Hello everyone!
I am the Great Procrastinator! I am slow to getting around to... just about anything. My intentions are, of course, well-intentioned, but I often need encouragement, a better perspective, and a nudge.
The other day, just as things are going terrifically ho-hum, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), came home from work with potential automotive issues. Seems that when she let up on the gas, the lights would dim considerably. Well... I'd look at in in the morning, in daylight. It was probably just a loose belt... I hoped.
Nope! Lots of anti-freeze all over the alternator, belts, etc., obviously a job for my trusty mechanic. Off I went to Wilkinson's Garage, for a water pump replacement, and a one-mile-ish hike home. I was thankful for the hike, and thankful that my troubles are small. (Can you believe a couple of muscles were just a little bit sore?!?)
I got to thinking... my troubles really ARE small.
I started reading the Bible start to finish, (one-year plan), the other day, but chronologically. I have started reading the book of Job. I suppose many of you know the story of Job, but I would like to share part of that story with you...
"JOB 1:13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,
JOB 1:15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
JOB 1:18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house,
JOB 1:19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!""
Now, there's a man with TROUBLES! (and that was just the beginning of his troubles!) But, what did he do? How did he handle it??? You can bet it was the wrong day to head to Las Vegas!!!
"JOB 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship
JOB 1:21 and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.""
He PRAISED GOD! WOW! Isn't that the way we should be? We often don't even give God the Praise that is HIS when things are going "gee, golly, swell!".
...so we had to juggle a bit, with the truck, to get us both to work. Big DEAL! It all went well, Cari drove me to work, (Skowhegan Agway this week), for 8AM. Then she came home. She picked me up at Agway at 2PM, I drove her to the Hospital, to her work. I commented to her that I had considered that our troubles were nothing compared to Job's... I told her I loved her, and drove off. ... ...
I was returning to finish my work at Agway, when the truck started to pull to the left. Flat tire!?! Another hike!?! My blood pressure went up a bit, as I wasn't ready to hike! I swung it in to Irving's to get a shot of air, and as soon as I stopped, I realized the problem. I had a driver's side front brake hanging up, and it was getting HOT! (BP still going up a bit...)
I managed to get the truck back to Agway, a couple of places up the road. I only had a few minutes left of my lunch period left, so couldn't really work on it. I told myself... my troubles are small... I will Praise God!
I was really starting to think that ol' Job and I might be treading on some of the same trail. I was also giving some thought as to how I was going to get home, and, more importantly, how was Mrs. Stickman getting home? After all, it would be about an 8 mile nighthike. (I know that the Appalachian Trail is a wee bit longer, but still,... 8 miles...)I prayed that the brakes would release once it cooled down.
No nighthiking on this night. I finished the day, went to the truck, and LO, and BEHOLD, the brake had released once cooled down. I took it for a test drive... picked up the better half, picked up the car at Wilkinson's, and came home.
PRAISE GOD!
I know I really need to give more consideration to God. He deserves my Praise all the time. He deserves it even when it seems that He has forgotten to Bless me and mine. I will continue to pray for God's Blessings on you and yours. 'Till next time, Praise God, and God Bless you!
P.S. Check this out, Bible in a Year ... http://www.bibleinayear.org/signup.asp
Stickman
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
ScriptureStick 2010 Appalachian Trail Hiking Ministry... moving forward towards 2011!
Hello everyone!
Stickman here, stopping for a short break before moving a little further downtrail... OK... So I'm not on trail yet, but I thought I would take a minute to make an entry in the "journal".
I thought I would let you all know the status of the much anticipated 2011 Appalachian Trail / ScriptureStick Ministry Hike. At this point, it's moving forward!
For those of you not familier with what we do, let me explain. My wife, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), and I have been making ScriptureStick Hiking Sticks for quite some time now. 
The intent is to put scripture (God's WORD) into the hands of hikers, encouraging them, and letting God's word travel the hiking trails, witnessing to all who read them.
In actuality, ScriptureSticks have gone out to all sorts of folks, all about the United States, and overseas.
We have even made ScriptureSticks with the Scripture crafted onto the Stick in Swahili. Those ScriptureSticks are in Kenya!
We minister in other ways, too! We attend local fairs, and craft shows, where passersby stop and read scripture. We "Gift" many ScriptureSticks throughout the year, and make charitable donations of ScriptureSticks to local worthy causes. We also try to maintain a trail presence up here in Maine, attempting to assist Hikers as they make their way down the trail, by providing a ride to town, offering a drink, a bite to eat, and any other support which we could offer.
