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Underground Work

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Horizontal Drill working at Resurrection

Horizontal Drill working at Resurrection

This week at Resurrection there has been plenty of working going on, but most has been invisible. A horizontal drilling machine was on site and it drilled a 350 foot tunnel under our parking lot so that a sewer pipe could connect our building to the county sewer line. It encountered rocks and layers of stone that slowed progress but the drill eventually broke through and the connection made.

Meanwhile our pumpkin patch continues to flourish and will soon be ready for our annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 6. The small seedling that were planted last June have flourished over the summer and more than 500 pumpkins that were once hidden by leafy vines are now visible.   They are ready for the harvest.

Harvest Festival brings much joy.

Harvest Festival brings much joy.

The Harvest Festival is a celebration of local farm heritage and your participation is encouraged, both as volunteers and participants.  Discover how you can help make this day special by volunteering here.

All this underground work reminds me of Jesus’ parable in Mark 4.

Jesus also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Jesus’ parable states that the kingdom is growing all around us, often in invisible ways that we do not fully comprehend. Jesus calls us to be faithful in scattering the seed, God’s Word of promise and hope for all people.  The Word is often mysterious in how it calls people to faith in God.  I am one who wants to see tangible results right away, but God’s Word sometimes needs to be like the horizontal drill, pushing through a stony sinful heart. I need to persevere in my spreading of God’s Word.   The harvest of faith will eventually come.  And oh what joy comes with the harvest!

I am confident that all the underground work done this week will eventually bring glory to God’s kingdom. We need to remain patient in our trust of God’s promise of a fruitful harvest.

In what ways have you had to be patient with God’s underground work?

Lord Jesus, work your Word into my life and world.

Days Six, Seven and Eight: A Peaceful End

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My final days hiking on the PCT had a certain lightness of being. First, my pack was becoming lighter as I consumed my daily granola, tortillas and trail mix. Second, my legs and heart had strengthened during the daily routine of hiking up and down mountain passes. Third, after my fall in Sitkum creek, my loss of glasses gave everything a kind of dream-like quality. Finally, I had been using my phone as a camera and the battery began to die so I took fewer pictures.  All this meant that I simply tried to be in the moment.

On day six, I was traveling along some of the most beautiful alpine country in the North Cascades. The alpine lupine and Indian paintbrush were abundant. The clouds cleared from around Glacier Peak and it remained the dominate peak to my north even as I hiked south.

Another blogger’s picture of Lake Sally Ann.  (Theo’s Roaming and Rambling)

The temperatures rose and I decided to take a quick dip in Lake Sally Ann. The cold water renewed me after miles of dusty hiking.

Blocked TrailAfterwards I came to a section of trail where a winter storm had blown down scores of trees across the trail.  Later I met a trail crew that was slowly clearing the many down trees. I say “slowly” not because they were lazy, but rather because in Glacier Peak Wilderness Area they could only use hand tools. No gas power chain saws were allowed.

That night I camped at a small campsite near a small stream, thankful for the trail crews, the silence and the trail itself.  The trial has many similarities to life.   Though the path may be blocked at times, God shows a way around the obstacles.

On day seven I enjoyed a fine lunch on Grizzly Peak and a delightful afternoon swim in shallow Lake Janus.  I had one last look at Glacier Peak before the trail dropped over a ridge.

My last look at Glacier Peak

My last look at Glacier Peak

My final campsite was by Lake Valhalla, only six miles from Steven’s Pass. The last morning on trail had a relaxed tempo. I knew that three of my four siblings would meet me on the trail around noon, so I took my time packing my tent and eating breakfast. I even relaxed in a mountain meadow to read for a time.

End of the Trail with Kris and Rob

So thankful for my sister Kris, my brother Rob, and my sister Kathleen (taking the picture) who gave me a ride back to Seattle.

Less than a mile from Steven’s Pass, my siblings spotted me and we took a couple of pictures. They still wanted to hike a bit more, so they continued on up the trail while I headed to the car to clean up and change clothes.

In spite of the fall in Sitkum Creek and the lost glasses, I truly enjoyed my trip. The high alpine meadows, the majestic forests, the craggy peaks and the meandering trail all speak to my soul. I felt renewed and refreshed as I drove with my siblings back to Seattle. Though the Psalmist in Psalm 48 was writing about Mt. Zion, I take a much broader perspective, seeing all mountains with such beauty.

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised
in the city of our God.
His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation,
is the joy of the whole earth.

I am already pondering my next mountain trip. And yes, in case you are wondering, I will pack an extra pair of glasses and my hiking stick.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your peace that surpasses all human understanding.

