i climb

And so it is...

2006-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

I have sold out to MySpace, and will now be doing all of my blogging at the following address:

http://www.myspace.com/theriskiestofbiz

Just how they were supposed to act...

2006-05-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Would it be ridiculous to remain completely unassuming when substitute teaching for an eighth grade health class? Fully unaware of this contemplation, I, "Mr. Riske", walked into the class with walls clad in anti-drug posters, completely oblivious to today's topic. Was it going to be about tobacco? Drugs? Maybe alcohol, perhaps? No, no, no, no. Today was 'Sex and the Reproductive System'. So after briefing the text's lesson I prepared for what I thought would be the worst.

I can't really blame them for how they acted. Honestly, they responded quite typically for middle schoolers who get to say "penis" and "vagina" in class without a referral. But what was to follow was what I couldn't have anticipated.

These kids, more like younger adults in some ways, started asking: "Why are we taught abstinence and then told to use condoms?"; and stating relevant facts about the number of people who loose their virginity before they graduate high school. These students were informed and curious.

I don't know if I did the best job and fielding the questions and forming in them a sense of responsibility and morality; but the opportunity itself was an honor and a blessing. With further steps being taken toward my new life in Utah, experiences like these further affirm my passion to help struggling youth.

The rundown:

2006-05-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

So about pacing myself...

To any that are interested enough to be reading this I thought I might owe you a little update on my "past life" as this is perhaps the only way in which we stay in "contact". Thus, the following highlights:

-I dated a girl, Michelle, who has been a very integral and stupendous part of my life until recently. And even still I have memories that will not cease any time soon.

-My Opa (German for G-pa) passed away in early February. And my cousin Josh passed in March from injuries caused by a roadside bomb in Iraq.

-A close friend Liz has recent gotten engaged, adding yet another matrimonial gala I have the extreme pleasure of attending. (They are one of those sick couples that make you want to be with someone, so that you could have what they have. I obviously don't mean the term 'sick' very seriously.)

-I passed out in class as a substitute teacher. I still have not heard the end of that occasion involving a junior-level anatomy class showing of a not-so-graphic cross-sectional movie, and more hyphenated words in one sentence than should be allow by grammar. (oh well)

-A Thursday night Bible study has been flourishing thank you to God's grace. Broken individuals trying to spiritually capitalize on the prevenient pursuit of Love. (Leave a comment with your email address if you would like to attend and receive the weekly email for this ministry).

-I have prayed hard about a job opportunity in Utah. Second Nature is a wilderness therapeutic recreational program of which I am now intending to be a part of. While I still have many steps to take in this process I am confident and even at peace about all that I would leave behind. The organization's website is www.snwp.com if you are interested in know about my job as an 'instructor' for their Entrada campus.

Well, I believe that should suffice for now.

"Sweet Night Good Heart"

2006-05-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is the title to a romantic comedy short found at atomfilms.com (see link at right).

search. find. enjoy.

So...about blogging

2006-05-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

After this recent 4 month hiatus, methinks I shall rekindle a commitment to wasting, nay, investing such time in this virtual monologue once more. That is all for now. I must pace myself.

Rock 'n Roll all night...

2006-01-07T19:31:00.001-08:00

..and, you guessed it, party everyday!

That was my good fortune this week after a call from Frank (my friend in a band from Indiana): "Anthony, we're playing in Mt. Pleasant at 7:00!" Throwing caution to the wind I ate dinner with the fam and made my journey to the show. But would this voyage end after the concert, a few good chats, and a sweet house party? Nay. I spent the next 52 hours with my bro dawgs and my life as an unemployed groupie was fulfilled 'til that fateful Thursday afternoon. Sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll thus brought my leave and home to Flint I returned.

You can listen to both Away With Vega and Husband and Wife (another band touring with them) at http://www.myspace.com/awaywithvega and http://www.myspace.com/husbandwife, respectively.

Top 10 (15) "Thingys"

2005-12-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

I was given the following list of "thingys" a friend of mine put together. I'm looking for feedback.

15) Don't ever reduce God to rules.

14) Sometimes bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. Don't let this affect your faith.

13) Do not equate Christ with church people. Just because someone goes to church, it does not mean they represent Christ.

12) Reading your Bible, praying, and going to church are a means to an end; not an end in themselves.

11) Following Jesus is falling down 10 times, but getting up 11.

10) The greatest person in heaven is the servant.

