June 2003
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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
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....From The Editor |  |
Hello and Welcome to the June Newsletter! I 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. If you are unable to get out for a hike, just visit this website's Desert Trail, Lake Trail or High Sierra Trail. The beauty of the wilderness will come alive within your own living room!...
WEBSITE NEWS: Be sure to visit the Trail of Time this month... The latest additions are Trailside Meadow and Consultation Lake. At Trailside Meadow you will hike among many extremely profound Biblical archeological discoveries that are sure to surprise and excite you! At Consultation Lake you will walk into the life of Jesus and explore things pertaining to Him that will awaken you to a more touchable awareness concerning His life and ministry, which we are to imitate... More construction on the Trail of Time (2 more junctions) will hopefully be completed during the month of June... It is hoped that by July, full time construction will begin again on the Mountain and Valley Trail (daily devotionals)... I've had some counselling this month that has kept me busy. Please write in. Your counselling is free and of the utmost quality... Don't be timid. I'm here for you.
Website Sculpting and Painting is a continual process on the Hiking the Trail of Truth website. Each month I continue to read the articles that I have produced for the site, sometimes several times. There are times when corrections, additions, and rewording operations are completed to give the articles a more appropriate readability, without changing the emphasis of the content. This is done that you might have a clearer understanding of the writings for personal application, to see concepts and truths as clearly as they are intended to be seen. The reason I want you to be aware of this is that, if you are storing the site on your computer so that you do not have to ship directly from the Internet each time you open to read, you will need to "refresh" the screen so that you will be assured of having the most recent update. If you are printing the articles, there is a chance they may have been changed somewhat (always for the better) since your last printing. To assist you in this regard, beginning in June, I will record the date of the most recent update (date of change) on the first page of each applicable trailhead.
NEXT MONTH'S Letter from the Editor: Knowing God.
THIS MONTH: A voice, crying in the wilderness: I recently took an unexpected four day journey (road trip), from Santa Rosa California to Denver Colorado and back. Bottom line, I spent some time in the wilderness and some time in the big city. Each time that I experience the two back to back, I learn to better understand and appreciate the spirit of John the baptist; The spirit that knew and loved the wilderness for very obvious reasons...
If you have never read the account of John the baptizer, I believe the most descriptive can be found in the Biblical books of Matthew and Luke, though John is mentioned in all four gospels. John was a physical relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus, born to her cousin, Elizabeth, 6 months prior to the birth of Jesus. Just before his birth, John leaped with joy in the womb of his mother when she met with the mother of Jesus, who was pregnant with Him at that time.
If we were to encounter John today, most of us would think he was strange, to say the least. John's clothing was woven from camel hair and his waist girded with a leather belt. His food was locusts and wild honey and he lived the majority of his life (about 30 years) in the desert wilderness. John was an elite messenger, sent to prepare the way for Jesus. His teaching was strong and to the point. If we heard him teaching today, most would cast him off as a fanatic. First of all, he would not be appearing in the local coliseum. We would have to go out into the wilderness to see him and to hear him. There would be no fees or ticket admission, but we would have to sit on the ground, among the rocks, in the heat, to be a hearer of his message. We couldn't purchase it on a tape (those who sell God's Word in any form are thieves) or see it on TV. There would be a river nearby for John was a baptizer. In his day there were vast crowds that came from everywhere to hear him and to be baptized by him. Very few would attend today. His poverty, his clothing (appearance) and his message would be the reason we would reject him, yet, Jesus said he was the greatest man ever born of a woman.
John was a man who lived for years in obscurity prior to his mission to teach. His mission was a short one, perhaps just a year or a little beyond, but it took 30 years to prepare him for it. Of all the Biblical character's I have studied to date, I relate the most to John.— I, of course, couldn't personally hold a candle to him, but like him, I love the wilderness for its inspiration. I have loved my own times of obscurity in life for what it has taught me. I could teach all day and into the night, with great joy, from atop a large rock, in the sun, in the rain or under the stars. I would gladly water baptize anyone who believed. It is because of my own wilderness experiences that Hiking the Trail of Truth was created. Yes, there is still a voice crying from the wilderness... surely an insignificant voice to the world at large, but, he who has ears to hear, let him hear... (Matthew ch 3, ch 11:7-11, Mark ch 1, Luke chpts 1-3, John ch 1)
Until next month's Letter from the Editor, may God bless you, and I thank you for your time.
