FEBRUARY 2004 IN THIS ISSUE From The Editor_________________Page 2 Friends Along The Trail___________Page 3 Trail Tales_____________________Page 4 Encouraging Gods Children________Page 5 Newsletters____________________Archives Home Page__________________Trailheads Hiking the Trail of Truth, PO Box 492, Windsor, CA, 95492-0492 Roving Trail Office 707-477-2460 or e-mail mstaylor@sonic.net Page 2 From The Editor...  Hello, and Welcome to the February 2004 Newsletter!  I sincerely hope this day you have allowed the Spirit of God to be active within your heart, and that you are able to perhaps get out for a hike and consider many of the wonders He has made. February is another fine month for getting out and seeing the beauty of created things. Though it may be a bit cold in your area, the hope of Spring is just around the corner and, with that thought in mind, there's nothing like a brisk morning trek to arouse your senses. Part of knowing God is understanding and appreciating, through your senses, those wonders He has made and the talents He has given you.   And that's just what Hiking the Trail of Truth is all about... There are many journeys into understanding here. If you are unable to get out for a physical hike, just visit our websites' feature trail for this month; the Lake Trail. Your mental trek there can take you where you may be unable to journey physically. The enlightenment, inspiration, knowledge and encouragement found along the 7 hikes there will be well worth your time... WEBSITE NEWS: The Mountain and Valley Trail at this website is a daily devotional trail, taken entirely from the Scriptures, and arranged for you to gain wisdom and understanding through daily Bible reading. The calendar for February, with all of its references and inspiring photography, is now complete at that trailhead, and work is progressing on the remaining months, so that you can read the dailies for an entire year! You can make copies of them as you read (perhaps two sided copies; one day on each side), and when a year is complete, you can have the entire calendar bound for you at Kinko's Copy Center, for about $4.50. You can print the top portion of the Mountain & Valley Trailhead page as a cover for your book. Each day of the calendar, including the reading and daily photograph, is only one page or less in length. You will then have a perpetual calendar, all your own, that will give you daily inspiration and encouragement year round, entirely from varied Scripture, for as long as you choose to seek it!  I sincerely hope that you will choose to visit the Mountain and Valley Trail... HTTOTs' Desert Trail, a Native American musical CD, is still available for you to enjoy. I have a copy just for you. Simply drop me a note in the mail to request the CD and I will most gladly mail it to you. There is no charge... Send your request to: HTTOT, Mark S Taylor, PO box 492, Windsor, CA 95492-0492... A description of this CD is available in the August 2003 Newsletter, which you can find in Newsletter Archives. It is quite an inspiring array of music.  Hope to hear from you... Don't forget that HTTOT offers FREE COUNSELING to anyone who wants it (Lord knows we all need it). Your varied questions are also important, and are given the utmost consideration in answering them. For you to be aware of the truth, in a world where falsehood abounds, is very important to us. So just write, e-mail, or phone any time. Contact information is listed at the bottom of the cover page of this Newsletter, or you can visit Questions and Answers Trail Camp at the website, where a ''submit a question' link is provided... If you do not have a computer or Internet access, you may be interested in a printed copy of Hiking the Trail of Truth (the website, volume IV). If so, please write and let me know. I will make one just for you should you request it. This volume is a printing of the November 2003 website edition. Note: It will not contain the Mountain and Valley Trail; 366 daily devotionals, which will make up a separate printed edition, Lord willing, in 2004. It will also not contain the Monthly Newsletter, save one sample copy (Nov 2003)... Next months' Letter from the Editor; Those self-help books; friend or foe? THIS MONTH: Walking on Sacred Ground What do you know about the ground you walk on?  If you live in a city most of the ground is either covered with buildings and concrete or asphalt, so there is really not much you can know about it, unless you have a little yard or a small garden. But if you live in the country, the desert, or in the mountains, there is much you can learn about the ground you walk on. If you can, walk outside right now and scoop up a handful of dirt. Bring it back inside and set it in front of you as you continue this reading.