Day Three: Trail Encounters

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My backpacking trip was a solo one. However the Pacific Crest Trail has become quite popular with books like Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail proclaiming its merits. Though I was hiking in one of the most remote wilderness areas of Washington, every day I encountered other backpackers.

Vista Creek ViewAs I climbed away from the Suiattle River along the  ridge above Vista Creek, I encountered  small groups of hikers: two young men making a five-day loop around Glacier Peak and a father and daughter out for several days. I did encounter several people who were also hiking the same section of the PCT that I was, except they were all hiking south-to-north (Steven’s Pass to Stehekin) while I was going north-to-south.

A short video clip from a high ridge near Glacier Peak (you may need to use “full screen” button to see it.)

From the start I was wondering when I would encounter my first through-hiker. A through-hiker on the PCT is someone who hikes the entire 2600 mile trail in one season. The most popular route is to start at the Mexican border in late April or early May and reach the Canadian border before the snow covers the trail in late September.

I encountered my first through-hiker in the rain my first day. He was a young man, in his early twenties, anxious to reach Stehekin and resupply. This was the front of a long train of hikers. I discovered that most of these early pace-setters were covering 30-35 miles a day! They started at daybreak and continued to hike until it was dark. They rarely had time to stop and chat with some one going in the opposite direction.

Lint at the Canadian Border of the PCT

The one exception was “Lint” (trail name: through-hikers often give each other some fanciful nick-name): a tall, bearded man, who stopped to chat with me on my third day. He had hiked the PCT several times and asked me if I had stopped to eat at the bakery in Stehekin. I told him I had stopped but did not buy anything. He jokingly chastised me for “making the biggest mistake of your trip. That bakery has the best food on the whole trail and is served by only the friendliest staff. I ALWAYS stop at Stehekin.” He had slowed this day because he knew he would have to wait until Monday for the first shuttle bus; he only needed to cover 25 miles on Sunday to reach the High Bridge.

A few minutes later I passed “Breeze” who had been hiking with “Lint” and she informed me that Lint was something of a legend on the trail.  Not only had he complete the PCT several times, but also had finished the Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the PCT) twice!  (You can read Lint’s trail blog here.)

Though I passed many people going north, I thought it odd that I was not passing or being passed by other hikers going south.  I think one reason I encountered so few people going south is because the main guide-book, The Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon and Washington, is written for people going north. The guide moves from south to north and it is difficult to take the narrative in reverse. (I tried and simple gave up, trusting in my own map reading skills.)

JVK hiker smallThat became a problem near the end of day three. The trail dropped off the ridge down into the deep valley of Milk Creek. I assumed that there would be a campsite near the bridge crossing, but discovered that there was not: the terrain was too steep. I was able to find a small level place for my tent not far up the trail. It was getting late and I had hike a tough 17 miles. As I drifted off to sleep, I was in awe of the hikers I had encountered.  I was also thankful for the many gracious people I have traveled with as a follower of Jesus Christ.   Jesus declared himself to be the way (John 14:6) and his way leads to many trail encounter.

Who have you passed in your life journey? What have you gained in the encounter?

Lord Jesus, you are the way. Thank you for our other wayfarers.

Day Two: Finding the Holy

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The primary lure of backpacking for me is the opportunity to visit isolated high alpine country: where a trail breaks out above the tree line and the vista opens up to snow-capped peaks. There are several place where one can drive to such regions. Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park near my boyhood home of Port Angeles is one such location.

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park

But simply driving to a vista takes away the challenge of the hike. As I started my second day of hiking, I knew that I would be entering my “sacred space” later that morning as I climbed towards Suiattle Pass, at 5800 feet. Shortly after starting, I needed to crossed Agnes Creek which had no foot bridge.

Already I was missing my trusted Leki hiking stick that I had used for years. I had forgotten to place it in my airline duffel when I packed my gear. Still I carefully waded across Agnes Creek without a problem, the ice-cold water reaching above my gaiters. In yesterday’s rain I had hiked in wet shoes; a stream crossing was no different. (Somehow I forgot that lesson three days later.)

As I climbed up towards the pass, some vistas did open up, especially towards Cloud Pass. I kept climbing towards Suiattle Pass and I looked forward to seeing deeper into Glacier Peak Wilderness. However I soon learned that Suiattle Pass, in spite of its higher elevation, is mostly forest with a few small meadows. The alpine flowers were gorgeous, the views less so.

