LEWIS AND CLARK TRAIL

On Sunday September 23,2012, Frank Butler and Bill Butler will be starting a tandem bicycle ride of the Lewis and Clark Trail from the Lewis and Clark memorial near St. Louis to Astoria, Oregon. This is distance of about 3,300 miles. The eastern part of the trail follows the Missouri River crossing the Continental Divide in the northern Rocky Mountains. The Western part of the trail follow the Columbia River from its headwaters down to Astoria, Oregon where the river ends at the Pacific Ocean. On this first leg (about a week of riding) of the trip, we hope to cover about 500 miles. The trail follows the Missouri River across Missouri along the old Katy railroad bed. At Kansas City another trail heading toward Omaha, NE will be followed. We expect to complete the entire trip after about six segment rides. Hopefully, this will be completed in a total of four calendar years. We are hoping to average close to 100 miles per day, depending on the riding conditions. Stay tuned to this Blog for daily updates when ever we are riding. See associate pictures on facebook.

MY THOUGHTS SURPRISE ME!

Matthew 23 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) Jesus Disapproves of the Example Set By Scribes and Pharisees 23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees teach with Moses’ authority. 3 So be careful to do everything they tell you. But don’t follow their example, because they don’t practice what they preach. 4 They make loads that are hard to carry and lay them on the shoulders of the people. However, they are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “This may be the same problem that exists today in the 21st century church and the world at large. It is particularly true in the western world and the United States. Have you noticed how we expect others (all others) to obey the law, to be independent and make a living for themselves and their families? How we expect kids to toe the line, poor people to get a job, alcoholics to get on the wagon and get a life.? We only help people we believe deserve to be helped. We criticize people for not being able to get along in this society. We may actually believe we are better than them because we have learned how to survive ( actually live quite nicely) here. Is this the burden of the “law’ Christ spoke about?” “ Brunner says this section is contradictory and controversial. What do you think? “ 5 “They do everything to attract people’s attention. They make their headbands large and the tassels on their shawls long. 6 They love the place of honor at dinners and the front seats in synagogues. 7 They love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have people call them Rabbi. 8 But don’t make others call you Rabbi, because you have only one teacher, and you are all followers. 9 And don’t call anyone on earth your father, because you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Don’t make others call you a leader, because you have only one leader, the Messiah. 11 The person who is greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever honors himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be honored. "In order to be a respected member of society, what does one have to do? Do you know someone who fits the standard? What are his or her personal traits? What makes them fit this standard? I understand they are people of integrity. They are godly people. Or, are they? Do you know that? Or, do you make your judgement based on other facts and factors. Are they successful by worldly standards? Do you even check to see if they possess the qualities of Christ? Are we just acting out our destiny or are we really disciples of Christ? Are we wearing a mask most of the the time? Do we pretend to be righteous? What makes us followers of Christ? How do we turn our beliefs into action? How do we become the person God made us to be?" Be a Pharisee, send me your suggestions.

I'm back and seeking truth!

Yes, I'm back. You have not heard from me for a while. Perhaps I've been busy. More likely lazy or disinterested. Are you ready for a Blog series? There are a bunch of you I want to have come along for the ride. But, you have to be engaged and spend time commenting. The subject is what is wrong with church from our eyes. Matthew and Paul will be my main references. It is Gospel according to them that has me seeking more truth. You see, I believe God to be the singular, transcendent God of the universe. The one who created all we know and see. And, I believe He sent His son Jesus to earth as a man to pay the penalty for all our sins, granting us life now and in eternity. That's what Matthew and Paul called salvation. We are going to seek out this truth. Who wants to come along? Is there anything wrong with the church today? Let me hear it. If you like, read the first six chapters of Romans. I'm stuck in chapter 6.

Finishing the MRT

If you are interested in a bicycle ride along the length of the Mississippi follow the ride my son Bill and I are completing this March. We will have ridden about 2,500 miles. Mostly on a tandem. My other son Bob has joined us for several of the rides and is planning to join us for the completion beginning March 21st. We will be ending on Saturday and hosting a celebration in New Orleans Saturday evening. Contact me for details ensign453@yahoo.com.