One of my favorite days of the year has finally arrived. The first real cold front has now moved through the north Texas area. It marks the end of another blistering hot Texas summer and early fall. I know that it will most likely get warm again next week, but let's just enjoy the crisp air while it is here.
Every window in the house was opened yesterday to welcome cool air and while my wife Courtney was napping under two blankets I sat watching the rain pass through waiting to get outside. Once our two boys were up from naps, we got out for a family walk. It was awesome! I just felt truly happy.
For me this cold front marks the beginning of a new season. With a busy fall trip schedule followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is easy to look ahead and miss what this season, what this day has to offer. To often I look past what God is trying to show me today in order to plan for tomorrow. I miss what He wants to say to me, because I am thinking about what I can say to others.
So enjoy it today. Get outside while the air is cool. Go for a walk and listen to God. He wants to talk to us today!
Lance
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Baby Davie
Steven and Kinsey are now the proud parents of Davie Lucille Charles. She was born at 12:06 am August 27th. Baby and mom are both doing well. I think Steven is too... I guess this means he will not be working the trip this weekend.
They have provided a link to a slide show of beautiful pictures for your perusal. Check it out at
http://homepage.mac.com/hollirenee2/Sites/slideshows/kinsey2/index.html
Congratulations Steven and Kinsey! Your Compass Family love you both!
They have provided a link to a slide show of beautiful pictures for your perusal. Check it out at
http://homepage.mac.com/hollirenee2/Sites/slideshows/kinsey2/index.html
Congratulations Steven and Kinsey! Your Compass Family love you both!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
John Oxford
Hello Compass Wilderness blog readers! My name is John Oxford and I am the summer intern for Oklahoma. I just want to let all the staff in Durango know how lucky they are to be enjoying the 70 degree weather, while we in Ok are sweatin' in the upper nineties...Anyway... even though its hot and humid here I really am enjoying my summer thus far with Compass. A little about me: I have a heart for using God's creation as a tool for ministering to youth, I am going to be a 5th year senior at Oklahoma Baptist University, my major is Leisure Service Management with an emphasis in Camp Administration (if you don't know what that is or what it means, its ok. My mother didn't either. Basically I'm majoring in what Steven and Lance do), I have a passion for the outdoors, I love Gatorade and cottage cheese (not together), I also love climbing and my dog Bear (see pic).
This summer seems to have been really busy. Steven Charles Canaan Crane (another Compass Guide) and myself went through an American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor course which involved a lot of preparation and time. Even though the course was difficult, I feel like it was well worth it. I learned much more than I expected.
I am excited about the upcoming trips and the experiences that they hold. Please pray that I will have the energy, focus, and drive to finish the summer strong. I feel privileged to be working with Compass Wilderness, it is a wonderful ministry that really does change lives. You should be hearing from me again sometime soon! (this was the first blog I have ever written, it's kinda weird for me)
Blessings,
John Oxford
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Summer Staff 2008
Once again this summer we are blessed to have an incredible staff. Marquette, Hannah, Justin, Alyssa and Blair are returning from last summers staff and Shane is back from our 2005 crew. New this year are Samantha, Seth, Jared and Garrison. Of course our wiley veterans Lance and Courtney are here with their kids and staff mascots Nash and Beck.Two weeks and three groups into the summer, things could not be better. Beautiful weather, tremendous groups and seeing God work in the lives of hundreds of students and adults lives has made for a great start to an awesome summer.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Memorial Weekend
Well I hope everyone is getting over a sunburn right now that they got doing something leisurely this Memorial Day weekend. I had a good weekend in spite of some persistent rain. I went over to Arkansas with a few objectives, sitting with a book, relaxing with some friends, swimming in the river, oh yeah and climbing. I'd say that we accomplished most of those, enough to consider it a good weekend.Highlights from the trip were Brett snoring like a freight train, Randall "Pink" Banning having trouble on the hills in the very muddy Horseshoe Canyon. As far as climbing goes, my highlight was getting closer to redpointing my project (on lead with no falls) this weekend. Getting closer!
