Glacier Bay National Park

Susan and I had an incredible time at Glacier Bay National Park this past week.  We arrived in Gustavus on the Alaska State Ferry, and were shuttled to the Glacier Bay Lodge.  If you are looking for all the modern amenities, you have come to the wrong place.  No cell phone coverage on the property, no televisions in the rooms, and no WIFI in the rooms.  There is WIFI in the Lodge, but just enough to send a text or email.  However, if you want an opportunity to enjoy nature without distraction, this is the place for you. 

This is the view from our room.

The housing, while rustic, was very comfortable and clean.  This is the boardwalk connecting the various rooms.

The Lodge was housed in the same building as the Glacier National Park Visitor Center, which was very convenient.  There was also a restaurant that provides a very nice breakfast buffet and dinner.  There is also a gift store located in the Lodge.

We got up early the next morning to board our vessel, the St. Theodosius. It was very nice, with plenty of indoor seating and viewing areas outside.  It was a rare gem of a day in Southeast Alaska, with light winds and temperatures in the 60s.  

After the required Coast Guard briefing, we were on our way.  It wasn't long before we encountered our first wildlife:  Humpback Whales.  We would see them frequently throughout the day.  In one instance, they were bubble feeding.

Our first stop was the Marble Islands, an important area for bird nesting.  Leading up to Marble Islands is a haul-out rock for Sea Lions.  We stopped and observed them for a while.  They were highly entertaining, as they were noisy and barking at each other.

We then moved on to Marble Island, and observed many birds.  

Tufted Puffin

Horned Puffin

Pigeon Guillemot

We continued our journey north into Glacier Bay.  At Gloomy Knob, we stopped to observe 10-12 Mountain Goats on a cliff.  They were amazing to watch, and we saw one with a baby.

Continuing North, someone spotted two Brown Bear on the beach.  It appeared to be a Mother with a larger cub.

Sea Otters are ubiquitous in the Park and are everywhere.

Continuing to journey North, we stopped at the first Glacier:  Margerie Glacier. We stopped and listened to it snap, crackle, and pop.

The next stop was the Lamplugh Glacier.  It has a very strong blue hue, so much so that it is popularly known as "Lamplugh the Blue."

On the way back, we were able to view the Grand Pacific Glacier.  It was fascinating to learn that when the ink was still wet on John Hancock's signature, Glacier Bay was completely covered by a glacier.  While the Grand Pacific Glacier once filled the entire Bay, extending into Icy Straits, it has now receded all the way up to the head of the Bay.  It is pictured here, looking into British Columbia.

There were icebergs all throughout the Bay, especially near the Glaciers.

We saw Harbor Seals resting on one of the icebergs.

The Fairweather Mountain Range is located within the park, with the highest peak being Mt. Fairweather, standing at 15,325 feet.  It is the all white peak in the picture below.

It was now time to head back to the dock, satisfied with a beautiful day in the park of viewing wildlife and glaciers.

After disembarking, we caught a quick picture in front of the National Park Sign.

We loved our time in Glacier Bay National Park, and highly recommend it.  

Mountains and Where Our Help Comes From

I’m drawn to mountains. Mt. Edgecumbe, pictured above, is one of my favorites.  This extinct volcano, resembling a mini-Mt.Fuji, is an iconic landmark in my hometown of Sitka, Alaska.  It has nostalgic value to me, as I spent my formative years observing it.  Dad and I spent days upon days fishing around Mt. Edgecumbe.  It still evokes emotion when I first see it on the jet approach into Sitka.

Since moving to South Central Alaska in 2008, I have been captivated by Mt. Denali.  Towering at 20,310 feet, Denali is the highest peak in North America.  I can see it to the north on a clear day, as I’m getting on the highway to drive to Anchorage from Eagle River, although it is 130 miles away.  There is something about Denali that beckons to me.   I have spent glorious days in Denali National Park observing it, and I took the picture below on one of those trips.

The biblical writers also had an interest in mountains.  Psalm 121 is known as a “Song of Ascent,” one of the songs that the pilgrims would sing on their journey to Jerusalem.  Verse 1 begins with a question:  “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1, NIV).  Good question!  

