tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231047952024-03-18T23:24:32.757-04:00Biblical Glasses<B>Living Coram Deo by viewing our world through Biblical Glasses...<BR>
Thoughts on Scripture by Chip Crush</B>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.comBlogger925125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-42656877075315031902015-08-18T22:50:00.001-04:002015-08-18T22:50:01.799-04:00The Authentication of ScriptureWhy do Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God, sixty-six books that together reveal God's redemption through Jesus Christ the Savior? The answer is that God Himself has confirmed this through what is called the inward witness of the Holy Spirit.<div><br></div><div>The Spirit's witness to Scripture is like His witness to Jesus, which we find spoken of in John 15:26 and 1 John 5:7. It is not a matter of imparting new information but of enlightening otherwise darkened minds to discern divinity through sensing it's unique impact - the impact in the one case of the Jesus of the gospel and in the other case of the words of holy Scripture.</div><div><br></div><div>The Spirit shines in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, but also the light of His glory in the teaching of holy Scripture. The result of this witness is a state of mind in which both the Savior and the Scriptures have evidenced themselves to us as divine - Jesus, a divine person; Scripture, a divine word - in a way as direct and immediate as the way tastes and colors impress themselves on our senses. As a result, we no longer find it possible to doubt the divinity of Christ or the divine origin of the Bible.</div><div><br></div><div>God Himself authenticates holy Scripture to us as His word, going beyond human argument (strong as this may be) and the church's testimony (impressive as this is). God does it, rather, by opening our hearts and enlightening our minds to perceive the searching light and transforming power whereby Scripture evidences itself to be divine. This impact is itself the Spirit's witness by and with the word in our hearts. Argument, testimony from others, and our own particular experiences may support and clarify this witness, but the imparting of it, like the imparting of faith in Christ's Divine Saviorhood, is the prerogative of the sovereign Holy Spirit alone.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-56327464434471115442014-11-12T11:19:00.001-05:002014-11-12T11:19:15.389-05:00Re: Pat TillmanMore than 3 years ago, I posted the following blog entry about NFL standout turned military casualty Pat Tillman. Then recently, ESPN tweeted a reminder of his death, and I re-tweeted without directing the post to anyone and without including a hashtag or any @ symbol whatsoever. I added a comment in somber mourning, meant to remind myself of the fleeting glory of this life. I simply wrote, "Too bad he was an atheist." <br />
<br />
Now I immediately acknowledge that those words can be taken as an insult, as if Pat Tillman's distinguished NFL career or his courage to leave that behind and pay the ultimate sacrifice by serving our country in the name of freedom was somehow lacking in merit or value because of his lack of Christian faith. But it was actually meant quite literally: "Too bad" = "exceedingly and painfully unacceptable." I wonder if it's like this:<br />
<br />
When I was a teenager,
there was this really nice girl who was very pretty. She was popular and
I admired her. But then I found out she was a smoker. "Too bad." And one of my customers is a very likable guy. He's loyal, conducts his business in an ethical and organized manner, and if it wasn't for his gross profanity, I'd like to hang out with him in public. "Too bad." Or Carson Palmer leads the Arizona Cardinals to the best record in the NFL only to go down with a knee injury. "Too bad." These aren't insults; they aren't said with mocking sarcasm. They are literal remarks, meant literally.<br />
<br />
You see, I liked Pat Tillman and I cheered for him in this life. I admired his football skill and his courage to leave it behind out of love for his country. I would have been honored to meet him and form a friendship with him. And therefore, when I say it's too bad that he was an atheist, I'm simply - and with genuine sadness - saying that I don't believe there will be an opportunity to share a relationship with him in the future. I know I have a future in the presence of the Lord for eternity. I believe that Pat's future is also eternal, a real, ongoing present even now after his earthly, bodily demise; but the Bible tells me that his future is not one that we share. That makes me sad, sad to see a successful and courageous man live only for this life, sad to see him - and perhaps even more so his family - lack a hope for eternity.<br />
<br />
So had I directed this re-tweet to Tillman's family, or "all you atheists out there," or had I even left the "@ESPN" in the re-tweet, I certainly would feel ashamed about the comment. But I meant it for me, as I truly am sad that Tillman was an atheist. And let me say one more thing: I am certain that there are plenty of "too bad" statements about me that others may consider. "Too bad" for my wife that my flatulence is odorific. "Too bad" for party-goers (and all those liquor stores out there, since they won't be getting my money) that I'm a teetotaler. "Too bad" for democrats that I vote republican. "Too bad" for my kids - from their perspective - that I discipline them; I care about their character. "Too bad" is not necessarily mockery or insult. It's a statement, an opinion. And it wasn't addressed to you. So let it go. See the original post below:<br />
<br />
----------------------<br />
<br />
I watched this documentary / movie last night, because I appreciated
Pat Tillman's successful football career and subsequent surprising
departure from the NFL in order to enlist with the military following
the events of September 11, 2001. I really did not know what to expect
out of the film, but what I saw and heard was certainly unexpected. I'm
still trying to process the motive for the production.<br />
<br />
<br />
The
movie primarily served to accuse the military and US government of a
massive cover-up, attempting to honor Tillman and prevent the public
from learning of his death by friendly fire. And I think most people are
unsuprised if/when that sort of thing happens. How many films have been
made about such activity? I think of <i>Courage Under Fire</i> and <i>The General's Daughter</i>,
and the lines, "You can't handle the truth!" without much
consideration. It's certainly not "right" to conspire or cover-up the
truth, especially when it pertains to representing facts to the family
and loved ones of a slain soldier. And it's all the more wrong to engage
in such activity in an effort to promote military action in foreign
lands when the purpose is questionable to begin with. And so for the
efforts to make such activity public, I suppose I appreciate the film.<br />
<br />
<br />
However,
there were plenty of additional motives for this film, more subtly
portrayed. First, there was a sort of subjective political message in
addition to what is depicted objectively, and I can't quite put my
finger on it. But I was skeptical, and saddened by the efforts to state
that claim. Second, or of more interest to me, was the religious message
implied in the film. Messages of hope from well-wishers were squashed
by family members with an undoubtedly atheistic worldview. Tillman's
younger brother spoke at his memorial service, cursing and declaring
that Pat is not with God, because he was not religious. He is simply
dead. The anger that was continually present from his family is
understandable given their humanity, but illogical, given their atheism.