In 2007, we were able to get ScriptureSticks Hiking Ministry out on the Appalachian Trail in an attempted thru-hike. (Read about it in previous blog posts!) It was a SOBO attempt, hiking from Maine, southward, towards Springer Mtn., GA. The hike fell a little short of Georgia, ending in Peekskill, NY,(800 miles hiked!), but the ministry aspect was a total success! I met many hikers,offering up help and conversation. A few hundred ScriptureSticks were gifted during this time, on trail and off!
... Back to the 2011 hike! We are still defining hike details, and how we might best be witnesses. The "Plan" at this point, is to hike out of Georgia, with the NOBO's, before March 1st, get to know and help my fellow hikers, come off trail in NY... return to Maine by June 1st... work... assist the SOBO's... assist my NOBO hiker friends as they enter Maine on their final leg of their hike! And, of course, there will be many ScriptureSticks gifted along the way!
At this point, we are defining timing, work issues, ministry "wants", and monetary "needs". You might be able to help us with that last one! What we are praying for, is that you, and many others, will simply purchase a ScriptureStick! You might procure one for yourself, and get out there and hike, or purchase one for a friend. Another option is to purchase a ScriptureStick to be "gifted" during the hike! You can also help us by sharing! Please share with family and friends, making them aware of our ministry. Share with them our blog...
http://scripturesticks.blogspot.com/
Share with them our ScriptureSticks Ministry site! ...
http://www.scripturesticks.com/Home_Page.php
Whatever way you can be a help... will be appreciated! Please remember to PRAY for Mrs. Stickman and I... it will be MOST appreciated!
Take care, God Bless!
Stickman
Stickman here, stopping for a short break before moving a little further downtrail... OK... So I'm not on trail yet, but I thought I would take a minute to make an entry in the "journal".
I thought I would let you all know the status of the much anticipated 2011 Appalachian Trail / ScriptureStick Ministry Hike. At this point, it's moving forward!
For those of you not familier with what we do, let me explain. My wife, Cari (Mrs. Stickman), and I have been making ScriptureStick Hiking Sticks for quite some time now. 
The intent is to put scripture (God's WORD) into the hands of hikers, encouraging them, and letting God's word travel the hiking trails, witnessing to all who read them.
In actuality, ScriptureSticks have gone out to all sorts of folks, all about the United States, and overseas.
We have even made ScriptureSticks with the Scripture crafted onto the Stick in Swahili. Those ScriptureSticks are in Kenya!
We minister in other ways, too! We attend local fairs, and craft shows, where passersby stop and read scripture. We "Gift" many ScriptureSticks throughout the year, and make charitable donations of ScriptureSticks to local worthy causes. We also try to maintain a trail presence up here in Maine, attempting to assist Hikers as they make their way down the trail, by providing a ride to town, offering a drink, a bite to eat, and any other support which we could offer.
In 2007, we were able to get ScriptureSticks Hiking Ministry out on the Appalachian Trail in an attempted thru-hike. (Read about it in previous blog posts!) It was a SOBO attempt, hiking from Maine, southward, towards Springer Mtn., GA. The hike fell a little short of Georgia, ending in Peekskill, NY,(800 miles hiked!), but the ministry aspect was a total success! I met many hikers,offering up help and conversation. A few hundred ScriptureSticks were gifted during this time, on trail and off!
... Back to the 2011 hike! We are still defining hike details, and how we might best be witnesses. The "Plan" at this point, is to hike out of Georgia, with the NOBO's, before March 1st, get to know and help my fellow hikers, come off trail in NY... return to Maine by June 1st... work... assist the SOBO's... assist my NOBO hiker friends as they enter Maine on their final leg of their hike! And, of course, there will be many ScriptureSticks gifted along the way!
At this point, we are defining timing, work issues, ministry "wants", and monetary "needs". You might be able to help us with that last one! What we are praying for, is that you, and many others, will simply purchase a ScriptureStick! You might procure one for yourself, and get out there and hike, or purchase one for a friend. Another option is to purchase a ScriptureStick to be "gifted" during the hike! You can also help us by sharing! Please share with family and friends, making them aware of our ministry. Share with them our blog...
http://scripturesticks.blogspot.com/
Share with them our ScriptureSticks Ministry site! ...
http://www.scripturesticks.com/Home_Page.php
Whatever way you can be a help... will be appreciated! Please remember to PRAY for Mrs. Stickman and I... it will be MOST appreciated!
Take care, God Bless!
