Echoes from the Hills

Winter Solstice

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:22:00 +0000

We have just completed the "shortest" day of the year and tomorrow begins an increase in the light. The Gospel reading for tomorrow is the "Magnificat". In a few days, the Light will shine forth from the dark of the womb, but with the reading it is shining forth through the Blessed Virgin. The Light will continually increase to bring in the spring and life...the Resurrection.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Some photos taken around the house and on our hike yesterday at Bee Rock along the Rockcastle River.

Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Merry Christ-mass! And may His peace be upon all the faithful!

Pope John Paul II now declared venerable!

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:32:00 +0000

From Catholic News Agency:

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2009 / 11:28 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI has signed a decree recognizing the late Pope John Paul II's life of “heroic virtue.” With his signature, Benedict XVI throws the door wide open to the beatification of the much-loved Polish Pontiff and gives him the title "Venerable."...

The next step towards canonization of John Paul II is a second decree to be signed by the Pope that attributes a miracle to him. It is thought that this miracle will be one that has already taken place but has not yet been officially recognized. The miracle involves a French nun who was cured of Parkinson´s disease through John Paul II's intercession.

Following the approval of his first miracle, Venerable Karol Woytilya would be eligible for beatification, and pending a second miracle, he could be declared a saint.

Thanksgiving in Iowa ("Ee-Oh-Way" in Hawaiian)

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:42:00 +0000

Our journey this time of Thanksgiving led us to the great corn state of Iowa to visit kin-folk. Being that the time off was so short we decided to fly instead of drive. Although the trip was several hours, it beat the typical 16+ hours of driving plus the wear on the vehicle and the bodies of the transient pilgrims.

As we flew, I wondered if man was meant to see the clouds from the top side. Regardless, it was beautiful. The clouds formed ripples and ridges much like a river or wind swept sand.

This was only the third time I had flown on an airline so to start, I was nervous. The irony I find is in that I seek the pleasure of being saddled atop a mountain bike at high speeds on rock laden downhill trails with little to no body armor and I hear the mighty Cumberland falls calling me to come play, but seat me in a flying sardine can and I'm almost a nervous wreck. However, I believe the difference comes down to control.

I found many sights and smells to feast my senses on while in the Northwest.
My parent-in-laws had decorated their farmhouse for Thanksgiving, which coincided with the harvest.

The trek into the the real Yahoo.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Saturday afternoon came to another pleasureful hike into the wilds of Creation. This time, we went into McCreary County, KY to explore an area around a well known waterfall. At 133 feet, Yahoo falls is the highest in Kentucky. It plummets onto a pile of large rocks before streaming into a small, shallow pool which feeds into the Big South Fork of the Cumberland river.

Unfortunately, I was unable to capture it's full height as I did not place myself in a position to do so.

However, I was able to catch a view from the top of the falls looking down to the bottom. It's not clear in the picture, but keep in mind it is 133 feet and I was hanging on to a tree while holding the camera out for the view. For some reason, it was hard to keep the camera still.

The journey continued around the falls area admiring the beauty of the scenery on the trail. I was drawn to many of the small creatures, but did not take the opportunity to photograph them. However, this time textures seemed to appeal to me more; specifically the textures of the trees and rock formations. The artwork of Creation is amazing in its randomness.

The first texture was just a few feet from the second. The side of this rock was more "smooth" with concave designs in its surface.

This passage was just approximately twenty feet from the first rock I photographed. It had some smooth characteristics of the first that seem to have been caused by previous years of wear caused by water running over the surface. However, the texture changed drastically as one moved down the surface of the rock face. It began to look more like what man would construct out of concrete block stacked one upon another.

Further down toward the river, this boulder was showing its design in which grooves tapered from one side to the other.

Along the path we came across several trees that caught my attention. The openings into the trunks of trees have always been intriguing as the hollow appears as it to be an opening into another world...if looked at it with the proper imagination that is...

The path that was leading us eventually joined us to the Sheltowee Trace, which coursed along the river. Here, we stopped after a while and sat to enjoy the delights that came to our senses and to converse with our friends we embarked with to further know them better.