Pat's mother continually replied to the military's and government's
immoral behavior, but she had no basis for her views of morality to
begin with.<br />
<br />
<br />
In one clip, a radio
conversation between military personnel is played, and the gist is that
the family can't get over it because of their atheistic thinking. I
think it was meant to glorify atheism in some sense, to honor their
perseverance, as if to say that theists are weak and give up easily at
the will of the system, while atheists are strong and never yield to the
system. In another series of clips, one of Tillman's group members, a
"religious" mormon, was shown to be (1) small and puny and weak (in
comparison to Tillman), (2) in the best care under Tillman's "practical"
leadership, rather than in the hands of his impractical "god" - Tillman
even encouraged him not to pray in the midst of gunfire, and this was
shown to be a good move for the soldier - and (3) better off when he let
go of his wimpiness, his "faith," and instead toughened up and "acted
like a man." I can't believe that this subtlty was included
unintentionally. I just wonder why.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the
end, Tillman was shown to be much more intellectual and open-minded than
you might have expected him to be as a jock. He was portrayed as a
risk-taker who lived life to the full, a faithful husband to his
high-school sweetheart, and a family-loving son and brother. He was
called a hero, and anyone who voluntarily gives up their game-playing
multi-million dollar career to fight for their country's freedom,
risking their life in foreign lands for minimal (if any) pay, I suppose
ought to be given such a title - at least on earth. But I am afraid Pat
Tillman has received his reward, if only honor and joy in this life. For
the atheist, as his brother clearly stated, is dead. He understands
death to be merely the end of this life. He has no concept, as his dead
brother now does, of the second death, eternal separation from God. The
Tillman Story protrays that family to be ever-in-pain, hardened by the
loss of Pat, and in hostility toward God. Only God can take away that
pain, and He has to do it by softening their hearts of stone, and
reconciling them to Himself. I pray that He would, for their good, and
for His glory.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-48650428354392186792014-11-12T10:35:00.001-05:002014-11-12T10:35:23.206-05:00Investor's Business Daily: 10 traits for turning your dreams into reality<h4 id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12193" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12203">1. A positive attitude</strong></h4>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12206" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
I
have never met a successful pessimist. It is absolutely essential that
you have a positive mental attitude in every aspect of life. Where your
mind goes, you go. If you think you’ll fail, chances are good that you
will. If you believe you’ll succeed – you’re halfway home.<strong> </strong></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12206" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>2. A definitive goal</strong></h4>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12207" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
Winners
set goals. Losers make excuses. A goal is a dream with a deadline that
is measurable, identifiable, obtainable, specific and in writing. Goals
give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an
incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper
resources and draw the best out of life. Achieving goals produces
significant accomplishments.</div>
<hr style="background-color: white; border-style: solid none none; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; min-height: 0px;" />
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>3. A courageous spirit</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
Courage
is what sets you apart from the crowd. Courage is ordinary people doing
extraordinary things. Courage is regarded as one of the major human
virtues. Courage is bravery, valor, standing up to danger, guts and
nerves all rolled into one. So what does courage have to do with running
a business? Plenty. I admit that most folks’ daily lives are not filled
with such dramatic challenges. We all face situations that require us
to reach down deep within ourselves to do what is right and brave and
occasionally difficult. Courage can involve making decisions that are
unpopular or time-consuming or even expensive.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>4. An inquisitive mind</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
I’m
a big believer in lifelong learning. You don’t go to school once for a
lifetime; you are in school all of your life. Pursue learning in all its
forms – reading books, returning to school, attending seminars and
training classes, listening to those who are wiser and more experienced.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>5. A strong heart</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
What
makes a champion? Is it attitude, confidence, courage, desire,
determination, discipline, endurance, mental toughness, perseverance,
physical ability, self-discipline or visualization? Yes. It’s probably a
little bit of all these characteristics, but it’s also a lot of heart.
In addition, it takes a strong heart to be a successful businessperson.
Use your head, to be sure, but don’t ignore what your heart is telling
you.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>6. An analytical brain</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
Do your homework; get the facts. Learn to analyze details. Often the best ideas stem from little seeds everyone else overlooked.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>7. A focused eye</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
How
many times have you heard an athlete talk about focus? It’s a topic I
also hear about frequently in business. The most common complaints? Too
many irons in the fire. Too many projects spinning at one time. Too many
interruptions. Too many phone calls. Too many emails. Too many things
to do. Too little time. Stay focused as best you can, and don’t let
things happen to you – not when you can make things happen.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>8. A fearless approach</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
Innovate.