Stickman
Monday, January 4, 2010
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Hello All,
I took a bit of time to jump online these last couple of days, trying to check out a few of the 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker "hopefuls". I don't call them "hopefuls" in any sense to try to demean their efforts. But, having given a thruhike a shot in 2007,(800 miles SOBO), I know that a person making the thruhike attempt remains "hopeful" until the hike ends... fully completed, or not. I hope, (and PRAY), the best for all of them, and wish them a safe, happy, and complete hike, no matter the distance.
It is wonderful, seeing everyone prepare... doing gear checks, revising their itinerary, completely changing hike direction, NOBO to SOBO, SOBO to NOBO, or perhaps considering a FLIP. Looking for hiking partners, rides to the terminus, looking for advice. Doing a "shakedown hike". Giving advice. Deciding when to tell the Boss. Counting the pennies one more time...
I think that a lot of people have a misconception about attempting a thru-hike. I think that they do believe that hiking over 2,000 miles is tough. I also think that a lot of folks think that hikers have just decided to drop out of society, be irresponsible for five or six months, and... OK, OK! ...So, there may be a LITTLE truth to that point of view! But, the fact is, no matter what gets you on the trail, whether it's a lifelong dream, or the recent nudging of a good friend to tag along, very seldom does ANYONE step out on that trail without having at least a skeleton of a plan, and know a bit more about the trail than just how to find it.
So, in my checking out the Class of 2010 enrollees, I also garnered information along the way. I "inadvertently" was figuring out how to get back on trail! No, that's a lie! I was researching! YES! I WANT to go back on trail! ...which leads us to ask the question...
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Not sure, yet. Hazy... hazy...
...March 1st, 2011? NOBO? Springer Mtn., Georgia, to Greymoor Friary in Peekskill, New York? Hazy... hazy...
...but, I think the fog is lifting! I will do the research, PRAY, check on finance, PRAY, lose some weight, and exercise, and PRAY! ...I hope you will keep me in prayer on this... seriously.
In turn, I will continue to pray for all of you, and ask for God's Blessings for you, too.
Good night,
Stickman
I took a bit of time to jump online these last couple of days, trying to check out a few of the 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker "hopefuls". I don't call them "hopefuls" in any sense to try to demean their efforts. But, having given a thruhike a shot in 2007,(800 miles SOBO), I know that a person making the thruhike attempt remains "hopeful" until the hike ends... fully completed, or not. I hope, (and PRAY), the best for all of them, and wish them a safe, happy, and complete hike, no matter the distance.
It is wonderful, seeing everyone prepare... doing gear checks, revising their itinerary, completely changing hike direction, NOBO to SOBO, SOBO to NOBO, or perhaps considering a FLIP. Looking for hiking partners, rides to the terminus, looking for advice. Doing a "shakedown hike". Giving advice. Deciding when to tell the Boss. Counting the pennies one more time...
I think that a lot of people have a misconception about attempting a thru-hike. I think that they do believe that hiking over 2,000 miles is tough. I also think that a lot of folks think that hikers have just decided to drop out of society, be irresponsible for five or six months, and... OK, OK! ...So, there may be a LITTLE truth to that point of view! But, the fact is, no matter what gets you on the trail, whether it's a lifelong dream, or the recent nudging of a good friend to tag along, very seldom does ANYONE step out on that trail without having at least a skeleton of a plan, and know a bit more about the trail than just how to find it.
So, in my checking out the Class of 2010 enrollees, I also garnered information along the way. I "inadvertently" was figuring out how to get back on trail! No, that's a lie! I was researching! YES! I WANT to go back on trail! ...which leads us to ask the question...
So... What's your plan, Stickman?
Not sure, yet. Hazy... hazy...
...March 1st, 2011? NOBO? Springer Mtn., Georgia, to Greymoor Friary in Peekskill, New York? Hazy... hazy...
...but, I think the fog is lifting! I will do the research, PRAY, check on finance, PRAY, lose some weight, and exercise, and PRAY! ...I hope you will keep me in prayer on this... seriously.
In turn, I will continue to pray for all of you, and ask for God's Blessings for you, too.
Good night,
Stickman
Friday, January 1, 2010
...and a Happy New Year!
Good morning, and Happy New Year everyone!
Well, the stickpeople are all up and about this morning, after staying up a bit late last night. We enjoyed a couple of games of "Scrabble" with Stickson and Stickdaughter while waiting the New Year in. Good times! It isn't all that often that we take time to take time together, so it was nice to end the year as we did.
