Who's the man?

Gwynne Evans.

Gwynne, from Nashville, TN, first came as a camper to Mountain T.O.P. just last Fall for an AIM Weekend.  Since then, he has offered to help us whenever he can.  Today, he came to camp to repair a leak in the Lodge kitchen dishwater.  Thankfully, we won't have to mop up the floor after we wash dishes anymore!  He also fixed a leak in the Girls Bath house.  Where would be without handy, willing, skillful men like Gwynne?  Thanks!

Growing in Grace

Every Sunday night Sewanee hosts an informal worship service called "Growing in Grace" in All Saint's Chapel.  Growing in Grace is a "come as you are" service of the Word and Sacrament.  The tradition of inviting guest speakers from around the country (as well as from the student body and faculty) offers a variety of voices proclaiming the significance of faith in their lives.

This past Sunday, I was invited to speak at Sewanee on behalf of Mountain T.O.P.  They asked me to share Mountain T.O.P.'s story and my personal story as it relates to the gospel.  And by no coincidence their theme for the semester is "light of the world" (also part of our theme for 2011!  Matt 5:13-16).

It is always exciting to speak to a group of people about Mountain T.O.P.  There were an even mix of students and community members, some of which already knew about Mountain T.O.P.'s work.  The service, rooted in Episcopal tradition, had music, teaching, collective prayers and holy communion.

In preparing for the service, I really tried to listen for what God wanted me to say to that specific group of people.  It's easy to share about Mountain T.O.P. and my own faith because the two are intertwined.  They could not be separated, as is true for most of you reading.  When I was thinking about how God got me here and how he's kept me here, it was enlightening.  It's not something I sit down and do (look at my life in relation to my mtop experience which started back in 2000 as a camper).  I reflect often, almost daily/weekly on what God is teaching me, but not in such a "big picture" way.  The passage that came to mind was the transfiguration.  In Matthew 17 we read,

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then appeared before them Moses and Elijah.  Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here.  If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'  While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'" 


I thought about how this relates to my life on the mountain.  For one, God brought me to the mountain with Him ... while on this mountain, I have seen Him in a new light.. I have seen Him in ways in which I never saw Him before.. also true for these three disciples and for those of you who God has brought to this mountain before.  Secondly, even in times when it doesn't "feel" good, I can say to God, "Lord, it is good for me to be here!"  And lastly, God has said to me, "This is my Son, whom I love ... LISTEN to him!"

From there, I honed in on two specific lessons I have learned through listening.

1.  "Nothing is impossible with God."  We've all found ourselves in darkness at some point in our lives.  We've had feelings of anger, bitterness, hurt, loneliness, jealousy, greed, selfishness, hopelessness... But what God has taught me is that forgiveness and redemption are possible.  In fact, they're imperative.  What was once lost can be restored.  Maybe not in the way you were hoping it would be, but in a way that is good for you and the other person.  Likewise, God has taught me what it means to have a heavenly Father.  We can never underestimate listening to God for our worth and value.  He alone is trustworthy and He says to each of us, "You are enough."

(For those fighting the abyss... hold on.  "After the suffering of your soul, you will see the light of life and be satisfied."  Not you might, not maybe, but you will.)

2.  Healthy Living.  Being a young adult, having left college almost three years ago now, I've learned how to have better balance in my life.  I struggled as a summer staffer when I tried to assimilate back into college life.  I remember many conversations with my mother about living one life versus living a dualistic one.  Somewhere in my head there was life with God and there was "other" life.  The struggle then became how to live one life ... for God ... with God ... listening to God ... and make changes to my lifestyle accordingly.  What God has done over the past three years is redefine.  I had to stop listening to everything around me and sit down with the Bible and search for truth.  Through doing that, I developed my own convictions on what it means to live life with God in a healthy way.  I discovered I could be fully alive, fully awake and fully engaged in the here and now if I would just allow Him to direct the ways in which I live.  Based on this relearning, I turned back to the sermon on the mount and those things Jesus teaches... not gossiping, not judging, giving to the needy ... So whatever struggle comes to mind for you, God says, "You're better than that."


Amen.