While I was out living the good life though Lance was at home with a sick family. All of the Giles house seemed to catch a bug on the holiday weekend. Bummer. So here's my shout out to Lance, and here's hoping that next week they all feel better and have some good family time before they pack up and head to Colorado.
Steven
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Spring
Spring draws to an end...let's go back.
Well the kids are winding down school, youth pastors have turned their attention to summer activities, families are planning their summer vacations, and we're gearing up for our summer camps, I guess that means that Spring is over. Not to mention that it got to 102 yesterday in parts of Oklahoma. So let's look back at the Spring we have had.
We are very happy with the way things went with Compass this Spring. We more than doubled the number of students who got to come on trips with us and we had an overwhelmingly positive experience with them. When growth like that happens, it is easy to be excited about it, thinking that growth in itself is the goal, but it's not. It is the quality of the experience that is paramount, so we really want to make sure that the huge increase in the number of groups that we have had doesn't compromise our quality. We have had such a great response from the groups that we are proud to say that indeed, we were ready for the increase in volume. We received more unsolicited positive feedback this Spring than ever before and I believe that we fostered an experience with God and with each other that will impact the students for their whole lives.
We have developed several new staff members that are becoming more self-sufficient with every trip, and are going to be great assets to whatever organizations they find themselves in in the future. Some of them will be in vocational ministry, some in education, and hopefully some will choose to make careers with Compass, but hopefully all will benefit from the time that they share with Compass and the groups that we lead.
This summer we are bringing on an intern whom many of you have met, John Oxford. He guided several trips this Spring and is interested in a career in camp management, so we'll take him! You'll hear about John and from John later, but for now, be praying for him that he develops the skills he needs to provide a life changing experience for those who work with him.
Last but certainly not least, let's turn our attention to the future. Like I said, we're gearing up for the summer, which will entail an exodus for many Texans and Oklahomans to the great state of Colorado, where we will meet with many groups this summer. Be praying for Lance and the staff that they have the passion and energy to bring the gospel to the groups that come. Pray that the students meet with God when they come, and that we are all working toward bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth!
Grace and Peace,
Steven
Well the kids are winding down school, youth pastors have turned their attention to summer activities, families are planning their summer vacations, and we're gearing up for our summer camps, I guess that means that Spring is over. Not to mention that it got to 102 yesterday in parts of Oklahoma. So let's look back at the Spring we have had.
We are very happy with the way things went with Compass this Spring. We more than doubled the number of students who got to come on trips with us and we had an overwhelmingly positive experience with them. When growth like that happens, it is easy to be excited about it, thinking that growth in itself is the goal, but it's not. It is the quality of the experience that is paramount, so we really want to make sure that the huge increase in the number of groups that we have had doesn't compromise our quality. We have had such a great response from the groups that we are proud to say that indeed, we were ready for the increase in volume. We received more unsolicited positive feedback this Spring than ever before and I believe that we fostered an experience with God and with each other that will impact the students for their whole lives.
We have developed several new staff members that are becoming more self-sufficient with every trip, and are going to be great assets to whatever organizations they find themselves in in the future. Some of them will be in vocational ministry, some in education, and hopefully some will choose to make careers with Compass, but hopefully all will benefit from the time that they share with Compass and the groups that we lead.
This summer we are bringing on an intern whom many of you have met, John Oxford. He guided several trips this Spring and is interested in a career in camp management, so we'll take him! You'll hear about John and from John later, but for now, be praying for him that he develops the skills he needs to provide a life changing experience for those who work with him.
Last but certainly not least, let's turn our attention to the future. Like I said, we're gearing up for the summer, which will entail an exodus for many Texans and Oklahomans to the great state of Colorado, where we will meet with many groups this summer. Be praying for Lance and the staff that they have the passion and energy to bring the gospel to the groups that come. Pray that the students meet with God when they come, and that we are all working toward bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth!
