Valley of the Shadow of Death

This challenge to climb to a higher calling "in Christ Jesus" sounds exhilarating and exciting, but where there are mountains, there are also deep valleys the called pilgrim must trek. Some of these are dark, tangled full of shadows, and the unknown swallows each step. There are times when climbing higher in full trust of the Shepherd is beyond my wildest dreams, but this week, the valley loomed before me, with dark shadows and foreboding thoughts.
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."
These words haunt every corner of my house. Every waking moment is focused on the welfare of my elderly Dad. Every choice is made considering his care. Constantly, I check his blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate, and even watch anxiously as his ankles swell with fluid retention. In quiet moments, I gaze on his sleeping face, sketched with pain and age.

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Even as I type, I'm sitting in the dark at his bedside. He sleeps now, just a few passing hours since we  had cried together at his loss and confusion. A simple TIA (mini stroke), leaving his right arm lying limp at his side, scared us with the reality of the shadow lurking around us.
Not wanting to believe the weakness of his arm, he tried to stand and make his usual trek to the bathroom, but slumped backwards with the realization that his right leg would not hold him, nor his hand hold the handle of his walker.
Fear wanted to swallow our courage

Now, 36 hours have passed in the valley that defines our lives, but we are progressing toward the Kingdom. I became my dad's right side, and throughout our second day and night, we gingerly took each step until he gained his own ability to walk. First, it was just the struggle to the edge of the bed to dangle his feet, then, to stand, and finally, hours later, to a triumphant limp behind his walker into the bathroom in his own strength. I am so proud of him.
This valley has been long and full of the unknown. Each hesitating step causes our heart to quake and call out to our Shepherd for strength and guidance.
We cling in faith to God's promised Presence, and claim his Word as reality, and although each step is full of shadows with moments full with fears, we know His Presence.
"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." 
His breathing is hard, panting, as his lungs compensate the weary heart. He sleeps.
What a blessing sleep is!
"I will fear NO EVIL..." 
We may fear the unknown, our weakness, and our inadequacies, but we do not fear evil. There is no evil in the arms of Jesus. Dad continues into this valley of the shadow of death, but, even now, Dad peacefully sleeps because he knows the Shepherd's promise is secure.
The Shepherd promised His Presence...and Dad knows the Shepherd's words are trustworthy.
"For thou are with me."

Gearing Up Again!

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Because hopes for group companionship in posting never happened, this blog became silent. I enjoyed being the classroom facilitator as I taught the intellectual techniques for a spiritual climb, but looking back, I cannot accurately report on continual use of the supplied equipment nor the retention of lessons learned from the instructional manual.

Steadily, our studies covered seven summits in the time allotted. but for me, without input and feedback, there were many hours where it seemed I was climbing alone.  Finally, I observed classmates racing off to other interests and books, scarcely remembering the manual in their hurry.
On my own once again, I decided to continue the climb and discover the mountain range, and enjoyed many hours as breaking light touched my horizon.

Today, I was inspired by some phenomenal mountain photos by Jay Patel, which I enjoyed through my Google+ account. They reminded me of the mountains and valleys of my spiritual walk with my LORD Jesus Christ, the Creator of all nature's beauty. I quickly contacted the photographer to ask permission to portray them in describing my journey, and hopefully encourage you to go to his site to view more.
(Please click on the link below the photos and check them out for yourself!) 
Needless to say, I began writing again and hope you enjoy my thoughts!

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For the past seven years, the journey upward caused many scraps and bruises, hindrances of stumbling blocks, and even some slippery pits leaving shadows of unbelief. There were times when surprise overtook my progress as other trekkers made false paths or gave wrong directions. Entertaining signs hiding slippery slopes and jagged cliffs remain from their cutting carelessness. As I continued my endeavor, I tried to help many lost, weary, and crippled travelers along the way, but embedded deceit made that particular climb almost too dangerous, so my Guide led to other helpers along the path.

There were times when the divisive winds and eventful storms surprised my fortitude, shattered my resolve, and caused me to drag in sheer exhaustion. On occasion, my Guide carried me with comforting words from His manual, requesting me to rest in the comfort of His love. Through these times, I've learned the warmth of His Presence, the surrender of fellowship from his sacrificial trek, and the endearing encouragement to keep my eyes focused on the horizon.

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In addition to my Guide's companionship, it has also been exhilarating to meet fellow trekkers, and receive their helpful advice and tools, accompanied by their encouragement to continue climbing. Gifted individually, they became part of my life through printed conversations. I absorbed their shared testimonies of learned lessons in their personal climb, and try to heed the warnings they found along the path. Their diligence to keep godly priorities, follow their Guide closely, and make little habits and training vital in their daily routines challenged me. Their meek spirit boasted of faithfulness and their written goals continue to encourage younger climbers to stay on the path, reach upward and forever step heavenward.

A SPIRITUAL QUEST
This is the beginning of an unique upward trek made in small groups. Taking a biblical expedition through this study will demand determination to push for the "upward call of God". I enjoyed my first scaling of these mountains, and enthusiastically anticipate several small groups joining me in this upward quest. My prayer for you is that through your study, and reliance on godly strength, the higher climb will be your reward. As a guide, I will announce the summit we will scale each month. Whether you are a seasoned climber, or a beginner; I want to know your struggles and promise to be available to lend a hand, rope, or instruction. We have chosen seven summits and will climb one each month.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES A TRUE CLIMBER HAVE?
We have a personal relationship with the Master Climber. John 3:36; John 14:6
We have a Teacher who dwells in us to teach us God's truth. John 14:16,26
We treasure the Scriptures and its instructions light our path. Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12
We are using lessons taught by Mary Kassian in her book Vertically Inclined (LifeWay.com)
WHAT WILL THIS HIKE ASK OF YOU
You will be partnered with 5-8 climbers as a leader at our base camp.
You will have daily guides to study for deeper understanding and history of the mountains.
You will also be asked to memorize certain paths.
Record any 'special moments' on your own, or share them on this blog. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and focus on the prize of the upward call. Record your scenes, those inspiring sites, and even your heartbreaking times. Tell me about the steep peaks that give you trouble, and the jutting cliffs you had to surmount.
As we climb, I will share practical concepts and skills I learn on my climb. I will share lessons I study along the way and many of my thoughts as I climb. I invite each climber to join me, journaling what is learned along the way.
Let me join you in the "Tent of Meeting" and encourage your progress with our Teacher.
Please be willing to obey and follow whatever path the Teacher shows you.
WHAT TO DO IN FACE OF CHALLENGES
As we climb each summit, there will be challenges that require partnering with each other and communication with our Teacher. Often fog will hamper our vision of the path, and we need to honestly share the burden with each other. We will only go forward by encouragement and in the strength of the Teacher. Empowerment and direction will come from the Teacher.
LET'S COVENANT TOGETHER
Let's hold tightly to the hope we already have as we learn new paths in the upward climg.
Let's think of ways to encourage outbursts of love and good works.
Let's agree immediately not to neglect coming together to share our burdens.
Let's confess to each other when we need encouragement, helpful hints, warnings, or just a hand to grab to pull us upward.
Let's warn each other of jagged rock, outlying cliffs, and pitholes in the path.
AS I GEAR UP I HOPE
My desire is to be available for you, and know there will be times, I will be so glad you are on my team! I am ready for this climb! I will meet you at base camp in early September. I'm looking forward to the fellowship we will have as we learn to climb together!
So, my boots are on, and I am dressed for service! I hope to see you at base camp!
Your guide,
Debi