Be different. Those who are content to follow the crowd never get the
chance to stand out. Believe in yourself even when no one else does. If
you believe in what you are doing, your confidence will win over
skeptics. Confidence doesn’t come naturally to most people. Even the
most successful people have struggled with it in their careers. The good
news is that you can develop confidence, just like any muscle or
character trait, if you’re willing to work hard.<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>9. A disciplined tongue</strong></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
He
or she who burns bridges better be a very good swimmer. You must learn
the art of communicating effectively with others. Clear communications
prevent miscommunications. When you say what you mean, mean what you say
and you keep your word, you foster trust. Stick to the subject at hand,
and avoid the temptation to dredge up old issues.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>10. A clear conscience</strong></h4>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12223" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
Always
act like your mother is watching. Don’t forget those rules you learned
in kindergarten: Play nice. Be dependable. Tell the truth. If you can’t
get to the top by being true to yourself and straight with everyone
around you, your success will be hollow—and probably short-lived. Dreams
can come true. These traits, coupled with hard work and perseverance,
will keep your dreams from becoming just wishful thinking.</div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12223" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4 id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12220" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12222"><em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12221">Mackay’s Moral:</em></strong> <em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12225">You can’t get ahead if you don’t get started.</em></h4>
<h4 id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12220" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Acta, Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 0px;">
<em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12225"> </em><em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415801501145_12225">Courtesy of Lamont Breland </em></h4>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-78089130764972999812014-10-03T23:41:00.001-04:002014-10-03T23:41:57.200-04:00Fundamentalist homophobia?What is love? Acceptance? More? I think the author of this article - <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://leoweekly.com/news/inbox-october-1-2014 - s</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hould answer that question. His answer might explain - or change - his understanding of some activity going on in an area of our town.</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My brief response to the letter:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can appreciate the guy's point about the possibility of fundamentalist views contributing to the very problems they are trying to heal - but of course, I disagree since any contribution to the problems would come from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the fundamentalist views.<br><br>He points out that Sojourn preaches a message that homosexuality is a sin, and then he calls it an attempt to demonize our nature. He doesn't want anyone to say that what he's doing - or who he is - is wrong - or sinful. Who are we to judge?<br><br>He simply doesn't understand the concepts of sin or of "loving the sinner but hating the sin." And that's because he has a faulty concept of love. Of course, Biblical love, God's love, is all there really is. Anything less is a shadow at best, corruption at worst. Love is transforming. It changes you to give it; and it changes you to receive it. God is love, and He cares for His people so much that He stops them from engaging in sin and changes their hearts to desire His ways, all of which saves them from His own righteous wrath towards their sinfulness, both their behavior and their very nature.<br><br>If we have the cure for cancer and don't share it, what kind of people are we? Are we loving? Or hateful?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The author of the letter lost me at the end when he said that he doesn't mind Christianity, but only the details of it. I think that shows his ignorance to the message and method that Sojourn and Access Ventures are putting forth in that community. Sojourn loves Shelby Park and so seeks to transform it and save it from self-destruction, which is clearly the path it has been on in the past few decades. The very same logic applied corporately to Sojourn and Shelby Park fits individually to the love and care that the individual members of Sojourn and employees / volunteers of Access Ventures have for the individual residents of Shelby Park.... Just as CS Lewis has said (paraphrasing), "We are like a house and God's love changes us. We knew we needed a little updating, light remodeling. But God tears down walls and adds a new wing and raises the roof. He takes us from a dilapidated shack to a luxurious mansion. It's painful and we often don't understand why at first. But when we realize that He intends to live with and in us, it makes sense."</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sojourn members are moving into Shelby Park. Shall they not attempt to change it for good? For safety? For beauty? For glory?<br><br>The author's one jab at Fundamentalists' Biblically inconsistent application came regarding the text that says a rapist must marry his victim. He doesn't understand - and couldn't apart from the Holy Spirit's conviction - the context and culture and reason for such a requirement. Nor does he understand how Christ both fulfilled and abolished the law for Christians. The only law we have is love. And what Sojourn and Access Ventures are doing in Shelby Park is certainly a proper expression of that. Until he sees his need for transformation, for salvation, for that kind of love, he can't appreciate it.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And all Christians should be changing their worlds - their families, neighborhoods, schools, jobs, athletic teams, etc. - with this same love.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-22366482897905859632014-08-14T08:44:00.001-04:002014-08-14T08:44:38.105-04:00Not by obeying the law, but by walking in the SpiritI was reading Galatians 3 with my family last night, and gained some new understanding on a crucial question for the Christian life. The Galatians had been justified by believing the Gospel, by grace through faith according to the power of Holy Spirit regeneration, not by feeble - or even mighty - attempts to obey the law. Why then, Paul asks, were they trying to proceed through obedience to the law instead of by that same Holy Spirit power?<div><br></div><div>I've long pondered the step-by-step method of living in the Spirit, or keeping in step with the Spirit. How do I live in the present by the Spirit, not trusting my own efforts to follow Christ? I think it has to do with "being" rather than "doing." It's not so much that I need to obey the law - for Christ did that for me; rather, I need to pursue the fruit of the Spirit. I need to be loving, joyful, patient, kind, gentle, self-controlled, etc... In "being," I will find the "doing" follows naturally - or perhaps supernaturally - as the Holy Spirit conforms not merely my behavior but my very character to that of Jesus.