Grace and Peace,
Steven
Monday, May 19, 2008
On The Road Again
I'm tired. I've put a little over 1,500 miles on the road over the last week and I'm tired. I'm actually typing this on the road as I ride toward lake Tenkiller helping my in-laws move some furniture out to their lake getaway.
It's times like this that I am reminded of the value of slowing down. It's a little bit ironic that we build in to our trips this intentional time alone. We value solitude and taking the time and space to slow down, evaluate ourselves and listen to God. Yet here I am weary and in need of a break. It would make sense that we do that better than others, and maybe sometimes we do, but we can all get busy and begin to show signs of wear without realizing it.
We often share some ideas about solitude with the groups along the lines of solitude and we've been talking about it recently, so here are some of those thoughts, I hope that it leads us all into a more joyful existence, a more productive existence, and ultimately in better relationship with God and each other.
Some of the staff and I were talking the other day about how it seems like there is a pretty common thread through the Bible of God talking to his people in the wilderness or when they're alone. In the gospels (I'll use Mark) Christ goes to the wilderness early in the morning to pray (1:35). He's tested by 40 days in the wilderness. In chapter 3 he withdraws from the crowd and goes to the lake, and then up onto a mountainside to pray. Then there are others in the Old Testament who God speaks to in the wilderness Moses is "behind the Wilderness" in Exodus 3 when God talks to him, and then alone on Mount Sinai when he receives the 10 commandments. The list goes on where God uses the wilderness to speak to his people, but why?
I acknowledge that this is speculation, but I suggest three things that happens there in the wilderness better than in daily life. It removes distractions. We're no longer in the busyness of daily life and our minds are quieted. This leads to the next thing that happens, being in solitude encourages introspection. When we're alone with our thoughts, there is space for them to be heard and really evaluate where we are going in life and whether or not it is what we really want and whether or not it is what God wants. Finally, it allows us to change our posture to one of being willing to listen. It is difficult for us to hear God speaking to us when we fill our thoughts and lives every minute of every day.
These things aren't a given in solitude however. Just by being alone doesn't mean that we're listening to God. We still must commit to the task of seeking him there.
So remember that we must be intentional to leave space regularly to decompress, to slow down, evaluate our lives and to simply listen.
Take time to breathe.
It's times like this that I am reminded of the value of slowing down. It's a little bit ironic that we build in to our trips this intentional time alone. We value solitude and taking the time and space to slow down, evaluate ourselves and listen to God. Yet here I am weary and in need of a break. It would make sense that we do that better than others, and maybe sometimes we do, but we can all get busy and begin to show signs of wear without realizing it.
We often share some ideas about solitude with the groups along the lines of solitude and we've been talking about it recently, so here are some of those thoughts, I hope that it leads us all into a more joyful existence, a more productive existence, and ultimately in better relationship with God and each other.
Some of the staff and I were talking the other day about how it seems like there is a pretty common thread through the Bible of God talking to his people in the wilderness or when they're alone. In the gospels (I'll use Mark) Christ goes to the wilderness early in the morning to pray (1:35). He's tested by 40 days in the wilderness. In chapter 3 he withdraws from the crowd and goes to the lake, and then up onto a mountainside to pray. Then there are others in the Old Testament who God speaks to in the wilderness Moses is "behind the Wilderness" in Exodus 3 when God talks to him, and then alone on Mount Sinai when he receives the 10 commandments. The list goes on where God uses the wilderness to speak to his people, but why?
I acknowledge that this is speculation, but I suggest three things that happens there in the wilderness better than in daily life. It removes distractions. We're no longer in the busyness of daily life and our minds are quieted. This leads to the next thing that happens, being in solitude encourages introspection. When we're alone with our thoughts, there is space for them to be heard and really evaluate where we are going in life and whether or not it is what we really want and whether or not it is what God wants. Finally, it allows us to change our posture to one of being willing to listen. It is difficult for us to hear God speaking to us when we fill our thoughts and lives every minute of every day.
