Going to Church

“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.” –Billy Sunday

 

Recipe--Pumpkin Muffins

One of our favorite parts of fall is pumpkin! We love everything from pumpkin pie, to pumpkin pudding, to delicious pumpkin muffins. This recipe is especially good when using fresh pumpkin, but is also quite delicious with canned pumpkin. We love having these muffins for our Saturday morning breakfast!

 

Pumpkin Muffins

 

¾ cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup sugar

1 cup oats

2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 ½ cups packed pumpkin (from a 15-oz can)

1/3 cup oil

2 large eggs

Splash of milk

1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together dry ingredients in large bowl. In separate bowl, stir together moist ingredients. Combine wet into dry and mix well. Stir in white chocolate chips. Pour into greased muffin pan. Bake about 25 minutes or until done. Makes about 9 jumbo muffins.

 

Candids

As I was looking through photos, I found a folder with a lot of good candid shots in them from about 7 years ago. It was so much fun to look back and see how much we’ve grown since then.

 

Don’t you just love those four little teeth? Too precious!

No, we didn’t regularly strangle each other growing up. J Only on rare occasions! J

Josiah has always been a staunch defender of the ladies in our family. But it might be better if he could see who was on the other side of the camera! J

Making a “joyful noise” on the piano.

The lovely twins with some tomatoes from their garden.

This isn’t really related, but I thought you all might like to see a picture of Josiah. He got his cast off yesterday and he’s so excited!

"Hazardous Journeys" Mountain Rendezvous, continued

~posted by Ben

 

Day 4

 

My alarm went off at 4:50 a.m. I slowly got out of my bunk and climbed down the ladder, nudging my Dad to wake him up. “Wake up dad; we’ve got that early morning hike soon.” “See ya later” my dad jokingly said. We both got up and dressed warmly for the 5:30 am hike. We emerged from the cozy cabin into the dark, cold morning. A large group of gentlemen were out in the courtyard waiting to depart.

 

The pre-dawn sky on the morning of the hike.

Five thirty am turned into 5:45, and still we haven’t left because our trek leader hadn’t showed up yet. Now it’s 5:50, 20 minutes late, and still nothing. Some of the men went back to bed…others, like my dad and I, sought warmth in the shelter of the main building, while still others went on their own hikes. We waited…and waited…it was now 6:30 am, one whole hour after the hike was scheduled to begin. Now the leader shows up looking rather embarrassed. After a Psalm of apology, he explained that his iphone slid off behind his bed and he didn’t hear it go off. The crowd that once consisted of almost 70 men has now shrunk to about 20-25. We disembark on the hike through rough terrain. As we walk, I am so thankful that we had the patience and perseverance to wait it out for the leader to show up. The views are spectacular!

 

 

We finally reach our destination, the summit of Sheep Mountain.

 

 

 

Do you see that “body of water” that keeps showing up in the pictures? That’s not actually a lake as it appears. It is what the morning fog looks like at that altitude.

 

After a hearty breakfast, my dad and I attended the morning service. Doug Phillips gave a great sermon on the Providence of God. He also preached on what it takes to be a godly man in the 21^st century.

 

After that, my dad and I polished our tomahawk throwing skills for awhile. It was really fun!

 

Then came one of the great highlights of the trip. A HUGE tug-of-war tournament was held. It was done by cabins. If your team lost twice, you were eliminated. As the teams were eliminated they were then sent to complete a large military-style obstacle course. Our team lost the first game, and then won the second game. We hadn’t lost twice yet and were still in; we then lost the third game, which was our second loss so we split up into father/son teams for the obstacle course. My dad and I registered and got a participation number, team 129.

 

Unfortunately, since I was a participant in the festivities, I did not take any pictures, but I will try to explain it the best way I can.

 

My dad and started out at station #1. The man told us to run around three vertical poles in an open field. At this high altitude (8500 ft.) that alone was enough to get my Dad and me breathing hard (we come from only 700 ft. altitude in Michigan). This is NOT to say that my dad and I are not fit (we ran an 8k this summer) but no matter how often a Michigander works out, he is no match for the high altitudes in Colorado.

 

We reached the next station where the guide said; “40 pushups total between the two of you…however you wish to divide it.” My dad and I looked at each other and said “20/20” at the same time. We both dropped and did 20 which was no challenge. We then moved to the sit ups station where the man said, “40 sit ups total however you want to divide it.” 20/20 again. Next, we went to a station with two slingshots, a pile of stones and two buckets off in the distance. We were instructed that we had to hit a bucket twice for the both of us. We began shooting stones. I hit both for the team in 3 shots. Then we were told to cross a running river, run around a pole and run back. We received an unwanted surprise when we got there; there was no bridge to cross the small river! My dad frolicked from stone to stone across the river with ease. I stepped on one stone, then the next, and then slid in, soaking my shoe. I gathered my composure and then we ran around the post and ran back across.

