DECEMBER 2003 Happy Holidays ! 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... THIS MONTH WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR OF HTTOT MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS!  Hello, indeed Happy Holidays, and Welcome to the December Newsletter! This month marks the first anniversary of the HTTOT website, and 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. December is another fine month for getting out and seeing the beauty of created things, though it may be a bit cold in your area! Then again, there's nothing like a brisk morning trek to arouse your senses. This time of year is extra special, as holiday decorating traditions come into view. We've got some real creative folks out there along the highways and byways. Their work is indeed a reflection of their Creator... Part of knowing God is understanding and appreciating the talents He has given you, and that's 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. It can take you mentally where you may be unable to journey physically. The enlightenment and encouragement found along the 7 hikes there will be well worth your time... WEBSITE NEWS: I have received some letters and some e-mail from folks out there who are having some difficulty with daily Bible reading. It is not that they don't want to read, but for the most part, they're just not sure where to begin. There are 66 books in the Bible, and a lot of folks are seeking to find understanding early in their endeavors. Understanding does not come easy. You can't really find understanding in the Bible, reading it from cover to cover like an ordinary book. It is indeed great to do that, and there are some enduring lessons to learn, but understanding truly begins when you begin to relate Scripture from one book, to that of another, or several others. This process will increase your spiritual knowledge. I have therefore created something to help you do just that, and this month of December, you can begin a journey in that direction. 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 in your daily Bible reading. The calendar for December, 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 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 year round, entirely from varied Scripture, for as long as you choose to seek it! Please visit the Mountain and Valley Trail, be sure to read its preface, and have yourself a promising year with daily Bible reading! HTTOTs' Desert Trail 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 Native American CD is available in the August 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 and reasoning in answering them. 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 current website. 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; Small Miracles Part 2 (final) THIS MONTH: Small Miracles, Part 1: There are moments in life when we catch our breath and glimpse Gods' presence. Sometimes it is when we see the radiant face of a sleeping child, sometimes it is when we hear a fragment of melody that stirs and awakens an unfamiliar yearning. Sometimes it can happen while we're in a deep thought process or a daydream. These moments—which flicker for a tantalizing instant and then vanish in a flash—convey to us a sense of the Divine. That is because every leaf, every blade of grass, the natural landscape and the sky above bear Gods' imprint. But these days most of us are urban dwellers, leading hectic lives, and have lost the connection to the earth that enriched our forefathers and helped them to see God. Obscured by skyscrapers and the haze of polluted skies, we can barely see the stars, let alone sense a Divine Presence. Living as so many of us do—whether willing to admit it or not—lives of alienation and despair, how can we help ourselves reconnect to God, to one another, to our very selves? Beyond the spectacular realm of nature, though perhaps not as profound to most of us, there are other teachers—other experiences that can help us along our journey. They occur within the great universal flow of energy, and require nothing more than our sheer awareness of their presence. When we do become aware of them, they can serve as vital moments of growth and transformation. To encounter these moments in their fullness and richness, to be aware of their message and hear their music, is truly to know God. These experiences are a phenomenon we call coincidences. They have been variously defined as luck, chance, a fluke, something out of the ordinary, or a random conjoining of unexplainable events that defies our sense of reason. To the Christian, coincidences are much more than simple accidents or quirks of fate. They are indeed blessings, the spiritual food that hosts of angels send our way to illuminate our path. They are vivid, striking, awe-inspiring examples of Divine Providence. They are acts of God;   For the angel of the Lord encamps all around those who respect Him, and rescues them (Psalm 34:7). Today, most of us wrestle with a hidden God, a God who no longer parts seas, stops the sun, turns people into pillars of salt, or walks on water. Instead, we have coincidences—smaller, more personal, everyday miracles. For when a coincidence does take place, it is nothing more and nothing less than God tapping us on the shoulder, whispering, or at times even shouting,  "I am here! I am with you!"  These seemingly random moments are the full and vital expressions of Gods' handiwork. Coincidences are always opportunities for a change in our thinking, vital keys toward expanding our knowledge and awareness of the One who formed us. When we consider both the experience and the meaning of coincidences in our lives, we open ourselves to the enriching possibilities, the blessings, and the sense of harmony or oneness with the Creator of the universe that these small miracles offer... Next month, in part 2 of this particular series, we will take a look at some small miracles in our lives. 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... There are times out there on the road when I have encountered a hitchhiker or two. In the early sixties, when I was in the military, you would always find a hitchhiker on the road; sometimes a military person in uniform, sometimes a civilian dressed in a suit, and sometimes, just a young man or woman in casual clothing who needed a ride. Nowadays things are different, at least here in California. Most hitchhikers are homeless folks, or folks who are down and out on their luck in one way or another. This is a good time of the year to consider these folks, if you have not considered them before. It's cold out there, in most places, and it's holiday time. What better gift could you give to a fellow human than to help them out, in any way, during their hard times? You may have to go out of your way once in a while. There are times when I have picked up folks who were going farther than I intended on going. Rather than drop them in the middle of nowhere, I have taken them to the next town, and sometimes even further. Every situation is different with the time you have or the distance you are able to travel. Sometimes we tend to be in a hurry and want to get where we're going, without any interruptions. But these are the times when helping out others are most important. After all, what's your hurry? God could take your life away at any moment. Why not do as He asks and show compassion to your neighbor in the time that He allots