Continued adventures in Colorado.

The last few weeks have flown by as I have been busy helping lead our "Father Teen Adventure" program here at Spring Canyon.  FTA focuses on dads and their relationship with their children, and building that relationship as the son or daughter moves into adulthood.  It's been so amazing getting to help facilitate the week for these teams and watching their friendship grow immensely over the course of a week!  I have gotten to spend countless hours over the past weeks sharing in life experiences with different fathers and encouraging them in their journey and walk with Christ.  Once again this summer, I feel overwhelming privileged that this is my "job."  I get to invest in lives for the eternal difference of them choosing to love Christ well in future years to come!  That's pretty much amazing!

Last week I got to with the Fathers and Sons on their white water rafting trip down the Arkansas river.  It was a blast!  The water was running unusually high for this time of year, so the river was incredibly fast and powerful!

I've gotten to do quite a few things this summer that I've always wanted to, but never had the opportunity.  Through all of the fun activities, I still would have to say nothing compares to the amazing opportunity I get every week to lead men and women into the love of Christ and help them see His everlasting desire for them!  There is so much hope inside of Christ for the weary heart.  For those that have been laboring for years, there is rest for the weary and strength for the down trodden.

Something else that was very encouraging for my own heart the last week was that a friend of mine from Kansas City came out to visit his dad in Colorado, and it just so happened that his dad lived about 40 minutes from where I was staying in Buena Vista.  So we got a chance to hang out a couple times while he was in town.  I was greatly encouraged to share in our common love for the man Jesus.  We got to do one overnight campout and later in the week a day hike up past Cottonwood lake, such a beautiful area!

The summer adventures continue, I've got just over a month left here in Colorado, and I'm looking forward to enjoying every moment of it!  This has been such a great time of refreshment for my heart.

Blessings.

Embracing the Words of Life that lead to Death [Colorado Springs, CO]

Over the course of months leading up to this summer the Lord spoke to my heart again and again to prepare me for what He was starting, that is, this process of learning to lean more and more on His friendship than any other.  My prayer for this year in January was that I would learn to love people well as He does.  It seems that the training grounds for pouring into others is that you experience a heightened intensity of being drawn into deeper friendship with the person of Jesus.  

The closer I come to Jesus, the more I realize the weight and depth of His words.  If in this mans words there is truly eternal life, then why do I neglect His words more than anyone else?  Why have I not grabbed ahold of every word that He has spoken and claimed it for myself? In His words there is life, but embracing His words means death to my mortal flesh.  To embrace His path means to embrace a pathway of suffering and self denial.  To truly experience life, I must die to myself.  "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." Luke 9:23-24 The cost of following after Jesus is nothing less then complete surrender and wholehearted devotion. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26 Though there is death to the flesh, in these truths there is eternal wells of life springing up on the inside!

Our culture feeds us this idea that the journey of life should be easy and enjoyable, when we encounter hardship, our society tells us it's not fair and we deserve better.  I don't see this kind of language anywhere in scripture.  We see the exact opposite for the pathway of those who choose to follow after Christ.  The journey is filled with embracing suffering and being spitefully used because of Him.  "Enter by the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7:13-14  "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (endurance)."  Embracing the trials of this life produces endurance and long suffering for the marathon race that we are running.  When we bow out of tribulation and say that "it isn't fair, or God isn't just in our circumstances," we are robbing ourselves of embracing a valuable spiritual lesson to help strengthen our pace for the course of years to come.

Being a friend of the man Jesus, and loving Him well means that we obey and follow His commands.  "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15  "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."  John 15:10-11  There is joy in this process of dying to self.  When we choose to voluntarily love Him with the whole of our heart, and embrace His commands, we subject our flesh to suffering, and we greatly move the heart of the creator God because of our act of willful obedience.  This is the wisdom of God, that when we choose to love Him, it cost us something.

Good or Bad Idea?

Inexperienced kayaker, good or bad idea that I decided to raft down the creek in camp? Water was a pleasant 40 degrees, the rapids took good care of me as I dumped it the second time around =]  Still loving my time here in Colorado!

Mountain Adventures [Mt. Shavano, CO]

This last week I had the privilege of peaking a 'fourteener' as they refer to it here in the rockies.  A beautiful hike through the San Isabel national forest, I spent 4 days on the trail with cadets from all over the U.S.  Every time I get to go out on our 4 day treks I so appreciate the time spent in the wilderness, getting to talk to the Lord in His creation.

