I have a tendency to over-think things. At times this has caused me a lot of grief. When a problem comes my way, or I’m offered some type of challenge, I tend to amplify that situation by excessive thinking. I can over-analyze something to death. In-depth analysis, however, has not always been burdensome. Sometimes it […]
Applying Permetherin to My Hiking Clothes
Here in Pennsylvania, as well as many other Appalachian states, ticks are a major concern for the outdoorsman. Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that attach themselves to a host and then gorge themselves on the host’s blood. They are especially troublesome because they can spread a number of diseases. Lyme Disease is probably the most […]
Why Are You You and Not Someone Else?
I’ve had this thought many times. Most recently, it occurred to me as I was in the check-out line at The Dollar Store. The clerk was a slightly overweight, 20-ish female with multiple body piercings and purple highlighted hair. As we briefly chatted, those oft-repeated questions bubbled to the surface of my mind again. Why […]
Why Does the Bible Condone Smashing Babies Against Rocks?
I was asked this question recently and thought it might be a good one to write about. It focuses on the final verse of Psalm 137, and might well be one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to reconcile. It’s a hard verse. You won’t find it on a greeting card and grandma won’t be needlepointing […]
What If There Were No God?
Although I suspect that most people believe that there is “something” out there, I recognize that many are convinced that there is nothing beyond this world. Generally speaking, these arenaturalists, who believe that the universe has anatural explanation, and that there is nothing outside of the material world. For the sake of argument, let me agree with […]
Anniversary Of My First Hiking Journal
It was 17 years ago today that I “published” my first hiking journal. I had accompanied two friends, “Dream Weaver” and “Week Knees” to hike the AT in Connecticut. We were spending our first night there in a church basement, getting ready for the next day, when one of them joked that I should “write […]
What To Do When You’re Lost In The Woods
It’s happened to me on more than just a few occasions. I’ve been hiking along a well-marked trail just enjoying my time in the woods when I suddenly notice that I haven’t seen a blaze in awhile. Dang. I’m not on the trail. At some point I’ve wandered off and now I’m lost. LOST! It’s pretty […]
Stop Claiming Jesus Is Returning Soon
If you look closely you’ll notice that the Church has a black eye. She’s had it for a long time. And, just when it seems like it’s going to heal, along comes another blow that brightens the bruise. The bruise that threatens to mar the reputation of the Church is the often-cited claim that Jesus […]
Planning the Impromptu Hike
This is part three of a three-part blog written by three backpackers (Dane, Rob, and Lance) all answering the same question: How Do You Find Time To Go Backpacking? Planning the Impromptu Hike, by Dane With all of our kids either in college or out on their own, one would think that my wife and I […]
Finding Time To Unplug From All Things Needing A Plug
By Rob (Backpacking Adventures) (guest blogger) Find time to go backpacking? Time? You think I can find time? I am a husband, and the father of two daughters ages thirteen and seventeen. My career requires about thirty weeks a year on the road. Then, there are my other hobbies of golf and playing music. There is no […]