you on this earth. These homeless people or folks in need are your neighbors. They are "friends" along the trail of life. You are, if you are a Christian, a representative of God on the earth. What do you suppose He would do? Yes. Exactly... and He has given you the means to help. You do have a car, don't you? Where do you think that blessing came from? So, put your faith into action and, if the opportunity presents itself, give someone a blessing this holiday season. It may be an opportunity to teach someone the truth; When they thank you for your help, if they take the time to do that, simply reply with, "Thank the Lord, for He has given me the ability to help you out this day." And, if they fail to thank you, bless them anyway, for Jesus healed ten lepers, and only one turned back to thank Him, so don't feel slighted if this happens to you. After all, He is the Creator of the world, and He didn't feel slighted in the least, for He did not come at that time as a judge... Thank you, Lord, for the many friends we can help out there along the trail of life. Please protect them 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 Continuing stories of life on the trail A WINTERS' TALE Episode 13 (final) * Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be located in Newsletter Archives All was quiet in the cave. Jeremiah looked at his Granddaughter. "You have anything more to say, Hannah?" "Yes, I do." "Go ahead then." She looked at the outlaws, still bound on the floor of the cave, back to back next to the campfire. "I believe that people can change if they really want to. I believe it's up to us, as God's children, to support them when they do. Trust is something that is pretty rare. Now, if you give back that money, you've started to build some trust. You can walk out of this cave as free men with that foundation. From there you can either build on it, or tear it down again. You make a choice everyday in this life. You choose, from day to day, who you want to be. Lord knows, we have opportunity to do whatever and be whatever we want," she smiled. "That's the hard part of life—choosin' to be who you should be. It's easy to do wrong and hard to do right. But, you've got to live with yourself, and you've got to live in a world with others around you. So that makes your choices real important. The choice you men made back in that town hurt a lot of people. Nobody was physically hurt, so you have a chance to make it right. If someone would have been physically hurt, then you would have to live with that. That's how things pile up in life and make it hard to change your ways. You sort of become what you've done. It's a terrible trap. If you keep doing bad things, it's hard not to do bad things. But, God gives that type of person a freedom that no one else can give them. He forgives the worst of us, and that sometimes makes the best of us. So, you have a choice" — Hannah looked back at Jeremiah. "That's all I have to say, Grandpa." Jeremiah stood up and walked over to Hannah. Putting an arm around her, he said, "She's right boys—you have a choice. Best make the most of it." Armando Valencia was the first of the outlaws to speak. "We'll give back the money, right boys?" The others answered him and nodded in agreement. "Untie 'em," Jeremiah ordered. Railroad Ron and Ed Ostashay moved quickly to loosen the ropes on the captives. As they stood to their feet, Jeremiah continued, "Best get mounted and ride. If we give Lil' Dave back that money, he most likely will quit lookin' for you. Like I said, I haven't seen any wanted posters on you boys, so now's your chance to give it up and go straight. Keep your noses clean and you can come by my ranch in the Spring. I'll have work for you." "You just gonna let us go?" Phil Henry questioned, taking the money filled saddlebags from his mount and handing them to Sean Perez. "Just like that, we can go?" "Unless you want to stay here and wait for Lil' Dave." Jeremiah answered. "He's a law man, you know. I 'spect if you're here, he'll have to take you back to stand trial and all. We forgive you, but them folks in town might not take to kindly to that." "Let's ride," White Eyes Chapman blurted. He swung into the saddle and looked at Hannah and the others. "Thanks, girl—thanks to all of ya.— Might see you, come Spring, Mr. Johnson." The others tipped their hats and the four of them rode off, disappearing shortly into the rain. Jeremiah soon poured some hot coffee. He took a sip, then spoke to Railroad Ron and Ed Ostashay. "You fellas' still want to head over the mountain?—Might be heavy snow up there with all this rain. Not the best time of year to go gold huntin' anyway." "Well, I'm in the mood for an old fashioned Christmas," Ron answered. "I say we head back to your ranch, Jeremiah." "Sounds good," Ed nodded. "Appears like we can all sit around the fire, after a good feast, and learn something from Hannah." "A-men," Jeremiah smiled. The rain did indeed turn to snow as the group left the cave and descended the mountain. It was quite a sight in the High Sierra country, snow clinging high in the pines and dusting the rocks. They would make the ranch before Christmas eve, and their attitudes were sure right to enjoy it. And God blessed those outlaws who rode off from the cave. Come Spring they showed up at the ranch. Ostashay and Railroad Ron had stayed on too. The Perez boys were working for Jeremiah that season also, and their cousins visited quite often. Hannah was gone though. She had returned to her parents home in the east, just after the new year. They all missed her around the ranch. Railroad Ron had said that she was like the star of Bethlehem...a beacon in their lives...a light of hope. About three years later, when she turned eighteen, she came back to the ranch. She said she wanted to be a "Sierra woman."— She said, "I want to be just like Grandpa. I want to live free in the high country, and see God's face everyday."  Riley, her cousin, came to visit them each Christmas after that, for several years. She eventually stayed on too.— Some say, they're up there still. THE END A new Trail Tale begins in January... see you then! 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. 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 Gods' word. There are so many false teachers and false beliefs throughout the world, which make the task of teaching the truth an extremely difficult one. Pray that the pure light of Jesus, carried by His faithful servants, will dispel the darkness of spiritual ignorance. Pray also that folks will realize the depth of their need for it. 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. Pray earnestly for the Lords' return. Storm Kastella, Whitefish, Montana... Storm and her husband are conducting Bible studies with their friends. Let us pray that they can help these friends to find the truth, a very difficult task in todays' world of, "everyone does what is right in their own eyes and believes what they want" (Judges 21:25)... 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 sorrow. 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: Your prayers are being answered as we speak. I just heard that the boy is doing much better, and some of his friends are as well! 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 December issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until January then, and a new year, 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