The river was cold, but provided a soothing environment with its playful streaming around and over the riverbed. Ever since discovering the joys of kayaking, flowing water is almost mesmerizing to my mind. Once seated within a suitable receptive distance I find it hard to part from that place.

The waters also brings to mind the cleansing power of the Creator and how he longs for his children that he created to let his love flow around us as gently and playfully as the river and sweep us off to a sacred place full of completeness of life....

Finally, my wife showing off her wings.

Overall, I am grateful for such a place as where I live and the people I am blessed to share it with, whether first hand in the completeness of the fresh environment or in an attempt to show a very minuscule glance of the experience digitally...which never does justice.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:39:00 +0000

A very informative video on the flu vaccine:

Another trip down Bark Camp creek

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:09:00 +0000

This trail has become one of our favorites in the area because of the lush growth along the creek.

This time, right at first we were taunted by an elusive buck that seemed more content with snorting and grunting than showing itself. Being that this is deer season here in Kentucky and I have decided to forgo any form of indulging in it's activities, the buck was safe from me...for now.

I have also been drawn more to the small things of the earth. For years I have found a certain quietness about simply squatting down next to the ground and observing the life that so often goes unnoticed underfoot. Closer to the earth time seems to go...slower.

Along with this increased attention comes a fascination with the fungi and their "other worldliness". Compared to the rest of the vegetation, these delightful creations stand out with their curves and smooth surfaces.

Perhaps it's their mysteriousness in how they just suddenly "appear". Or their purpose of transforming "death" into "life" to continue the cycle instilled into creation.

Along the trail, there were many such pleasureful signs of the ongoing call for life set in motion from the beginning. One such was a natural "planter" in which a tree had been cut long ago and the slow decay of weather and time had carved out a hole in the center in which a small fern had found a place to grow.

The creek was not as full as the last time I saw it, which regretfully I had not taken the camera along. However, there was enough volume this time to add a different beauty to the area, which was quickly showing signs of the approaching winter with near barren tree limbs reaching to the sky as if to beg the Creator to cover the Earth once again with the warm clothing of Spring.

Despite the coolness and the rapidly approaching nightfall, the soft pool of water below my position as I took the picture seemed very inviting to enter in.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Yes folks, there has been a very important global warming study going on. A couple of researchers at Victoria University have now issued a statement professing that dogs and cats contribute to global warming by their mere existence.

One of the researchers states that "If you have a German shepherd or similar-sized dog, for example, its impact every year is exactly the same as driving a large car around."

So we need to get rid of our vehicles and start riding our pets..or eating them.

Another adrenaline depraved mind wonders aimlessly...

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:44:00 +0000

The kayaking forum is interesting tonight!

Here's a link to so fun going on in N.C. A church (used lightly) has decided to burn basically everything except the KJV (because it's authorized, ya' know). Writings of the Pope, Mother Theresa, and Billy Graham are included in this social gathering. Afterward, they are having a cookout. Quaint.

This is also talked about in the First Things Magazine online, which includes the announcement program.

Interestingly, Tim Lahaye's books are also amongst the list.

More Youtube surfing...

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Actually, I was on a kayaking forum and the link to this video was posted so I decided to explore it.

Yes, it was on a kayaking forum. This is what happens when the adrenaline starved have too much time on their hands

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I subscribe to Focus on the Family's email newsletter and they recently sent this. They are trying to get a certain number of "electronic signatures" on a petition to send to Washington opposing the attempt to include abortion in the so called "healthcare" bill. Please sign it and send to friends and family.

Under this administration this petition will probably do nothing. However, not taking an action is a sure way of doing nothing.

Here is a copy of the email I received:

As I shared with you a few days ago, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expediting his own version of the health reform plan – that still includes taxpayer funding of abortion – to the Senate floor as soon as next week. Repeated efforts to ensure that our tax dollars are not used for abortions have been rejected and the latest version of the bill guarantees access to abortion coverage through the state health care exchanges that would be created through the current plan.