On the 4 day trek I led a group of 2 brothers and their dad up the mountain.  I had a blast getting to spend the week with these guys in the Lord's creation, getting to talk about life and future plans.  I have come to love my 'job' out here in Colorado.  I can't believe that I get to do this the whole summer, hike, and talk to military cadets about loving Jesus with all of their heart!  This past week I had countless conversations with different guys about living wholehearted before the Lord, and how it's possible to walk out the first commandment!  I've formed a few friendships along the way, a few more connections with people from all over.  I feel as though everyday I have a heightened ability to connect with the Lord, being here in His creation, and just being 'closer' to Him at 9,000 feet.  I know that this time is forming some very key experiences for my heart to draw from in future years.

Love it here.  More to come.

Grace & Peace

The Life of a Mountain Man continued [Buena Vista, CO]

It's been quite the adventure thus far being out here in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.  This past week I finished up my 2 weeks of training for the summer as a guide staff.  I am now Wilderness First Aid certified, CPR certified, a general understand of rocky mountain climates, and a general understanding of rocking climbing and repelling systems and knots.  I have enjoyed learning the practicalness of all the different life skills I am gaining.  Spending more and more time in the mountains and getting the experience to go with the training has started giving me a confidence in my ability to survive in the backcountry.

Half of being a successful guide and backpacker is simply knowing how to prepare for any conditions you may encounter.  Making sure that you have done all that you can on the front end to be prepared for the worst.  Everything from food and water, to having plenty of layers and shells.  There has been some days we've been on the trail and it's 65 and sunny, and that night it drops down to 30 degrees and a blizzard!  Just this past week we were spending a day out on the cliff face climbing and repelling, the morning was sunny and a good temperature, by about 12:30pm a snow storm had moved in and we were scrambling to get off the rock!  Visibility was probably about 25 feet, and wind gusts were attempting to blow us off the mountain at 20 to 30 mph!  Luckily I went with my gut that morning and packed an extra fleece and my wind shell, my hands took the brunt of the weather as we scrambled to get all of our gear packed up.

 It's been alot of fun learning how to cook different meals when backpacking.  So far I've learned how to make mac and cheese, chicken alfredo, and beef and potato pie from scratch using ingredients that are easy to pack and not spoil.  Also making rice krispy treats on the trail has become a good treat for around the campfire on chilly nights =)

This next week I'll be hiking another fourteener with my first group of ROTC cadets.  I'm really excited to speak truth and identity into the lives of men and women that are hungry for the Lord.  The Lord is so kind in the way that He continues to lead my heart and show me the value of my time here.  I'm so in love with this man Jesus, may He have all of my affections.

The Life of a Mountain man [Buena Vista, CO]

I've now been in Colorado a little over a week and a half, my time here so far has been so busy that I haven't had much time to spend alone with my good friend Jesus, let alone stay caught up with all my 'people' that I love so much.  Life is definitely a whirlwind at the moment.  Busy going from one training session to the next.  It's been quite alot of fun to be getting all of this training, I've been absorbing quite a bit of new information over the past week.

We've spend the most amount of time on learning all the different rock climbing and repelling systems.  Getting all the knots down, all the protocols for climbing and being anchored in to something, how to tie students in, how to rescue a student in case they get stuck.  Attention to detail I'm learning is one of the most important things as a instructor and guide.  The safety and lives of students depend on making sure that everything is 100% correct 100% of the time.

Mike Displaying proper technique for clipping into your harness.

This is my face(s) for getting ready to go out and spend a day on the rocks.

Though people may not be able to perceive this, I do miss my family quite a lot, that has been probably one of the hardest parts so far about being out here in this wilderness paradise.  NO FAMILY!  My desktop background is currently as follows.

Though this time away from family and familiar environments is hard, I feel like this summer is the training grounds which is moving me from boyhood to manhood.  I feel a maturing taking place in my heart as I continue to plow ground.  There is a reality of now plowing ground for myself as Isaac Mark Smith.  I am laying the foundations in these years that the rest of my life will be built upon.  What are going to be the founding principles of my life, my household.  No one can make these decisions for me, as well no one else can walk these values out for me.  I get to dream with the Lord and press into however much of Him that my flesh can take.  Narrow is the gate, difficult is the way, and few are those who find it.  How far will He let me go, how abandoned will He let me be.  I want to be dependent on the words of one man alone.  Truly His opinion is the only one that matters.

Until I get wireless internet again...I remain...

Mountain man.

I'm in Colorado, I'm rock climbing, and I think I might DIE! [Buena Vist, CO]

Here's an entry from my digital journal.  I didn't have time to write a specific entry for this blog.  The pics were from a rescue training session we did today.  I'll update again when I can, my internet time is limited these days =]

[May 17, 2011] Today was the first day that we got out to the cliff face to set up our systems for repelling and climbing.  It was a nice little hike up to the area where we could actually set our anchors.  Got to feel how out of shape I was with my pack on carrying maybe only 20 pounds of gear.   It was nice to finally get up in the mountains and start putting into practice the different knots and climbing systems that we have been learning the last couple of days.  The repelling system made sense finally as I could see it laid out.  I got to go over the cliff first and repel down a good 60 feet, for my first time repelling, I really enjoyed it.  I’ve really enjoyed my time out here so far.  

