September | 2013 | Matthew and Teresa's Blog

Matthew and I have always enjoyed being outdoors. We decided to spend Thursday afternoon hiking Mary’s Rock in the Shenandoah National Park to celebrate our birthday’s. When hiking I thought about a book I had read a while back, Blind Courage, by Bill Irwin. He is the only blind man to hike the entire Application Trail … alone. He traveled with no other people, only his seeing-eye dog. It is a great story of courage, faith, and a triumphant spirit. Below is a excerpt that I had jotted down because I loved how he related trail blazes to the Bible and how they lead us to eternal life.

“I held up a white blaze on a piece of construction paper and told them how hikers on the Appalachian Trail followed the marks on the trees and rocks. They were the only directions a person needed to get all the way from Georgia to Maine. “What did you have to do to stay on the trail?” I asked. They all knew the answer: See the blazes and follow them. But, I said, if a person ignored those white marks, they wouldn’t do him a bit of good. Then I asked, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it was that easy to find our way in life? You’d just follow the blazes from one goal to the next.” They agreed, and I told them that God had marked the trail for us – His blazes were in the Bible. To the kids it was perfectly clear, if we read the Bible but ignore its message, it doesn’t do us any good. But if we follow God’s word and live it, He leads us along His trail to eternal life. ”

The weather was perfect for our hike, sunny and not too hot. We started out … looking forward to the view from the top.

Along the way we meet a few other friendly hikers hiking down the trail. Matthew and I chatted with each other, stopping to take some pictures along the trail, and we enjoyed the sounds of nature around us. When we went around a curve, Matthew came to a quick stop and whispered, “There is a bear!” I moved slowed to the side of him and, sure enough, about 30 feet ahead of us on the trail was a black bear. He looked at us and then after a few minutes continued on though the woods. We had the camera out so we got a quick picture of him!

After waiting a few minutes we continued on and met another couple of hikers who we shared our bear story with and then they told us to watch out for a black snake further up the trail. So we continued on a met the black snake sunning on the path.

Once to the top we enjoyed a beautiful view of the Shenandoah Valley. We climbed some rocks to get to a higher view, and then rock-hopped over to get to the best view. It was amazing to look out at the views and be blessed. God is such an awesome creator.

Over Labor Day weekend Matthew and I enjoyed a relaxing time in South Boston. We had a great visit at First Presbyterian Church and were able to speak and update on our ministry. While we were down there the weather was fabulous and we were able to spend some time out on a friend’s boat at Buggs Island Lake. We had fun tubing, skiing (and attempting to ski), and swimming around.

One evening as we were finishing up skiing … the sun was getting ready to set, reflecting and glistening on the water …it was beautiful! It reminded me that God is creator, sovereign, almighty and wonderful.