— Got your dirt? Then let us proceed... Modern science now tells us that all of the chemicals that make up the human body are found in the very dust of the earth. The Biblical book of Genesis, written several thousand years ago, originally gave us that fact, for man was created from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7). God also created the land that makes up the "dust" of the earth (Genesis 1:9, 10), as well as all the trees and plants which it produces (Genesis 1:11). The fact that God Himself created the earth makes the ground we walk on to be indeed sacred. The ground has changed geographically and somewhat geophysically since the great flood of Noah, but it is indeed the same ground that existed during that 1656 year period of the pre-flood earth. Some of it that was once at the bottom of the ocean now makes up our vast deserts, and is part of the high mountains as well. The earth everywhere, including that which is now underwater, consists of clay, sand, rocks, and other materials and sprouts that give it a variety of appearances and character throughout the world. If one ponders these things, walking on any surface of the earth can be cause for great understanding and thanksgiving... So far in this lifetime, I have been allowed to hike many desert, lake, and mountain trails. I have walked through fields and ascended many hills. I have hiked through deep woods, dry riverbeds and swamp lands. In all of these encounters and each of these encounters I have heard the distinct sounds of the earth from under my hiking boots. The sounds are as varied as the terrain itself, and the Lord does speak to us through these sounds; It is quite humbling to hear these sounds and to consider the wonder of the ear which God made for that very purpose. I am always encouraged to fall to my knees in thankfulness while on any hike among God's wonders. I hope that you too will respect the earth, and think often of the God who formed it. Hiking this particular trail of truth will allow you many insights into the myriad of gifts which God has given you. This will also help you to discover your greatest of needs; to learn to depend on Him alone... That handful of dirt in front of you seems a bit more significant now, does it not? Next month, we will take a look at Those self-help books; friend or foe?  Until then, I thank you for and am honored by your time spent with, Letter from the Editor. Sincerely, Mark S Taylor, HTTOT Back to top Page 3 Friends Along The Trail We began this new series in June of 2002 and, thanks to positive subscriber responses, we've been able to continue it, thank the Lord, in subsequent issues. Within this particular series I have been reflecting on how certain friends, relatives and strangers have influenced me over the years of my own life and times. As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another daily. Lord knows that I have been encouraged many times over the years through the words, actions, and associations of others. It is indeed then time to honor them. I have honored some of them before, yet, honoring others is something we really can't overdo for those truly deserving of it. Sometimes it takes considerable journeying through life before we learn the value of honoring others. I sincerely hope that my reflections on these "special characters" of my lifetime will cause you yourself to consider the God given blessings that special characters have had upon your own life... His name is Larry Goodman. I figure the last name fits, for he is indeed a good man.  Larry was one of my partners in my years as a police officer in Arcadia, California. I think Larry was the one of the first to nickname me, "the old man"...  When I went through the police academy, for the second time, I was forty years old. Most of the guys and gals were about twenty-five. That name stuck with me during my years with the department, but it was not meant as a pun. Larry had originated it out of his respect for my age and experiences. It turned out to be a common and prestigious identification among the troops. Through it, I was allowed the honor of becoming a legend in my own time... like Clint Eastwood. Larry is the kind of man that anyone my age would want for a son. He has always been anxious to learn and is a deep thinker on any matter, a quality most of us lack. He is a considerate and conscientious worker at his chosen profession of law enforcement. I never had to worry if Larry was going to be my "back-up" on any traffic stop, or on any case involving some degree of danger. He was usually the first to respond if I radioed out on anything, and was a good and continually dependable pair of eyes in the back of my head. Sometimes a lawman has to live by the gun, and I knew that Larry was not afraid to do what might become necessary for survival. Larry always had the ability to instill confidence in his fellow workers, as well