What would you do if you knew you wouldn't fall?

I saw this question on one of my campers' gmail chat message. It made me think. And I'm still thinking about it.

What would I do if I knew that I wouldn't fall?

What dreams in my heart have I not let sprout?
What would I learn if I had the courage to try?
What would I say if I knew it would be heard?
What would I become if I thought I could?
What would I build if I knew it would last?

Then what is the risk? What is the fear?
What are the doubts between me and there?
The fear is I'm small, incapable, and slow.
The risks maybe measured from sky to ground!
And doubts only multiply the wind within.

But what use is a dream if it never sprouts?
What shelved wisdom has saved a life?
What thought unspoken changed the world?
What old oak grew strong without wind?
What doubt built a better brick then hope?

The View From Goose Ridge

The View From Goose Ridge - Watching Nature, Seeing Life

"Cheryl Bostrom listens. Her observations are fresh and unique. In a reluctant stray cat, she sees her own independent heart. In seeds randomly scattered by birds and wind, she sees our too-frequent, careless words. In fly larvae, she recognizes God's perfect timing and abundant provision. She even finds God's grace in fender benders and cow manure."

My God Camps

After God gave David victory over the warring nations around him the land was quiet for a time from the turmoil of war. David got to feeling rather bad that he was living in a cedar house and he wanted to build God a permanent dwelling.

Through the prophet Nathan, God brought this incredible message;

Why do you want to build Me a house? I haven't ever lived in a house! Ever since the children of Israel left Egypt I have only ever moved about in a tent! In all the places where I walked with the children of Israel have I ever asked anyone - even a leader - to build me a fancy house of cedar?

David, I took you from following sheep and now you are the king of Israel. Have I ever left you? No, I have been with you wherever you have gone, removing all enemies and obstacles and I have made you famous on the earth.

But far more than this - I will make a place for my people - permanently planting them - so that they can have a place of their own. Good land with elbow-room. No more nomadic lives shifting here and there. No more will you be homeless hobos abused by bullies bigger then you.

David, listen - I am going to make you a house! You don't need to stress about providing for your descendants either. Because when your days are completed and you go to rest, I will make a solid kingdom for your son, and it will be his life work to build a house for me. I will be his Father, and he will be My son, I will direct his steps and My mercy will not give up on him. Your kingdom will be established forever."

And King David went and sat down on the ground in the tent of the King of the Universe and said; "Who am I . . . O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?" And he praised God and accepted the promise. Samuel 7.

My God is not haughty or distant. I do not need to impress Him.

My God enjoys the simple things of life.
My God likes to camp with me.
My God likes to sleep under the stars.

Salty and Fresh Water

These pictures are from Thanksgiving '09 Florida excursion with my roommate

A fancy feathered fellow who was more than willing to pose!

We actually did not swim very long :) The water was quite cold and the beach was very windy - but it was fun to play in the waves for a little bit!

Wikiva Fresh Water Springs - Full of fascinating wildlife!

Countless water birds

Off to the mother spring of this pristine ecosystem. It was thrilling to snorkel downstream with the fish and turtles and underwater

This pic. is from the internet - but gives an idea of what it was like!
"Gushing from a cave at the rate of 26,000 gallons of water a minute, Rock Springs flows from the base of a 17-foot limestone cliff." Some incredible freshwater snorkeling!

Downstream Laziness

Every Superhero Needs Help!

This past semester I accepted a position providing childcare at a local Methodist church for two reasons. 1: To help make ends meet. And 2: I have found it a spiritual imperative to keep a connection with my community - outside and detached from my Adventist circle. It keeps my vision open, identifies local perceptions / needs, and freshens the religious aspect of my cultural competency.

I love my job there! The kids teach me so much!
Complex lessons in simple language.
Lessons of organization, gentleness, consistency, diplomacy, marketing, influence, transparency, stewardship... but most of all the lesson of redemptive love.

When they enter my room some are tired, some are bouncing, some are angry, some are excited, and some are quiet . And some are everything times 10. And each is brimming with potential.

They cook me fabulous plastic meals of shiken, swimp, special ingredients - and everything is covered in chocolate of course! They draw me pictures of their houses, tell me how old their parents are, and put plastic bugs in my hair.

I draw them story pictures, listen to their tall tales, join in car races, clean up spills, teach them how to pray, and read them my favorite children's books. It is my goal that each child will know thatI respect them as individuals and love them deeply... and that they will begin to know that God does too.

This past Sunday I had, at the fullest time, a total of 17 four-year-olds. I'll introduce you to one of them;

River has energy zinging inside of him like electrons around the nucleus! His bowl-cut hair follows his head to add emphatic emphasis for every sentence and his brain must function at least 15 words ahead of his mouth. He loves to drink Emmilaide, talk about Scooby-Do, instruct all the other children how to play. He was sitting at the table designing a six-wheeled race car when I asked him;

Me: Do you want to design cars when you grow up?
River: No!!! I want to be a superhero!!! And save people!!!
Me: How will you do that?
River: Probably with a little help from you!