Adventure

House Mountain Hike

on Thursday, October 23, 2014

This past Sunday I was able to hike a local treasure – House Mountain in east Knox County. At 2100 ft House Mountain is the highest peak in Knox county, and you can see over 30 miles away on a clear day.

House Mountain is a 500-acre natural area located in Knox County approximately eight miles from Knoxville. It is cooperatively managed by the State by Knox County Parks and Recreation. The park has a small parking lot, but includes a restroom and covered picnic area.

From Knoxville, take I-40 East. Exit on U.S. Highway 11W (Rutledge Pike) and go north and east on Rutledge Pike. After about 10 miles, look for the “House Mountain State Park” sign on the right side of the highway and then turn left on Idumea Road. Turn left on Hogskin Road. The entrance is less than a mile on the right. More information on House Mountain can be found here.

We took the East Overlook trail which is a fairly steep trail at the top of the mountain. The trail is well marked, but is narrow in places.

The weather was excellent and cool. The parking lot was full and we passed many folks on the trail.

Once at the top the clear day allowed us to see the Smoky’s to the south and east, and the Cumberland Plateau to the west.

West view toward the Cumberland Mountains

When is a boy a Man: Part 4

on Friday, October 10, 2014

In the previous three posts I have covered the first three characteristics of a man. Please refer to them individually:

Accept Responsibility for a Will to Obey

Accept Responsibility for a Work to Do

Accept Responsibility for a Woman to Love

The last three characteristics where a man should lead courageously:

Lead Courageously with your Character

A person’s character is who they are when no one is looking – who you are when people cannot see you. Character is the thoughts that control our actions. Character includes but is not limited to:

Self-discipline
Morals
Purity
Honesty
Excellence
Integrity
Perseverance

Whether you realize it or not, our character is shaped by:

The input we consume (music, TV, movies, books, games)
The relationships we pursue (especially our five closest friends)
The habits we acquire (talking, thinking, eating, etc.)

Lead Courageously with your Conduct

Your conduct is how you handle yourself in front of others. It is the actions that people see when they see or think of you.

Your conduct includes but is not limited to your actions of being:

Courteous
Considerate
Patient
Giving
Humble

Lead Courageously with your Charisma

Your charisma is how you influence others. How you are able to get others to do the things you are leading or asking.

Your charisma comes from your ability to positively influence others by being:

Courteous
Decisive
Charming
Loyal
Kind

I welcome comments on whether you agree or disagree with my conclusions.

Adventure Bible Wisdom

Top Five Takeaways from the 2014 Cross Train Sports Camp

on Monday, July 28, 2014

For the past three years, the last week of June has been designated as the week for Cross Train Sports Camp at Gibbs High School in Corryton, TN.

Each night of the week children ages K – 8 are invited to learn more about their sport and hear about the love of Jesus!

Campers are treated to excellent coaching from the top coach of each sport at the high school level for football, basketball, cheerleading, softball, baseball, soccer and volleyball. Head coaches, coaches and players from each of these sports are represented to show these younger kids drills and motivation to reach the next level.

The camp starts each night a 6:30 and ends with a huddle time in the gym where the kids hear about the theme and Bible verse for the week. Each night a speaker will share their experiences with life and Jesus – sometimes they are famous, and sometimes they just want to pour into kids.

I have been a part of the conception and leadership team for the camp each year. For me this camp is so special because of how it was birthed, who it serves, who serves in it, and because I was saved as an 18 year old boy at FCA camp in Maryville, TN. Camp is just special to me.

I love serving the kids and our community through the camp, and want to share five positive takeaways from this year’s camp.

21 Salvations recorded this year. This is the reason we have sports camp – to see children saved. Now did each one of these understand what they were doing – probably not. We are in the process with following up with parents, but even if they did not understand today – they are on the right track in their minds to fully understand what true repentance and salvation looks like.
Praying with warriors. Man we have some awesome prayer warriors show up for Sports Camp, and I love to see God working in their lives. They build me up and give me encouragement.
Loving on children. It is so good just to love on kids who will let you. All too early kids put up their shields like they don’t need anybody, but it is so good to get those who will let you love on them. Some of these kids are love starved, so loving on them in the name of Jesus is so impactful.
Serving with friends. I grew up in this community. I know a lot of people here, and it just blesses my heart to serve our Jesus with friends outside the walls of our church.
Strengthening our community. I don’t know of any other event that will strengthen our family like coming together, serving each other and our God. It builds the community in very deep ways that will pay dividends for years to come in ways we may never even see.

