Category: Uncategorized

High Hopes

With this bitter cold January finally behind us I had high hopes that a hike on this first day of February might not feel so much like winter.  But it was not to be.  We had a couple of warmer days last week but another front had moved in by this weekend, bringing winds and colder temperatures.  At least it was high desert country hiking so there wasn’t any ice or snow to contend with.

We went on this 6.3-mile hike with a group from one of the Albuquerque senior centers. It was on BLM land, totally off any established trails. The leaders of the senior center hikes use handheld GPS devices to follow pre-recorded tracks of the hikes. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been a hike that we could have found on our own.

Greeted by a bitterly cold wind when we stepped out of the van it was time to bundle up.
Greeted by a bitterly cold wind when we stepped out of the van it was time to bundle up.

Starting out, there was some sun, but as the day progressed it became more overcast.
Starting out, there was some sun, but as the day progressed it became more overcast.
Across Hwy 550 looking southwest is another area we've hiked--a ridge visible in the distance is called Dragon's Back.
Across Hwy 550 looking southwest is another area we’ve hiked–a ridge visible in the distance is called Dragon’s Back.
Many gnarly trees hunched against the wind.
Many gnarly trees hunched against the wind.
Looking southwest towards Albuquerque, Sandia Mountains in the distance.
Looking southwest towards Albuquerque, Sandia Mountains in the distance.
Descending one of several canyons.
Descending one of several canyons.
Yellow lichen growing on rocks.
Yellow lichen growing on rocks.
Cabazon Peak to the northwest, across Hwy 550.
Cabazon Peak to the northwest, across Hwy 550.
Mesa edge view.
Mesa edge view.
A sheltered rock alcove to stop and eat lunch.
A sheltered rock alcove to stop and eat lunch.

The GPS track on Every Trail.

Infected by a Bug?

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As the 2014 cold and flu season is in full swing, maybe you’ve had the misfortune of being infected with one of the many germs floating around out there. If so, you have my sympathies because there is nothing worse than being sick.

I’m happy to report that Lee and I have both managed to stay healthy through this long and chilly winter. But thinking about infections from germs, brought to mind our experiences yesterday ministering to a group of women at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

We went there to share with them the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. So many lives in that place are in desperate need of hope and joy. We left there ourselves filled to the brim with a fresh outpouring of God’s peace and joy.

The group of 15 women who came into our classroom walked through the door with a sense of excitement and anticipation at what God was going to reveal to them through the worship songs and study of His Word. Our God is a faithful God and He did not disappoint us. His loving presence was there in all that took place. It was like an infection spread to each one of us–an infection of love, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit.

I believe that when the women left to go back to their cells they each carried with them a germ of that infection. God can use what was imparted to them to infect everyone they come into contact with and I pray that is what will happen. Instead of a spread of negativity and discouragement in that place I’m praying for a spread of God’s love.

Maybe you are not yet a believer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. But as you think about how germs can spread an infection, I encourage you to turn your thoughts to positive ways that we can cause good things to spread to others around us. You might be surprised to discover how infectious a simple action like a smile and a kind word can be to those around you.