9) Do not be one of those "Christians" that sits around and talks about how bad things are getting in the world. Be the change you want to see in the world; bring heaven to earth.

8) Happiness does not come from money or possessions. Fight this temptation with everything you have. Peace triumphs possessions!

7) Do not play with sin. Sin always hurts, damages, and will lead to death if continued.

6) Learn to love your enemies. It is one of the secrets to true happiness.

5) Nothing is impossible with God! Don't ever grow up; the Christian faith belongs to the young at heart.

4) Question! Question everything! Don't ever settle for easy pat answers.

3) If you are not praying about your future spouse, family, and career; then you are asking for trouble. If left to ourselves, we tend to let money, looks, and ease guide our paths.

2) Life was meant to be lived! Live! Love! Be free! All men die, but few choose to live.

1) Never be afraid to say these words, "I love you". We all need to be loved and to love.

Simple pleasures by cruel parents or fate

2005-12-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

I see many people's names on packages in a day. Some familiar and some are not. But always a joy to break the monotiny of faceless words are the birthed or married names of poetry: thank you Alan Fahlen and Loretta Lauretto.

What is that smell?!?

2005-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

The previous post has also caused me to reflect on my fragrance as well. Though I am sure that my hasty running and inconsistent showering schedule do not make for a great scent, I realize that I too have a fragrance much deeper and more meaningful than that. Namely, the fragrance of God.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

Real American Heroes

2005-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

In my life I have a job. In this job I have responsibilities. In these responsibilities I run packages to people's houses. And this is where it happens everytime--a wafting. Yes, I smell the aroma of every person's abode upon delivery, and my how they vary! Some smell like wet dog. Some like cat. Some like cigarette smoke. And still others like nasty B.O. However there do exist those delightful visits to Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson's house roasting cedar in their wood-bruning stove. It is to these people of revitalizing aromas that I dedicate this blog. So here's to you Vanilla-bean-candle-mom and fresh-apple-cinnamon-pie-grandma! Without you my route would be a stale and revolting round.

Things are looking UPS

2005-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

So today was the first day on the ole seasonal UPS runs! To balance the pessimism of my various coworkers, I see the face of someone who is receiving a package. We all remember that feeling of seeing that red card in the window of our mailboxes. Now I am the messenger of such blessings. And who could ever pass up 'the browns'? While I expected my uniform to bare a sense of dullness, it is still to my chagrin to realize I look like a well-toasted Fluffy Puf't Marshmellow Man; or in the words of Meredith when I wear all brown, "a piece of poop". Alas, for three more weeks:

I deliver.

Could life get any better than this...

2005-11-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

...I submit that it cannot!

This past week I helped a best friend build a climbing wall, celebrated another best friend's wedding, and reunited with a best friend I thought I wouldn't see for far too long.

So, I stopped by Kristen's on the way out to Iowa. We had a great time and free Panera. We hung boards for her aspiring climbing wall in the barn behind her house. Friendship and passion. I continued my travels to the house of Mike Kaelber. My purpose: to visit and provide the commraderie in support of his new marriage. In the days leading up to the big moment, both Drew and Jon also arrived, and together the time we spent could not be matched by any other experience. Then, upon my return to Michigan I stopped by Grand Ledge and spent time with some Ionia Sandstone. Just bouldering and freeing some small stuff...it felt so good.

And the Judges Say...

2005-11-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

...the show was a smash hit! Moving experience! A great time had by all! Or maybe that was just me and I diluted myself into think everyone was under the same opinion. Nevertheless, new friends, old friends, friends I didn't even know were going to be there showed for this event. See for yourself:

There are a few more pictures, but my efforts at posting them were foiled! I am sorry that those who missed had to or chose to. Maybe next time. But until then...

Oh! If anyone would like to see/have the other pictures I can email them to you...just put a comment on this post indicating your preference or email straight away.

A must see...nay...experience

2005-11-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

You can listen to both bands' music online at:
www.purevolume.com/anathallo
www.purevolume.com/saxonshore

We've already got a party going, but the more to split gas the merrier. Just leave a comment on this blog or email me at Riskebusiness83@hotmail.com if you are interested.