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As I trekked down the other side of Suiattle Pass towards Miner’s Creek and eventually Suiattle River, I caught my first glimpse of Glacier Peak. Clouds surrounded the peak, but I could see a few of the many glaciers that cover it. Glacier is volcanic like Mount St. Helen’s and Mount Rainer and it is the fourth highest peak in Washington. It would take me two days to hike around it, mostly due to the arduous descents into and tougher climbs out of the deep river canyons that the melting glaciers feed. I was expecting some tough days ahead.

Glacier Peak from SuiattleAs I descended deeper into the forest, the trail became less rocky and more pedestrian. I found my pace quickening as I approached Suiattle River. I had heard stories about the old crossing of this river. In 2003 a rainstorm flooded the river and the bridge was wiped out, leaving fallen log for hikers to traverse.

Until 2011, the only way across the Suiattle River.

In September 2011 a new bridge was opened but it was built two miles downstream at a (hopefully) more secure spot. This added four miles to this section of trail, two miles down one side of the river and two miles up the other. I was anxious to get back to the high country, so I did not look forward to an extra four miles of river-bottom hiking. My disappointment turned to surprise.

After completing eighteen miles, I found a cozy camp site near the river. The next morning, I finished the hike to the new bridge and started back up the river along new trail.

As I trekked, I slowly realized that I was hiking through some old growth forest. Most of western Washington was heavily logged in the last hundred years, but for some reason this section was missed. Huge western red cedars stretched to the sky. I felt like I had stumbled into an ancient temple; the feel of sacred space surrounded and surprised me. I was awed and humbled.

A short video clip from the forest (you may need to “full screen” to see it.)

The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. Psalm 104:16

What space or place has surprised you with holiness?

Lord God, evoke within us the holiness of your kingdom.

Day One: Walking Wet

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The start of a hike has not only a loaded backpack but also plenty of emotions and thoughts: worries that I might have brought too much, too little or the wrong equipment; excitement for the unknown that I will discover or the challenges that I must endure; curiosity as to whom I will meet on the trail or what self-revelation will surface. Eight days and 104 miles proved to be enough time for all kinds of emotions and thoughts to bubble up.

Preparing to kayak with my brother Rob and sister Kris prior to hike

Preparing to kayak with sister Kris and my brother Rob prior to hike

My brother Robert graciously drove me from Seattle to Lake Chelan in Central Washington and accompanied me on the ferry to the far end of the lake. Without the assistance of my awesome brother (and sister Kris) I would not be able to complete many of the mountain backpacks that I have accomplished over the past decade. Gratitude for family was an underlying emotion from the start.

After 2.5 hours the ferry reached the village of Stehekin. The only vehicles in the village have been shipped by barge including the shuttle bus that rattled over 16 miles of dirt roads to High Bridge, mile post 2580 on the Pacific Crest Trail. I quickly picked up my pack and started down the trail.

Full pack at Stehekin

Full pack at Stehekin

Actually it was up the trail, since High Bridge was the lowest elevation (1587 feet above sea level) I would encounter on the trail. I was in a deep river canyon, slowly making my way to the high alpine country I love. After stopping for a trail lunch, I steadily climbed into a forest that was thick with brush in places making it difficult to see the trail at times.

The clouds thickened and a light drizzle began. I considered using my rain gear but decided my own sweat inside the rain jacket would be worse. I hiked on as the drizzle became a steady rain. With the sections of thick brush, clothing was soon soaked. I marched on.

Having grown up in Washington, I knew rain. If one keeps moving, the body stays warm. I was thankful that my recent purchase of a broad rim hat kept the rain off my face and glasses.

Here is a short video of the wet brush, (you may need to use “full screen” to see it.)

I arrived at Cedar Camp at 5:30 pm, ten miles from High Bridge, soaking wet. I set up my tent, changed to drier, warmer clothes and greeted the others camping at this site. I discovered some were from Holden Village, a nearby Lutheran retreat center. I met Ben Stewart, a pastor and professor from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I informed him that a new presiding bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, had been elected at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly the day before.

As I talked with other hikers from Holden, the forest continued to drip with mist and showers.  I was reminded of a phrase that I learn when I had visited Holden years ago, that as Christians “we walk wet.” The phrase was a reminder of our baptism into Christ. Though the water of our baptism may have long evaporated, we are still renew each day by the promises of our baptism, that we are beloved children of God, empowered by the Spirit. That thought warmed me as much as the freeze-dried chicken-and-rice meal I ate. I was “walking wet” in the wonder of God’s creation.

How do you walk wet?

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gifts of creation, family, church and renewal.