The news that Sen. Reid has accelerated his timetable for a Senate floor vote means that we too must accelerate our effort to rally and mobilize the critically needed grassroots support to reach our goal of 100,000 signatures before any floor vote in the Senate.

The good news is we’ve just crossed 62,000 signers, bringing our petition goal well within reach.

But with precious little time remaining to significantly impact this issue, I’m asking Focus Action team members like you to help me rally and mobilize the critically needed extra support to push our petition past the 100,000 mark.

Would you consider forwarding this update directly to 25-30 friends urging them to stand with you in support of our families and the preborn by signing our Focus Action petition? Petition link

It’s imperative that we send a strong message to the Senate that pro-life Americans are not going to support any version of health care reform that threatens the preborn, violates healthcare workers’ rights of conscience, or sets the stage to give government officials unprecedented influence over medical decisions that have always been the responsibility of families.

Another Anti-Family Obama Appointee

Our Focus Action team is also monitoring yet another decision by President Obama that is causing significant concern among pro-family Americans. I’m referring to the controversial Obama-administration appointee, Kevin Jennings, who is the director of the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Jennings is the homosexual founder of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an organization devoted entirely to promoting homosexuality among school kids, even as young as kindergarten age. Under the guise of “safe schools,” GLSEN uses its “safety” terminology to promote special protections for “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.” Given his radical background and the nature of the policies he could implement in our public schools, we believe Jennings is too radical for the job.

This week’s Focus Action Update online video gives you a background briefing on Jennings. Go here to watch.

I know there is a lot to digest in this update, but Focus Action remains committed to providing you with the pro-family analysis of issues impacting our nation, as well ways you can make your voice heard!

Again, please forward this message today, and urge your family and friends to take immediate action with you by clicking here and signing our national petition.

Thank you in advance for forwarding this email, and for giving your attention to our video update.

For faith and family,

Tom Minnery
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy

Forward this to a Friend
Focus on the Family Action™ received your e-mail address when you signed a petition at FocusPetitions.org. We sincerely apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.

© 2009, Focus on the Family Action™, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Focus on the Family Action
Colorado Springs, CO 80995
1-866-655-4545

Founded in 2004, Focus on the Family Action is an action organization dedicated to the preservation of the moral and cultural values upon which our nation was founded. Contributions or gifts to Focus on the Family Action are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:52:00 +0000

I was surfing youtube viewing a few new videos from someone's channel I follow and ran across this one in the "related videos" column. How it is related to what I was viewing, I have no idea, but I like it none the less.

It is supposed to be an actual answering machine recording in Australia. Maybe our government school system could learn a little from it.

Topped my day of just right.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:17:00 +0000

For those in Maine or who know those in Maine, please tell them to vote yes on Question 1! Marriage needs to be protected from those who wish to change it to their personal liking.

Here is an add produced by Standformarriagemaine.com:

the let-down of wishful thinking and an over active imagination

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:55:00 +0000

I read the headlines of Catholic.org tonight and it read "Pope Benedict to Visit London". Immediately my adrenaline depraved brain became delusional and I exclaimed to my wife that the Pope was going to London, Kentucky to visit the world famous Chicken Festival.

But sadly, I quickly came back to reality as I stared at the computer screen in front of me and read the second line "Is the Rebirth of a Christian Europe Underway?" Good for Europe, bad for Kentucky.

Bummer.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." - from Steel Magnolias.

Another shot of adrenaline: (this is from 2007, the record has since been broken)

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:48:00 +0000

"Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither." - Benjamin Franklin

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:08:00 +0000

The Labor Day weekend started with a blast! After the long wait for the synchronization of the right factors, the trip down the Cumberland river finally occurred. Friday morning, a co-worker friend and I put in just below Cumberland falls to refuel the much needed adrenaline and testosterone reserves (for me at least). I also had an underlying motivation for this trip, which was to reclaim some lost dignity.

