying identify then follow them.

The autumn is most beautiful with its awesome display of color, deep reds, bright yellows and vibrant oranges. The palette covers the canopy above the footbed below as many leaves bail out early at the seasons change.

There is such wonder in what our Father in Heaven has created. For me, I will always feel closer to Him when out among His handy work. Seeing His brooks carving and winding their way through the wilderness, and watching His creatures frolic near the shores, stirs something within me.

Being in Love with Jesus, is being in love with His Creation...all of it. It is a fantastic reminder of His majesty if we can get out and mingle with the beauty all around us.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of all He has done. It is quite a gentle blessing to walk in the coolness of change, and forget about the rush of life for awhile. His beauty certainly does this for me. I trust He will remind you of those things He has done that bring you joy as well.

brent