 

We then ran about 100 yards to a station where I was blindfolded and Dad had to guide me around a small course without touching me, only by verbal instruction. He did an excellent job leading me through safely. We then crawled through a sand pit under some nets, then went across a no-railing bridge…but we had to do it with my dad holding my ankles while I hand walked. We then made it to perhaps the most challenging part of the course. There was a rope tied between two trees and we both had to go across by swinging our ankles over the rope and using our hands to pull ourselves across as we were hanging upside-down. We then went over and under some posts, ran through tires without touching them, and then ran through marshland on planks of wood. We struggled to combine speed with balance, trying not to twist our ankles and fall. We then crossed a knotted rope bridge over a running river and then sprinted back to the finish line. Our total time: 22 minutes. We didn’t win but we still had a blast! There is nothing more fun than a father and son overcoming a challenge together.

 

After that we walked back to our dorm (while I was wincing at the pain of rope burn), showered, and ate dinner. Then we attended the evening service. At this service I heard the greatest sermon I have ever heard! Doug Phillips gave an inspiring message on Honor and Respect. My dad and I had much to talk about that evening looking back on the sermon. We then turned in for the night. It was a fun-filled day, and would be the last day of the conference.

 

To learn more about Vision Forum Ministries and the Hazardous Journey’s Society visit www.visionforum.com and www.hazardousjourneys.org

 

"Hazardous Journeys" Mountain Rendezvous, continued

~posted by Ben

 

Day 3

 

We had a great night’s sleep last night and I can’t wait for the day ahead. We ate a scrumptious breakfast and then went to the morning session. Our speaker was Mr. Kevin Swanson, head of the Generations Radio program. He gave an inspiring message on a man’s role in society and how men failing at their cultural responsibilities has resulted and will continue to result in the collapse of the American civilization.

 

Kevin Swanson giving his presentation.

After the presentation, my dad and I attended a hands-on class on outdoor survival skills. The class was taught by a longtime Air Force veteran who had reached the high rank of Lieutenant Colonel during his military career. I found the lesson intriguing (even though as a boy scout I already knew most of the skills).

 

After lunch, we attended another interesting class taught by the same USAF veteran that taught the survival skills. This class was about using Astronomy for inland navigation. I really enjoyed this class since he engaged the listeners. It also appealed to me because I like Astronomy.

 

In the afternoon my dad and I attended an information seminar given by Mr. Doug Phillips, on the Hazardous Journeys Society founded by Vision Forum. He spoke on how one goes about doing a Hazardous Journey and gave testimony to the trips that the Society has already completed.

 

My Dad and I also went on a short hike around the camp. Here are some pictures of the place:

 

 

 

That evening after dinner, we went to the evening service where Doug Phillips gave a great sermon on the importance of “manly friendships.” It focused on how vitally important it is that men who wish to be godly, culture-changing men surround themselves with other godly, trustworthy men to keep them accountable and to encourage them in their walk with God.

 

Apologies for the blur. But this is Doug Phillips introducing his good friend Eric Weir.

Next came a man by the name of Eric Weir. This man gave an incredible testimony of his previous addiction to workaholism. He was a very successful entrepreneur with a great business reputation but was watching his family collapse right before his very eyes. He had to do something; he came precariously close to losing his wife. He gave an inspiring story about how he, with God’s strength and guidance, fought the fight for his family, and how he regained the ground he had lost in his home.

 

It was quite a long day. My dad and I hit the sack so that we could be ready for a 5:30 am hike tomorrow!

 

To learn more about Vision Forum Ministries and the Hazardous Journey’s Society, visit www.visionforum.com and www.hazardousjourneys.org  

 

"Hazardous Journeys" Mountain Rendezvous, continued

~ posted by Ben

 

Day 2

 

We woke up around 7 this morning, packed up and had breakfast at a local café. Then we drove to the “Georgetown loop” railroad station. We had bought tickets for this train tour through Georgetown. We saw some breathtaking views!



The train station.

The beautiful Colorado Mountains.

Going across a bridge.

The train made a stop at a goldmine visitor’s center; we got off the train since we had purchased tickets for an extended gold mine tour.

 

An abandoned gold mine on the verge of collapsing. Not going in there!

The inside of the mine.

“Dragons blood.”