Looking Forward While Looking Back

Matthew 18:19-20

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Each year the Mountain TOP Board of Directors takes a day to continue the process of discerning God’s ongoing plan for this ministry. This year that happens on Saturday. Thirteen very committed and passionate leaders will gather at Cumberland Pines to review the past and seek guidance for the future. This will begin with Sally Chambers – the Board Chaplain, helping us gain a spiritual center and focus. It is so easy for the accountant in me to want to jump right to the business of the Board. Her role is to remind the minister in me that everything we do begins with God and everything is spiritual.  

Once we gain our focus, the day will be spent reviewing financial information, approving the 2011 Budget, evaluating all aspects of the ministry & staff, discussing the 2011-13 Capital Campaign and planning for the future. Your prayers for these volunteers and their efforts are needed and appreciated.

Collective wisdom, especially wisdom that seeks God’s guidance and direction is far better than what we as individuals can provide. Jesus is right when we gather in His name and seek God’s will, then anything is possible. That is what we seek for this ministry.

Ed

                                      

Getcha Some Flooring!

Last Friday, I went down to McMinnville Manufacturing to pick up 2,500 square feet of donated quality Red Oak hardwood flooring. This donation was made by friends of the ministry who I know would like to remain anonymous. The wood is beautiful and unfinished, and we plan to keep it that way. It has amazing character, so we will probably just protect it with a clear sealant. The picture on the left is actually only half of what we picked up! There will be enough flooring to run throughout Peabody and part of Friends Cabin when we get that far. This donation will help us update our cabins for the AIM program while still retaining that "camp" feel. No doubt, this donation will last for years and serve as a constant reminder of friends of the ministry who believe in this ministry and our mission. Come be a part of our AIM program this Summer or Fall and enjoy our updated facilities while meeting drastic needs of families in Grundy County!

Back on the Plateau Top

As much as I love this ministry, the truth is that we really aren't on a mountain top. I just got back from my 4th annual ski trip with Jeff Grammer and Ryan Pace to see Betsy Rhulig in Colorado. The Cumberland Plateau doesn't really compare to viewing the world from a Rocky Mountain peak. Still, the common bond that brings us all together every year is our involvement in this ministry. Betsy, Jeff and Ryan are all former staffers and all played a big role in helping Ed transition the ministry in 2005. My gift was sharing the current vision of MTOP with them and explaining all the new programs, buildings, and ideas we have going on at camp. Even though it has been a while since they were on staff, they are still obviously on fire and excited for the mission we continue every day.
Each year, I am struck with wonderment at God's handiwork in that part of the country. We always get up at 5AM the morning we are going skiing to drive the 2.5 hours to the slopes. Watching the sun come up over the mountains as we drive past Denver is a sight without comparison. It's also pretty easy to enjoy the splendor of the King standing on top of a snow covered peak looking down 12,000 feet at a winter wonderland (even if it is -30 degrees!). Days like those make a person happy to be alive. I am rested, reverent, and so grateful for the life-long friends I have because of Mountain T.O.P.! Now. . .back to work!!

Long Beach

This past weekend I headed for the Mississippi Coast to join FUMC of Long Beach for their Souper Bowl Sunday lunch and missions fair!  Man, was that soup good!!!  There were 20 different ones to choose from!  I think I tried 6 of them, (or just had 2 bowls of the 3 I liked), but Mr. John definitely beat me.  45 mins later he was still eating!

                                    (Mountain T.O.P. can come to your church too!)

FUMC of Long Beach has been coming to Mountain T.O.P. for 27 years (WHOA!)  It was a great weekend to see some old friends and make some new ones.  I stayed with John and Ann Armstrong, who were incredibly hospitable!  They took me to Lil Rays, "the best seafood restaurant on the coast."  Mr. John told me about all the ways the church and community serve others.  It was nice to sit back and see his passion and love for serving people.  He is such a humble man.  A model of a servant in my eyes.  He's constantly looking for ways to help others and is never concerned about being recognized for his efforts. He serves from his heart, one that reflects the heart of God.  As Rick Warren puts it, "Real servants maintain a low profile.  Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves.  Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they 'put on the apron of humility, to serve one another.'  If recognized for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work."  What a blessing he is to others.

It was nice to worship with the Long Beach congregation as well!  I love getting to experience different churches and different styles of worship.  Everyone was friendly and welcoming!  Just look at their beautiful sanctuary!

When the missions fair was over, Mr. John took me to the children's building.  Just recently, they finished mosaics that line the hallways.  They are stunning....

