During the Crossroads Retreat, I shared with the group the things I have learned as I have experienced God at the various Crossroads in my life. That evening I shared with the group a series of "True Man Laws" that have helped guide me throughout my life. Here they are....

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. - Romans 8: 26

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes. - Romans 8: 28

But he (meaning the Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - - 2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4: 13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. - 1 Corinthians 10: 13

Blessings... Scott Thomas

Everyone I have talked to enjoyed the retreat and took something away from it. This is obviously the whole idea. I obviously have a different view of the retreat being one of the organizers, as it is part of my life each year for more than a couple of days. I too am pleased to say I had a great retreat and took many things away from it. Some I am sure are at this point unknown. I know I won’t even realize the significance of some things until a need comes my way and a conversation, or something I witnessed pops back into my head.

As we have grown in numbers we have had to move the retreat further away creating a challenge in terms of how to use the precious time as part of the experience or lose it. Finding the balance of fun and faith is challenging not only to suit the many types of characters but more to find the balance that satisfies the need of for the many different places people are on their walk. For me though satisfaction is easy to measure. When the last team checks in at camp and I know we haven’t lost anyone and everyone is safe, like a shepherd who has accounted for his flock I can sit back satisfied, listening in on the conversations of new found friends.

Once at camp Scott’s account of his struggles and joy were amazing to hear. I imagine like me most of you heard your own life’s struggles in his words. The patterns are the same just change the circumstances, desires, struggles and realizations as each crossroads is reached. A man opening themselves up and putting their cards on the table so to speak is a hard step for any man to take; I was pleased to see that the competitive side of everyone from the early evening melted away into a group of caring Christian brothers. It was a very moving experience for me.

Because the Saturday events were facilitated by Tecumsah that allowed the other leaders to become part of a team which has always been their desire every year. My view differs. I missed facilitating a session but had a different opportunity floating and taking pictures. You see by facilitating an event (and this year taking pictures) I get to spend time with everyone not just one group. At the first couple of retreats even though I cooked I was part of a team (I was pulled up a wall by Greg Mantock like I was a bag of feathers) so I have experienced the retreat from a participants perspective too, yet I have found more personal satisfaction from the retreat this way. I learn a lot from many different people and there are always surprises, it is always humbling to listen to others, as we did on Saturday night and hear how the Holy Spirit is alive in us all.

Sunday is a peaceful release. Not only is the organizing part over with at this point but we are now bonded and nearer to what I believe Chris intended when he asked us to be brothers to one another. The affirmations are for some difficult to receive and I know I struggle with this too, yet I am always surprised with at least one thing that is said to me, where I have had an impact I had no idea about and never would if we were out in the “real world”. It reminds me that every thing I do and say is witnessed and registers. A scary truth.

Mike Peck and I finally jumped into my car for the return trip and let out a collective sigh and both mouthed a big grin. The team had pulled it off again. We slid down in our seats exhausted from the weekend and exhausted from the responsibility of our actions having an impact on the walk of others. We drove along picking out water towers, cows, red barns and railroad signs laughing at how easy it was in the daylight as we started to swap stories from the giant’s ladder, mousetraps and Wade mud diving. Before we even hit 65 South I was turning to Mike and saying, “you know next year we could……………….”

And so begins my retreat experience. Weekend before Thanksgiving 2007 Mark it on your calendar now.

Blessings,

Recently, during a trip out west to Yosemite National Park, we found ourselves on a glorious trail. With each turn, valleys would unfold, majestic mountains would take on new life and the sun would create mosaics of light and shadow with the help of tall pines and the occasional cloud. The hike was 7.5 miles in and the same distance out.

The trailhead was in a small field and then began to wind through some impressive pine trees. The path was very clear and the combination of exposed soil, pine needles and fall leaves eliminated any need to question next steps. We took in the scenery and the miles fell behind us. This hike was going to be one to remember. What a day. What a trail.

One of the unique features of Yosemite is the amount of exposed granite that you can see. As you gain altitude, and perspective, you realize rock is king out here. There are more exposed rock formations than forests or meadows. The rock gives Yosemite beauty and character.

By mid morning, our trail turned up and left. Then, the trail opened to a vast rock face covering at least 900 feet up the mountain to our right, around 300 feet to our left down to a stream bed and easily another 600 feet directly across. We had found a bed of granite that looked like a lava flow. It was spectacular! All of us ventured out onto the rock and stood in wonder. Then, it happened. There was no longer a clear path. For just a moment, our level of certainty was gone. All the exposed rock, although beautiful, looked the same and offered no direction. We knew there was a trail. The question was, where?

In just a few minutes, we found small pillars of rocks stacked one on top of the other. These pillars had as many as seven small stones and seemed to guide us across the rock face. You see, these were trail markers left for us by people who had walked this path before. Recognizing the unsure terrain, they chose to light the way for others. People from the past helped guide present as well as future travelers.

Men of True North, many have come before you on the trail of life. And, many have taken great pains to show you how to stay on a path keeping Christ close by. Look for those signs. Be aware they exist in scripture, in prayer, in the active nature of The Holy Spirit and especially in the unselfish acts of your friends. We are all trying to find our way. Stay connected to our Savior and you will stay on course.

Blessings,

Mike Peck