A Psalm to God

Throughout this year in Explore, we had chapel times as a community five times a week.  During one morning chapel time we were encouraged to write our own psalm of praise to God.  I share this psalm with you as it has been formative of many of my thoughts from this past year.

Oh, Abba Father
you bring the light of morning
to fill the nooks and crannies of the earth
you remind me of my smallness
in the ginormity of your creation
the utter greatness of your stars


You have the mercy and grace
when I stumble
sometimes I fall flat on my face
you come along
and upright
you push when I am lax
and comfort when I hurt
but greatest of all
you are ever present


I do not tremble at days to come
because I have seen your mighty works
the power you work among
your people
and I know-with that deep understanding
that all I must and can do
is stand in your presence
and understand that you are God
and I am merely your created woman

It is only through you
that I can be in relation 
with others
it is only through you
that I can extend grace and forgiveness
these things are not of me
but of you-they are gifts
from your hands

Trust-sweet trust
is the last thing these bones
do naturally
yet, in your loving-kindness
you have taught this doubter,
this controller, this fearful being
what it is to walk in trust
you have been authentic
and redeemed my fears
what was once impossible
has been done through your power

Thank you, God my father
Thank you Abba

May I never leave your presence
may I never go from your hold
may you always possess every
part of my being

For you are my one and only
I have nothing else to cling to
Thank you

Wilderness First Responder and Search and Rescue Training

In March, as Explore students we began our Wilderness First Responder course followed by a few days of search and rescue training.  We spent portions of our classtime in lecture and discussion.  But, the best part of our training were scenarios where we practiced our skills.  We worked on many different skills including giving shots, stabilizing broken bones, dealing with acute stress reactions, and cleaning wounds.  Near the end our training a helicopter rescue team came to Camp Bighorn and spoke with us about their jobs.  All year long I had waited, and I was glad when we finally began this course because I enjoy the practical medical aspect of this course.  Thanks to the staff of Camp Bighorn for taking pictures of our course!