Is that last one a coincidence?  I think not :)

Along with the mosaics, Long Beach actually created a program called M.O.S.A.I.C. (Making Our Souls Alive In Christ).  Mosaic is a work mission camp that developed in the wake of Hurrican Katrina.  It's objective is to provide a holistic work mission camp for Junior and Senior High students in order to make a difference in the community.  (Hey! You can do this too!)

Last, but certainly not least, I had the privilege of meeting Stan Partridge, a 9 year veteran to the AIM program.  Stan and his wife Sandy live in Gulfport, MS and attend Michael Memorial.  The church currently serves in Brazil, but wanted to get involved in a domestic mission trip.  Knowing Mountain T.O.P., Stan suggested the ministry and got people interested!

It was a refreshing visit and certainly an inspiring one.  In just 30 mins, I could feel Stan's love for missions, Mountain T.O.P. and following the calls God has laid out for him.  Praise God for people who continue to spread the good news!

"Because of camp..."

Back in January, our friend, co-worker in the camp & retreat world, and former MTOP staffer* Paul Harcey (Camp Kingswood) asked us to finish this sentence: "Because of camp..." We reposted the question on our MTOP Facebook page. I recently paid attention to the responses. I was overwhelmed.

That got me thinking about something I heard said by Rev. Dickie Hinton, the United Methodist TN Conference Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries and also a former MTOP staffer*. Dickie was plugging camping ministry, and reminded me that sending a young person to one week of Christ-filled summer camp was equivalent to a year's worth of Sunday School instruction. It made me see what I do and what I spend as a parent on my child's camping experience in a different light.

(*Coincidence? Hmmm...)

So, here it goes. "Because of camp..."

• I have renewed my relationship with God. - Paula

• I have long lasting relationships with people across the country and have grown so much closer to our Lord and Savior. - Shelby

• I learned that those who have less material things tend to have more spiritual treasures. - Melissa

• I could build a house by myself (almost) but more important are the friends from all over and the spiritual renewal every time! - Jan

• I feel more comfortable with helping the valley below. Not only by doing God's work, but helping our giant community on Earth. - Emily

• I have a heart for missions, a closer relationship with my Savior and Friend, and many sisters and brothers in Christ all over the country who are my prayer warriors! -Sonja

• i began a life long pilgrimage of ministry - Gavin

• I learned to use a breath prayer and I now say it multiple times a day -Julie

• I've been given a living hope in God and man. -Colton

• I now live and work in Grundy County School System. -Erika

• I take longer walks with god and have unending friendships across the country - Matt

• I know and love God more than I possibly could have without working out in the county - Andrea

• I heard a call to start an organization called ATOP (Austin, Texas Outreach Project) to serve the "valley below" at home-to love my neighbors, to grow in my faith, and to commit myself to a life of service with my faith family. - Meghan

• I also learned that no matter where you are called to go, you will ALWAYS be blessed by those your serve and serve with!!! - Holly

• i have an amazing relationship with our father and have nevr had an experience like that since and will remember the relationships formed for a lifetime and know the miracles he can perform in just two weeks thanks sooooo much mountain top the staffffff and our father - Muffie

• I found my way back to my creator. - Mary

• I helped our church start a group in my home community in 1977 called S.H.A.L.O.M... and after my 2nd trip to the mountain in 1983, I was called(the day I got back-talk about answered prayers) to be a teacher in a low income area 1300 miles away and what I learned on the mountain has guided me every day of my life. - Michele

• I am a Christian. - Eric

• I have never truly felt disconnected from God. Far away at times, yes; but I couldn't forget what He has done for me because of my experiences there. - Alex

• because of camp im a better person and i love more - Perp

• i am happier - Carolyn

• i know from which well to drink. - Carolyn

• I became closer with God. I met amazing people. I learned that physical labor isn't that scary. I had hands down the best week of my life. ♥ - April

• I learned that 'God spoke to me' at least sometimes literally means "God SPOKE to me" and that the first time is a little scary. -John

So, thanks to everyone out there who supports camping and retreat ministries, who pays a camper's fee, who eats a spaghetti dinner at a youth mission trip fundraiser, who organizes a trip to camp. You make an invaluable and immeasurable impact for the sake of the Kingdom.

MTOP friends are EVERYWHERE!!