-Anthony

The demise of my free-spirit: job hunting

2005-11-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the inevitable. That comment is unwarrented, but defeat is rarely ever sweet. To digress, I will revisit last Thursday, October 27, 2005:

I look good, I've studied my responses, and now it is show time. The long-awaited interview for Resdient Director position at Baker Community College in Flint. I reject the nagging voice in my head telling me not to settle down, but my days spent in a euphoria of rock walls and do-what-I-want-when-I-want lifestyle had to come to an end. I sit facing the panel of Baker interviewers who threaten all that is free-spirited within me. Employers cannot help that they are a necessary evil, so I do not hold it against them. The interveiw goes well. I nail their questions with confident and positive responses and buddy around with them before I depart.

Upon reaching my car thereafter I find that I have a voicemail. Eager as anyone is to have received a phone call I quickly dial-up to hear my message. It is my pastor wanting to speak about "high-adventure games" for the harvest party this weekend. I call back and tell him I will stop by. When I do we talk awhile and then the conversation turns to my previous ministry experience and have I ever been on a missions trip and do you have a resume. You see my church is currently looking for a youth pastor and this past week my pastor asked if I would teach for youth group. I delightedly said yes. Then, to my amazment a few of the elders decided to join youth group that night as well.

So, in one day I have two job leads/possibilities. Looking good so far. Well, I will just cut to the chase at this point: I received my "I regret to inform you..." email yesterday concerning the RD position and have promised myself in the past to never become a pastor.

Seeking wise counsel on how to not be of myself but of God and what direction that may take me I received this advice:

"Anthony, you should give up on yourself and become a youth pastor; (I think she meant "put yourself aside", oh but wait...) because those who do, do; those who can't do, teach; and those who can't teach, teach youth group." HaHa. Thank you Miss Sarah Dignal.

Joy

2005-10-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

Let a joy keep you.
Reach our your hands
And take it when it runs by,
As the Apache dancer
Clutches his woman.
I have seen them
Live long and laugh loud,
Sent on singing, singing,
Smashed to the heart
Under the ribs
With a terrible love.
Joy always,
Joy everywhere--
Let joy kill you!
Keep away from the little deaths.

-Carl Sandburg (1908)

Please friends, keep away from the little deaths.

Moonlit Madness

2005-10-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Madness...not quite. Full moons are always funny like that. In Yucca Valley, CA this side of a month ago I, along with my friend Kristen, joined a tribal drumming celebrating Mother Moon. Spirits from the North, the South, the East and West were all called upon to reside in a worshipful experience rhythmically paced by the beating of a communal drum. In an array of percussion the outer circle of worshipers drummed, clanged, danced, and whooped along.

Tonight I heard something that took me back there: the howling of what seemed like every neighborhood dog and an erie reminiscence of a life I once lived. Nevertheless, I am home now. Home as place of heart most obviously, but also of history. I am starting over no doubt, but still I face old demons. Still I remember a time--a family, a friend--but am finding a new future. Melancholy? Quite obviously. Yet, contented and excited about the change; and change in itself I have grown accustomed to.

Just today I went back to the jobsite. Seventh through Twelfth grade in that dirt, sweat, and Caterpillar boots. Me. Concrete. Sledgehammer. I miss climbing, but swinging away like John Henry makes my hands hurt just the same. I like it.

I work with my dad, talk with my mom, play video games with my bro, and shoot photos with my sis. We dabbled around with the exposure just tonight check it out:

And on top of all this enjoyment I had a screening interview for an RD position here in Flint, MI. Crossin' my fingers for this one guys!

Life may never be what it seems it will become, but it is always the best option. (I was not trying to counsel the suicidal with that one...I should just stop blogging at night.)

'nuf ramblin'

iWOMB

2005-10-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am starting over at home. Flushing, MI where the majority of my life was created and formed; yet necessitates a re-creation to be entered again. This second birth will bring me from a legitimate graduation from IWU to an entering into iWOMB.

iWOMB: The virtual safe-haven that provides a place to retreat while I watch my life unfold into its next phase. This next phase being the rebirth into the "real world".

Real world: Non-student life. "Experience? You want experience? I have a bachelor's degree! I can study, take tests, write papers. Come'on guys. Just give me a job!"

Job: Stability. Salary, benefits, partially-furnished apartment. Routine with planned vacations and new outlooks on adventure.

Adventure: An integral part of my being and an area that must except the concept of change as well.Thus, I am in transition. Searching, finding, embracing.

<5:00am>

Update: The End

2005-10-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

It is a sad day. The remorse is accentuated by the dreariness of Inidana days. Kristen has left and the only remnant of the trip left with me are a few dirty clothes and memories that will never be forgotten.