These things aren't a given in solitude however. Just by being alone doesn't mean that we're listening to God. We still must commit to the task of seeking him there.
So remember that we must be intentional to leave space regularly to decompress, to slow down, evaluate our lives and to simply listen.
Take time to breathe.
Friday, May 9, 2008
God Is Green
It's been so long since we posted, I don't know where to begin! Let's see, we're on the tail end of our spring season, which has been a beautiful, wonderful season. Let me hit a few high points real quick...
I met Matthew this week. It is great to me to look into someone's eyes and just see joy and passion. He is going to college in the fall and is trying in earnest to follow God's calling on his life. He's a gifted worship leader and seems to really want to serve people and serve the Lord. I ask your prayers for this young man, who I believe God's hand is on to be a leader in the generation to come.
We had the "God is Green" weekend. This particular youth pastor has embraced the idea that God loves all of Creation, and he is convicted by the way we abuse it. We got to be the last part of a series he did. It really drove home the importance of our responsibility when they spent time immersed in God's beautiful creation. I believe they will be part of a positive change in our world. I pray that we all examine our lives the way this group does, and then that our belief aligns with truth, and that our practice follows our belief.
The spring ends in such a natural way with groups coming with us to celebrate graduation, and begin a new phase of life. There have been some really cool students we've met this year, students who are on their way to shape the world that we live in. Students who are working out their faith, to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth.
Steven
I met Matthew this week. It is great to me to look into someone's eyes and just see joy and passion. He is going to college in the fall and is trying in earnest to follow God's calling on his life. He's a gifted worship leader and seems to really want to serve people and serve the Lord. I ask your prayers for this young man, who I believe God's hand is on to be a leader in the generation to come.
We had the "God is Green" weekend. This particular youth pastor has embraced the idea that God loves all of Creation, and he is convicted by the way we abuse it. We got to be the last part of a series he did. It really drove home the importance of our responsibility when they spent time immersed in God's beautiful creation. I believe they will be part of a positive change in our world. I pray that we all examine our lives the way this group does, and then that our belief aligns with truth, and that our practice follows our belief.
The spring ends in such a natural way with groups coming with us to celebrate graduation, and begin a new phase of life. There have been some really cool students we've met this year, students who are on their way to shape the world that we live in. Students who are working out their faith, to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth.
Steven
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wonderful Staff
"My name is Lindsay Lawrence. I recently went on a trip with the Trinity Bible Church youth group and 5 young men from Compass Wilderness. I just wanted to tell you thank you for setting up such an amazing program for youth to retreat and become closer to God.
Quite honestly, I haven't really been too religious up until the past year or so. I'm constantly on the go and kept telling myself I would find time, when I knew I never would. But after several events in my family, including my sister's career-ending knee injury, I figured it was time for me to own up to my sin and become close with our Lord. This trip aided me in that quest.
Not only was you're staff completely wonderful, but the rock climbing really humbled me. It made me realize what a small part I am in the big plan. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and awe, it continues to amaze me at what the power of God can do and has done.
And although I was injured on this trip, I tore my meniscus (don't worry it was an injury that was long-time coming) and have to have surgery tomorrow morning, I realized I was okay with that. I realized that what I might have early viewed as a major set back, could possibly be a blessing in disguise and is part of His plan for me.
So, long story short, thak you! Compass Wilderness is truly a phenomenal program. And I feel truly blessed to have met such caring, compassionate, and religious young men. People like them are one in a million, and I know they will continue to touch many lives and accomplish many goals!"
Thanks for the encouragement Lindsay.
Quite honestly, I haven't really been too religious up until the past year or so. I'm constantly on the go and kept telling myself I would find time, when I knew I never would. But after several events in my family, including my sister's career-ending knee injury, I figured it was time for me to own up to my sin and become close with our Lord. This trip aided me in that quest.
Not only was you're staff completely wonderful, but the rock climbing really humbled me. It made me realize what a small part I am in the big plan. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and awe, it continues to amaze me at what the power of God can do and has done.
