Thomas Trock

Mountain Cathedrals: The Outdoors From a Different Perspective

Holidays

Gary Lee and the Summer BBQ

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9 Summertime has a way of bringing back good memories of growing up on our small farm in the Midwest. As summer began, I finally had the opportunity to run the forests and fields with a dog or two, free from thoughts of homework and exams. Gary Lee shared my sentiments about this most wonderful season of summer, and we spent countless hours together exploring the woods or …

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Thanksgiving I – Surrounded by Turkeys

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 This week we celebrate Thanksgiving in America. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It is a relaxed time that I truly savor and look forward to each year. For the most part, I’ve not been too caught up in what people call the Christmas rush of writing cards and buying gifts of who knows what. But …

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Father’s Day

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3 I read those verses today – Father’s Day here in America. I was pretty young when my earthly father died. It came as quite a shock to me when it occurred. I thought things like that always happened to someone else’s family, not ours. My dad really loved trees. Each year he’d get some from the state natural resource agency …

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Memorial Day – Thanks

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 I am humbled when I take time to consider what some people have sacrificed so that I can enjoy the freedoms I have in this country. To give my life for someone else is not a decision I’ve ever had to make. I know how I hope I would respond in that situation, but I don’t think I can know for …

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Resurrection Day

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to …

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Christmas

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23 My wife recently took a picture of this ornament on our tree. She could not see the flare of the light, but it showed up in the picture. Fascinating. And she …

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Veterans Fishing Day – WWII Vet Merlin

Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19.32 NIV      I’ve enjoyed some fulfilling perks working with fish and wildlife.      One of my favorite days of the year happens when folks from the VA hospital come to our small community to fish for trout. I don’t remember who first thought of this idea. I wish I could claim it as mine, but it wasn’t. Regardless – somebody somewhere should reach around and pat himself on the back, because he (or she) came up with a good …

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