A Leap of Faith by guest blogger Sarah Storvick

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ImageRenovaré. Reno-what? Renovaré is a Latin word meaning ‘to renew’, and for me, it also names a new adventure, begun August 1. In February, I discovered the Renovaré Institute of Spiritual Formation while researching continuing education opportunities. I was slightly familiar with Renovaré, having purchased resources from them, and through a relative who serves on their teaching staff. The program kept pulling at me; other opportunities did not. The two-year commitment seemed substantial, yet do-able. The reading list contained books I’d been eyeing. A couple of the key founders and teachers, namely Dallas Willard and John Ortberg, were Christian leaders I admired. Some travel is involved, but I have a relative who works for an airline. Yet the commitment seemed demanding on top of fulltime work, the cost would impact our family, and the deadline to apply was almost immediate. And as we say in the office, I’m a crockpot rather than a microwave, preferring to let things simmer before making any big decision. Both my husband Jon and Pastor John offered encouragement, and I was able to gather the needed recommendation letters. So I jumped, taking a leap of faith. Acceptance into the program, with a cohort of 40 students from around the world, affirmed this new venture.

My reading and writing began this month, and I’m already a little daunted by that. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard is filling my evenings and challenging me in welcome ways to live what the author describes as the ‘with-God life’. I am beginning to meet my fellow students via e-mail and facebook, a fascinating group of people serving and working in God’s kingdom all over the world ~ a Compassion International staff person living in Thailand, a retiring seminary president from Pennsylvania, a writer from England–all striving to grow as disciples, whether living in Auckland, New Zealand, or Woodbury, Minnesota. Each of us hopes to be transformed by the renewing of your minds (from Romans 12:2) and was drawn to some aspect of Renovare’s mission to ‘resource, fuel, model, and advocate more intentional living and Spiritual Formation among Christians and those wanting a deeper connection with God. A foundational presence in the Spiritual Formation movement for over 20 years, Renovaré is Christian in commitment, ecumenical in breadth, and international in scope.”

Another intent of the program is that students will share what they learn in their own communities; I will have projects to complete that I hope can be of value to the Resurrection family. In the meantime, I welcome your prayers as together we continue to seek the Vibrant Life of faith in Jesus Christ.

Whatever leap of faith God is inviting you to take, I would love to hear more about the excitement, the hesitations, the fears, and the joys that so often accompany His call. How is God offering renewal to you?

A Journey Begins

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48 JVK at Spectacle Lake Aug 6I am posting this the day I start a planned seven night backpack in the North Cascades of Washington state. My brother is driving me to Chelan, WA where I will take a 2.5 hour boat ride up Lake Chelan to Stehekin. From there I will take a ten-mile bus ride to the High Bridge on Agnes Creek and begin hiking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), heading south to Steven’s Pass, approximately 104 miles.

My son and I did a section of trail in the summer of 2009 when I was on sabbatical. We hiked from Steven Pass to Snoqualmie Pass and had a grand adventure. This year I am going solo but expect to see lots of hikers on trail, including thru-hikers who started the PCT at Mexican border last May.

backpack readyI have gotten my pack weight to under 30 pounds, including food for eight days. Since my last trip on the Superior hiking trail I have purchase a lighter sleeping bag and pad. I have also tweaked the amount of food. I may experience a few hunger pains, but I wouldn’t starve.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been reading John Muir. Here is a quote that I might memorize.

Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grass and gentians of glacier meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of Nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but Nature’s sources never fail. … The petty discomforts that beset the awkward guest, the unskilled camper, are quickly forgotten, while all that is precious remains. Fears vanish as soon as one is fairly free in the wilderness. (John Muir, Our National Parks)

Though I may argue some with John Muir’s theology, I certainly resonate to his love of creation. All creation sings of God’s glory.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it.  Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth.  He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.   Psalm 96:1-13

I will post my reflections upon my return.

Seething White-fire Enthusiasm

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Monday I am headed to Washington state on vacation to visit family and to backpack.  I am looking forward to spending about a week on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking north of Steven’s Pass.

I feel in love with the mountains as teen-ager. My first backpacking trip was at age 15 with some friends to Lena Lake in Olympic National Park. I continued to hike as often as I can. Recent hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail and in Rocky Mountain National Park have become posts on my blog.

I find spiritual renewal in being on trail. I have been reading selections of John Muir’s writings from Richard Cartwright’s book Baptized in Wilderness: A Christian Perspective on John Muir.  Muir’s travels in the wilderness of the American west evoked spiritual rapture. Writing about his first summer in Yosemite Valley,

John Muir, American conservationist.