Mountains figured prominently in the story of the Bible, with both good and bad things occurring on their peaks.  On one hand, the worship of false gods occurred on the high places.  The mountains were also known as a place of danger.

On the other hand, many powerful events recorded in Scripture took place on mountain tops.  Moses met with God on Mt Sinai, and the 10 Commandments were given.  Jesus was transfigured on a mountain top, and Jesus withdrew to pray on a mountain.  The most important event in human history transpired on a hill.  As the old song goes, “On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross…”

Many people today are asking, along with the Psalmist, “Where does our help come from?”  In the midst of a pandemic and in the division that exists in our country, where does our help come from?  Can politics, science, or religion provide the answer?  It might be more personal for you.  You may have experienced the loss of a loved one, be suffering from an addiction, or feel yourself slipping into depression.  Where is the help?

Fortunately, the Psalmist does not dwell long on the question before providing the answer.  In verse two, the Psalmist declared, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2, NIV)  Just as in ancient times, our help comes from the Lord.  The Lord gives purpose when we are drifting, joy when we are experiencing sorrow, freedom when we are bound, and salvation when we are lost. 

When you gaze upon the mountains, I encourage you to think of the Lord.  During these unpredictable times, draw close to God, the true source of our help.

Chasing Aurora and Seeking God

This Winter, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about, locating, and taking pictures of the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. To be clear, I am a novice.  It has been a journey filled with wonder and the excitement of the chase.  I have found them on nine separate nights so far this season.  My highlight was this past weekend, when a G-1 Geomagnetic storm hit.  Susan and I happened to be driving North to Fairbanks when we noticed a weak band of Aurora forming, and drove into a sizeable pullout north of Healy.  I set up my camera, and before long the sky filled with dancing Auroras of various colors.  We were amazed.  The skies lit up, providing a show we had not anticipated, which we experienced with no one else around. 

An hour later, the lights subsided.  My hands and feet were numb and the knobs on my tripod froze up.  The temperature was -27 degrees, not counting the wind chill.  Susan had the good sense to stay in the warm car and watch the light show.  A State Trooper was nice enough to check in on us, making sure we weren’t stranded in the cold. 

It was a magical night, one that I will not soon forget.  Since that night, I have felt nudged by the Lord with a gentle reminder.  We should have that similar awe-filled wonder of Him.  Seeking after the Lord is similar to chasing Auroras in several ways.

Intentionality – Why have I seen more Aurora this year than in the rest of my life combined?  It’s simple – I have looked for them.  That looking comes at a cost – time, loss of sleep, standing in the cold, money for gas.  The search has been worth it to me and the same is true in our seeking after God.  I am convinced that we do not have encounters with God because we are not looking for them.  It’s time to put some intentionality in our seeking after God.  As the Psalmist said, ““As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1, ESV)

Study – I have spent time learning about the Aurora Borealis and have even learned a new vocabulary, including terms like Bz, Kp, solar flares, and solar winds.  My studying has helped me to find the Auroras with greater frequency.  In the same way, studying the Bible informs our pursuit of God.  We are not seeking after a god who is unknown or changing.  We are seeking the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, existing in the Trinity as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Being grounded in the Word will guide us in an accurate understanding of our pursuit of God.

Avoid Light Pollution – This is the number one rule in chasing Auroras.  You need to get away from city lights, as they make it hard to see the Aurora.  When we are seeking after God, we must determine to reduce the noise in our lives to allow us to hear the voice of God.

Keep the Wonder – With all the studying I might do on the Aurora, I never really know for sure how the show will unfold.  When it happens, I am filled with awe and wonder and I hope that sense of awe remains. Let us keep a sense of mystery and awe-filled wonder at the very thought of having an encounter with the Living God. Let us never feel that we have God figured out. 

What are you seeking?  Whatever you are seeking—that is what you will find.