</div><div><br></div><div>There was some good family discussion around this topic, and we concluded, hopefully rightly, that justification comes by grace through faith by the logically primary regenerating action of the Hoy Spirit, and sanctification follows in the same manner. Our failures and setbacks in the sanctification process come when we concern ourselves more with "doing," instead of focusing on "being." We will always and inevitably fail at the "doing," because that comes through our own efforts, even when we think we are cooperating with the Spirit. But a greater level of success - though not perfection in this life - will come as we keep in step with the Spirit, by "being."</div><div><br></div><div>Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.</div><div><br></div><div>So it's not, "I need to obey better today." Instead, it's, "I need to be more like this today." Lord willing, I will be.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-8964905860089567782014-04-29T12:27:00.001-04:002014-05-07T14:49:26.689-04:00Worldview Premises: Culture vs Christianity<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to Paul David Tripp, current
culture rests upon seven premises: (1) human beings are autonomous (not
under authority); (2) pleasure is an ultimate end; (3) effort must be
undertaken to meet "my needs”; (4) love of self is the greatest need;
(5) “bigger pleasure is better”; (6) “a constant pursuit of instant
gratification” is essential to my pleasure; and (7) physical is more important than spiritual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">All of these premises are contrary to the Biblical worldview, in which: (1) humans are not autonomous, but rather theonomous (our authority, whether we submit to Him or not, is God); (2) pleasure is good, but never as an end in itself - personal holiness and the glory of God are the ultimate ends; but they go together for the Christian, and there is pleasure in seeking them (for the joy of the Lord is our strength); (3) our focus should not be on meeting "my needs," because we know that God provides for our needs; instead our focus should be on the things of God and His revealed will; (4) love of God is the greatest need, and the love of others flows from that; there's nothing wrong with love of self, but we must allow that to overflow to others (love your neighbor as yourself); (5) bigger pleasure is still only temporal at best and sinfully achieved at worst; therefore, holiness and obedience are better than temporal pleasures, because they form a personal character that is prepared to embrace eternal pleasure that starts here and continues forever in the next life; (6) instant gratification may enhance temporal pleasure, but patience is an underestimated virtue (the best things come to those who wait); I can be joyful regardless of circumstances, because God is good; (7) the natural man cannot understand spiritual things, so "physical" certainly seems more important than "spiritual," but once we have the Holy Spirit, we learn to realize the infinite value of perfect and permanent "spiritual" realities, compared with the imperfect, temporal, and constantly fading "physical" experiences.<br /><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-13734564000141119352014-01-09T10:32:00.001-05:002014-01-09T10:32:04.169-05:00Moving - the right move!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There's an important spiritual lesson in moving, and it's a lesson that needs repeating regularly, say every 4-7 years. We are sojourners in this life; it's not good to get too comfortable. Suffering loss is not bad; it sanctifies and helps us long for the glorious appearing of the one surety we have in Jesus. I'd say we were meant to move. There may be a time for everything, including waiting and resting, but settling in a world that's not our home isn't good.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-41746498101884730662013-12-25T09:48:00.001-05:002013-12-25T09:48:59.861-05:00Why is Jesus the Greatest Gift Ever Given?A lifetime couldn't exhaust the fullness of the right answer to this question, but it was worth pondering for my family last night. The statement that Jesus is the greatest gift has become somewhat cliche, so I penned 12 reasons why Jesus is the greatest gift and we discussed. Here they are, and I hope you can agree and perhaps add to or at least discuss this list with your family as you celebrate his birthday.<div><br></div><div>1) Jesus gives life - both eternally to come and abundantly here and now (John 3:16,36; 5:24; 10:10; 20:31; Act 13:48; Romans 6:23)</div><div><br></div><div>2) Jesus is life - and our food and drink (John 4:13-14; 6:35-45; 14:6)</div><div><br></div><div>3) Jesus created and sustains all things, including us, and He is the way (John 1:3; 14:6; Colossians 1:16-20; Hebrews 1:3)</div><div><br></div><div>4) Jesus is eternal, everlasting, and never fading (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-2; Hebrews 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:20)</div><div><br></div><div>5) Jesus brigs peace - both peace with God and the peace of God (Matthew 10:34; John 16:33; 20:19-21; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 4:7)</div><div><br></div><div>6) Jesus brings light to our darkness - understanding, purpose, and meaning (John 1:4-14; 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9)</div><div><br></div><div>7) Jesus brings joy (Isaiah 35:10; Luke 2:10; John 15:11)</div><div><br></div><div>8) Jesus brings freedom (John 8:31-47; Galatians 5:1; Revelation 1:4)</div><div><br></div><div>9) Jesus is our hope (Hebrews 3:6; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Colossians 1:27; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:3)</div><div><br></div><div>10) Jesus is the only way of salvation from God's righteous anger and wrath (John 14:6)</div><div><br></div><div>11) <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jesus is our truth, our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption (John 1:17; 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:13)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">12) Nothing matters without Jesus, and with Him, everything is better (Philippians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 15:17-19)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Our family concluded these thoughts by listening to Brandon Heath's excellent message in his song, "The Night Before Christmas." Thankfully, we no linger have to spend time in the night before Christmas, because it has come; He has come! Rejoice! Again I say, "Rejoice!" Merry Christmas!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-82019652380498003662013-10-17T10:52:00.003-04:002013-10-17T10:52:47.403-04:00Is Public School an Option?I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v8/n4/is-public-school-option" target="_blank">this article</a> by Albert Mohler, written in September 2013, and published in the quarterly <em>Answers Magazine</em>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-79375615979133546172013-10-14T23:14:00.001-04:002013-10-14T23:14:57.845-04:00Hosea 14:8God says, "What have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; <u>from Me comes your fruit</u>."<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-74825837106697299452013-07-29T22:35:00.001-04:002013-07-29T22:35:09.698-04:00The Providence of God<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Believers should take great comfort in this truth."