Several years ago, before I acquired the addiction for whitewater, another friend and I went down the very same section of river. After a justified prayer for safety, we put into the river in the same place and embarked on a journey beyond our knowledge, skill levels, and boats' capabilities...and were spanked mercilessly. At first, we were charged to the point that we knew we were ten feet tall and bulletproof. We immediately tackled the first of the rapids: a massive class I shoal. This of course boosted out invincibility to have survived such a horrendous trial without tipping over or the worst: being swamped by the massive eight inch waves and being pulled to our watery deaths. After a few more wavetrains and a small class II, we came upon the first of the class III rapids: Center Rock. Despite our invincibility, we decided to scout this one. The rapid consisted of a three foot drop into a small pool followed by the river narrowing into a bottleneck between two boulders to form an opening of about eight feet wide. About ten feet beyond that was a boulder situated directly in the path.

We felt at this point the unthinkable: intimidation. But lo and behold, two people came down the river paddling inflatable kayaks and didn't even stop to check out the beast before us, but rather plunged right in and made it through without the slightest upset. That was for us! We looked at each other and plunged back unto the river to face this inkling of fear with paddle in hand and no helmets. I was the first brave soul to go in, but just as I rocked over the drop the boat turned slightly left and through me into the water horrified and shocked at what was happening. I went through the rapid holding onto my boat and trying to gather all of my belongings I had failed to tie down including my sandal. After my boat caught on a rock and stopped my soggy downriver decent, I turned back to see Mike, approach the channel between the boulders and get washed into the left side, causing him to overturn and have his boat pinned against Center Rock. We survived, much to our embarrassment under the disapproving gaze of the two kayakers that had gone through before us.

They were skilled...we were fortunate to have all our gear. Needless to say, that cut off the edge we felt opening a space for the power of intimidation to return.

The next class III changed our minds for the rest of the river. With a similar drop, pool, then another drop into a narrow channel it spoke mortality to us. I took the first drop with ease, but after seeing the second reconsidered and turned my bow upstream to see Mike in the water hanging on to the front of his boat. At this point, intimidation gave birth to caution, fear, and defeat. We portaged every rapid after that. That night, as my sleep was constantly disturbed by the flashbacks of the river, I promised myself I would not venture into the whitewater environment ever again...by morning, I began looking for a boat to handle that river.

But alas, this time the foe was vanquished. Center Rock, Willy Nelson, Stairstep, Screaming Right, and Last Drop were just fuel for the adrenaline machine. Ross and I plunged, punched, and maneuvered through what was now seen as a source of pure fun. However, Ross, showing off his expertise in diverse boating capabilities, decided to swim through a few including a shoal.
After the third time, I was convinced that he needed to wash the interior of his boat out, but was being stewardly with the available natural resources and performed this task on the river instead of at home.

However, after the thrill of the five mile run and a commitment to do it again, the most bitter situation that all whitewater boaters face was upon us. What lie before us was the beast of five more miles of flatwater. Its parasitic suckers striking at us to draw out every last drop of charge of adrenaline that coursed through our veins. Unfortunately, by the end of the paddle, our silence communicated that it did rob us of some. But that just means we have to go back and get refilled again.

My life lesson in this:
The first time I approached the river, I was ill prepared in knowledge, skill, and equipment. There was an unacknowledged immaturity about my situation. I had river experience on flatwater and class I, but did not understand that a river's personality exceeded this boundary. Hence the "class" rating system. After much training in equipment, skills, and state of mind I came to the knowledge necessary to enter the trial with a confidence to match. So it is with all of life's situations. Jesus stated that no one builds a tower without first assessing the situation and deciding whether the means to complete it are there, else he will be laughed at by those who see his unpreparedness (Today's Expanded Common Language Version). But with much prayer, study, and faith of oneself and others' experiences a situation can be assessed to make a more wise decision. Life is like a river, so we must rely on the wisdom of Christ entrusted to the Church to safely navigate through the trials of the river. And in the end, we look back and realize that without those skills and equipment we have gained from the endurance and work of others before us the turbulence of the waters would have swallowed us and closed our eyes to the Light of Day forever.

Redneck Church

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:40:00 +0000

People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.

Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holy day.

