Date: 2003-06-29
From: Peaks of Otter Lodge

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 8.2

start Peaks of Otter Lodgedestination Jennings CreekPirate came by our room and woke us up this morning. There is a breakfast buffet here. A hiker's favorite word, buffet. Since it is Sunday, I decided to attend the outdoor church service that is held at the ampitheater every Sunday morning. There were four of us in attendance. We sang one of my favorite old hymms Blessed Assurance. Surrounded by the wonderful outdoors, created by my heavenly Father, it was so uplifting to me. Bro. Bob spoke to us about how we see ourselves as opposed to how our Creator sees us. We are made rightous through his blood and our acceptance of the free gift of salvation. It is a free giftto us, yet it costs God his only son, dying on Calvary for you and I. It astounds me when I remember that Christ died knowing that not everyone would take the gift of salvation he offered. Some would chose not to beleive, others would put off accepting it until it was too late. Still others would insist that there was no reason for his death, that there is no heaven or hell. It is comforting to me to know that I am surrounded by the arms of my heavenly Father continually. Nothing in my life catches him by suprise. Whatever comes my way comes with him some how using it to strengthen and mold me to become more like him. Sometimes things seem devastating to me and I wonder how come. There have been times when I felt I could not go on, the burden was too great. That is when He steps down from heaven and gives me broad shoulders to lean on and a place to rest. And when I ask, beleiving, he always gives me the strength and courage to go on. His grace is always sufficient for me. The hurt and pain doesn't necessarily go away, but it is always lessened to that which I can tolerate. I got word that my pastor had lost a grandson in an automobile wreck. He was a young man, just a few months younger than my youngest son. We all went to church together when the boys were small. I am shocked and long to rush home and first hold my own children close tome, then go to be with my pastor and his wife to offer comfort to them. I think back over the past 27 years to all the times they came to me in my times of despair and need. The many times they prayed with me and for me, when I could not pray for myself. I long to take them into my arms and pray with them and offer comfort and support. I remember when the young man's parents got married, and later when they children were born. I am grateful that even though I cannot be there for them, I have all day to lift each family member to the Lord for comfort. I know all of the extended family and I lift each one up in prayer, asking for grace, strength, and comfort for them. They will not understand the whys, no one ever does. The Lord knows! Our humaness does not chide us for asking why. We will never understand some of the things that happen. That is where real faith comes in. To know beyond any doubt that God has everything work ina beleiver's life for their good and his glory. Bro. Bob graciously gave us a ride the five miles back to the trail. Since it was a beautiful sunny day, we opted to walk in the woods. Most of the trail today was fairly level. I had lunch on a grassy slope along the road. It was leftover yeast rolls from our dinner last night. A nice break from bagels. It was close to 5:00 when I got to Jennings Creek. A favorite swimming hole for local folks and hikers alike. We found us a campsite and off to the water we went. The rocky bottom took some getting used to, as did the water, which felt much like ice water. But before long I found myself swimming along, thoroughly enjoying the water. It felt wonderful to let the water wash all the sweat away, and cool me off. I stayed in the water until my goose pimples had goose pimples. It was totally refreshing. I set up my tent, picking a tick off of my leg as I went. Supper was short and sweet since the bugs were so very hungry. Again, another yeast roll, dipped into a packet of honey, some mashed potatoes and a couple of cookies. All washed down with cool stream water. I am grateful for my tent that keeps the hungry and not so hungry bugs at bay. Only two more days until Papermaker joins us on the trail for a few days. Hopefully he will be bringing one of our grandsons with him. I am very anxious to be with both of them. total miles 8.2