Follow the Red Blaze

Before Easter weekend, winter's grip was released on a lovely sunny day. With just a few fluffy clouds on a backdrop of blue, I laced on my running shoes to nab a few miles and capture sunshine on my shoulders. "Siri" led me to the south of Murfreesboro (outside of Nashville), Tennessee. Off I-24 is a great little part-suburban park known as Barfield Crescent Park which seems to have two sections: Community ball and Frisbee parks and the hiking & picnic area. For the nature lover, there are roughly 7 miles of trails -some paved and unpaved- from the Volunteer Road parking lot.

At the Wilderness Station, I inquired of the 3 mile loop. A complimentary map was given with the instruction to "Follow the Red Blaze" marking my route. Easy enough. Off I went for my trail run over rocks and roots and foot bridges, up and down to the river, traversing my way along an old rock fence and past chattering families enjoying the trails. 

It did not occur to me until I saw the photos from my trek as to the spiritual symbolism of my instruction to "Follow the Red Blaze." C'mon, work with me...I can make most anything a teaching point for God!

Jesus willingly laid down His life and shed His life's blood on the cross as a blaze marking my way of redemption to God! He rose to life taking the keys of sickness and the grave and hell with Him. Death couldn't hold Him! He said that I could have a life free of bondage and have eternal life with God the Father when I ask Him to forgive my sins and choose to live my life loving and following His instructions...and you can, too! Just "Follow the Red Blaze."

For God so loved the World 

that He gave His only Son.

Whoever believes in Him will not die,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart

that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God

and it is by openly declaring your faith

that you are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Romans 10:13

Book Review: Think Differently, Live Differently

Think Differently, Live Differently: Keys to a Life of Freedom

by Bob Hamp
Thinking Differently Press, 2010
Thomas Nelson, 2011







While surfing the internet, one evening, and looking for new reads by Robert Morris, author of A Blessed Life, I happened on Bob Hamp's book being released that very evening. If memory serves, he was in countdown mode to its release. I opted-in figuring anyone who is on staff at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and has forewords by Pastor Robert Morris and Kari Jobe must be a pretty good fella! He's just gotta be! He and I exchanged tweets during the downloading process.

The story of a child adopted by farmers and who, later, discovers his biological family wrangled my heart reminding some part of my younger self 's memories that I was made for more. I wish I had this book when I was a young adult.

Bob Hamp, a professional counselor, mentor to leaders and executive pastor, provides a casual approach to sensitive life-issues many people have buried deep in their soul, yet it affects their present behavior often chaining them from experiencing the real life they desire. 

What is lasting freedom? Is it attainable? How comfortable are you with being alone with yourself? What are counterfeits to freedom? Do I constantly question myself?

Reading this book must surely be like what it is to spend an hour having coffee with your best friend, Bob, as he pours truth (spiritual and knowledge) into your spirit offering hope from bondage and brokenness. If you feel "stuck and getting stucker," I encourage you to download or order this easy-to-understand resource.

Bob Hamp has written a new leadership book, Think Differently, Lead Differently, I cannot wait to dive into!

Visit Bob Hamp's website for more resources including the study guide and an audio book if you find listening to your book proves easier with your busy lifestyle.

The Best Things in Life are Costly

We've all heard the The Beatles banging out the lyrics "The best things in life are free, But you can keep them for the birds and bees. Now, give me money. That's what I want!" And, who doesn't want money? A topic for another day.

The best things in life are free. Now, there's a subject!

Free typically is a ploy to draw you into a bargain that is going to cost you something. "BOGO"- See what I mean?

The best things in life are costly. Please keep reading. I'm not promoting lifestyles dripping with diamonds and custom Bentleys. If the stuff accumulated in my life were to melt away, what would be left? 

I am a believer in the living and loving God. Although free to me, that relationship would cost Him dearly. 

For God so loved the world

He gave His only son

And whoever believes in Him will not perish

But have eternal life.

John 3:16

I am an American living in the Land of the Free. It is quite sobering when acknowledging the cost of freedom. Men and women gave their lives for me to claim and enjoy this earthen right. From the first immigrant stepping on to our rich soil a couple of hundred years ago to the U.S. soldier stepping on an IED, yesterday, it cost dearly. 

Upon learning five brothers had been lost during the Civil War, it is reported President Abraham Lincoln sent these words of comfort to Mrs. Lydia Bixby...

Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

Dear Madam,--
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln

The best free things in my life are costly. Freedom and Salvation. Money could never afford those things.