And although I was injured on this trip, I tore my meniscus (don't worry it was an injury that was long-time coming) and have to have surgery tomorrow morning, I realized I was okay with that. I realized that what I might have early viewed as a major set back, could possibly be a blessing in disguise and is part of His plan for me.
So, long story short, thak you! Compass Wilderness is truly a phenomenal program. And I feel truly blessed to have met such caring, compassionate, and religious young men. People like them are one in a million, and I know they will continue to touch many lives and accomplish many goals!"
Thanks for the encouragement Lindsay.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Big Success!
2nd Annual Compass Wilderness Climb-a-thon a Big Success!
A huge thank you to all of those who were a part of the event this year, making it tons bigger and better than last. Fourteen climbers braved the cold and joined us, each climbing their heart out. As a total, we climbed exactly 20, 000feet, as a point of reference, we almost climbed the elevation of Denali, at 20,320 feet it is the highest point in North America! In one hour! We were tired.
We were able to raise over $5,000 thanks to our climbers who diligently sought supporters like you. Thank You!
A few pats on the back, and thank you’s:
Andy Chasteen and Shane Seaton led the pack, climbing an amazing 2,800 feet! They were closely followed by Jason Pawley who climbed 2,750 feet. Nice job guys!
Shane Seaton led the way with fundraising this year, raising over $1,500.
We also had a few corporate sponsorships that deserve some mention, Summit Graphics and American Glass Company.
Approach Creative provides a professional and creative appearance to all kinds of projects, including our flyers and posters for the climb-a-thon. They did a great job on it, then wouldn’t let me pay for it. To top it off, they raised support and participated in the climb-a-thon. Thanks Jason Pawley!
American Glass Company is an Oklahoma City mobile glass company that has specialized in glass installation for cars and trucks since 1973. I can honestly say that I know of no other secular company that takes more pride in their work, and takes every opportunity to care for those they come in contact with. They are a true example of taking their faith into the workplace with grace and love.
Thanks to everyone involved, I am already looking forward to this event next year!
Last of all, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin our busy Spring season. We have hundreds of young people joining us on trips, we fully intend on it being a life changing experience for them!
Steven
A huge thank you to all of those who were a part of the event this year, making it tons bigger and better than last. Fourteen climbers braved the cold and joined us, each climbing their heart out. As a total, we climbed exactly 20, 000feet, as a point of reference, we almost climbed the elevation of Denali, at 20,320 feet it is the highest point in North America! In one hour! We were tired.
We were able to raise over $5,000 thanks to our climbers who diligently sought supporters like you. Thank You!
A few pats on the back, and thank you’s:
Andy Chasteen and Shane Seaton led the pack, climbing an amazing 2,800 feet! They were closely followed by Jason Pawley who climbed 2,750 feet. Nice job guys!
Shane Seaton led the way with fundraising this year, raising over $1,500.
We also had a few corporate sponsorships that deserve some mention, Summit Graphics and American Glass Company.
Approach Creative provides a professional and creative appearance to all kinds of projects, including our flyers and posters for the climb-a-thon. They did a great job on it, then wouldn’t let me pay for it. To top it off, they raised support and participated in the climb-a-thon. Thanks Jason Pawley!
American Glass Company is an Oklahoma City mobile glass company that has specialized in glass installation for cars and trucks since 1973. I can honestly say that I know of no other secular company that takes more pride in their work, and takes every opportunity to care for those they come in contact with. They are a true example of taking their faith into the workplace with grace and love.
Thanks to everyone involved, I am already looking forward to this event next year!
Last of all, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin our busy Spring season. We have hundreds of young people joining us on trips, we fully intend on it being a life changing experience for them!
Steven
Monday, February 18, 2008
2nd Annual Climb-a-thon This Week!