</span><div><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">"Providence comes into the English language from the Latin terms 'pro' and 'vide,' which mean 'see' and 'before,' respectively. Thus, providence refers in the first instance to what the Lord sees in advance. Such seeing beforehand is not merely temporal. Indeed, God sees the end from the beginning, although this is not because He merely looks into the future but because He Himself has ordained it, even down to the exact length of our lifetimes (Psalm 39:4; Isaiah 46:8-10). But divine providence goes beyond the temporal to also encompass the spatial. Nothing in creation, no matter where it is, ever escapes God's view (Psalm 39:7-12)."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.Helvetica NeueUI'; font-size: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Tabletalk, August 2013, page 59</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-67917665181420796082013-05-16T08:43:00.001-04:002013-05-16T08:43:30.285-04:001 Timothy 6:17-19<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" id="yui-gen4" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; width: 308px; "><tbody id="yui-gen3"><tr><td class="v1Col" style="border: 0px solid rgb(43, 43, 43); vertical-align: text-top; width: 320px; "><span id="verse17" class="height" style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.</span></td></tr><tr id="yui-gen18"><td class="v1Col" id="yui-gen17" style="border: 0px solid rgb(43, 43, 43); vertical-align: text-top; width: 320px; "><span id="verse18" class="height" style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,</span></td></tr><tr id="yui-gen21"><td class="v1Col" id="yui-gen20" style="border: 0px solid rgb(43, 43, 43); vertical-align: text-top; width: 320px; "><span id="verse19" class="height" style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span id="yui-gen19">thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<br></span></span></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><br><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-43083462268157870702013-03-11T23:19:00.001-04:002013-03-11T23:19:15.322-04:00Divine Providence"When we think of ourselves in the greatest safety we are no less exposed to danger then when all seems conspiring to destroy us. The divine providence that is sufficient to deliver us in our utmost extremity is equally necessary in the most peaceful situation." John Newton<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-86656412585804032942013-01-30T21:19:00.001-05:002013-01-30T21:19:20.396-05:00George Muller of Bristol"Many Christian parents have made the fatal mistake of entrusting their children's education to those whose gifts were wholly intellectual and not spiritual, and who have misled the young pupils entrusted to their care into an irreligious or infidel life, or at best, a career of mere intellectualism and worldly ambition. In not a few instances, all the influences of a pious home have been counteracted by the atmosphere of a school which, if not godless, has been without that fragrance of spiritual devoutness and consecration which is indispensable to the true training of impressible children during the plastic years when character is forming for eternity!" Arthur T. Pierson, page 222<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-11544362199160236032013-01-10T14:41:00.001-05:002013-01-10T14:41:52.042-05:008821 Linn Station Rd FOR SALEHere's my first residential listing as a REALTOR.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://glarmls.com/GLARReports/ListitLib/report_builder.aspx?category=1&r1=A.Q.ui)urdYrTs7IZ73_riF&m1=Q.xOQxs0S&footer=5756565050" target="_blank">8821 Linn Station Rd</a><br />
<br />
Check it out!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-42895032502701892142012-11-06T08:12:00.001-05:002012-11-06T08:12:03.112-05:00Obama has early lead on RomneyMost of Obama's voters don't work! Once the "work day" is over, Romney voters will get to the polls and the race will tighten. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-19433280412557400212012-10-27T12:05:00.001-04:002012-10-27T12:05:59.611-04:00Soccer season ends, and my coaching career as well.5 seasons, 6 teams, 70 weeks and 44 games later, thanks to my players - and certainly not due to my soccer coaching skill - I estimate my career record at 36 wins, 3 losses, and 5 ties. Bittersweet!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-19573864765610517722012-08-15T09:19:00.001-04:002012-08-15T09:20:10.479-04:00Video Coverage of Mount ElbertMount Coverage begins at 2:55 and continues to the end...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/s9-nvI2F-Ig?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-61788912583577114032012-08-14T12:26:00.002-04:002012-08-14T12:26:38.487-04:00Mount Elbert Trip Report<span class="MainText1"><a href="http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=12615&cpgm=tripmain&ski=Include" target="_blank">This trip report</a> begins 17 years ago, in late August 1995, when I was 17 years old. Before reporting to school for my freshman year at Auburn University, the AU swim team, of which I was a part, spent 5 days in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center to do some altitude training. A Louisville, Kentucky, resident, I had been to Colorado Springs annually for the previously five years, but had never done any hiking. One morning, the coaching staff woke us up at 3 AM and told us to dress warm and bring lots of water. We boarded a couple vans and arrived at the trailhead for Mount Elbert around 6 AM. I am sure that none of us knew anything about Mount Elbert, but, wearing sweat pants and carrying backpacks, we started the hike nonetheless. Most of us reached the summit in 5 hours or so, complaining all the way, and gladly, though out of breath, returned to our vans, safely but sorely, within another 2 and half or 3 hours. It was another week before I learned that Mount Elbert was the highest in Colorado and the second highest – behind California’s Mount Whitney – in the lower 49 states.<br /><br />Reflecting on that experience – something done numerous times since my college swimming career ended in 1999 – I always consider hiking Mount Elbert as among the most difficult things – if not tops on that list – I had ever done. Even for an elite athlete, it was a physical challenge, effectively eight hours of non-stop hiking at significantly higher altitude than the 450-feet-above-sea-level Louisville, Kentucky; but more so, it was a mental challenge. When would there be a resting place? When would the tree line end? Am I safe from wildlife here? Are you kidding? That’s not the real summit? What? There’s another false summit too? Even on the way down, I think I’m going to fall! It was a spiritual experience; I believe in a Creator God, who reveals His eternal power and divine nature through creation – the sheer mass of a mountain is flat out impressive! You hear about mountaintop experiences from people who have enjoyed certain successes. Well, this had been both literally and in that sense, a mountaintop experience to remember. That’s why I’ve been unable to forget it over the past 17 years, despite having not returned to Coloarado, having a family, and starting a career far from the field of athletics.<br /><br />In the past year, I’ve enjoyed a couple of audio books (John Krakauer’s <i>Into Thin Air</i>, and <i>Ghosts of Everest: The Search for Mallory and Irvine</i>, by Jochen Hemmleb, Larry A. Johnson, and Eric R. Simonson) that inspired me to return to the Colorado Rockies and revisit the highest of them, Mount Elbert. I thought to myself, “I’m not going to climb Everest, but I might be able to hike Elbert.” So last week, I did just that.