To catch you up, our climbing experience in New Mexico was amazing! We spent nearly all day on 5.12's. Easily our hardest day of climbing yet. Then, back to Albuquerque where we met our team of balloonists for the world's largest balloon launch in the world! To help the lift-off of two balloons and chase them in the back of a pickup truck was just the not-so-touristy side of the event that we were looking for!

A few stops along our route back home took us to my aunt and uncles' house (warm hsopitality and excellant cooking) and to Lubbock to see Matthew Levi Beck (a creative genius with hook-ups at the local country western dancing club--don't tell any Wesleyans).

16 hours past while driving from Lubbock to Nashville, TN where we had the honor of a long-awaited reacquaintance with James Parker. A great man you should count yourself blessed to know if you ever get to meet him. We stayed with his friend Warren, another climber who welcomed us into his home.

Travels brought us to The Obed where an abundance of roof climbs were at our fingertips. We had a ton of fun while our technique was tested and grown. The added bonus of Obed was to have Tipsy, Soldier, and another K-9 friend follow our car 2 miles to the climbs and hang out with us for the duration of the day. We knew we needed a crag dog at that very moment.

Being met with a bit of rain in Tennessee we headed up to Red River Gorge Kentucky...the birthplace of our passion for this sport. As Kristen says, "it's where we cut our teeth" and right she is, metaphorically speaking. It is home. Home to familiarity. Home to friends. Home to good times and bonding experiences. We met with Kristen's friends Jarod Owens and his friends Brian and Katie...climbing has quite a network of connections. But we all share at least one thing in common--which makes for a great time. Saturday, dangerously close to the end of it all (in melodramatic terms of traveling) we were able to accomplish so much! Kris and I both led our first 12c and we found ourselves capable of leaving the headlights of the car on in the middle of the sticks of Kentucky--leaving us hopelessly stranded 5 miles from the nearest house and even further from anyone we knew. Kristen's stroke of genius got ahold of Miguel's number and his son Dario came out to save us.

This was not the last time we would botch up, however, when the next day brought with it frigid temperature and a premature departure from our home crag due to exhaustion. We left Military Wall with one directive in mind: make it to IWU by dinner time. 15 miles in that direction, however, Kristen realizes that we left our tent back at Miguel's where we had camped. Figuring by this time that we would be arriving late to IWU we decided to drive the RRG scenic drive back and check out what shows were playing at the drive in. To our disappointment we found them closed for the season. We also found closed a pound that I had stumbled upon while hitchhiking in that area a couple years ago. Realizing where we were we thought we would take our chances and see if we could just look at the dogs...just sneek a peek. Needless to say we were overcome by the hounds' desire to be ours and we pick out the Rottweiler-mix puppy stuffing his face at meal time. His name is Punjabi; named after Punjabi MC, the artist of our favorite song on our trip. He was an instant hit at Miguel's when we arrived and has been melting hearts and making friends everywhere he goes. (And I even got a girl's phone number today because she was so drawn to him...she'll be a dogsitter...nothing more).

That is it. Kristen is back in Goshen with brilliant aspirations to start her life refreshed and anew. And I am that lowly grad who comes to live at IWU becuase he is too scared of the real world. Sorry for the melancholy mood of the last email, and thank you for your concern and prayers. Many of you had a direct hand in making this adventure the trip of a lifetime.

-Anthony and Kristen

Update: To everyone and especially climbers

2005-09-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is the latest update from Kris and I's trip: (sorry i haven't been better about posting these.)

In each attempt to conquer the areas in which we have visited our destinations have only served to conquer us. We mean to say that wherever our travels take us we can only imagine ourselve staying there for a longer duration...or indefinitely.

Since leaving Drew's in LA we have traveled back to Red Rocks Canyon outside of Las Vegas. Premier sport climbing and so good to be back on sandstone!

Climb.

That is all that was on our agenda. This destination and item of itenerary is definitely recommended to those who have an affinity to this sport. Not on our agenda were losing our cash, credit cards, and I.D.'s: each at different times. No worries though, we have gotten them back, but this is most definitely not a recommended activity for any destination.

Leaving Red Rocks took us back through Mesquite to our friends Joe and Stacey again. Climbing local crags added new flavor to our experience as we met up Jonny, a sponsored climber who gave us opportunity to jump on some high 12s.

Then, off to Zion, where we had a couple rest days while visiting Juli Neff. Resting however did not mean that we were totally sedintary. Pine Creek Canyon was our means of adventure outlet and wow...did it provide that. Technical rappels, sick cess pools, and great scenery of the slot canyon underworld. The town scene was also offered great delight in an artsy atmosphere and a very successful dirtbagging of more pizza and even a fudge brownie dessert.