Adventure Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Good to Great: look #2 into John Grigsby

on Sunday, March 23, 2014

Good ————— > Great

This is look #2 into some of the things that make me who I am. I want to live a life that is not just good but great. It is a continuation from Look #1 post.

I list here a few more events and seasons that I feel have shaped me wanting my life to be counted as more than just good:

Church – I have held a few positions in the church since I married and started settling down. I have been among other things a youth leader, Sunday School teacher and now a Sunday School director. Here again I found myself seeking out what a great leader in those positions looked like, and try to be even better.

Of course for church (and really everything I do) I have someone I really do want to impress, and that is my Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. I really do want to do my very best because of what He has done for me and who He is to me. Jesus set a perfect example of how to be a great leader. I cannot be perfect like Him, but my goals are to be more like Jesus every day. And if I can just get closer each and every day then I feel I am trying to be great!

Husband – Knowing what an idea husband looks like seems to be a bit more subjective. I know what my father looked like as a husband – at least from the eyes of a child. I had friends who had good dads, but I only saw those men as a friend of their child. I have seen movies and TV shows that portrayed a husband, but those were only made for viewing entertainment. So where on earth could I find what a great husband should look like? I found the answer in my Bible.

The Bible clearly says that a man should love his wife as Christ loved the church and love her as he loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25-33) This is a serving sacrificial kind of love where you put your spouse before yourself. If you really understand that concept, then you know that I have struggled with meeting that expectation. In the early part of our marriage I really labored with putting her needs ahead of mine. As I learn more about Jesus, I am learning better how to love her – but still fall short. I have made a lot of selfish mistakes, and at times have not treated her like I should have. I am so thankful for her patience and forgiveness.

As a husband I should strive to be a great helper, encourager, lover (physically and sacrificially), leader, listener, provider, fixer, and faithful visionary.

The first example of a husband I knew in my life was of course my dad. Dad has shown devotion and love to my mom by giving of himself to her. He doesn’t want to go to some of the places she wants to go and see sometimes, but he goes because he loves her. I have seen them argue and disagree before, but dad has set a great example for me by keeping his vows to my humble mom for close to 50 years now.

Archie Johnson taught me through his actions how to be a humble husband and father. He allowed me to go on vacations with their family growing up, and he always treated me just like I was one of his own.

Dad – I love our children so much and I really wanted to be the best dad to them that walked the earth! However; I know I have fell short many times. I have fed my personal wants and desires over theirs at times. I have let my anger take control of my mouth and actions at times. But I really do want to be the best dad I can possibly be.

A great dad I think provides guidance, discipline, encouragement, is a helper, a listener, a teacher and an example. I have wanted them to see me committed to being a great example for them. They were able to see me graduate from college at the age of 31. They have seen me win awards from work. They have seen me have fun on vacations and while coaching ball teams. They have seen me serve as a leader in our church and at school. I really have tried to live my life as a great example for them.

A few years ago I expressed my desire for our family be known as giving, loving, passionate Christian family. We even created a family crest to visualize these characteristics. If we are known by these qualities, then I feel I have been successful as a dad.

There is none like You, O Lord ; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Jeremiah 10:6

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12

Adventure Positive Attitude Wisdom

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated)

on Monday, March 3, 2014

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated).

Adventure Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Who I am – my personal testimony

on Friday, February 21, 2014

Recently one Sunday morning at church I was asked by a friend to give my testimony that night during our evening service. I am always glad to share the assurance I have in Jesus and how God is working in my life, so of course I agreed. I also had a few other things on my mind that I wanted to share with the church, so I asked our pastor what direction I should go with my talk. He said to just tell why you are the way you are. Well I think I know what he meant, but it really got me to thinking how I got to be the way I am. Those who know me know that I am a bit different. But then again – so is everybody else I know!

So how did I get to be the way I am? The accounts that follow will provide some insight…

I was raised in a Christian home, and my family was in church on a regular basis. I grew up in a Methodist church, went through the Confirmation class at 12 years old, and at the end of the class we prayed to receive Christ into our hearts. Was I saved at that time – I am not certain. But I do know that when I was 18 years old I went to FCA Camp in Maryville, TN and I knew God was working in my heart that weekend. I also knew I could not give a certain answer of where I would go if I was to die that day of May 5th of 1984. Through the message given by Rev. Jerry Upton, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus, and I responded by coming forward during one of the services and knelt down at the altar to asked Jesus into my heart. I knew then in my heart for certain that I had: repented of my sins, told Jesus I believed He died on a cross and was raised on the third day as a sacrifice to cover my sins, I asked Him to save me, and told Jesus I would follow Him with my life.