as the people he dealt with everyday on the street. This should go without saying; the man has a lot of sand in his character, and I was indeed honored to serve with him. A better family man would be hard to find. Larry has the gift of a wonderful wife and family. It takes work to manage a household well and to maintain the respect of those within it. His dependence on God is evident. I remember when I was once out of work due to a severe illness; When my sick leave ran out, Larry was one who pushed for my fellow officers to donate their overtime and vacation hours, that I might continue to receive a paycheck. They kept this up for over a month, until I was able to return to work. I certainly felt like one of the "family" due to these unselfish acts. I have now been away from the department about ten years. I get more mail from Larry than anyone else I was associated with. I know that he is genuinely concerned about my life; His memory of me has not blown away in the wind. As a wise, old Indian would say: I am a present spirit in the tepee of his heart... A person sometimes loses some close friends when he becomes a Bible teacher. Larry is not one of them. Perhaps this year I will be able to meet up with him in the High Sierra country for a bit of camping and small talk of the old times. If not, I know I will one day see him up yonder... Thanks, Larry, for your continued and unquestionable friendship! Thank you, Lord, for this renowned friend along the trail of life. Thank you for allowing these thoughts of him to surface within my heart. Please protect his family and continue to bless them in this life.  Next month we'll ride once again with some Friends Along the Trail. Any subscribers or viewers who wish to honor their friends, you're welcome to write in to: Hiking the Trail of Truth, PO Box 492, Windsor, CA 95492-0492, or e-mail mstaylor@sonic.net. Back to top Page 4 Trail  Tales Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be found in Newsletter Archives The Incredible Story of HIGH SIERRA ED Episode Two The view from the Cathedral Spires is very fine and telling in every direction. Innumerable peaks, ridges, domes, meadows, lakes, and woods; the forests extending in long curving lines and broad fields wherever the snow-pack has left soil for them to grow on, while the sides of the highest mountains show a straggling dwarf growth clinging to rifts in the rocks, apparently independent of soil. A good many flowers are still in bloom about the base of the peak. How delightful it is to be alone here! How wild everything is—wild as the sky and as pure! Never shall I forget this big divine day—the Cathedral and its thousands of cassiope bells, and the landscapes around them, and this camp in the grey crags above the woods, with its stars and streams and snow. I must have done three or four days climbing work in this area, when one day, a strange thing happened. I ain't been the same since. I still don't know what to make of it, but I'll tell you about it... Ol' Petty was sleepin' as usual. That ol' boy was a burner of daylight for sure. Anyway, it all began when I heard a hawk squealing above me—somewhere—couldn't see him at first. There was a craggy butte above me and I decided to investigate. That hawk was yelping about something—so I grabbed some rope and headed up there. Soon the wind began to flow from the snowy peaks overhead, at first only a gentle breathing, then gaining strength. I squirmed and struggled to reach the butte. As I was drawing near to the end of that ascent, the hawk must have heard me coming and stopped its squealing. The wind died down just as suddenly—it was a spooky feeling I had in those moments. Just a few more feet and I would be on top of the butte. When I got there, I saw a hole in the rock in front of me—a small cave just ahead. No sign of the hawk—at first. I stood to my feet, proceeding on level rock toward the opening of the cave. Cautiously I moved inside, along the face of the rock, not in the center of the entry way. Once I got all the way in I saw him; an old man with white hair and beard, seated at a small fire on the floor of the cave, a hawk perched on his right shoulder. His clothing and boots looked like he had just stepped out of the late 1800's. I was quite surprised. He soon raised his head toward me, pushed aside the hair that hung down in front of his eyes and smiled. "Heard you comin' a long way off," he said. "The hawk warned me you were on your way. Sent him to fetch you, I did— Knew you'd come." "You did?" I responded. "How did you know that?