Since returning trad gear to Joe in Mesquite we managed enough room for Sadie, a friend of a friend that needed a ride to Flagstaff. The city, a college town for sure, had a fun scene, and great climbing everywhere! At The Pit, both of us managed to attain milestones in our climbing career on Purple Shark (12a). This was Kristen's first legitmate 5.12 and my first 5.12 clean! We are pretty stoked to stay on the rock since we are at the top of our game.

Now in Albuquerque, we were rained out today but looking forward to a full day on the rocks tomorrow and crewing a hot air balloon for the world's largest balloon launch on Saturday! Then it is a liesurely 1500 mile drive to Tennesee. Just a week and a half left!

Update numero uno

2005-08-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well, Sin City welcomed us with open arms. Free acrobatic and dancing shows abounded, falling right into our path. Despite the risque nature of one of these shows they were all a ton of fun.

After the strip our travel whisked us away to Mesquite, NV where we bunked up with our married friends, Joe and Stacy. They are crazy! Joe is funny, domineering, and always on. Stacy is scrappy, yet nuturing. Both are very hospitable and have gone way out of their way to provide for us and show us a good time.

The past couple of days were a rather harsh introduction to limestone climbing. While visiting Limekiln and Welcome Rocks, we have discovered limestone to have a ton of traction that tears at our clothes, shoes, and bodies. We've hopped on some pretty classic routes through...that's the beauty of knowing local climbers.

I have found it an ironic twist of fate that since coming to terms with having no health insurance I have encurred injury upon injury. Cutting my finger with a knife, racking my knee on a 15' lead fall, and having my lips frozen to my sub-zero temperatured ice cream bar (I had a craving and got a little over zealous).

Kristen had a photo shoot with a sponsored climber today that yield some publishable material. On top of that we also spent a good portion of today building a boom to suspend her in the air 10'+ away from the rock face. The design is still in the testing phase, but has potential to provide some great angles.

We are off to Zion National Park so I can visit a few pristine landscapes that Kristen has scouted out. She has promised me a piggy-back ride through Pine Creek Canyon due to the knee that is temporarily out-of-commission (mom, it is not as bad as it sounds).

trippin' out west

2005-08-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

The following is the very tentative itinerary for my climbing trip with Kristen. At every stop we we have planned to visit folks we know in that area. Still we would love anyone to join us anywhere. We can 'do what we want'...and the more the marrier. Let us know too if those of you who are reading this know of things to do at destinations or en route there.

8.22—8.27 LasVegas --> Mesquite, NV
8.27—8.30 Mesquite --> Zion National Park, UT
8.30—9.4 Zion N.P. --> Yosemite, CA (by way of Bishop, CA)
9.4—9.7 Yosemite --> San Jose, CA
9.7—9.11 San Jose --> Las Angeles, CA
9.11—9.13 LA --> Flagstaff, AZ
9.13—9.17 Flagstaff --> Albuquerque, NM
9.17—9.22 Albuquerque --> TN/AL/GA border
9.22—9.28 TN/AL/GA border --> Red River Gorge, KY
9.28 HOME!

*The dates listed indicate the dates we will be at the second destination listed. Travel time included.
**We may stay at IWU for a few days en route to home. Homecoming is 9.30 à 10.1

I anticipate getting this out in email form so, even though my intention is to update this blog with plans and stories along out way, if you would like to be updated by email as well please send me an email at Riskebusiness83@hotmail.com with the words "I wish I were there" in the subject line.

I've got to go catch a plane!

-Anthony

P.S. I have my cell phone.

head over heels...or vice versa

2005-08-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

2005-08-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

sepia tone climbing

Yup...that's what it is about

2005-07-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, to anyone who may still check this blog, I finally figured out how to add new posts today. Now I'm back online...get it?!? ok...just let that one go.

So I am still at camp and taking kids on adventure trips. It gets wearing playing program director, cook staff, wilderness guide, counselor, lifeguard, etc. all at once. So suffice it to say I was wondering if it was all really worth it...if it was an efficient ministry I guess. Then, this past week God took myself, my leaders, and our campers on a crazy ride.