I have in no way lived a perfect or sinless life since then, but know in my heart that I can always ask God for forgiveness and it is granted. And I know that because that night I received salvation, and by the assurance in His Word, that I will be forgiven of things I do (sin) that disappoint Him.

Now it was not long after I accepted Jesus into my heart that I realized satan was really tempting me in a lot of different ways that I had not experienced before. I went to college and the US Army facing attacks from satan, and I hate to say it but he won a lot of those battles. I remember carrying my little green Gideon Bible in my cargo pants every day I was in the Army uniform, but I did not make reading it a part of my daily life. I was a worldly Christian giving way to Jesus and the world at the same time. So of course I experienced failures and disappointments as I tried to follow Jesus.

My wife was the catalyst to bring me to a closer walk with Jesus. I knew in my heart that Jesus connected us for her to be my mate and to bring me closer to Him. I saw in her something I wanted more of in my life – an active growing personal relationship with Jesus. I am delighted to say that since our wedding I have been on a slow path of growing closer to Him!

As I grow older my faith increases through the trials I continually face and how I am able to handle them. You have to know that satan will not leave you alone if you are trying to live for Jesus. I am slowly becoming more obedient to Jesus by daily denying satan and the attacks he sends. I am not always successful, but slowly getting better as I grow in my faith. I know I will never live a sinless life until I leave this body in the grave and enter into my eternal home in Heaven!

I am amazed and humbled by the way God has used me over the years. I have enjoyed serving Him in many leadership roles such as a youth minister and Sunday School director. He has molded me through the daily trials as a leader, husband and father. I have been fortunate to lead individuals to receive Jesus as their Savior in Guatemala, during camps and Bible Schools, even by phone with my cousin in Ohio.

Jesus has led me on so many adventures, and they all started with a single step of obedience of saying yes – I will follow You and I will go where You send!

Adventure Bible Wisdom

Free Book: 90-Day devotion

on Friday, February 7, 2014

I was fortunate to be asked to participate as a contributing author of a new Bible devotional book called All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey by the student ministers at First Baptist Woodstock. I submitted two devotions for the project.

Since this is the first time I have been included in a book publication I wanted to celebrate by giving a copy away to one my blog readers. So I thought I would have a little contest.

I will select one person to receive a free book who #1_will read the devotion and #2_tells me the most unique place they will read this devotion. (yes – points added for creativity)

Simply fill out the information below to be considered. You do not have to be a follower of my blog, but will be entered by submitting the form from this page. Only one entry per person. I will not give or sale your information to anyone – just using it as a reference.

Contest begins NOW and will end at noon on Sunday, February 16th. You must be a valid reader of the English language and the declared winner will need to provide a physical mailing address upon request.

Congratulations!

Terri Brooks is the winner of the free book contest! Terri said she would read the devotion the first thing in the morning in her sun room.

You can find out more about Terri at http://facebook.com/theimprintdoctor

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.

If you would like to buy your own personal copy of the book it is available on Amazon at All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey

Adventure Positive Attitude Wisdom

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated)

on Tuesday, February 4, 2014

B.R.A.K.E.S. — Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

This past Saturday I took my 15-year-old son to a BRAKES defensive driving school at Bristol Motor Speedway. We really were not sure what to expect, but the experience proved to be fun and educational for both of us.

B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a 501(c)3 organization which provides advanced driver’s education in a program entitled the Teen Pro-Active Driving Course. Over 5,000 teenagers lose their lives each year across the country in traffic accidents. While conventional driver’s education is important and valuable, the Teen Pro-Active Driving Course goes beyond that level of training by addressing driving situations responsible for many traffic accidents involving teens. The course is for teenagers 15-19 who have a learner’s permit or driver’s license with at least 30 hours of driving experience.

We arrived a Bristol Motor Speedway with apprehension and anticipation. Neither of us knew exactly what to expect, but my son is about to get his drivers license and I felt he needed this kind of training.

We started the four hour course with a video and some classroom instruction. I have to admit that we both learned something from the classroom instruction.

Then they took us out to the parking lot where a driving course had been designed. Each of the students were assigned to a group with a leader for every three students. The instructors even let each parent take a turn on the course.

BRAKES course video 1

The course consisted of five different real world situations: accident avoidance, a distraction exercise, drop wheel recovery, car control and recovery, and panic stop (anti lock braking). At each exercise the students were shown my their instructor how to properly navigate the exercise, then took turns behind the wheel applying and practicing each technique themselves. The amount of behind the wheel time was so valuable and allowed each student to try these accident avoidance techniques in a controlled environment with professional feedback.