— Who are you?" "You should know who I am," the old fellow replied. "I'm the reason you're here—I'm John Muir." To Be Continued Back to top Page 5 Encouraging Gods' Children Here is this months' list of those who need encouragement through your prayers and letters. I hope you will take the time to encourage them... Some of their problems are personal and we will respect their privacy, leaving it up to those individuals to share at their discretion. Please pray for them and write to them (I can provide addresses for you. Please call, E-mail or write to me for that information). Encouragement is a noble thing and a profound way to honor God through lifting up His children... Please inform me if you would like to add anyone to our prayer list. Let us this month encourage and pray for... Those less fortunate than us. Those with no work or no income. Those who don't have 75 cents to enjoy the taste of refrigerated milk, a Coca-Cola, or a bottle of cold water. Those who sit alone, without the encouragement of friends. And, those who don't share the benefits of peace, who can't go out in the night without getting shot, robbed or molested. Our world is indeed full of wickedness—there is indeed darkness under the sun. Pray earnestly for the safety of Gods' children until our Lords' return. Storm Yetter, Kalispell, Montana... Storm is experiencing some very trying difficulties at this time. Please pray that she will continue to seek the guidance of the Lord, and lean not on her own understanding. Pray that she will be strong and patient as He works in her life. *Update January 30th... I heard from her just recently, and your continued prayers are being answered! Hang in there, Storm! The family of Russell E Greathouse, of Akron, Ohio... Russ passed away on October 19th. Russ was a fine family man, and the best friend of my early youth. Please pray for his family and friends in this time of their deep loss and sorrow. *Update January... This family has experienced some of those great small miracles due to your continued prayers. Thank You! The family of Aiden Craig Cieszkowski... Aiden is a premature infant, born November 3rd to Frank and Christina Cieszkowski. This child is in the company of many other premature children. He is on a respirator and having complications. Please pray for him, his family, and his many little friends. UPDATE 4/Jan/04: Your prayers are being answered as we speak. Though still on a ventilator, his lungs not fully developed, I just heard that the boy is doing much better, and some of his friends are as well! Please continue your prayers for these children. Here is a January 23rd UPDATE from Aiden's grandma... * Hi Everyone, I know it's been a while since I filled you in but I've been spending a lot of time at the hospital. The news for the most part is good. Aiden is off the ventilator and breathing with just a little help from oxygen in his nose. He is 4 lbs 6 1/2 ounces. On Friday he had surgery on his eyes. He has retinopathy and they were concerned about his right eye. The surgery went well and they will test his sight again next week to see if it has improved. We are praying that he will not be blind and ask that you pray for him also. He has been breast feeding and taking a bottle with no problems. For this we are very thankful. I was able to hold him for the first time on Tuesday, January 20. What a wonderful feeling that was. One very sad note...one of the babies in Aiden's area died this week. I'm also asking for prayers for his family that they may be able to cope with this loss. Thank you again for all your prayers... I'll keep you posted.  Love, Grandma Aiden Please remember the homeless and the poor of the world again this month. Try to locate a homeless person and help them in any way that you can... Continue to pray for all of those in need of daily bread, and please pray earnestly for all the people of the world in which we live, in every country, that men and women will desire to find wisdom, that they will turn and seek God's face in this world full of spiritual blindness, rebellion and increasing depravity. The Lord's coming will not be delayed much longer. Endeavor to encourage others to seek Him, in truth, while there is still time. Father, grant us the humility to seek Your face for the well being of others. Help us to reach out to them, with kindness, in word and in deed. We are, each one of us, in need of Your guidance in the use of possessions, our prosperity, our tongues and our talents. Though we are quite unworthy, we ask you to bless our efforts... In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, we pray. Thank you so much for hiking with us through the February issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until March then, may the grace of our Lord Jesus be upon you... Sincerely, Mark S Taylor Back to top [Home] [Hiking Maps & Trailheads] [Bible Map] [Trail of Time] [New Birth Trail] [False Trail] [Mountain & Valley Trail] [Desert Trail] [Lake Trail] [High Sierra Trail] [Monthly Newsletter] [Questions & Answers] [Newsletter Archives] HIKING THE TRAIL OF TRUTH Mark S. Taylor (707) 477-2460