Two self-proclaim atheists became Christians and I ton of foundational theology and Christian living principles were discuss. Wednesday a few out of the 24 junior high guys I had started asking questions which led to conversation about original sin, free will, angels, what souls are, and other crazy stuff that junior highers don't normally think about. Then Friday we had a lengthy discussion about sin and what sin is and how love is the basis of everything that is God and is God.

I don't know if much of that made sense, but the Lord blessed us with a great harvest and many seeds planted. and so I am stoked for these few short weeks I have left.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9

Where I come from...

2005-06-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

...no, not the quaint little town of Flushing, MI...but the sandstone rock of climber fantasies. Many a good night's sleep has been completely demolished by the communion of climbers huddled around a computer screen watching videos from the following sites:

www.norope.com
www.drtopo.com
www.modump.com

...and many more...

Check them out and please don't be too offended if there is some harsh language. Not all climbers are as saintly has Dave Hopewell.

Dying to self is painful and carrying your cross is not easy...

2005-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Why am I at camp Lord?

I still utter that question occassionally. When I am sitting in the Wisconsin living room of someone I only met a few hours ago. When I am packing a trailer with those whom I have only had surface conversations with but know that I will meet much deeper as the summer progresses. When I think of all that I gave up in coming to camp. These are the times when I wonder 'Why am I at camp?'

I am not against creating new friendships, but when I think about giving up my plans to live and travel with close friends this summer; when I think about the plans I had to work on my climbing ability, when I think about the plans I had to make money so I could pay off my massive school loans, I wonder 'why am I at camp?'

God. That is why I am at camp. I have full faith and assurance that this is right where He wants me and that I am pleasing Him by obeying. God used many avenues to show me this truth: "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer, a good friend, Bekah, the drawing of His Holy Spirit, scripture, and contemplative prayer. It was incredibly hard to make his decision! To think of the people that I had made committments (some made with the intent to have grounds for diobedience) to and would have to let down because God changed my plans. To think of the parties I would miss because I wasn't around. Spontaneous climbing trips, late night talks at the diner, all foresaken...

And all this to say that even though I did sacrifice to come to camp I am even more excited about my future being is God's hands. He is more than sufficient to meet my needs and is faithful in challenging me to grow spiritually.

I am struggling to put all my thoughts into words and feel at risk of sounding pompous.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Why "i climb"...

2005-06-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know that I have shared why I climb...just that I do.

Climbing, that is rock climbing, is a passion of mine. Many a weekend, day, night, vacation has been devoted to this sport and lifestyle that I have adpoted. It is much to my family's dismay when I choose a trip to Kentucky over visiting home and much to my professors' dismay when I would skip Friday and/or Monday classes to feed my hunger for climbing. Yet, whether my priorities are askew or I really am investing into an opportunity that gives my life more fulfillment (I realize that is a blod statement), I cannot help but fall to the urge of scaling a rock, wall, tree, building, or any else that is generally verical. I have realized potential and grown my self-confidence through climbing. Many of my favorite relationships have come as a result of my climbing endeavors or have at least tried the sport and seem to enjoy it.

I could go on about climbing for quite awhile longer, and there is no doubt that it will weave itself into many more blogs henceforth.

Before I close however, I want to give as an initial blog somewhat of an update--as mass and impersonal as it may be:

I have spent the past two weeks at Timber-lee Christian Center in train for their wilderness adventure program. Having already aluded to this fact in my last posting I will only say that training has been a great mix of adventures on rock and water with a few experiential workshops in swift water rescue and wilderness first aid. My team consists of myself, Emily (our director), Katie, Michelle, Mike V., and Mike Sanchez (who caught and fawn with his bare hands after scaring the mother away--we all got to pat Babmi). I could do without Mosquitos and biting flies, but it will be a small price to pay for the ministry that I am confident the Lord will work through us.

There is always more to write I suppose so I will close this post by assuring you that shorter and more interesting posts are still to come.

I suppose...

2005-06-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

I suppose that I am to pour out my heart and lay it bare before all. My thoughts, feelings, and inner most desires that have never been made mention by word.

I suppose that I am to use this space to reflect on my life and share its opportunities and direction with others.

All depth and intention aside, what I really suppose will happen is that I will write in this blog what is concerning me at the occassional time opportunity I will have access to the internet.

You see, I am currently working at an adventure camp and will be taking Jr. High and High schoolers--starting this next Saturday--on climbing, caving, and white water trips throughout the summer. I do not know my schedule and won't know when I will be able to respond to comments or emails. For this and the many mispellings and grammatical errors that are sure to occer I apologize in advance.