Sincerely, Mark S Taylor
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| 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. 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 on your own life.
My oldest and dearest friend of my early life (birth through 9th grade) was a fella named Russell Greathouse. I looked up to Russ because he was the tough kid on the block. Yet, he had many other qualities that made him a special friend. Russ was a boy of adventure like myself. We road bicycles all the time through deep woods and along endless railroad tracks. We built the best forts you ever saw. We could both swim like sharks and swam every day of the summer, each summer. We had big snow ball fights with other kids in the winter and built indestructible snow forts. We sledded down some of the most dangerous tree-lined, rock invested hills in the east. We had BB gun fights at close range. We ice skated for miles on the winding Cuyahoga River (which is too polluted to freeze now). We chased cats with cherry bombs. We snuck under the local bridge to smoke cigarettes. Luckies, and Pall Malls' were our brand. Russ got weird on me once and switched to Kool's, but we didn't know any better. We put dog crap in bags and put in on peoples porches, set it on fire, rang the doorbell and lit for cover.— I went to church every single Sunday, but Russ never did. Yet, I think he turned out to be a better man than I did...
I didn't hear from Russ for a long time in my life after grade school, but I saw him after I got out of the army and then later when I went back to Ohio from California for the first time. Life has taken so many twists since then and I have not seen him in years, however, this week I think I got an e-mail from him (the writer did not identify him/herself). I believe it was him because he quoted something we use to say that only he would know. I've responded back but I have not heard from him again... at least not yet. I decided to write about him because I've missed him and I hope that life has treated him well. I hope to share with him my adventures since those days of youthful ignorance. I hope my website, of which I have given him the address, will tell him something of me. I hope perhaps we can share a camping or hiking adventure someday... Thanks, Russ, for being the good and fiery friend that you were.
Thank you, Lord, for these renowned friends. Please protect them and continue to bless them in this life. Next month we'll ride once again with some of those 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. (E-mail mstaylor@sonic.net)
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Trail Tales |  |
Continuing stories of life on the trail
A WINTER'S TALE
Episode 7
*Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be located in Newsletter Archives
The trailside meadow is indeed a fine camp. In the summer there's a thick field of paint brush here, splashed for a hundred yards across this carpet of sparkling green meadow. One can become easily absorbed up here, studying the flowers. Flowers have an individual appearance, just like people, and much intricacy, something we usually never notice or consider. Some flowers appear to smile at you, causing you to smile back.
A few waterfalls dot the landscape here also. Waterfalls can be experienced from below, from above, or from the side with equal intensity. From below, or from the side, one can watch individual spears of water, or comets, slowly plunge downward, one row behind another behind still another, all of them falling slower than the main mass of tumbling water. Endless water spears enjoy a few split seconds of individual identity before being reunited with the mass of water from which they emerged. If there is appreciable wind, waterfalls may produce, either at the top of the fall or at the point of collision at the bottom, considerable sprays. Massive, graceful, even ethereal, especially if there are rainbows. By moonlight a waterfall is a sublime aesthetic experience. Sprays appear as night phantoms riding the wind. Wet rocks catching the moonlight appear as exotic jewels which soon disappear forever as the moon, changing its angle, slips across the sky.
The stream in the center of the meadow is a fine place to sit beside at night and can be the most tranquilizing of experiences. You have to of course clear your mind, then pick a location where there is some variety of movement. The younger folks, Sean, Hannah, Taylor, Bryce, Riley and Cael have found such a spot, while the good ol' boys are fixin' up some dinner over in the camp just a short distance away. There's some casual conversation among the younger folks...
"I wanted to tell you all something I learned in school this year", Hannah began. "It's pretty clear out so when it gets dark we ought to be able to see plenty of stars. The North Star is the most well known. It's not the biggest or the brightest, but what is really unique about it is that it does not appear to move like any of the other stars. All the other stars move across the night sky from east to west and change positions with the seasons. The North Star is located almost directly above the north pole. As the earth spins the star remains in a constant position in the northern sky. It's a real important star for navigation. From any location on the earth above the equator, the angle of the North Star above the horizon determines one's latitude. Below the equator you can't see the North Star, so you can't navigate by it down there. They say that birds use all the stars to navigate. During their annual migrations they appear to orient their flights in the directions of various constellations."
"You're pretty smart, Hannah," Taylor said. "I know there's lots of stars but I can't name any of them. How do you find the North Star anyhow?"