I "cleverly" sent out an e-mail to a bunch of folks, the content being a "countdown", ending with a "Happy New Year!". I recieved a response from Niece, Dee, about an hour later, that stated that she had to wait yet another hour! ...those pesky timezones!
I had been eagerly awaiting the "Blue Moon". I don't know why, I just was. Perhaps it was because the last couple of nights, the moons were resplendent in their near-fullness. Also, we wouldn't see another Blue Moon on New Years' Eve for quite a while. I found these following facts to be interesting...
"New Year's blue moon won't happen again until 2028."
"A blue moon isn't all that rare. The moon is fully illuminated every 29.5 days, or about 12.4 times per year. To squeeze in that tiny lunar remainder, a blue moon has to happen every 2.7 years. Some years even have bonus blue moons, like in 1999, when calendrical anomalies leave February without a full moon. For those marking their calenders, the next blue moon will happen in August 2012."
"The last time a decade ended on a blue moon, Napoleon Bonaparte was Saint Helena's most famous resident in 1819."
Brent Wittmeier, Edmonton Journal
...Thanks, Mr. Wittmeier, for the info! Unfortunately, when I peered out the window, all that could be seen was snow. Looks like we're in for a good storm, extending for a couple of days or so. ("yay!", with all lower-case...) I can hardly wait to get out there and shovel snow!
But, as you know, it's all about perspective. How one views it depends on if they are holding a shovel or ski poles, trudging through two or three feet of snow to find the car, or taking a trek on snowshoes out on some back trail to find the beauty of God's creation. ...I just might wear my snowshoes while I "shovel out" later, see if it makes me feel better about all that snow...
Did any of you make any New Year's Resolutions? I chose not to... Today, however, I am a bit reflective. We have lost some folks, and will miss them dearly. I will make every effort to honor their lives, by cherishing memories of them. We have gained some folks, and will enjoy watching these little ones grow! I look back on the events and non-events of the past year, and have to be a little careful about my view. I can look at the "Should have's" and "Could have's" that I "Didn't", with regret, or the "could's and would's" that I did. ...besides, some of those could's SHOULD have been left undone! There is a big difference between a "Could" and a "Should"! This year there may even be a few "Can" and "Will"'s sprinkled in.
We were kept a little busy with the ScriptureStick Ministry. Thank you all for the orders for sticks, words of encouragement, sharing of stories, for giving. We've been lifted up by all of you, and pray that the ministry will be a benefit and a blessing to those it touches. We had a few opportunities to reach out and assist a few hikers, giving rides from trailhead to town, and vice versa. We found new friends on the trail, too! We we're blessed to assist Bark and Berry, (Joel and Cortney), a young, newly married couple, who hiked the AT as Trail Chaplains for ATServants. (Be SURE to check out "ATServants" online!)...AWESOME ministry!
We were also able to "Gift" and donate many ScriptureSticks to folks this past year, and thank all of you that purchased sticks (and supported us in other ways) for that! We realize that we are not in this ministry alone, and want you all to know that we appreciate your part in it. We're hoping and PRAYING that this year will be an even busier year for us, and with your continued helps, it will be!
Gotta go, lot's of snow! Happy New Year, and God Bless!
Stickman
Well, the stickpeople are all up and about this morning, after staying up a bit late last night. We enjoyed a couple of games of "Scrabble" with Stickson and Stickdaughter while waiting the New Year in. Good times! It isn't all that often that we take time to take time together, so it was nice to end the year as we did.
I "cleverly" sent out an e-mail to a bunch of folks, the content being a "countdown", ending with a "Happy New Year!". I recieved a response from Niece, Dee, about an hour later, that stated that she had to wait yet another hour! ...those pesky timezones!
I had been eagerly awaiting the "Blue Moon". I don't know why, I just was. Perhaps it was because the last couple of nights, the moons were resplendent in their near-fullness. Also, we wouldn't see another Blue Moon on New Years' Eve for quite a while. I found these following facts to be interesting...
"New Year's blue moon won't happen again until 2028."
"A blue moon isn't all that rare. The moon is fully illuminated every 29.5 days, or about 12.4 times per year. To squeeze in that tiny lunar remainder, a blue moon has to happen every 2.7 years. Some years even have bonus blue moons, like in 1999, when calendrical anomalies leave February without a full moon. For those marking their calenders, the next blue moon will happen in August 2012."
"The last time a decade ended on a blue moon, Napoleon Bonaparte was Saint Helena's most famous resident in 1819."