Book Review: "40 Days of Christmas: Celebrating the Glory of Our Savior"

"40 Days of Christmas: Celebrating the Glory of Our Savior"
Dr. Joseph Castleberry
Published in 2018, Broadstreet Publishing

Book Review by Brad Kesler

The Christmas season is filled with such hustle and bustle, we often find ourselves taking down the tree in January, not having had the opportunity to properly reflect on the values of Christmas. Dr. Joseph Castleberry, President of Northwest University, has written “40 Days of Christmas: Celebrating the Glory of Our Savior,” provoking a more thoughtful approach to the most wonderful time of the year.

Dr. Castleberry has offered 40 windows into Christmas, each highlighting a different aspect. By the end of the book, the reader has gained a 360-degree view that will enhance and enrich a greater appreciation of the miracle that is Christmas.

The readings are Christ-focused and Scripture-centered, while also adding value to many of our treasured and time-honored traditions. Dr. Castleberry provides penetrating insights that are theologically informed, but in an easy to read and engaging format.

The book is designed to be read over a 40-day period, beginning on November 28 and ending on January 6. Each daily reading contains a brief Scripture, the author’s insights, and a suggested prayer response. The book is divided into three sections: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

“40 Days of Christmas: Celebrating the Glory of Our Savior” will encourage the reader to embrace Christ and to more fully participate in the celebration of His birth. I look forward to rereading it this Christmas season with my family. I highly recommend you pick up your copy today, you won’t be disappointed! Merry Christmas!

Book Review: "Faith: Believing in the God Who Works on Your Behalf"

“Faith: Believing in the God Who Works on Your Behalf"
Dr. Yonggi Cho and Dr. Wayde Goodall
Published in 2017, Broadstreet Publishing

Book Review by Brad Kesler

It is often said that Alaska has over 100 villages without a consistent Gospel witness. In order to reach these villages and other people who don’t know the Lord in Alaska, it will require great faith. I find myself asking, along with the disciples, “Lord, increase my faith!”

Dr. Yonggi Cho and Dr. Wayde Goodall have joined forces to co-author a very unique book titled “Faith: Believing in The God Who Works on Your Behalf.” Dr. Cho inspires the reader toward faith through his experiences of being healed from a terminal disease and growing a large church in challenging circumstances. Dr. Goodall draws from his vast ministry and educational background to provide rich insights.

The book is divided into three main categories: Depending on the Holy Spirit, The Faith Hall of Fame, and Walking by Faith. At the end of the book, the authors provide an appendix with “Faith Scriptures” for meditation.

In the first section, the authors provide principles of growing your faith. These principles are best summarized by this statement, “Our faith is activated and grows in our daily lives largely because of our determination to understand God’s Word, to pray, and to listen to the Holy Spirit” (p.57). If we spend time daily in the Word and in His Presence, our faith will be strengthened. Our words and thoughts can also have a positive or negative impact on our faith. If we are constantly speaking negatively about a situation, we are agreeing with the enemy instead of viewing the situation through the eyes of faith.

A vital component of faith is being led by the Spirit. The authors share their process for discerning the will of God in a situation. Steps include allowing the Lord to speak to you through the desire He has placed in your heart and to screen those desires through the Scriptures. God will then often confirm His Will in your life through circumstances.

The second section, “The Faith Hall of Fame,” examines the definition and ingredients of faith in our daily lives. “When you have faith in something, that means you believe that it is going to happen. There is a sense of assurance that even though you have not experienced it or have not yet possessed that for which you have faith, it is a reality” (p. 93). Having great faith involves believing God is faithful and able to carry out what He has promised.

Section 3 explores how faith is walked-out in our lives. The chapter on the relationship of faithfulness to faith is a treasure. The authors remind us that if we are faithful in the small things, God will give us larger opportunities. In the Parable of the Talents, we are taught that God will hold us accountable to invest those talents he has given us—not the talents of others. Being faithful in investing our talents will stretch us, and will require that we be disciplined in keeping our commitments.

The authors cover other important topics such as prayer, the empowerment of the Spirit, forgiving yourself in faith, and being confident in your faith.

