The more I learn about God, the farther from me he seems. Let me explain. Not particularly in our relationship, but in the huge gap between our natures. I read in biology about the tremendous complexity of the inner reaches of cells. I read in astronomy about the billions of trillions of stars, all needed for life on earth to exist. Then on last year’s trip to Sedona, I jumped on a backcountry jeep tour that took my level of God’s actions to an undreamed-of level. The guide could have been a geology prof, and he pointed out this cliff above. He got my attention by saying this was all underwater, even the top. Then he told us to look at…
Read MoreSix Days of Creation
Our geology “series” began with me kind of getting what I asked for: a basic geology text--but graduate level, Annals of the Former World by John McPhee. Here’s the next episode, as McPhee explores the six days of creation. Take a look at the pic, from the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, as we enjoyed a Happy Hour gazing at this cliff face from the restaurant’s outside patio. Count the strata if you dare, 100 or more. Then, realize that each layer was laid down by an ocean moving in, dropping material, often sand, then receding. Over 100 times. And at various points, all was below the surface of the water. Somewhat boggles the mind, does it not? And what we see as layers was all under the surface—until erosion.
McPhee tells of...
Read MoreBe Careful of What You Ask For
Driving with Dad up Highway 395, along the imposing eastern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains, seeing their peaks piercing the sky, their almost plumb plummet from the crest to the valley floor, and exposed granite, intrigued me. Yeah, “God created it all,” but the how did more than puzzle—it astounded. Some decades later a good friend, Dick Markano, a UCLA geology grad, led a group from our church into the Sierra backcountry, and an unintended geology lesson emerged with my questioning. That tantalized me, and I yearned to take a night course on basic geology. Yet that desire was too far down the priority list to punch through into action.
Then, almost by chance...
Read MoreHow Big is Your God?
Each bike trip seems to develop its own spiritual impact. One year my prayer and worship led to some conclusions about continuing a ministry. Another astounded me with the beauty of the northwest and Glacier National Park. Some deliver great times with long time friends and fellow followers of Jesus. But one year challenged the pattern. We rode 3800 miles in eight states, from near sea level to over 10,000 ft. What most struck me was what creation reveals about the Creator, and I still struggle to integrate it. Here’s why…
Read MoreLike...
I like metaphors, a comparison that helps us understand something we may not yet fully know with something we already know something about. And although I’ve followed God for 52 years, many aspects of him remain hazy, uncertain, even unknowable. But what’s around us can give us some hints, like…
Read MoreCreation Care
My recent camping/fishing Sierra trip stunned me with the natural beauty and how it all fits together—again. Funny how each trip does that. Mid October revealed the glory of golden aspen with the contrasting cedars and Ponderosa pines, the life-sheltering and beautiful streams, the awe-inspiring Milky Way at night. But heading home showed all isn’t well on Planet Earth. Lone Pine Creek was…
Read MoreSilent
Most of us have heard the line attributed to Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I like it, and in telling people about Jesus, we need to have love for him and people for our words to have credibility. But I sometimes wonder if…
Read MoreA Whole New World
On a recent flight to Alaska for the wedding of a good friend, this traveling man received quite a shock. I’ve ridden a motorcycle in all 50 states and flown over most of the contiguous US, and love how an airplane window seat provides a God’s eye view of the world. I traced our trek from San Diego to Seattle over the California coast, Mt. Shasta in NorCal and Crater Lake in Oregon, culminating in Mt. Rainier. But as we left Seattle for Anchorage, something happened that totally rocked my world…
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