Brent Wittmeier, Edmonton Journal
...Thanks, Mr. Wittmeier, for the info! Unfortunately, when I peered out the window, all that could be seen was snow. Looks like we're in for a good storm, extending for a couple of days or so. ("yay!", with all lower-case...) I can hardly wait to get out there and shovel snow!
But, as you know, it's all about perspective. How one views it depends on if they are holding a shovel or ski poles, trudging through two or three feet of snow to find the car, or taking a trek on snowshoes out on some back trail to find the beauty of God's creation. ...I just might wear my snowshoes while I "shovel out" later, see if it makes me feel better about all that snow...
Did any of you make any New Year's Resolutions? I chose not to... Today, however, I am a bit reflective. We have lost some folks, and will miss them dearly. I will make every effort to honor their lives, by cherishing memories of them. We have gained some folks, and will enjoy watching these little ones grow! I look back on the events and non-events of the past year, and have to be a little careful about my view. I can look at the "Should have's" and "Could have's" that I "Didn't", with regret, or the "could's and would's" that I did. ...besides, some of those could's SHOULD have been left undone! There is a big difference between a "Could" and a "Should"! This year there may even be a few "Can" and "Will"'s sprinkled in.
We were kept a little busy with the ScriptureStick Ministry. Thank you all for the orders for sticks, words of encouragement, sharing of stories, for giving. We've been lifted up by all of you, and pray that the ministry will be a benefit and a blessing to those it touches. We had a few opportunities to reach out and assist a few hikers, giving rides from trailhead to town, and vice versa. We found new friends on the trail, too! We we're blessed to assist Bark and Berry, (Joel and Cortney), a young, newly married couple, who hiked the AT as Trail Chaplains for ATServants. (Be SURE to check out "ATServants" online!)...AWESOME ministry!
We were also able to "Gift" and donate many ScriptureSticks to folks this past year, and thank all of you that purchased sticks (and supported us in other ways) for that! We realize that we are not in this ministry alone, and want you all to know that we appreciate your part in it. We're hoping and PRAYING that this year will be an even busier year for us, and with your continued helps, it will be!
Gotta go, lot's of snow! Happy New Year, and God Bless!
Stickman
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
We wish you a Merry Christmas!
Hello everyone!
Thought I would take a minute to catch my breath, and while doing so, wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hang with me for a moment, while I catch my breath... OK... MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY!!!
It really is a wonderful time of year as we pay our respects to Jesus, our King and Savior, by recognizing His birth! I hope you all will join me in taking just a bit of the hectic time available this Christmas, to reflect on the Hol(y)day Seasons' true meaning. Hey, if nothing else, sit down with the kids, grandkids, or a friend, and watch Linus, in "A Charlie Brown Christmas"... he gets it right! Hmmm... there we go... here's a little "youtube" clip. Just go to it, listen to Linus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA
Of course, we will also be busy with gifts, family, friends, and all! We have recieved many wonderful Christmas cards this year, and thank you all for them. We recieved a pretty neat one from Bark and Berry, our ATServants Trail Chaplain friends, that they made themselves... it is a sequence of three pictures, the first, Bark and Berry starting at the first whiteblaze at Springer Mt., the second, a picture of an old AT tree marker, and the last picture, a triumphant celebration of their efforts, at the Northern Terminus, the sign at the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Way cool! Thanks, Bark and Berry! I know... it would be easier for me to show you all the card, right?!? Well... my scanner broke down the other day. If I get it straightened out I will add it in.
We have also been fairly busy getting some ScriptureSticks finished up, some of them intended to be Christmas presents. Mrs. Stickman and I would like to thank ALL of you who have ordered ScriptureSticks this year! We want you to know, that as paying customers, you are allowing us to continue and expand our little ministry. You are very much a part of this ministry! We are able to purchase supplies, and also donate/gift many ScriptureSticks because of your help. Perhaps, with all of your wonderful support, it will become a full time ministry... we are certainly praying and seeking direction. ...please keep Cari and I, and the ScriptureSticks ministry in your prayers.