The tour was really neat and educational! One thing I found particularly interesting was the story behind “Tommy knockers.” Have you ever wondered why in history books, you only see pictures of 19^th century miners right outside the entrance to a mine but never inside of it? It was not uncommon for miners to die while working in a mine. The superstitious miners believed that when a miner died, his spirit lived on in the mine. They called these spirits “Tommy knockers.” They believed that the Tommy knockers watched over them and kept them safe while they mined. But they also believed that it was a curse to upset these spirits, so there were a few things they never did. One was taking pictures. In the old days a camera was a large and complicated setup that made a small explosion when you took the pictures. The explosion echoed, making a large rumble throughout the mines. We now know that this was from the picture, but the miners thought that this rumble was the wrath of the Tommy knockers who apparently did not like their picture being taken!

 

After the train returned to the station we drove to the “Crooked Creek Ranch”, a Young Life Christian camp near Fraser, Colorado. This was where the Father/Son retreat was going to be held. We checked in and settled into our dorms. I then did some rock climbing that I signed up for earlier that afternoon.

 

The welcome sign.

Our cabin.

Our dorm room.

The view of the pool from the front of our cabin.

Looking the other direction.

Me climbing the rock wall.

That evening we had the official opening of the conference with a delicious dinner. The dinner, along with all the meals at the conference, was served by wives and daughters of the staff running the event. These gracious women did it on a completely voluntary basis, for no pay at all. We were very grateful!

 

That evening, Doug Phillips (Founder and CEO of Vision Forum ministries) gave an inspiring sermon on manhood. He is an incredibly enthusiastic, engaging and inspiring speaker!

 

Sorry for the blur, but this is Mr. Doug Phillips, Founder and CEO of Vision Forum Ministries.

After the opening service, my Dad and I enjoyed a late night Ice cream at the camp café and then had a good night’s sleep. We are excited for the day tomorrow!

 

To learn more about Vision Forum and the Hazardous Journey’s Society visit http://www.hazardousjourneys.org/

 

To be continued. . .

 

"Hazardous Journeys" 2012 Mountain Rendezvous

~ posted by Ben

Day 1

 

Over Labor Day weekend my father and I went to the 2012 “Hazardous Journeys Mountain Rendezvous” Father/Son retreat hosted by Vision Forum. The event took place at the Crooked Creek Ranch, a Young Life Christian camp in the Colorado Rockies. We decided, since this was our first time in Colorado, that we would take a day at the beginning and one at the end to do some touring.

 

Flying into Denver, “the mile-high city!”

Our rental car. I know…it is a pink Ford.

We left on Wednesday the 29^th and flew to Minneapolis where we caught a connecting flight to Denver. That day we had a wonderful time at the “Wings over the Rockies” air and space museum; it was really cool!



The sign in front of the museum.

The backside of the B-52 bomber outside the building.

The F4 Phantom, flown frequently in Vietnam.

“This is your captain speaking!”

“First class officer, Benjamin!”

A monument to Colorado native, Apollo astronaut, and former Colorado congressman, Jonathan “Jack” Swigert.

We then began the drive down to Georgetown Colorado where we would spend the night. Along the way, we drove past Red Rocks Park and amphitheater. We took a quick detour off our route to walk around.

 

A beautiful clearing and Red Rocks Park.

My Dad has never looked so small! J

No matter where I am, I always try to get my daily work-out in! J

A distant view of the Red Rocks amphitheater. We could not get too close because they were preparing for a concert.

We then drove to a small town in the mountains called, “Georgetown.” We had the BEST Pizza Ever at a famous restaurant, “Beau Joes.”

 

The delicious appetizer we had.

The best Pizza in the US! (assuming you like deep dish)

We then drove to our Motel where we had a great night’s sleep. Tomorrow we head for the conference!!

 

To be continued. . .

 

In Every Place

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”

 

2 Cor. 2:14

 

 

 ~ posted by Betsy

 

Recipe--Cranberry Chicken

One of our absolute favorite family recipes is Cranberry Chicken. This dish has been a part of so many holidays and celebrations because it seems so festive It’s incredibly easy to put together, and makes a great freezer-meal. It is delicious served over rice.

 

Cranberry Chicken

 

4-6 boneless chicken breasts

8 oz Catalina dressing

1 package dry onion soup mix

16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

 

Mix together dressing, soup mix and cranberry sauce. *If you want to freeze this, place chicken breasts along with sauce mixture in a freezer bag. Lay bag flat in freezer until needed. On the day you want to cook it, thaw it completely.* Place chicken with cranberry sauce in greased baking dish and bake covered at 350°F for one hour. (Uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes) Serve over rice, making sure to put lots of the delicious cranberry sauce over it. J