BRAKES course video 2

If you are a parent with a new teenage driver, I highly suggest going with them to this course. Look online for the next class near you. (more…)

Adventure Positive Attitude

Favorite videos from 2013

on Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Here are a few videos that I have enjoyed in 2013.

My son went with me to Guatemala this past summer. It was such a treat for me to see him ministering to kids in a foreign country. This short video shows him playing basketball in the middle of their free-for-all recess time.

Basketball in Guatemala

While in Guatemala I found a unique place to enjoy my quiet time in the morning:

Quiet Time in Guatemala

A review of our 2013 mission trip to Guatemala is set to Audio Adrenaline’s “Kings and Queens”.

2013 Guatemala Mission Trip Review

In our community several churches volunteer together for a sports camp in the summer. We call it Cross Train Sports Camp, and kids from kindergarten up to 8th grade come to learn more about Jesus and get specialized training on their favorite sport. This video was my daily favorite from the week:

2013 Cross Train Sports Camp: Tuesday review

At work a friend of mine works in an office that used to have three people, but recently one left the company and one works from home. So this left Roger in the office by himself. The problem is that he now calls our office to chit-chat and bounce ideas. SO, we all chipped in and bought him something to talk to. We call her Polly:

Polly

Adventure Positive Attitude

A Bar Harbor Adventure

on Tuesday, January 7, 2014

If I were to ask you to set out on an adventure today – what kind of ideas would come to your mind? What ideas, places, settings and time make up an adventure to you?

Adventure is defined as:

a) an undertaking involving danger and unknown risks

b) a new, remarkable, exciting or unusual experience

I would add that adventures can be expected or unexpected.

I look forward to taking an expected adventure. The anticipation is great, and fun to organize. Some look forward to an exciting adventure such as riding a roller coaster, going to an amusement park, hiking to scenic views, preparing for an exercise event or participating in a mission trip.

I like to look for small adventures during ordinary events. On a recent business trip to Maine I found many opportunities for an adventure. Some I set out to do, and others found by just pursuing the day.

I travel to Maine regularly to meet with customers. As a Tennessee fella I really enjoy Maine in lots of ways. I enjoy their pace of life and the lack of big city hustle and bustle I usually see during a work day. I also enjoy the diversity of the landscape in the state. From the rugged coastline to the central state mountains, Maine is very diverse and beautiful.

On this trip to Bangor I had made time to visit Bar Harbor for a few hours. Traveling by myself I am pretty flexible in when I go and how long I stay, but this day only afforded me about 3 hours to seek adventure before sundown.

I knew of a mission house in Bar Harbor that I wanted to see, and I really wanted to get some pictures of the coast. So I was going to hurry to find this house my brother-in-law told me about and then wanted to get into Acadia National Park before the sun went down. So I parked in an out of the way public lot and according to my GPS it was not far from this particular house.

Bar Harbor mission house - ocean view — Bar Harbor mission house – ocean view

I knew what this house looked like from Tim’s description so I set out on foot to find it. The trail from the parking lot led directly toward the ocean, so I figured I could access the house from this trail. As I started down the trail toward the house I realized this trail was not just any trail, but a Bar Harbor city walking trail that went along the ocean. Wow – what a discovery! And what a relief. Now instead of having to find this house then jet over to Acadia – I could take my time finding the house and take pictures on this new trail I found. I was just so tickled with my new discovery!

Luckily the house was only a few yards from the parking lot – in city terms it was about 2 blocks away. I was able to find it and take some pictures of the house/mansion from the trail. However, I was not allowed on the the property. I did flag down and talk to the grounds keeper, but he was not at all amused by my enthusiasm for the house or relationship to my brother-in-law who had been there before. Neither of my persuading arguments would warm him up enough to invite me in for a closer look.

So now with the house part of my adventure abruptly complete, I had plenty of time to take pictures of the ocean.

The ocean views in Bar Harbor are just spectacular. The harbor is surrounded by several smaller islands, and the coast is a wash of colorful jagged rocks. On this particular day and time I was virtually alone on the trail so I took advantage by getting lots of pictures and climbing around on the rocks like a school boy. I was having such a grand time!

The only thing to dampen my spirits that evening was the setting of the sun. It brought my picture taking adventure to an end. But I had experience a great time with the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean.

The only thing left to do now in Bar Harbor was to eat. But where to eat this time?! I thought why not try something new? Yep – the beginning of a new eating adventure for me!

Adventure

House Mountain Hike

Like this:

When is a boy a Man: Part 4

Accept Responsibility for a Will to Obey

Accept Responsibility for a Work to Do