<br /><br />It began with a 1300-mile drive that ended 70 miles prematurely with a busted fuel pump just outside of Salida, Colorado, en route to Gunnison, where my wife’s sister lives. She and her daughter were our family’s hostesses for the week. My Suburban was towed to a helpful mechanic near Salida (Automotrix Exotix), and I saw Mount Aetna glaring down. The next day, we went up to Crested Butte and enjoyed Lake Irwin, then followed that up with a lazy day at the Gunnison Whitewater Park. I would make my ascent of Mount Elbert on Wednesday, August 8.<br /><br />My son woke up at 2 AM that morning, unable to see anything, because our room was dark. I had my alarm set for 3 AM, but decided to go ahead and get up; I wasn’t sleeping well anyway, filled with nervous energy. The drive from Gunnison toward Leadville – in my niece’s Subaru Outback – was 120 miles, and between the hours of 2:45-5 AM, there weren’t many cars on the roads. The stars were out, and I caught mountain shadows in the distance, passing Aetna, Mount Antero, and the Collegiate Peaks (Princeton, Yale, and Harvard). I learned before coming out to Colorado that there are a couple different trails leading up to Mount Elbert, but I wanted to revisit the same trail I had taken at the halfway point of my life (the most common Northeast Ridge route). So I pulled onto Halfmoon Road just southwest of Leadville, and the excitement grew when it turned into gravel and passed several campsites. At 5:10 AM, after avoiding a few minor potholes, I parked in the obvious lot for Elbert’s trailhead and noticed Mount Massive’s trailhead just a few miles further down (maybe next year?).<br /><br />Just when I thought I was the only one around, I noticed a group of 8 or 10 hikers heading for the trail with flashlights. I didn’t bring a flashlight, so I waited until there was enough light to see at least 20 feet in front of me. After a bite to eat, I could wait no longer and, after setting my “runkeeper” iphone app to a GPS hiking activity, I began the hike at 5:40 AM. </span><br />
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<span class="CopyR1">Start</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958391_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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<br /><br />There was an unmarked but fairly obvious (though less so in the dark) left turn over some running water within the first two minutes of the hike, and then shortly after that, there was the creek crossing that I remembered well. I must admit to nearly stepping off the logs into the shallow, rushing water, but I’m certainly glad I didn’t. Be careful here, as I think the hike would be less enjoyable with a soaked shoe… Overall, the first 20 minutes served as a great warm-up, with a pretty steady diet of steep inclines, and the view from the first hilltop thereafter was quite serene <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958392_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #2: First Hill" border="1" height="800" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958392.jpg" title="Image #2: First Hill" vspace="0" width="598" /></a><div style="width: 594px;">
<span class="CopyR1">First Hill</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958392_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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. The next 10 minutes, coming to the split in the trail where the sign to Mount Elbert points right, was a tease. Hiking down the other side of that first hill and through a flat portion of the forest made me think this was going to be easy. But the rest of forested section (another 45 minutes) of the hike was steep. As the sky slowly lightened the surrounding forest, I didn’t see another person during that time, but the 42-degree air, large female elk, scurrying chipmunks, and falling pinecones kept me alert. I moved quickly (at least from my perspective) through the trees, reaching the tree line, with 2 brief water stops along the way, only 75 minutes from the start of the hike. <br /><br />At the tree line <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958393_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #3: Tree Line" border="1" height="800" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958393.jpg" title="Image #3: Tree Line" vspace="0" width="598" /></a><div style="width: 594px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Tree Line</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958393_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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, I caught up to 3 of the hikers that had started with flashlights. Passing them with welcoming words, I moved up the mountainside toward the first false summit. Just over 2 hours into the hike, passing another portion of that original hiking group, I had reached 13,000 feet, a good place to rest for a moment, grab a snack and some water, and take a couple pictures <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958394_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #4: Elevation Check 1" border="1" height="640" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958394.jpg" title="Image #4: Elevation Check 1" vspace="0" width="480" /></a><div style="width: 476px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Elevation Check 1</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958394_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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. Thirty minutes later, I was at 13,500 feet <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958395_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #5: Elevation Check 2" border="1" height="598" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958395.jpg" title="Image #5: Elevation Check 2" vspace="0" width="800" /></a><div style="width: 796px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Elevation Check 2</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958395_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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, and thinking less than a thousand to go! But that last thousand feet of elevation gain was tough! When I left the grassy area and came to the section that was all rocks, the trail seemed to disintegrate, or at best meander off into 10 or more different, narrower paths through the rocky ascent. I quickly found myself carefully climbing rocks instead of casually hiking trails, and I constantly looked around for the correct path. Eventually, I saw the trail through the rocks, which had actually gone around the steepest part of the mountain, and I made my way across the rocks to return to that trail. There were a lot of marmots up there as well! <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958396_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #6: Marmot near the top" border="1" height="598" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958396.jpg" title="Image #6: Marmot near the top" vspace="0" width="800" /></a><div style="width: 796px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Marmot near the top</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958396_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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Surpassing the steepest and most difficult part of