“Dear Lord, help me to remember that you gave me life. Teach me to slow down, to be still and enjoy the pleasures You created for me–to be aware of the beauty that surrounds me: the marvel of mountains, the calmness of lakes, the fragility of a flower petal. I need to remember all these things come from You. ”
The Willamette River flows through the heart of downtown Portland. The Esplanade travels the east side of the Willamette, crosses a bridge and then continues along Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Nelson Mandela described the African term “ubuntu,” referring to the fact that everyone, no matter their color, religion, or even their status as a friend or enemy, is tied to everyone else. “The question is,” says Mandela, “are you going to enable the community around you to be able to improve?” Forgiveness is about enabling our communities to improve. From William A Barry, “Changed Heart, Changed World”
“What is important for me is not if our civilization will survive or not but if we can continue to live with hope, and I really think we can because our Lord has given us his promise that he will stay with us at all times. He is the God of the living. He has overcome evil and death and his love is stronger than any form of death and destruction. That is why I feel that we should continually avoid the temptation of despair and deepen our awareness that God is present in the midst of all the chaos that surrounds us and that that presence allows us to live joyfully and peacefully in a world so filled with sorrow and conflict.” Henri Nouwen
Iwetemlaykin is Nez Perce for “at the edge of the lake.” Established as an Oregon State Park in 2009, it lies between Joseph and Wallowa Lake. It is an exceptional place to hike and enjoy quiet beauty.
What the Apostle Paul wrote nearly two thousand years ago still resonates is our lives today:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12
Another backpacking trip with Bob into the Elkhorn Mountains, This spectacular alpine setting is only an hour’s drive from La Grande. Alluring hikes to wildflower basins and granite peaks abound. We have often seen mountain goats. Angell Basin is just one of many places to explore.
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small…”
The. ever wondrous time of a sunrise in the Grande Ronde Valley
