Spring Skiing and a Euphonium?

Grand Targhee ski resort received 40 inches of snow this week. Thinking it might be my last chance out, I headed there on Friday. While the fresh powder had hardened up over night, it still made for some great runs and I was able to plow through a couple of untouched powder areas. (They received another foot of snow today, so there might be more skiing left!)
This picture of the Teton's was taken on the way. Notice the clouds rolling of "The Grand" in the middle.
Here are the same peaks sticking out of the clouds from the top of Grand Targhee.
Looking to the peak of Mary's.
Saturday night I enjoyed the Idaho Falls Symphony's "Wild, Wild West" concert complete with a cowboy and the William Tell Overture. The second half was the Grand Canyon Suite complimented by some awesome videos and pictures from the Grand Canyon to match the music.

Some of you know that I picked up a used baritone prior to moving to Idaho. While I played trombone through high school, I've always enjoyed the sound of a good baritone. In school, practicing was always a chore, but now I actually look forward to it most evenings as I play through a hymnal and a few other song books. Of course, playing a big loud instrument also provides a little stress relief and drowns out the quietness (just ask the neighbors). So, for those who still don't believe me...
The 1969 Conn Constellation baritone (think mini-tuba). It has a compensating 4th valve providing a larger range (a bellowing bass for knocking the cobwebs down).








Before you listen to the video, here's a few disclaimer's.
1) My recording studio (three pillows encasing my laptop with my trusty camera precariously perched behind a book) does not have a monitor. Therefore, I can only hear the accompaniment during rests, so yes, the timing is off in some places. (The pillows are blocking and dampening the baritone so you can actually hear the accompanist.)
2) Remember that I enjoy the sound of a good baritone - I didn't say anything about making a good sound:)
3) If you're still wondering what a euphonium is, it is the proper term for this baritone.
4) Nope, I can't do a handstand and play at the same time!
5) For more songs and better timing, you'll just have to come visit!

God Answers Prayer

Does God answer prayer? Have you tried? I share the following experience as encouragement, knowing that God get's all the credit. Hey, you might try it...

Last Thursday I had an oral board exam to complete the qualification requirements for my current job, a culmination of my last 6 months of studies. Needless to say, I was pretty well stressed out by Wednesday night, so I asked God for four specific answers to prayer, and He clearly answered all four. Here they are:

1) Allow me to fall right asleep. This never happens unless I'm in class, or really tired, and definitely not when my mind is running through potential board questions for the next day! So, it would be nothing short of a miracle if this happened.
2) Allow me to wake right up, be alert, and mentally awake as soon as the alarm goes off so I can be mentally preparing for the exam. (Yes, at 4 AM.)
3) Help me to sleep on the bus. (OK, so this one's usually a given, but not if it's cold, windy or I can't stop thinking.)
4) Give me clarity of thoughts and calm my nerves during the board.

So... how did He answer? This is exciting...
1) I read for a bit, turned out the light, and went right to sleep. Of course, I had to force myself to GIVE UP my worries and give it to God, BELIEVE that he would answer my prayer, and leave HIM to do my stressing for me. This required CONFIDENCE in God. Based on experience and all the stress I've put Him through in the past, I knew He could handle this one:) But, if I didn't allow myself to TRUST Him, I guarantee I would have laid there for at least a couple hours stressed out, thinking about the exam.
2) So I'm on my fourth sit-up after getting out of bed (the key to a strong back) and it hit me... I'm WIDE AWAKE!!! Of course, I had completely forgotten about my prayers the night before until I realized how awake I was! Now that got me excited! I was in the middle of God's answered prayer.
3) The bus was toasty warm when I got on, making for some great sleeping conditions, and no one sat next to me, which only happens on Fridays! Praise the Lord!
4) I wasn't stressed at all, felt great about the oral board and just took the questions as they came... much better then I had anticipated. Once again, I can only give credit to God.

Now... as soon as it was over, I was all stressed out again, got a headache, etc. Kind of like the tide that God was holding back just collapsed in on me. But you know what? At that point, it didn't matter because I was done with the exam, and God knew I could handle it.

So I ask again, Does God answer prayer? Have you tried it? Don't forget the trust and confidence we must have in Him, that comes from our relationship with Him.


Switching gears, I recently finished reading Holiness for Ordinary People by Keith Drury.Now, if you think you're extraordinary, I suppose the book might not be for you. But if you're an average Joe, this just might be encouraging. It is written for young people, making it a very easy read (my kind of book)! The book starts out by answering many of the typical questions regarding holiness: What is holiness? Is it just a goal, or can it be a reality? Do I really need it? What does entire sanctification practically mean in my life and how will it change me? Will I still face temptation and struggles? What if I decide against it? Can a sanctified person sin? What happens if they do? How can you know you are entirely sanctified? What if I don't feel any different? Is it for young people, or only old, white-haired saints at church?

If you are tired of your bent towards wrong doing, and would like power over sin and a renewed energy for serving God and others, or power and effectiveness in service, I encourage you to get hold of this book! (You can borrow mine.)

As a side note, successful completion of my qualification oral board starts the clock on my 1 year assignment in Idaho!