the hike, a lone hiker passed me on his way down. He was the first to the top that day, and he let me know that I had about 20 minutes left in my ascent. The remaining amount was less difficult but still challenging due to shortness of breath and burning leg muscles, but I knew I would accomplish the task I had set out to do. I reached the summit at 9:00 AM, only 3 hours and 20 minutes after beginning; I had expected 4 and a half or 5 hours, so I was very pleased with my efforts. At the top, there were 2 more guys that took my picture <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958397_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #7: Summit 1" border="1" height="800" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958397.jpg" title="Image #7: Summit 1" vspace="0" width="598" /></a><div style="width: 594px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Summit 1</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958397_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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and headed down shortly after I arrived. I made a phone call from the top – I had excellent reception (Verizon) for voice, texting, and data everywhere en route, except for while in the forest. The only challenges there were the fairly aggressive wind, shaky leg muscles, and general state of fatigue (though excitement of reaching the top cancelled that out).<br /><br />I stayed at the top for about 20-25 minutes, enjoying the views (neighboring Mount Massive, which lives up to its name, had some snow, but there was none anywhere else that I could see). I had some water and a bite to eat, tossed some rocks from the steepest side of Elbert’s summit, collected a few more rocks as souvenirs, took a couple pictures <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958398_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #8: Summit 2" border="1" height="640" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958398.jpg" title="Image #8: Summit 2" vspace="0" width="480" /></a><div style="width: 476px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Summit 2</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958398_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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(where my iphone altitude app showed me at 14,448 feet, though Elbert is reported to be 14,433 feet – I’m not 15 feet tall!) <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958399_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #9: Panorama" border="1" height="126" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958399.jpg" title="Image #9: Panorama" vspace="0" width="800" /></a><div style="width: 796px;">
<span class="CopyR1">Panorama</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_201208140958399_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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and videos, and started my decent. A group of 3 hikers arrived just before I left, and I took their picture as well. I took several videos on the way down (I will try to post them on YouTube soon), and I was surprised (but I guess I shouldn’t have been) to see so many people making their way up. I probably passed 50-60 people between the first false summit and tree line. The youngest were a 10-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl, trekking with their dad. I wonder if they made it? They seemed in good spirits, but, responding to their inquiry about the nearness of the top, I acknowledged that they had a long way to go. I badly wanted to bring my oldest 2 children – ages 9 and 8 respectively – along, but I am certain they would not have made it at the rate I was traveling; I’m not sure they could have done it at all, and definitely not without complaining.<br /><br />Descending the mountain was much more difficult than I had remembered. Each step had to be carefully made to avoid loose rocks and avoid a tumble. I slipped on occasion, but never fell. Even in the forest, the descent had to be made cautiously to avoid tripping on tree roots or rocks, or to keep balance. I passed another 20 people while descending through the trees. Those folks were going to have a tough time making it to the top by early afternoon. On the way up, the forest flew by, but coming down, it seemed to last forever. I was growing more and more fatigued until a couple runners came charging through on the trail. They were flying down the hillside! How were they not falling? Seeing them motivated me to continue steadily down. When I passed the 2 guys who were at the top when I got there, I also began to hear the faint sound of rushing water, encouraging me that the end was near. I exited the forest into the parking lot just before noon, finishing the descent in 2 hours 15 minutes.<br /><br />There was a lady investigating the trailhead signage, wondering if she and her family should try to hike Elbert or Massive. I offered my perspective, that Elbert is considered to be easy, and it is the tallest. But I told her that it was my only experience, and any trek with an elevation gain of nearly 5000 feet and a round trip of nearly 10 miles and 6 hours or more is still going to be very difficult. I removed my windbreaker, socks, and shoes and rested in the car while checking my runkeeper iphone app. It said the ascent was 5.35 miles and the descent was 4.57 miles. Obviously, the GPS got confused somewhere on the way up, as the actual one-way trip is closer to the 4.57 mile figure. On the drive away, I parked on the side of US 24 just south of Leadville and snapped one more photo of the prominent peak of Mount Elbert <br />
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<a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_2012081409583910_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image #10: US24" border="1" height="598" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_2012081409583910.jpg" title="Image #10: US24" vspace="0" width="800" /></a><div style="width: 796px;">
<span class="CopyR1">US24</span><span style="float: right;"><a class="CopyR1" href="http://14ers.com/images/trips/elbe/1_2012081409583910_l.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="View Larger Image" border="0" hspace="0" src="http://14ers.com/images/enlarge.gif" title="View Larger Image" vspace="0" /></a></span></div>
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. After meeting up with the family at the Mount Princeton Hot Springs, we got our car back in Salida and then spent the last day of our trip near the Blue Mesa Reservoir, including a 4-mile family hike at Dillon Pinnacles. The 1300-mile drive back was smooth, and each of our family members had a great time in Colorado. But the draw to the mountaintop has not left me, and I look forward to a return visit to Elbert, or Massive, or one of the other 14ers next summer.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-19965016281494465562012-08-11T17:27:00.001-04:002012-08-11T17:27:15.847-04:00St Louis ArchWhile Mimi is at the Goodwill Outlet... Too crowded to ride to the top today.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsBqn1Sjhf_UOQrV_1xH2a1hmoE9SZMD0xAmCI_INKOQLrJ2LpFqZag_kW2Wkdfrucxt9mxEBj7eFeNE2CynpK5mQvCl6h9i1S1MdLBOJEWHmRAVwMYHM65x-TWP63J_p35Vy/s640/blogger-image--291177176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsBqn1Sjhf_UOQrV_1xH2a1hmoE9SZMD0xAmCI_INKOQLrJ2LpFqZag_kW2Wkdfrucxt9mxEBj7eFeNE2CynpK5mQvCl6h9i1S1MdLBOJEWHmRAVwMYHM65x-TWP63J_p35Vy/s640/blogger-image--291177176.