Yesterday I had the day off, and discovered the little prayer chapel.  I spent a good 2-3 hours in there alone, reading the word, some books, praying, and talking with family.  It’s such a peaceful spot to go and spend some time alone with the Lord.  I think it is quickly becoming my favorite spot out here in the mountains.  There is a little wood burning stove in the chapel to heat the small 15 by 20 room.  A couple quaint pew’s, a well made rocking chair in the corner, in front of a letter desk.  I think that I would really like to spend some evenings in there writing letters, and journalling, and maybe some songs.  Seems like my heart has been missing my friend Jesus a lot more lately.  

It has seemed like the more and more I become disconnected with all of the business of what I have been dong the last 8 months, the more my heart feels at rest.  My heart has been at peace here in the mountains, though so far away from my comfort zone, I am finding comfort in the place of fellowship with my Lord.  I know that this part of the journey has been so ordained by the Lord’s leading.  He has brought me to the wilderness so that I might come up leaning.  So far, that has been my number one concern each day, how much time can I steal away to get before the Lord.  I have become aware of how quickly I put on a mask, to cover and hide the deep things of my heart.  I haven’t been able to truly be myself before others because I have been more concerned about what they think, instead of what my Father’s opinion is.  I don’t want my heart to be gripped in a man pleasing spirit of living before man, but before the eyes of the Lord only.  How do I set a standard and refrain from engaging in different conversations or activities.  There is no balance.  There is black and white.  Am I compromising or tip-toeing on that line?  I want to run from wickedness, I have to kill pride, I have to go to the lowest place. I want to serve the people I’m around this summer and bring them into encounter with the man Jesus.  I don’t want to be a hinderance to that process.

Pushed into Leaning

There hasn't been to many transitional seasons in my life, I'm not sure if I would even consider this summer to be the Lord moving me into a new 'season'.  Maybe just a mid-season hiccup.  All my stuff is packed as I am getting ready for a summer that will be different than most I'm used to.  In just a few days I will be flying home to Michigan to see my family for a week.  Upon returning to Kansas City I will have two quick days to repack and get ready for a summer spent in the mountains of Colorado.

For the past two years I have lived in KC, the longest time I have spent away from this place was a month back in the summer of 2009.  When I moved here, I don't think I knew that I would be moving here more or less permanently.  When I finished my internship I moved into a house with 5 other guys, called the 'Refuge House.'

Left to Right: Me, Jay, Micah, Kris (the owner of the House), Josh

Jay, Micah, Kris, and I have been together for the past year and a half in the house.  I've had alot of fun getting to know these guys.  Basically, we had fun pretty much all the time when anyone was home.  The refuge house really has felt like home here in Kansas City, it's going to feel really odd to be back in Kansas City and not coming home to these guys.

As for where I will live come fall, I have no clue.  There are so many things that are out of my control at the current moment of life.  My heart is to find a place with fewer guys, a little slower pace, and would prefer to have the guys going to IHOPU.  Life here at the House of Prayer is really busy, really fast pace, so it's important that when you walk in where ever you are living that you are able to enter into true rest.

I think also having grown up in a big family, going straight into internship life, then coming to a house with 4 roommates, I'm ready for a little break.  I need a little smaller crowd for home life.

Truly my heart will miss these guys.

So today, I officially feel like my summer is starting, as I take this first step of trusting the Lord.  I know this summer is about leaning for me.  Leaning into leadership that is unseen.  Learning to hear His voice and trust Him at His word.  I feel the pressures on my heart already to abandon ship, to neglect the voice of the Lord because of the tensions my heart will endure through the uncertainty.  Truly, He must increase, I must decrease.

"The boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places."

Isaac

I love the promise of coming Life.

Just recently it seems that I have had a few different couple friends that are pregnant.  My mind still cannot comprehend how the Lord made the human body so complex, that 9 months after conception a baby is born from a mother's womb.  Even more mind boggling than pondering human life, is the fact that Jesus, was born, Jesus was a baby, Jesus became a man!  Insane!

What was Mary thinking the day she had Jesus?  Did she fully know the mystery that just come from her belly?  If she knew that her baby was God, did it terrify her to think about trying to raise him properly?  I can't imagine being Joseph and trusting the Lord through all the accusations from surrounding families.  How was he able to keep his heart from offense before the Lord?

