I love getting outdoors. It’s where my spirit can be free. It’s where God shows me that He can go big and yet be intimately present. He wants us to bask in the wow and simultaneously sense the subtle – be blown away and yet also embraced. Experiencing the profound glory of God positions us to be of one mind and one spirit with God. It puts us in a place where we can dare to imagine all that God has for us to be and do for Him. The question is: Can I? Can you?
I’VE STOOD AT THE RIM OF GRAND CANYON…
to see the sun rise with my wife. It was spectacular. It was also windy and therefore loud and forceful. At once we were waiting. Just a hint of light let us know that the magic moment would arrive soon. Though it was cold the anticipation built with each moment of waiting. Then the first crescent hint of the sun. We asked each other, “Can you see it?” Brighter and brighter, the gorge lit and came alive. The amazing spectacle is breathtaking. Being in that moment and seeing the earth where we stood and the sun so far away come together for a moment of celebratory crescendo was breathtaking. A daily ceremony proclaiming that God is with us.
Can you wake early to seek His face?
I’VE PLUNGED INTO THE RAGING RAPIDS…
rafting Pigeon River with my family in the Great Smoky Mountains. Few outdoor sports give you a rush like rafting. I think it can be the ultimate expression of baptism. Unlike a warm water dip at church, rafting is you doing the daring. With all of the tipping, splashing, ups and downs – it’s intense as if the water is jeering you, “You’re out of your element. I am powerful beyond your understanding. Why are you here?” The thrill of surfing a wave (frozen in place riding atop the crest as the river rages downstream) is second only to the abrupt terrifying realization of the raft catching water, inverting vertically and everyone plunging into the violent, rocky cold and churning depths. Can you feel your heart begin to race? Absolutely. All in a moment you’re calling out to God. All in an instant you’re under – deep and desperately trying to get up but you can’t. And when you think you should be back up you anxiously open your mouth only for water to fill it. Can you hear the prayers that people pray when you’re being held down under water? Coming up gives you a testimony of God’s grace and mercy.
Can you believe when life is unbelievable?
I’VE FELT THE EARTH MOVE…
outside my home when there was an earthquake. I felt it move again in liquid and explosive power as I walked over lave tubes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and witnessed the lave burst powerfully as it flowed into the ocean. I could hear it move as I climbed Mount Rainer. It was a snowy afternoon and traveling solo for work afforded me the chance for a day trip to this majestic mountain. The really big mountains I think are one of the few things that can truly make you feel so very small. Get to one so you can experience being a spec. It transforms your perspectives and attitudes. Not prepared, I got a $2 thin plastic rain poncho and put the extra pair of socks I had with me on my hands. It was bitter cold but I ventured up the snow covered trail along what seemed like a narrow ridge to see what I could see, which wasn’t much. The mountain makes it’s own weather and the fog, with mist and snow obscured my view. BUT, I could hear the Nisqually Glacier pop and rumble with a deep base sound as it moved ever so slowly down the mountain. I could hear it and I could feel it but I couldn’t see it. Then with the wind the fog lifted and there it was. This massive expanse of ice and earth lay before me – it had been calling me. And there I was all alone at the edge – I had followed it’s call and found it. Follow God’s call and find how he will take you to heights of His true love to the edge of what you can’t see – feel it!
Can you listen for the deeper rumblings that God uses to move you higher?
In this Autumn 2024 issue of Shout! OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE we focus on the theme mindset: Spirit Free. It’s an invitation for you to let God forever transform your mindset.
People are getting outdoors in record numbers, seeing and doing so much. But, without God that seeing and doing can only see so far and do so much. We all need to hear God’s call, feel His Spirit move us and know His presence. The miraculous truth and joyous reality is that through Christ, God is with us.
Can you wake, believe and listen? If you will, you can experience mindset: Spirit Free.
Adventure fully in Christ,
Brad Bloom, Publisher