A few weeks back I was in Lake Junaluska, NC for the National Camp and Retreat Leaders Gathering. There were over 400 camping professionals & volunteers. In this community we worshiped together, ate meals together, gathered together to ski, shared camp stories around campfires and became friends. This was the fifth Nationals I've attended and this one ranked very high in terms of dynamic speakers, good food, okay lodging and great atmosphere. Every one of the 400 attendees share a passion for camping ministry.

At our first gathering we were introduced to the musicians for our week. Celia Whitler and Will (sorry, I didn't get Will's last name) are from Franklin, TN and Nashville. I got a chance to speak with her before our evening gathering one night and she noticed that I had on my Mountain T.O.P. fleece jacket. She said she'd been to MTOP before - five times. She said she'd been with different churches around Nashville & Franklin and also attended with a church from Texas.

On Tuesday and Thursday our Keynote speaker was Katherine Turpin. She spoke to us about consumerism and Christianity. I happened to be behind her at breakfast on Thursday. We made small talk and she also noticed my Mountain T.O.P. jacket. She said she was on staff back in the late 80s, early 90s.

All throughout my week at Lake Junaluska I had people see my jacket and say "I've been to Mountain T.O.P." or "I have a friend that went to Mountain T.O.P. and loved it".

Extreme Makeover Peabody Style

Peabody's makeover is progressing well. Last Friends Weekend, we added the new bathroom structure. Slowly but surely, the cabin is being transformed. As you can see from the video, we discovered structural "issues" that we are now dealing with along with our remodeling and bathroom upgrades. We'll be pushing hard during this Friends Weekend to get Peabody ready for our summer AIM program.



Before you check out the video of Peabody below, I wanted to tell you about a special group of people who have donated their time in sheetrocking the new bathrooms. Most of the come from Bethel UMC, Murfreesboro, TN, though there are a few other folks in the group who just like to come along for the fun of things! This is their second trek up the mountain. And we are so very thankful for our crew today: Mickey Hopkins, Jackie Jamison, Smitty (yes, the one and only), Jerry Boney, Ike Farrar, and John Todd. These men worked tirelessly today, asking only for a cup of hot coffee. Thanks guys! We couldn't have done it without you!

What's that noise?

On the way down to Atlanta for the Tartan Trot, we passed some of these guys (alpacas).

Here's what Bo had to say ... 

And here are some more pictures from the 10k!

It's 7:30 am... getting ready to run 

Ed:  What are you doing?

Getting ready to start!!! (with the other 1196 runners)

Like Julie said, ED is THE man!

So happy to see the finish line!

And when it's all said and done .. We're still smiling!

Next time, I'm gonna practice

I've always liked the idea of running, but I don't really like to run. Well, maybe there have been a couple of times I have enjoyed a decent run down a nice park path. One of those runs that helps the stress to drain off without demanding too much exertion.

But the idea of running is such a great metaphor. The apostle Paul used it. It's one of those images that is timeless. The Corinthian church knew exactly what Paul meant when he said:

You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

The problem with my most recent race was this: I didn't train. At all. None. Not a step. Not a stretch. No diet changes. Nothing. And I ran a 10k in 1:11. That's 11.45 minutes per mile. If I had trained, I'd probably run a 10 minute mile. I know, I know. But I'm not a racer. I'm a finisher.

Now, I've done enough distance races to know that not training = longer recovery time. So, I knew EXACTLY what I was doing to myself before I took my first step. And that was EXACTLY what happened: I've been sore beyond belief going on 4 days. But as my husband keeps reminding me, it was for a good cause.

It was for a good cause. St Luke's Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA, holds an annual race where they raise money for missions. Mountain T.O.P. benefits from the money raised. And it was a great event. Really great.

Like with every race I've finished, I always learn something new. Here is what I learned from this race:

• I can run without an iPod.
• Ed Simmons is THE man for running up THAT hill on mile 4.
• Grundy County fashion is starkly different from Atlanta's. And I forgot to pack my skinny jeans.
  
• How well I recover from difficult circumstances in life is directly proportional to the amount of time I put into my relationship with God. I will probably make it though the storm, but if I am prepared, my recovery time is significantly shorter. Not to mention, my relationship with God is stronger.

Like I said, I don't really like to run. But the idea of running always seems to teach me something.