New Web-Site
Just wanted to let you all know:
I will still post to this site and do some sporadic maintainance on it - because I really like playing with it - but our main site has moved to
greatoutdoorendeavors.com.
There you will be able to find the most up-to-the-minute details of upcoming hikes and events, as well as the blog, and pictures, and other cool stuff. Soon, we'll even have Great OutDoor Endeavors logoed gear you can purchase, which means we'll even have a "shopping cart." How cool is that?
So, see ya at the new site -
Mike
Welcome……
To Great OutDoor Endeavors! Our ministry is focused on understanding God, via nature, using the Bible as our guide. God has many things to say about the world He created and how it relates to us, and us to Him.
Our hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities focus on God’s creation and bringing us closer to Him. Using short devotionals, creation “tidbits”, and the Bible, we will strive to lead you to a better understanding of His word and a closer relationship with Him.
Join us as we explore God's creation in the Great OutDoors!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
I've got a couple of theories about this, but that's all they are, really.
First, aside from the grocery stores, with turkeys, and stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pies, and everything else that goes into a Thanksgiving Feast, there really aren't any good "tie ins" for the other retailers. I mean, when was the last time you saw anyone put up cardboard turkey decorations, or horns of plenty, or Pilgrim heads? So, there just doesn't seem to be a financial incentive for the retailers to pump this holiday up or hype it with their advertising dollars.
That leads to a related point: Is what we find important in our culture directly related to the advertising budgets of these same retailers? Do they influence us that much? It seems they can make, or break, just about everything. Think of some of the "non-holidays" that have their own greeting cards now. When you walk into a store during any "season" and see all of the advertising and sales and themes (Valentine's, Halloween, 4th of July, even Back to School), doesn't it make that season seem more important?
The biggest problem, I think, is the increasing irrelevance of God to most people's lives. More and more, God is not seen as the source through whom all blessings flow. That's the government's job! More programs - welfare, nationalized insurance, homeowner assistance - the list goes on; the government can do it! Or, YOU are the one to get it done! You were born with some talents, so you were hired to do a job. You work hard and are reliable, so your employer gives you a paycheck. You've saved and are able to afford your home, that Holiday feast, and all the gifts. You've been able to do all these things because you worked hard to make them happen. It's been by the sweat of your brow and your diligence. If that is the case, why would you think to give thanks to Him, you've done all the heavy lifting?
Well, let's start at the very beginning. Who decided that you would be born, or born healthy, or born with any ability at all? Who decided that everyday you woke up that you would be able to draw breath? Or walk? Or think clearly? Who decided that you would continue to be employed in an economic downturn? Who decided that the finances you've so carefully set aside for the holidays weren't erased by some unforeseen tragedy? It's not like it's never happened to anyone before. All of these things are completely out of your control. You could no more decide yourself that you'll wake up tomorrow than you can control the weather! However, there is One who can!
Yes, there is One who is in control and He's the One to whom we should be thankful. He makes the lame walk, the mute talk and the blind to see. He controls nations and their economies and their plans. Nothing happens outside of His knowledge and influence. He does not sleep and He does not take vacations; He's always at the helm. He's bigger than our economy. He's bigger than you. He knows the outcomes and the plans He has for you and I. For that, I can honestly say, "I'm thankful."
So, this Thanksgiving, let's look beyond our little world and give "Thanks" to the One who really makes it all possible - God! The Creator, and Sustainer, of the universe! He truly is the Giver of all good gifts!
"Thank You, God, for all the blessings you've poured out into my life! You've given health and wealth, family and friends, joy, peace of mind and contentment. You've given blessings I've not even been aware of: protection from disease and accident and more. There have been events that You've delayed (that irritated me at the time) for my benefit, and it wasn't until later that I saw the reason (I'm sorry for complaining at the time). Thank You, Lord, for working all things for my good, even the things I've tried to mess up. Help me to never take any of the blessings You've sent my way for granted and to always turn them back to you in the form of praise. You are an awesome God, friend and Savior, and again, I say, 'Thank You!' Amen!"
Coming Fall ‘09
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Meet Your Maker - On the River!
Kayaking/canoing and an overnight camp on the
Upcoming Hikes
Please let us know if you are interested in joining us, so that we don't leave you behind if you run late AND so we can notify you if we have to cancel. godendeavors@yahoo.com
**Please make sure that you re-check this site before leaving to meet us for any hikes. From time-to-time there will be changes in the schedule, due to weather or unforeseen problems. We will post changes as quickly as possible.
More Upcoming Events
Trip Is Full
Friday, July 21 - Sunday, June 23, 2009
Come ready to Meet Your Maker!
Contact Mike at godendeavors@yahoo.com for an itinerary and cost info.
*Details to follow.
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Meet Your Maker - Under the Stars!
Friday night, August 14, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Come join us as we watch the Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak.
We will enjoy God's handiwork and find God's provision and protection in this amazing event!
Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite drinks and snacks, then sit back and be amazed ...
*Cloud cover can cause viewing to be severely reduced. In the event of clouds/bad weather, the makeup date will be Saturday, Aug. 15.
Please contact Mike at godendeavors@yahoo.com for more information.
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