Hello everyone, it is time for the second annual Compass Wilderness Climb-a-thon! Many of you have already heard about the event, and are even participating, but to make sure we cover our bases, here’s a quick rundown of the event:Friday evening at 6:00, several climbers will converge at Rocktown Climbing Gym in Oklahoma City. Each person has gained pledges from supporters who either are contributing per vertical foot climbed, or at a predetermined rate. Each climber will climb for one hour straight (very tiring!!!) just as much as they can. Then, next week, they will collect the pledges from their supporters.
It is a really fun event to be a part of, and I would love it if any of you who aren’t climbing could come out and encourage the climbers. I also encourage you to show your support by pledging to one of the climbers participating!
Here’s a list of this years climbers:
Michael Foster
Vanessa Sherk
Shane Seaton
Erich Schwinn
Steven Charles
Andy Chasteen
Shannon Chasteen
Jason Pawley
Lisa Gerber
Kyle Cooper
John Oxford
Chris Cochran
Brett Olson
Dustin Ragland
If you want to contribute to one of these climbers, you can contact me through email, or by phone and I will get you hooked up with the climber you would like to support!
My email is: steven@compasswilderness.com
Phone number is – 405-487-7795
Thanks for your support, here’s to a great event!
Steven
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day!
Well here we are on the loveliest day of the year. Everyone who is a part of a couple is making plans to compete with the crowded restaurants or buying a gift that says I love you. Guys, remember, nothing says I love you like $72 roses that die in two days. I’ve talked with several people who are trying to do something original and creative and some who have developed some traditions in their relationships that they will celebrate together. All good stuff, all showing the love.
I listened to a couple last night who was in their 70s who were on a panel, answering questions to a group of expectant parents. This little old man was passionate about his wife. I mean seriously in love with her. He talked about things they did to protect the honor of their marriage and things they did to keep communication open. But his wife mentioned one thing that I have a feeling was the biggest of all for them. She told of how she still, after 41 years of marriage will find little notes from him around the house, in her purse, or wherever she would be sure to find them, that told her in little snippets that he loved her. Answering a question about why love gets better over time, he said, “Let each other know how much you love the other, and do it often. It is vital to our relationships. Communication, to be sure is the proving ground for love, but showing our love on a regular basis is vital to the health of our relationships.” Another man on the panel said that their relationship took a turn for the better when he learned to speak “womanese.” He said she came in the kitchen one day as he was putting away dishes and gave him a slap on the rear and said, “you’re never sexier than when you’re doing the dishes.” He found out what she loved….he did a lot more dishes from there on out.
As you are doing Valentine’s Day stuff, is it awkward to anyone else that you aren’t romantic or particularly thoughtful more often? This could be an issue I’m alone on, but somehow I doubt it. I have this self-critical feeling that it’s great to show Kinsey this one day how special she is, but not so good that it is in such contrast to the normal days. That after all is what she fell in love with, me being totally in love with her and spending my time and energy showing her. That after all, is what she deserves.
Let’s take Valentine’s Day this year as a New Years of sorts for our love. We make resolutions at the New Year to do this or that, lose weight, go back to school, pay off the car, whatever. Let’s use Valentine’s Day, instead of just a day to show our love for one another, as a renewal of our love, a spark, a setting of a new direction.
I keep coming back to this passage where the Pharisees were asking Jesus what the most important commandment was, and he says to love your God and love your neighbor as yourself, on these hang all of the law. It’s such an awesome insight, everything we are commanded to do is based out of love for each other and love for God. It is such a beautiful picture of how we are to relate to one another and the importance of it. Love each other today and always.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Steven
I listened to a couple last night who was in their 70s who were on a panel, answering questions to a group of expectant parents. This little old man was passionate about his wife. I mean seriously in love with her. He talked about things they did to protect the honor of their marriage and things they did to keep communication open. But his wife mentioned one thing that I have a feeling was the biggest of all for them. She told of how she still, after 41 years of marriage will find little notes from him around the house, in her purse, or wherever she would be sure to find them, that told her in little snippets that he loved her. Answering a question about why love gets better over time, he said, “Let each other know how much you love the other, and do it often. It is vital to our relationships. Communication, to be sure is the proving ground for love, but showing our love on a regular basis is vital to the health of our relationships.” Another man on the panel said that their relationship took a turn for the better when he learned to speak “womanese.” He said she came in the kitchen one day as he was putting away dishes and gave him a slap on the rear and said, “you’re never sexier than when you’re doing the dishes.” He found out what she loved….he did a lot more dishes from there on out.