John Muir, American conservationist. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now we are fairly high into the mountains, and they are into us. We are fairly living now. What bright seething white-fire enthusiasm is bred into us–without our help or knowledge. A perfect influx into every pore and cell of us, fusing, vaporizing by its heat until the boundary walls of our heavy flesh tabernacle seem taken down and we flow and diffuse into the very air and trees and streams and rocks , thrilling with them to the touch of the vital sunbeams. Responsive, we are part of nature now … How glorious the conversion. (p 11)

When I read Muir I am reminded of the psalmist who writes that all creation can give glory to God.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!  (Psalm 148:7)

Though I do not worship the creation, the beauty and glory of God’s creation can fill my soul with “seething white-fire enthusiasm” and wonder.

How does the wonder of creation touch your soul? Are there special places where you find God’s Spirit present?

Lord Jesus, renew me through the wonder of your creation.

Family Mission Trip

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This week I have a guest blogger, Tonya Bushard. Tonya is a friend and member of Resurrection Lutheran Church and she writes about her recent experience on a family mission trip.

Tonya writes,
We took our family service journey a little more local this year. Last year, the Bushard family went to Eagle Butte, SD to join about 40 others on a Youthworks multi-generational mission trip. We stayed on an Indian reservation. After a great first experience, two other families joined us for another. This time, we did a family mission trip in Superior, WI.

Mission Trip Bushard 13 3  The overall concept of these pre-planned mission trips is to spend ample time as a family and serve a broader community through various service projects. We stay overnight in a host church where we worship, eat and play with several other families from around the Midwest. This year, we assisted a nursing home with some outdoor landscaping chores, joined residents indoors at a nursing home to play games, helped our host church with their large monthly public food pantry and did a little painting at another church.

The daily service projects inspired us to brainstorm how we could go home and continue to serve in our own community. We have decided to build relationships 1 mile from our home at the local nursing home. We plan to attend their activity time to play cribbage or just stick around to chat with the residence. And we are also hoping to bring our lapdog, Coco, to help us serve.

Mission Trip Bushard 13 1The most rewarding piece of the trip for us is the combination of appreciation from those we served and watching the spirit of service grow in our children. Each of my children had a great experience of love and service.

Zoe, “The people at nursing home smiled when they saw us. They had fun playing trivia with us. I am excited to get to know some of the people at our nursing home.”

Alex, “I love playing games so going to the nursing home to play cribbage with the guys was fun. They were competitive like me.”

Zack, “I felt God sent me to play with the boys who lost their mom and had a sick dad. I made their week go by faster and they had fun.”

Mission Trip Bushard 13 2It is a great reminder of our blessings and Jesus’ call to help those in need. Our ability to immerse ourselves in service and fellowship by serving out-of-town is very unique and augments the overall experience; really brings it home. The youth and multi-generational trips are each four days. Our family mission trip was two days of service.

We were really happy to have two other families with us this year. We have such a great experience each year that we hope more and more families from Resurrection join in the opportunity in the coming years.

Bible Camps still needed?

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campwapo_bannerThis week I have invested my time and energy with the children and youth of Resurrection Lutheran Church. I have been at Camp Wapogassett near Amery, Wisconsin. The children and youth here love to  play large group games, sing and dance at campfire, hang with friends and be in an intentional, intensive Christian community.

Part of each day is devoted t0 studying the Bible as a cabin group. Though this may not be a child’s favorite part of the week, it is still a crucial part. After all, Wapo is a Lutheran BIBLE camp. There is a purpose to having our children and youth grounded in the stories and teachings of this ancient book.

When I was in college, I served as a camp counselor at a Lutheran Bible camp in Washington State. The program director one summer was a psychologist who was skeptical of the value in spending time each day in studying God’s Word. He thought we would be better off simply focusing on human relationships and how we love and care for one another in meaningful ways. He was a persuasive individual and he did help us see the value in building healthy relationships with the campers and each other.

Yet some of us challenged his assumption that spending time in the Bible was unproductive. We reminded him that our Christian love for one another is shaped and nurtured by God’s love for us. Without the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, our love can become sentimental and weak. Most of us were camp counselors because we had experienced God’s love in a powerful way through God’s Word. The Bible had touched our lives and so in turn, we want to share that “good news” with the children and youth who came to camp. I continue to see that same enthusiasm among the many counselors at Camp Wapo.

I recognize that taking time to study God’s word can seem boring to a child when there are nine-square games, swimming beaches and gaga pits just beyond the cabin walls. Still the very act of studying and discussing the stories of Bible plants the seeds of faithful living. I rejoice that we still have Lutheran BIBLE camps.

In what ways has Bible Camp touched your life?

Lord Jesus, bless and guide our Lutheran Bible Camps and their staff.