Boone's Farm "Tickle Pink" is the favorite wine for communion.

Baptism is referred to as "branding."

There is a special fund raiser for a new church septic tank.

Finding and returning lost sheep isn't just a parable.

The baptismal font is a #2 galvanized livestock watering trough.

The collection plates are really hub caps from a '56 Chevy.

People grumble about Noah letting coyotes on the Ark.

There is no such thing as a "secret" sin.

The Decalogue:
1. Just one God.
2. Honor yer Ma & Pa.
3. No tellin’ tales or gossipin’.
4. Git yourself to Sunday meetin’.
5. Put nothin’ before God.
6. No foolin’ ‘round with another fellow’s gal.
7. No killin’.
8. Watch yer mouth.
9. Don’t take what ain’t yers, and;
10. Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff.

And concerning another matter. I was just thinking about them smartcars the other day and thought about modifications. And lo and behold somebody done did what I was figurin on:

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:44:00 +0000

For the adrenaline junky:

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:46:00 +0000

The Family Research Council is trying to fund an add exposing the inclusion of abortion in the "health-care" bill. View the add below. So far, this and many other grassroots organizations are letting the American people know what this so called "health-care reform" bill is all about. This add specifically deals with section 1714 (abortion) and 1751 and page 335 (rationing of health-care) of H.R. 3200, aforementioned as so called "health-care reform bill".

There are many people without health-care who desperately need it. I have a friend who is in this boat. However, this proposal that seems to soon be shoved on us is not the option needed. There are free clinics run mostly by faith-based organizations and individuals all over the U.S. that could easily meet the needs of the people if given the chance and support. If the gov't wants to do something to help the people get health-care, they should protect these clinics from frivolous law suits that disable them from helping those who most need it and expanding their services.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:33:00 +0000

"One day, I saw two roads. One was broad, covered with sand and flowers, full of joy, music and all sorts of pleasures. People walked along it, dancing, and enjoying themselves. They reached the end without realizing it. And at the end of the road there was a horrible precipice; that is, the abyss of hell. The souls fell blindly into it; as they walked, so they fell. And their number was so great that it ws impossible to count them. And I saw the other road, or rather, a path, for it was narrow and strewn with thorns and rocks; and the people who walked along it had tears in their eyes, and all kinds of suffering befell them. Some fell down upon the rocks, but stood up immediately and went on. At the end of the road there was a magnificent garden filled with all sorts of happiness, and all these souls entered there. At the very first instant they forgot all their sufferings." ~ Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska parapragph 153

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:24:00 +0000

For those interested, this is the link to H.R. 3200 so called "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009"

Here is another link to a PDF format for download.

Unfortunately, none of the words of the title go together with the gov't promises.

Enjoy.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:17:00 +0000

For all preparing for the oncoming apocalypse of 12/21/2012, an author has researched that none other than Berea, Kentucky will be a safe haven. Somehow, the "eco-friendly" town will be spared from the onslaught of the global cataclysmic destruction. So pack yer bags and head fer them hills.

I wonder if Al Gore has property in Berea...just wondering.

noreply@blogger.com (dies irae) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

An article from Ben Stein regarding Obamacare and his urgency to cram it down our throats as quick as possible.

The odd thing is that even though his shenanigans are being exposed, there are still people who ardently support him. Is it that no one wants to admit they made a mistake? Or is it that the sources of his exposure are from conservatives and, in their opinion, the information is unreliable? Or are they simply Obamazombies believing he can do no wrong? Is it that people believe there is still hope?

I believe this president has great potential for good. His charisma could be a great asset to defending the fair treatment of the defenseless: the yet-to-be-born, the elderly, the humble of heart. Yet, he has prostituted himself to the likes of those who decimate the little ones. Now, his so called "health care" will seek to eliminate the aged once they are determined that they have outlived their usefulness....and all this in the first six months of his "presidency".

So I suppose I am a "hater" now.

We pray: "Father we offer you the body and blood, soul and divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world! For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and the whole world!" Guide us through the valley of the shadow of death!

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!