Hmmm... interesting stuff... We recently were asked, (by Judi), to make up a ScriptureStick for Kay Wood, a dear friend of hers. Does that ring a bell for anyone? How about "Grandma Kay"? ...Kay Wood Shelter? It rang bells for me! Judi filled us in a bit, and "Grandma Kay" Wood is a special lady indeed! For many years, Kay Wood took in hikers, in Dalton, Mass. She did this until the trail was re-routed. "Grandma Kay" also hiked the AT, in 1988, at the tender age of 70 years. She has been deeply involved with the AT for many years, and was the monitor coordinator for Northern Mass, until 2002. In 1987, volunteers built the Kay Wood Shelter to honor her. It was funded by the ATC. In 2008, the shelter recieved a new roof and the gaps in the siding were battened. I stopped there in 2007, on my thruhike attempt, and was quite comfortable! My understanding is that Kay Wood was still active and hiking at age 90 years, and now, at age 91, has been temporarily slowed down by a stroke. Upon last communication with Judi, "Grandma Kay" was recovering quite well, and due to be home first week of December! I hope you will all join me in keeping Kay in prayer for a full recovery, and for her return to many happy trails!
Hmmm... getting a bit late! Thank you Kay, for the wonderful nights' stay in the Kay Wood Shelter. May God Bless you, and keep you well!
God Bless all of you, too! G'night!
Stickman
Thought I would take a minute to catch my breath, and while doing so, wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hang with me for a moment, while I catch my breath... OK... MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY!!!
It really is a wonderful time of year as we pay our respects to Jesus, our King and Savior, by recognizing His birth! I hope you all will join me in taking just a bit of the hectic time available this Christmas, to reflect on the Hol(y)day Seasons' true meaning. Hey, if nothing else, sit down with the kids, grandkids, or a friend, and watch Linus, in "A Charlie Brown Christmas"... he gets it right! Hmmm... there we go... here's a little "youtube" clip. Just go to it, listen to Linus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKk9rv2hUfA
Of course, we will also be busy with gifts, family, friends, and all! We have recieved many wonderful Christmas cards this year, and thank you all for them. We recieved a pretty neat one from Bark and Berry, our ATServants Trail Chaplain friends, that they made themselves... it is a sequence of three pictures, the first, Bark and Berry starting at the first whiteblaze at Springer Mt., the second, a picture of an old AT tree marker, and the last picture, a triumphant celebration of their efforts, at the Northern Terminus, the sign at the summit of Mt. Katahdin. Way cool! Thanks, Bark and Berry! I know... it would be easier for me to show you all the card, right?!? Well... my scanner broke down the other day. If I get it straightened out I will add it in.
We have also been fairly busy getting some ScriptureSticks finished up, some of them intended to be Christmas presents. Mrs. Stickman and I would like to thank ALL of you who have ordered ScriptureSticks this year! We want you to know, that as paying customers, you are allowing us to continue and expand our little ministry. You are very much a part of this ministry! We are able to purchase supplies, and also donate/gift many ScriptureSticks because of your help. Perhaps, with all of your wonderful support, it will become a full time ministry... we are certainly praying and seeking direction. ...please keep Cari and I, and the ScriptureSticks ministry in your prayers.
Hmmm... interesting stuff... We recently were asked, (by Judi), to make up a ScriptureStick for Kay Wood, a dear friend of hers. Does that ring a bell for anyone? How about "Grandma Kay"? ...Kay Wood Shelter? It rang bells for me! Judi filled us in a bit, and "Grandma Kay" Wood is a special lady indeed! For many years, Kay Wood took in hikers, in Dalton, Mass. She did this until the trail was re-routed. "Grandma Kay" also hiked the AT, in 1988, at the tender age of 70 years. She has been deeply involved with the AT for many years, and was the monitor coordinator for Northern Mass, until 2002. In 1987, volunteers built the Kay Wood Shelter to honor her. It was funded by the ATC. In 2008, the shelter recieved a new roof and the gaps in the siding were battened. I stopped there in 2007, on my thruhike attempt, and was quite comfortable! My understanding is that Kay Wood was still active and hiking at age 90 years, and now, at age 91, has been temporarily slowed down by a stroke. Upon last communication with Judi, "Grandma Kay" was recovering quite well, and due to be home first week of December! I hope you will all join me in keeping Kay in prayer for a full recovery, and for her return to many happy trails!
Hmmm... getting a bit late! Thank you Kay, for the wonderful nights' stay in the Kay Wood Shelter. May God Bless you, and keep you well!
God Bless all of you, too! G'night!
Stickman
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Little Critter sighted at Hedgehog!
Hey everybody!
I had a great hike this past week, just haven't had a chance to sit down and tell you about it. I also wanted to share a couple of pictures with you all, but hadn't gotten them downloaded. Thanks go out to my son, Josh, for getting them onto the computer for me.
