First Journal Entry: 8/20/89

Heading out into the wilderness. My niece, Emily, wears my favorite Maxell shirt now.

Before my freshman year at Houghton College began, I participated in an outdoor class called Highlander. We were asked to keep a journal each day detailing what we did, and what God was teaching us. Being an artist, I couldn't help adding some illustrations.

First Day
Friendship & Trust. Yes. I can truly say that those were the 2 most valuable things I learned today. There was also a quick and strong spiritual unity among my new companions.

 The first element of the day was the trust-fall. I’ve done this before but falling backwards . . . freefall is not such a comfortable feeling. As I stood atop the platform and fell backwards into the arms--the secure arms--of my companions, the first emotion was sudden fear, but a split second later, while in mid-air I felt a calm sensation. The calm set in the second I put my total trust in my friends below.

This can be exactly compared to the trust you put in the Lord. Before we accept Christ as savior we have an internal fear that He may “ruin” our lives; be a big “killjoy”. But that’s the exact opposite of what he has in mind. 

When we put our total and complete faith in Him we experience the greatest joy and peace--ever. In life we can’t stand alone—we need Christ & He wants us to trust Him. He stands with open arms, secure and loving arms that will never leave you or forsake you. And when you lean back into his arms and realize the security within, then an amazing peace overcomes your spirit. And also as when you’ve fallen into His arms he hugs you and loves you as his child.