We Midwesterners love to fret about the Fall. “The maples don’t seem to be as vibrant as usual this year.” Or, “It’s awful warm for October, don’t you think?” Or “I’m worried that we’re going to skip fall and jump … Continue reading
I got some peace and perspective in the woods of Geauga County this morning. I visited three of the county’s smaller parks: Eldon Russell Park, the Wild Calla Kettle trails at the Burton Wetlands, and the Russell Uplands Preserve. And … Continue reading
I think I might have just completed my personal hiking challenge for this year: walking every step of every trail in Ohio’s Portage County (a.k.a. PoCo 2021). But then again, I’ve thought that before. Maybe you can help me in … Continue reading
For years, I’ve known that Summit County has a Fall Hiking Challenge. They call it a Spree, in fact. And they say it’s “the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation.” I’m not sure how exactly I’ve … Continue reading
I’m coming to the end of another quest: to hike every trail in Portage County in 2021. If COVID-19 was going to “shorten my leash,” I figured I’d make the most of it! At first, I estimated that it would … Continue reading
I’ve been a big fan of the Buckeye Trail for a few years now. But today I gained a new level of love for the Buckeye Trail when I became one of its builders. I happened across Bill Jindra a … Continue reading
You’d be surprised how many Americans confuse “Ohio” and “Idaho” (and “Iowa,” too, for that matter). I guess it’s the vowel sounds. And perhaps the stereotype we’re all in some sense backwater. But the regions are very distinct: in climate, … Continue reading
Yesterday was our free day for hiking and such. But it seems to me like more ministry happens when we’re not “in session” (i.e. organized group activities). Singing, teaching, and leading small group discussions are great. But sometimes, it also … Continue reading
The Scriptures tell us that, “Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise,” some of Jesus’ closest friends “went to the tomb” where Jesus had been buried. They didn’t have a well-developed plan, but they wanted to pay their respects. … Continue reading
I turned 44 yesterday. And honestly: it felt great. I got to enjoy some extended time with God in the woods of West Branch State Park in the morning. I did some desk work in the afternoon. Then I got … Continue reading