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 […]

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 […]

Were the Gospel Writers Biased?

How can we trust the Gospel writers? Weren’t they biased about Jesus?  Weren’t they Christians who were just trying to get everyone else to believe what they believed? This topic recently came up during my jail ministry.  I gave my best answer to the inmate who asked, and later thought it might make a good topic […]

Hiking Solo But Afraid of the Dark

I will admit it.  As much as I enjoy backpacking solo there have been a few times when I found myself wishing I wasn’t alone as the sun went down. You may know what I’m talking about: when the long, friendly shadows cast by a glowing sun suddenly morph into sinister-looking shapes that scurry behind trees or stop moving […]

The Allure of Backpacking

Years ago I was telling a lady that I was going to spend a week’s vacation backpacking.  She was intrigued as we talked about my plans.  Then, it suddenly dawned on her that I was going to spend a week in the woods without taking a shower.  She stopped me at that point.  She explained that her idea […]

Was Jesus a Coward?

This question was sincerely asked by a friend who was not trying to by funny or sacrilegious. He had made an observation from scripture and had an earnest question.  I am drawn to earnest questions, regardless of how outlandish or edgy they may sound.  In fact, I relish those inquiries. Here is how my friend’s question […]

Hiking Solo

My hiking career didn’t begin as a solo venture, and I’m very glad that it didn’t.  I didn’t have the skills, know-how, or courage to go alone.  Instead, I tagged along with a couple of guys who had a little more knowledge than I did.  Yet, it wasn’t their woodcraft that kept me in their company.  Rather, I […]