Spring Hiking

At 60F and sunny on the second day of Spring, pushing slush around on the slopes didn't seem too appealing. So instead, I headed out hiking with a new co-worker. Since the higher elevations are still covered in snow, we attempted a canyon trail that takes you along the Palisades Creek. The trail system in this section of eastern Idaho is a maze of intersecting creek canyons that take you through the wilderness area. They are relatively easy, unless you choose to head up any of the adjoining mountains. When we started out, the sun hadn't gotten over the canyon walls (of course, I'm not sure it had gotten over the horizon as it was only 7AM), so the snow was crisp enough to walk on. However, as the day warmed up and the snow got softer, we eventually resorted to snowshoes (a first for me). While they can be clumsy and tiring, it was much easier then the post-holing we were doing previously. Of course, that was only after we had standing water inside our waterproof hiking shoes. But enough of the babble - I shall let the pictures tell the rest:
Looking back as the sun was starting to filter into the canyon.
Lower Palisades Lake where the sun finally crested the canyon wall after 4 miles and 2 hours of hiking.
If you click on the picture, you'll see either a beaver or an otter - not sure which.
Little did we know that our final destination was at the base of the snow covered mountain in the background (~2 miles away).
Who drags metal bridges more then 5 miles into the middle of the wilderness, along with all the welding equipment?!?
And who tries to do handstands on them?
Bam! Bam! Bam! "Will somebody please let me outta here?!?"
Upper Palisades Lake covered in ice with an island in the middle. In another 2 miles there are allegedly a couple of deafening 100 foot waterfalls, but we weren't ready for that. Maybe after the snow melts we'll come back.
Hand-stand-turned-head-stand after my arms sunk into the snow.
OK, who spilled the [coffee] beans? Actually, they are moose tracks (like the ice cream). Both moose tracks and remnants were abundant along the trail, but we only saw 1 moose, and she decided to saunter behind some trees when we went to take her picture.
River rapids
Remember "Where's Waldo?" Well this is "Where's Billy, the mountain goat?" Click on the picture to get a closer look...
...here he is (thanks to Ryan's telephoto lens). Click on the picture for an even better view.
When we first saw him, he was headed towards the top of the peak. Click on this for a nice side view of the hairy goat!

As a side note, I was lucky enough to spot an antelope near work on Friday. I wish I had a picture as he had large black, brown and white spots!

Until next time, enjoy your first full week of Spring! (And why is it snowing again?)

The Road Less Traveled

The Sunday School teacher was explaining the story of Lot (Genesis 19), and as Lot and his family left the city, his wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Then one little girl piped up, one time my Mommy looked back and she turned into a telephone pole! (Some of you will get it, some of you won't.) But enough of the funnies...

"Have you been to Stanley?" they would ask. No, not yet. "Are the roads even open in the winter?" I would reply. "Well, probably not, but you HAVE to visit Stanley!" they would say. "It is the most beautiful place. We honeymooned there!"

So, to Stanley I went. 750 miles and 630 pictures later, minus the ones where the windshield needed washing or the bumps were a bit too much, factor in the time to download, and we're down to 43 pictures posted for your viewing pleasure.

But first, I must commend my brother-in-law, the Honorable Judge Avery, for proudly wearing a beautiful...
...wig. The spec's are a nice touch as well. Visit here for the rest: http://phcofny.homestead.com/files/schdy/CZ_Youth_Rally_31309/index.htm

Below is a map of my weekend journey through the desolate, beautiful back country of Idaho. Starting from Idaho Falls, I headed up to Challis, over to Stanley, down through Sun Valley, over to Mountain Home and up to Boise for a Revival service. After staying near Boise for the night, getting some home cooked biscuits and gravy (they didn't even know it was my favorite), I headed back towards Idaho City, Stanley, Challis and back home. I'll let the pictures tell the rest...

The sail of USS Hawkbill (SSN-666), installed in July 2003 to "show their support for the armed forces", adorns the corner of Arco. Of all the submarine sails to choose from... why this one? (After some brief research, I found no connection between Arco and this submarine.)
The view traveling towards Challis
Entering a fun canyon course
Sunbeam Hot Springs (I only got my fingers wet.)
View of the Sawtooth Mountains, err... a birch tree, as you pull out of the mountain pass into Stanley.
This picture is more for the helicopter...
Majestic Mountains!
I only know One Person who can get credit for this beauty!


Heading towards Idaho City from Boise
Makes for a fun road to drive as you climb into the mountains
Looking left...
Looking right...
Is that because of the 100 foot cliff or because you can't jump out far enough to hit the water?
Welcome to Lowman, where there are more saloon's then stoplights (0) the roads are dirt and everything is wooden
I think this town is stuck in the 1800's
...the reason I didn't go from Stanley to Lowman on Friday. Luckily, the road opened back up on Saturday.
There are signs like this in NY, but do you pay any attention to them?
This is just one example, and the reason for...
...these guys. They were cruising the roads all day, plowing rocks.
A random geyser in the middle of a hill
My plan was to go cross-country skiing first. But, rather then do that, I decided to relax at Kirkham Hot Springs!
I spent about 2 hours sittin' here (in the water). Sorry no handstands... that's just dangerous!
More mountain passes with beautiful views
Entering the avalanche zone

The reason the road was closed the day before
Don't ask how I got this picture
Entering Stanley from the west
There it is! Remind me to face the camera next time.
Yes, Stanley is beautiful.
Couldn't decide which one I liked better
Finally some wildlife (elk)... or was it there the whole time and I just didn't see it?
"You lookin' at me?"
Tap dancing on Highway 93
Oh dear!
Yes, a bald eagle!!!!
Freedom's never free
I was afraid I had scared him away. Turns out he had other interests...
Beautiful scenery in the middle of nowhere
I had my eyes peeled here, even slowed down... but no luck

I found it!

My favorite picture of the weekend, with the sun tempting to set over the mountains as I head back into the high desert for the rest of the trip home.

...the end!