God desires that we walk in mountain moving faith. The author states, “When you have prayed, studied the Scriptures to ensure that your goal is biblical, listened to the wise advice of godly people, and considered the cost (evaluated the time, effort, expenses, etc.), take the step of faith in your business, your ministry, the needs of your family, and your life goals” (p. 180).

You will be inspired by this book to grow your faith, increase your prayer life, pay close attention to the influences you allow in your life, and be careful with the words you speak. Your faith will be stirred to believe that God is faithful to His promises and to launch out to accomplish the vision He has placed in your heart.

Book Review, "Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth"

Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
Dr. Samuel Chand
Published in 2015 by Thomas Nelson

Book Review by Brad Kesler

All ministry leaders desire to finish well. Statistics tell us that for every 20 pastors who enter the ministry, only 1 retires from it. While the issues are many and varied, a major reason ninety-five percent of pastors leave the ministry is unexpected pain resulting from being a leader. Bible College excels in preparing pastors educationally for ministry, however we are often not prepared for leadership challenges that arise.

Dr. Samuel Chand has written an excellent book entitled, Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth. The book is endorsed by a number of leaders, including Dr. George O. Wood, John Maxwell, Judah & Chelsea Smith, Craig Groeschel, Brian Houston, and Christine Caine.

Dr. Chand does not attempt to develop a theological treatise on pain, but identifies sources of leadership pain, and offer solutions for responding with “wisdom, strength, and grace.” The theme throughout the book is that leaders will only grow to the threshold of their pain.

If you have been in leadership, you have experienced pain. Dr. Chand says, “If you’re leading, you’re bleeding.” Causes of pain are many, including financial strains, conflict with parishioners, criticism, betrayal, unmet expectations, heartaches at home, etc. The author delves into each of these causes and more, bringing rich insights.

Leadership pain can make us feel like quitting, and the pressures of ministry are intense. However, if we can increase our threshold for pain, God will use that very pain to shape and mold us into his image. Dr. Chand says, “Have we experienced enough of his grace and greatness to convince us to have ambidextrous faith, trusting that he will use both blessings and heartaches to produce wisdom, faith, character, and hope in us?” As your 3rd grade gym teacher said, “No pain, no gain!”

Scriptural support for the concept of learning through trials is found in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (ESV).

I am not the same person now as when entering vocational ministry at age 23. A large portion of my growth experience has resulted from the various challenges and trials I have encountered. I hope to be a different person at age 60 than at 44. Rather than quitting in despair when trials appear, it is helpful to view them as growth opportunities. Dr. Chand does not minimalize pain, but helps to put it into proper context, and helps the reader understand its purpose. He says, “As long as we see failure, stress, and difficulties as intruders, we’ll fail to let them teach us, shape us, and strengthen us. When we expect God to use pain in our lives to sift us, prune us, and build us, we’ll have the tenacity it takes to endure hard times.”

Dr. Chand provides strategies for helping the reader deal with leadership pain. The Hebrews passage reminds us to take our eyes off the misery and fix our eyes upon Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Dr. Chand exhorts us to keep our focus on the mission and vision God has given us. Just as a long-distance runner is willing to endure pain with visions of completing the race, we have a heavenly finish line awaiting. Dr. Chand, encouraging readers to ensure they have a pain partner writes, “Whatever the cause, most pastors have no one to lean on, no safety valve, no understanding ear, and no shoulder to cry on.” He gives valuable advice on how to select people in your life for that purpose.

This book will be valuable not only for ministry leaders, but for all Christians. It is very well written and easy to read. Each chapter includes a true story from people in ministry including Scott Wilson, Benny Perez, and Lisa Bevere that illustrate principles from that chapter. I highly recommend that you read Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth.

Article -- Church Staff Keeping Office Hours

This is a very good, short article on the importance of church staff keeping office hours.  I get it that it is not completely applicable in all situations, especially in Alaska, when many staff positions are not paid full time and are bi-vocational.  I also understand that in different ministry locations, the expectations may be different.  However, for staff members who are paid full time, this is helpful, and all staff members will be able to find application.  It is from Influence Magazine, here is the link.