In repentance and rest is your salvation;
in quietness and trust is your strength.
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| Alvord Desert, Steens Mt |
My mid July trip consisted four wheel driving from high in the Steens Mt through Juntura and other back pockets of eastern Oregon, finishing in the high, remote gold mining mining sites in the Elkhorn Mts if Baker County. It was led by David Zartman, a friend of Matt’s who graduated from La Grande High School a couple of years before Matt . David received his degree from the University of Oregon and then went to LA. While working for Land Rover magazine, he recognized that nothing existed for Toyota 4 Wheel Owners, and so, without borrowing money from either parents or bank, he pre sold subscriptions and started the magazine from his desktop.
The circulation is now 31,000 and he still produces it from his desktop, now in Gig Harbor Washington state where he lives close to his parents. He receives many offers to use and review products. He recently imported a 1983 Toyota Trooper from Australia, which was part of this venture. He and his friends are not happy unless they have to repair cars along the way, pull them out of tight situations, and use maps, not GPS. Charlie’s Dad drove the Trooper; I was just along for the ride. We were on the road for five days, starting high in the Steens Mt of Oregon and ultimately visiting the high, remote gold mining sites of the Elkhorn Mts in Baker County. It was a great opportunity for me to move beyond my comfort zone!
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| Map reading near Juntura |
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| Arborglyph_Steens_Mt |
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| Someplace beyond Juntura |
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| a budding mechanic under David’s supervision |
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| Campsite at Fish Lake, Steens Mt |
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| David outside of Malheur Cave |
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| Kiger_Gorge, Steens_Mt |
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| Eastern Oregon back road |
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| Fish Lake |
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| Steens Mt Indian paintbrush |
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| Moon Hill Rd, Steens Mt |
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| Alvord Desert overlook |
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| Fish_Lake, Steens Mt |
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| Great Pyranees watchdog |
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| Fish_Lake |
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| Fish_Lake, Steens Mt |
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| The Trooper from Australia that Charlie drove |
There is so much joy to come; we live in this world, but we are not bound to it!
From Isaiah 35….
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
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| Anza_Borrego |
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| Painted_Hills_OR |
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
He is coming to save you.”
And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
and unplug the ears of the deaf.
The lame will leap like a deer,
and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!
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| South_Sister_OR |
Springs will gush forth in the wilderness,
and streams will water the wasteland.
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| Zion |
The parched ground will become a pool,
and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.
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| Lake_Owyhee, Leslie_Gulch_OR |
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| Midway_Geyser_Basin, Yellowstone |
And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
It will be named the Highway of Holiness.Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
They will enter Jerusalem singing,
crowned with everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
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| Alvord_Desert, Steens_Mt_OR |
I was raised in an era where the phrase “lights, camera, action” was popular. It was a catch word for what we as individuals, the “directors” of our lives, could accomplish on our own. I find I continue to be influenced by that concept. I can choose “my” words, “my” thoughts, “my” actions. Yet my plans frequently result in an obvious, sometimes a subtle, dissatisfaction or mild depression. Only when I align my way with God’s love, mercy, and justice do find lasting hope and fullness.
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| Pueblo Mts, Alvord Desert, eastern Oregon |
This week was filled with unexpected encounters–meaningful meetings that interrupted “my” schedule, but were part of “His” plan. I will not go into details, but those unplanned conversations caused me to slow down, to let go of my needs, and to enjoy the opportunity to listen and to counsel.