I want to spend more time meditating around the birth and early days of Jesus.

Here's a few more pics from my shoot with my friends CJ and Christina.  Love them People!

LIFE.

Isaac

Summer plans of Colorado and Jesus

Some of "You People" (whoever you people are) may know already, but for those that don't, I'M MOVING TO COLORADO FOR THE SUMMER!  Yeahp it's true, heartbreaking to say the least.  From the past two years of my life, I will be leaving Kansas City for the first time for more than a month.  Long story made really short, the Lord set me up with this pretty amazing job through the most God ordained circumstances.

Taken in Southern Colorado by Yours Truly

"What will you be doing?" You ask.  It just so happens the Lord knows exactly who I am, and what I love doing.  I will be in the mountains of Colorado for the summer discipling men and women from all different branches of the military to love Jesus!  These people (the one's who are coming to me) come from all over the country to spend a week at the camp I am working, because they want to keep their christian faith while serving our nation's military in different capacities.

"So what does that look like?" You probe.  Well.  I will be leaving the second week of May to start training for my summer responsibilities as a "Outdoor Guide."  Each week we will have a team of about 10-15 men and women comprised from all different branches come for a week packed with activities and teachings.  A typical week.

Sunday morning we wake up, eat breakfast together, have a morning teaching time, that afternoon we head out to the cliffs to do some rock climbing.  Come back that evening, eat dinner, have another teaching session, then head to bed.

Monday morning, eat breakfast, morning teaching, go out white water rafting, eat dinner, evening teaching session, bed.

Tuesday, wake up early, pack up gear, hit the trail for day 1 of our 4 day trek.  Goal for day 1 is to establish a baee camp.

Wednesday, wake up early, hike up to scenic spot, and for the next 5 hours fly "Solo" with the Lord in prayer.  This is the spiritual climax of the week, so all the teachings and personal one on one time is getting them ready for this time with the Lord.

Thursday, wake up early, summit 14,000ft peak, eat lunch at the top, descend back to base camp.  This is the physical peak of the week, as peaking a 14,000ft mountain aint no cake walk!

Friday morning, pack into a hot springs area and relax and debrief about the last few days.

My role as a "Outdoor Guide" is most crucial during the 4 day trek, as I will be designated to be over about 3-5 people's well being.  Everything from shelter, to making meals, spiritual needs, leading morning devotions, it's up to me that these people arrive back to base camp Friday evening in one piece and having encountered Jesus.  Well, that's the Holy Spirit's job =]

Saturday say goodbye as the team heads out, and welcome the next team in that night!

Repeat process...

So, I will be quite busy this summer.  I'm really excited to pour the Love of Christ into the hearts of all of the different men and women that are going to come through this ministry.  I know that it will be an exhausting summer, but a rewarding one!  I believe I rotate a week on a week off for the 4 day trek.  For the weeks that I'm out on the trail, it will be a tiring week full of investment and getting my share of walking out the Sermon the Mount.

The weeks that I'm back at the base camp, it sounds like it will be a little more chill, still with work cut out for me, but I'll be able to spend more time with Jesus.  On the weeks I'm not directly investing my heart alot, I really want to spend those weeks investing in cultivating a friendship with Jesus at a deeper level.  I can't call Him my friend if I don't actually put in the time of having conversation with Him.

I'm really excited for this opportunity to share the exceeding pleasure of Loving Jesus, as well as having this invitation from the Lord to get to know Him on the backside of the mountain.  Literally!

Shalom.

Isaac

Love my Franklin Family!

I just got back Monday from flying down to Houston over the weekend for a wedding I photographed.  The wedding pictures are in the process of being edited right now, but I couldn't resist to through these pictures up from the time I got to spend with the Franklin's! 

I got to spend Saturday night with Cris and Heather, and then the Lord worked it out so my flight was cancelled and got to spend all of Sunday together as well!  I had so much fun getting to interact with their boy David, (turns 4 soon) and their daughter Danielle, who is 9 months.  Definitely would love to spend more time with them in the future!

Sunday I shot a few pictures as we took a stroll in the park and had a picnic lunch.  Here's some of my favorites!

 

The Franklin's are such an amazing family, I love Cris and Heather's heart for raising up kids that love the Lord!  I was so blessed to spend the entire day with them and get to see the inner workings of raising two kids.  David is almost four and has quite a few different allergies that they've had to deal with since he was born.  Sunday morning David had an allergic reaction to something that we had eaten at breakfast, there were alot of questions in my heart for the Lord.  I'm standing with Cris and Heather in prayer that David would be healed completely from all allergies!

I can't say enough about how I absolutely love this family.  They have been such a blessing to my heart and my ministry.

Love you guys so much!