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yP0-wZrXBhsf756HVR1wBs46fmjJn9fGyZPqt4dBIZu6ciXuJN_egOAmG-2F6ySWXwXaeLS3W84fSNf9_i3HnaRkul4yRBb9hpEu5QzSV81fr7tpQ9TRnumo6iiY8RVwc4Pr/s640/blogger-image-35672544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yP0-wZrXBhsf756HVR1wBs46fmjJn9fGyZPqt4dBIZu6ciXuJN_egOAmG-2F6ySWXwXaeLS3W84fSNf9_i3HnaRkul4yRBb9hpEu5QzSV81fr7tpQ9TRnumo6iiY8RVwc4Pr/s640/blogger-image-35672544.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1im4ZNqnaFpBUOYlbFpd_hWos1xzKD9gPWv32IHC05z-LGG1FdfAMy1KB7BQpyWHA58KjxlThgJe7CcgO45jGoz-7xw0eyj5wfB8HmNacxQfznFdCVwclFcGdYJA-2AxmxwrS/s640/blogger-image-906334119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1im4ZNqnaFpBUOYlbFpd_hWos1xzKD9gPWv32IHC05z-LGG1FdfAMy1KB7BQpyWHA58KjxlThgJe7CcgO45jGoz-7xw0eyj5wfB8HmNacxQfznFdCVwclFcGdYJA-2AxmxwrS/s640/blogger-image-906334119.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AJnQvvSh8eFqDfQW6ktz6fvpc4MHM0I_1zDZE-mKdp150OtTQ5-_CffLQtjoVQhfn-EUoYAunlkQ_qOKVb8onsXy22ShSSc9j8sDC4MGIp73KufyeqCMf2lpV48AAdRQ07bp/s640/blogger-image-1813945895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AJnQvvSh8eFqDfQW6ktz6fvpc4MHM0I_1zDZE-mKdp150OtTQ5-_CffLQtjoVQhfn-EUoYAunlkQ_qOKVb8onsXy22ShSSc9j8sDC4MGIp73KufyeqCMf2lpV48AAdRQ07bp/s640/blogger-image-1813945895.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-28333368824918954042012-08-09T23:24:00.001-04:002012-08-09T23:24:20.461-04:00Car Repaired... Heading home tomorrow... Great VacationLlllllllloooooooonnnnnngggggg drive ahead...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0kwmmpKPmo9uqx8uM1FMtbnJ7do3fseY-DuKUHXGzgOG1EvqwgCqw_9zWbnBOE6K4E-8pspEhp_XCzwNosVyOEIoqXJw-PrxF8H-ITGLUqWtI3hplsqgMZo1g9pHJHjHgViN/s640/blogger-image--974105163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0kwmmpKPmo9uqx8uM1FMtbnJ7do3fseY-DuKUHXGzgOG1EvqwgCqw_9zWbnBOE6K4E-8pspEhp_XCzwNosVyOEIoqXJw-PrxF8H-ITGLUqWtI3hplsqgMZo1g9pHJHjHgViN/s640/blogger-image--974105163.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3aBKwwDIvgUvafT_sdG1jskFIv38VIcyNqRaTpFthGXchepYTKhhJn6m3inFGFIh6d-sMA_Wn1ddprSC14BQEyJHec72mZt6AyaGeDgohS7twb359mV4dLws_MFd48CXbeD2/s640/blogger-image--1825405828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3aBKwwDIvgUvafT_sdG1jskFIv38VIcyNqRaTpFthGXchepYTKhhJn6m3inFGFIh6d-sMA_Wn1ddprSC14BQEyJHec72mZt6AyaGeDgohS7twb359mV4dLws_MFd48CXbeD2/s640/blogger-image--1825405828.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-25625570888193413582012-08-09T23:19:00.001-04:002012-08-09T23:20:46.591-04:00Mount Crested Butte double rainbowGreat town! Lots of fun!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGdSWSl16j8hrZKPSCWPnuduAJGwBOUtEYO6EOXPnp8rjy4Vx6xMJ1ggH6you39hHkUqCM5g8FRfCKkYMSmnQ0uWA4iASmBuIwPFmxWvooWsvu0heeSSeHPQv09aW7750LtaN/s640/blogger-image-1832940312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGdSWSl16j8hrZKPSCWPnuduAJGwBOUtEYO6EOXPnp8rjy4Vx6xMJ1ggH6you39hHkUqCM5g8FRfCKkYMSmnQ0uWA4iASmBuIwPFmxWvooWsvu0heeSSeHPQv09aW7750LtaN/s640/blogger-image-1832940312.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vXwQ-cYzrylxvvYIeZLY29GW0bOmEBfVsEK3DEH7E7mLEnYI_yM7GJOdzOWMdwSTn4PuuSrxOtNm6ChW2bzxiJ5ktBxw3z3YBhxMkJbW59ItqyMWT_7ajLiR9TrgjOQKuDAM/s640/blogger-image--2008555688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vXwQ-cYzrylxvvYIeZLY29GW0bOmEBfVsEK3DEH7E7mLEnYI_yM7GJOdzOWMdwSTn4PuuSrxOtNm6ChW2bzxiJ5ktBxw3z3YBhxMkJbW59ItqyMWT_7ajLiR9TrgjOQKuDAM/s640/blogger-image--2008555688.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-38121753435975232082012-08-09T17:02:00.001-04:002012-08-09T17:02:39.545-04:00Dillon Pinnacles and the Blue Mesa ReservoirA scenic 4 mile hike and some relaxing lake time...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQRk-qEIuRPJa66-BaxRpVhQgbhYSMpen57v3nRAKT1ep8oBl-B0ntDsrkqMvraFncgDBnaFhHB9918dgyhRSAlWlEJqsU6Ag-e5-kbsjvOxirjJW7v2fN7yBUcoj88Lv3R2R/s640/blogger-image-506263669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQRk-qEIuRPJa66-BaxRpVhQgbhYSMpen57v3nRAKT1ep8oBl-B0ntDsrkqMvraFncgDBnaFhHB9918dgyhRSAlWlEJqsU6Ag-e5-kbsjvOxirjJW7v2fN7yBUcoj88Lv3R2R/s640/blogger-image-506263669.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXcxmxsCk4YE7OaRMjLt8cjaE8LaIiWWC0iFXSlYYH6mGfPPPcWMLVWqhSs1CEKROMvMRLNbKRR2gy3IAcLTTWY56Df-3uviTwMAFu6i0T4pL7ZJfgC4JTNsoNS6ozjgndhGc/s640/blogger-image-1462627350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXcxmxsCk4YE7OaRMjLt8cjaE8LaIiWWC0iFXSlYYH6mGfPPPcWMLVWqhSs1CEKROMvMRLNbKRR2gy3IAcLTTWY56Df-3uviTwMAFu6i0T4pL7ZJfgC4JTNsoNS6ozjgndhGc/s640/blogger-image-1462627350.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_-fzqdS-enPHo0_RDI2bR3-bP1FPwqqDAf8R9y79LPn_RBejdfUezcKSsuV-CKyllK2rvNhZqdQXkCtWxPnDTA28QuTgiKz9J1KxSM1AmN2nszu8pU0tOvYx9_vdqcPMgSlI/s640/blogger-image-486322402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_-fzqdS-enPHo0_RDI2bR3-bP1FPwqqDAf8R9y79LPn_RBejdfUezcKSsuV-CKyllK2rvNhZqdQXkCtWxPnDTA28QuTgiKz9J1KxSM1AmN2nszu8pU0tOvYx9_vdqcPMgSlI/s640/blogger-image-486322402.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-7484498130886734412012-08-08T23:15:00.001-04:002012-08-09T09:51:09.242-04:00Tip Top of Mt ElbertMade it to the top! Awesome! Now to get down safely!<br />
<br />
... Made it safely down... Great experience... Very challenging, both physically and mentally. I'll have a full trip report later.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZmkzNK3vM5zFpR0PpjGnPuHY-BCYAm2DFiTA9_MKOCReUNaGXDpGqL8IFGX-FzE50lOmss5J7y8IAhQuuwzoJkLfC-ODQPcn6e7P0X5GqpJq5qintAtwAiv4QMqvtSuPt4lt/s640/blogger-image-1924182418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZmkzNK3vM5zFpR0PpjGnPuHY-BCYAm2DFiTA9_MKOCReUNaGXDpGqL8IFGX-FzE50lOmss5J7y8IAhQuuwzoJkLfC-ODQPcn6e7P0X5GqpJq5qintAtwAiv4QMqvtSuPt4lt/s640/blogger-image-1924182418.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyTlm_XFFN1iMkIG7FYGwtzFNFd_z8KvE0OVoB2Gnsfl-8okbCFbr1eQBTJR89dMneFgJemg8dAaYC05vh816BMPm7ru2f1BwwwWKt7ebyFOGa7m3jFtbmKQQ3gIJbqOTu6Kg/s640/blogger-image-1975941251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyTlm_XFFN1iMkIG7FYGwtzFNFd_z8KvE0OVoB2Gnsfl-8okbCFbr1eQBTJR89dMneFgJemg8dAaYC05vh816BMPm7ru2f1BwwwWKt7ebyFOGa7m3jFtbmKQQ3gIJbqOTu6Kg/s640/blogger-image-1975941251.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwXAnWuu5Fj9KP5OEIUK4_oD26eR2NI2CAOwO-Shz-Pmdl8Uf91bn90CvVHfvJK9t5WkkKGdzaF1GBqOppfs8Dyto-78L2aQS0bwSA478c_kejk8ht9sT5nljut1LxvCnbQw7/s640/blogger-image--611264496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwXAnWuu5Fj9KP5OEIUK4_oD26eR2NI2CAOwO-Shz-Pmdl8Uf91bn90CvVHfvJK9t5WkkKGdzaF1GBqOppfs8Dyto-78L2aQS0bwSA478c_kejk8ht9sT5nljut1LxvCnbQw7/s640/blogger-image--611264496.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekjyTUDs4U6iygLEjw8u8WAXXFBTaFaS2g5d_mc29sC261nJnn2APr363DxI9gQhhDl3Ti7eWMw7hYu1izGqQ_YtHmoltI6WNWsa_QYhReoiIgiemstenv9o9aW_ZsHkG06Jn/s640/blogger-image--1560634723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekjyTUDs4U6iygLEjw8u8WAXXFBTaFaS2g5d_mc29sC261nJnn2APr363DxI9gQhhDl3Ti7eWMw7hYu1izGqQ_YtHmoltI6WNWsa_QYhReoiIgiemstenv9o9aW_ZsHkG06Jn/s640/blogger-image--1560634723.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23104795.post-69047034616652125142012-08-08T07:20:00.001-04:002012-08-08T07:20:50.744-04:00Couldn't sleep...Left Gunnison at 2:40 AM and arrived at Mt. Elbert trailhead at 5:10 AM. Ate some breakfast while waiting for a hint of daylight. Saw one group of hikers head out with flashlights, but I waited for natural light. Starting altitude: 10,078 feet. Clear skies and a temperature of 42... Here we go!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2006 by Chip Crush
All Rights Reserved</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11308253107498252161noreply@blogger.com0