The hike was a local one, out on Route 201, between Madison,(Maine), and Norridgewock. It is an easy jaunt, up a good sized hill, (or a very tiny mountain)... We always called it Hedgehog Rock. At any rate, it is a relaxing uphill stroll, on an old gravel road. Let's just call it a trail... ahem... a "jeep trail". This little hill holds some special memories for me, as I spent many hours on many visits, on my trailbike when younger. I also hunted the area, years back. Fortunately, for the deer, I never got past the "hunting" part... I never found any deer!
It is an interesting place, an overlook likely used by the Abnaki Indians, before their settlement, located down below the rock and along the banks of the Kennebec River, was destroyed, and a large portion of their population massacred at the same time. If interested, try an online search... try keywords, Abnaki, Abenaki, Wabenaki, Norridgewock, Father Rasle, massacre... you'll find an incredible account of the area and it's history. I believe the attack occured in 1724... ...back to the hike...
Even though I had been to Hedgehog Rock many, many times, this hike qualified as a "first time" hike. It was the first sighting of the "Little Critter" up there. You see, I wasn't alone! I had the pleasure of hiking with our Grandson, Kolby! It was the first hike I had been able to share with him... and his first hike! I am hoping and praying that we will have many more opportunities to share these hikes together, exploring the amazing woods and wildlife that God has created for us. We surely did see some other critters, a squirrel, and a couple of partridge that Kolby rousted into flight!... but the only critter captured on camera was Kolby! I'd like to share these photos with you!
Wow! This is one of the best hikes EVER!
Thanks so much for letting me share this special time with you! If you happen to have a Little Critter hanging around the house with you, take my advice... bring him outside, and let him go! You will both have a wonderful time exploring the great outdoors, and discovering the joys of hiking... 'til next time...
God Bless!
Stickman
I had a great hike this past week, just haven't had a chance to sit down and tell you about it. I also wanted to share a couple of pictures with you all, but hadn't gotten them downloaded. Thanks go out to my son, Josh, for getting them onto the computer for me.
The hike was a local one, out on Route 201, between Madison,(Maine), and Norridgewock. It is an easy jaunt, up a good sized hill, (or a very tiny mountain)... We always called it Hedgehog Rock. At any rate, it is a relaxing uphill stroll, on an old gravel road. Let's just call it a trail... ahem... a "jeep trail". This little hill holds some special memories for me, as I spent many hours on many visits, on my trailbike when younger. I also hunted the area, years back. Fortunately, for the deer, I never got past the "hunting" part... I never found any deer!
It is an interesting place, an overlook likely used by the Abnaki Indians, before their settlement, located down below the rock and along the banks of the Kennebec River, was destroyed, and a large portion of their population massacred at the same time. If interested, try an online search... try keywords, Abnaki, Abenaki, Wabenaki, Norridgewock, Father Rasle, massacre... you'll find an incredible account of the area and it's history. I believe the attack occured in 1724... ...back to the hike...
Even though I had been to Hedgehog Rock many, many times, this hike qualified as a "first time" hike. It was the first sighting of the "Little Critter" up there. You see, I wasn't alone! I had the pleasure of hiking with our Grandson, Kolby! It was the first hike I had been able to share with him... and his first hike! I am hoping and praying that we will have many more opportunities to share these hikes together, exploring the amazing woods and wildlife that God has created for us. We surely did see some other critters, a squirrel, and a couple of partridge that Kolby rousted into flight!... but the only critter captured on camera was Kolby! I'd like to share these photos with you!
Wow! This is one of the best hikes EVER!
Thanks so much for letting me share this special time with you! If you happen to have a Little Critter hanging around the house with you, take my advice... bring him outside, and let him go! You will both have a wonderful time exploring the great outdoors, and discovering the joys of hiking... 'til next time...
God Bless!
Stickman
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Thanksgiving Day full of Thanksgiving
Hello everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!
I awoke early this morning... (well, early for a "day off from work" day). As the alarm buzzed in my head, I desperately tried to get my mind around it... it sure looked like it was only 6:00AM! I guess that isn't very early, but "early enough". Cari had set the alarm just "early enough" for her to be able to "get cookin'" on our Thanksgiving dinner. I felt very thankful for her willingness to get up and work the kitchen, setting the stage for what surely will be a happy day. I then happily pulled the warm covers back over me, blissfully drifting off to the place in which my mind had been wandering before the alarm nudged me awake. ...