"That's easy," Sean inserted. "...You don't mind if I answer him, do you Hannah?"
"Of course not, but thanks for asking," she smiled... She seemed to be quite fond of Sean since their meeting. It was not obvious to anyone though except to Hannah herself.
"Well, you have to find the big dipper first", Sean explained. "The two pointer stars at the end of the cup point the way to the North Star. You just count up five stars and there it is! — We'll show you tonight, right Hannah?"
"For sure", she nodded. "And we'll teach you the names of some other stars too. We humans only know a few but God knows all the names. He named all the stars, did you know that?"
"Gosh," Bryce exclaimed. Taylor and Cael seemed equally surprised.
"My cousin knows lots of stuff," Riley boasted. "You just ask her anything."
"Yeah?" Taylor remarked. "Well how far is she gonna jump when she sees that snake crawlin' up behind her?"
TO BE CONTINUED
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Encouraging God's Children |  |
Here is this month's list of those who need your 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.
First and foremost... Let us offer continuing prayers for men and women of the world who are attempting to reach others with the truth of God's word. There are so many false beliefs throughout the world and the task of teaching the truth is an extremely difficult one. Pray that the light of Jesus carried by His faithful servants will dispel the darkness of ignorance.
Please continue to pray for and to write to...
Debbie: Who recently wrote in for counselling so that she might understand more about God and move closer toward him.
Kurt Johnston: Kurt is undergoing treatment for a critical brain problem. He is in a Pennsylvania hospital.
Jesse of Arcadia CA: Who's very young daughter is undergoing a serious brain operation procedure.
Carrie Rowland, West Salem Ohio: As she goes through some difficult medical tests for a threatening physical problem. UPDATE; Carrie is doing better and the threat seems to have been thwarted. Your prayers have been answered...Thank you!
Brother Regis Madzire: That his dear family will seek the Lord and the hope that is found only in Him.
Ol' Ken Petty, Arcadia CA: Ken had recent knee surgery and must undergo surgery on the opposite knee. Please pray that this normally active and good man will get back on his feet.
Michael Taylor and family, Arlington MA: As they are about to be the proud parents of their first man-child, Michael S Taylor Jr! UPDATE; Yes indeed, your prayers have been answered. A new son and grandson has entered this life successfully!
Ron Friend and family, Marietta, Ohio; Ron's daughter, Lori, recently lost her unborn child due to physical complications. This would have been the very first grandchild for that dear family. Please pray that the entire family will find comfort and understanding from God during this great trial in their lives.
Eric Barker, Beaver, W. Virginia; Eric is a young man who has experienced some personal difficulties in his life. Please pray that Eric will be strong and courageous and that he will seek the wisdom and knowledge of God.
John and Vicki Brandt, Tucson, Arizona; Their son, Nick, is in the region of Kuwait with the US military and has been there since February. Let us pray for this family as well as for the many military families experiencing hardships due to the world's tense situation. UPDATE; Your prayers have been answered, Nick has been able to return home. Thank You!
Karen Keifer, Akron, Ohio; Karen is recovering from a home accident and needs your prayers for strength and renewed courage. Life has been difficult for her in other areas as well. She is a fine Christian lady and needs to hear from you. UPDATE; Karen is doing well in her recovery and is now back to work. Your prayers have been answered. Thank you!
Jack and Marge Myers, Crestline, California; These are active subscribers who need your prayers or letters of encouragement that good health may remain theirs to enjoy during the remainder of their stay on earth. *Marge is going in for gall bladder removal the first week of June. Please pray for this dear lady. UPDATE; Marge is at home and doing well now... Your prayers have again been answered. Thank You!
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Please remember the homeless again this month. Locate a homeless person and help them in any way that you can. Pray for all of those in need, and please pray for the leaders of our country and the world at large, that men and women will desire to find wisdom, that they will turn and seek God's face in this world full of fear and doubt..
Please remember Hiking the Trail of Truth in your prayers, that we can reach out together to help and encourage others along life's difficult trail...
Lord, grant us the humility to seek your face for the well being of others. Help us to reach out to them in word and in deed. We are each one of us in need of your guidance in the use of our tongues and our talents. Though we are unworthy we ask you to bless our efforts... In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, we pray.
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Thank you so much for hiking with us through the June 2003 issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until July then, may the grace of our Lord Jesus be upon you... Sincerely, Mark S Taylor
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HIKING THE TRAIL OF TRUTH
Mark S. Taylor
(707) 477-2460