...My wandering mind had good opportunity to put a few miles in before the long climb out of sleep. It was almost 9:00AM when I finally left the shelter of my blankets. I watched the wildlife for a bit before rousting myself from bed. Our two cats, Noah and Sophie were on the foot of the bed, staring out the window. My curiosity having been poked at by the felines, I had to take a look too. There was a fat grey squirrel up in one of our apple trees, and he was having a feast on the three dozen or so apples that were desperately hanging on. He would scurry to an apple, take a couple of nibbles, move to a smaller one, pull it from the tree, and after a bite or two, let it fall to the ground, freeing him to pursue yet another apple! Two thoughts occupied my mind... this squirrel was being well provided for this year. God had prepared a feast for him, and he was apparantly thankful for it. ...This squirrel was also wonderfully made, and although he was quite rotund, he retained his agility, rapidly visiting several apples that were variously placed about the tree. ...
...The smells of the kitchen were quickly catching my attention, and I thought how God has provided for us this year. I was thankful for Him, and that He has not let us go without. We have good food, a home that is not too cold, and our children with us to share the day. ...
...As I readied myself for the day, I looked in the mirror, and had to smile. I have gotten a bit portly over the last few months, but I know that I have been wonderfully made by God! (Maybe I will get a "hike around the block" in before the day is over!)...
Finally, making it down the stairs, and into the kitchen, I thanked Cari for being the wonderful wife that she was, and for all her hard work. (I got a kiss!). The kids were soon sitting in the living room with us, chatting away. I am so thankful that they are both with us!
Yes, today is a "day off from work" day, but it is so much more than that. I do believe that Thanksgiving Day is just that, a day of thanksgiving. So, instead of falling into the rumbling and grumbling of a "normal day", I am going to walk a wide path around the normalcy. I am going to focus on the things that I have to be thankful for, and then, be thankful.
I pray that you all will be able to recognize God's Blessings for you also, even if they are small Blessings. I hope you will all join me in just being Thankful this Thanksgiving Day!
Happy Thanksgiving, and may God Bless you and yours,
Stickman
I awoke early this morning... (well, early for a "day off from work" day). As the alarm buzzed in my head, I desperately tried to get my mind around it... it sure looked like it was only 6:00AM! I guess that isn't very early, but "early enough". Cari had set the alarm just "early enough" for her to be able to "get cookin'" on our Thanksgiving dinner. I felt very thankful for her willingness to get up and work the kitchen, setting the stage for what surely will be a happy day. I then happily pulled the warm covers back over me, blissfully drifting off to the place in which my mind had been wandering before the alarm nudged me awake. ...
...My wandering mind had good opportunity to put a few miles in before the long climb out of sleep. It was almost 9:00AM when I finally left the shelter of my blankets. I watched the wildlife for a bit before rousting myself from bed. Our two cats, Noah and Sophie were on the foot of the bed, staring out the window. My curiosity having been poked at by the felines, I had to take a look too. There was a fat grey squirrel up in one of our apple trees, and he was having a feast on the three dozen or so apples that were desperately hanging on. He would scurry to an apple, take a couple of nibbles, move to a smaller one, pull it from the tree, and after a bite or two, let it fall to the ground, freeing him to pursue yet another apple! Two thoughts occupied my mind... this squirrel was being well provided for this year. God had prepared a feast for him, and he was apparantly thankful for it. ...This squirrel was also wonderfully made, and although he was quite rotund, he retained his agility, rapidly visiting several apples that were variously placed about the tree. ...
...The smells of the kitchen were quickly catching my attention, and I thought how God has provided for us this year. I was thankful for Him, and that He has not let us go without. We have good food, a home that is not too cold, and our children with us to share the day. ...
...As I readied myself for the day, I looked in the mirror, and had to smile. I have gotten a bit portly over the last few months, but I know that I have been wonderfully made by God! (Maybe I will get a "hike around the block" in before the day is over!)...
Finally, making it down the stairs, and into the kitchen, I thanked Cari for being the wonderful wife that she was, and for all her hard work. (I got a kiss!). The kids were soon sitting in the living room with us, chatting away. I am so thankful that they are both with us!
Yes, today is a "day off from work" day, but it is so much more than that. I do believe that Thanksgiving Day is just that, a day of thanksgiving. So, instead of falling into the rumbling and grumbling of a "normal day", I am going to walk a wide path around the normalcy. I am going to focus on the things that I have to be thankful for, and then, be thankful.
I pray that you all will be able to recognize God's Blessings for you also, even if they are small Blessings. I hope you will all join me in just being Thankful this Thanksgiving Day!
Happy Thanksgiving, and may God Bless you and yours,
Stickman
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