As you are doing Valentine’s Day stuff, is it awkward to anyone else that you aren’t romantic or particularly thoughtful more often? This could be an issue I’m alone on, but somehow I doubt it. I have this self-critical feeling that it’s great to show Kinsey this one day how special she is, but not so good that it is in such contrast to the normal days. That after all is what she fell in love with, me being totally in love with her and spending my time and energy showing her. That after all, is what she deserves.
Let’s take Valentine’s Day this year as a New Years of sorts for our love. We make resolutions at the New Year to do this or that, lose weight, go back to school, pay off the car, whatever. Let’s use Valentine’s Day, instead of just a day to show our love for one another, as a renewal of our love, a spark, a setting of a new direction.
I keep coming back to this passage where the Pharisees were asking Jesus what the most important commandment was, and he says to love your God and love your neighbor as yourself, on these hang all of the law. It’s such an awesome insight, everything we are commanded to do is based out of love for each other and love for God. It is such a beautiful picture of how we are to relate to one another and the importance of it. Love each other today and always.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Steven
Friday, January 18, 2008
Keep on Keeping On
Well, Compass has had a pretty busy couple of weeks around the office, getting things lined up for the spring. We have lots of trips booked right now, and a few slots left that we’re focusing on getting filled. It seems like March is everyone’s favorite month to spend outside, which I can definitely understand, it’s a beautiful month with everything in bloom. Right now it’s 22 degrees in Oklahoma City, not my favorite climbing weather. It will warm up soon though, and we’ll be ready for it.
Another update is the Compass Wilderness climb-a-thon is on the horizon. It looks like Rocktown Climbing Gym will be the location that we get to do the fundraiser here in OKC, but an addition to the plan is that a few other locations may be willing to participate, so that supporters, employees and others who can’t make it to OKC to climb may have a place closer and still be able to participate, so get in shape if you’re interested in climbing! It’s only for an hour, so you can get tough for that, right?
I’ll keep you updated on other locations that are willing to let us use their facilities, and you may just check with your local climbing gym and ask if they’d let you climb for an hour for a fundraiser for Compass Wilderness. Some may be interested in supporting you or climbing as well and raising their own support, get them involved! Please contact me if you’re interested in supporting, or climbing in this event. Remember, we are able to continue our ministry because of support!
Okay, in other news, Kinsey and I go to the doctor Monday to hear about that little guy or girl growing inside her belly…exciting times!
Grace and Peace
Steven
Another update is the Compass Wilderness climb-a-thon is on the horizon. It looks like Rocktown Climbing Gym will be the location that we get to do the fundraiser here in OKC, but an addition to the plan is that a few other locations may be willing to participate, so that supporters, employees and others who can’t make it to OKC to climb may have a place closer and still be able to participate, so get in shape if you’re interested in climbing! It’s only for an hour, so you can get tough for that, right?
I’ll keep you updated on other locations that are willing to let us use their facilities, and you may just check with your local climbing gym and ask if they’d let you climb for an hour for a fundraiser for Compass Wilderness. Some may be interested in supporting you or climbing as well and raising their own support, get them involved! Please contact me if you’re interested in supporting, or climbing in this event. Remember, we are able to continue our ministry because of support!
Okay, in other news, Kinsey and I go to the doctor Monday to hear about that little guy or girl growing inside her belly…exciting times!
Grace and Peace
Steven
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
2008 Goals
I think it's important to have some goals. People who are successful are so in part because they know specifically what they are aiming at. They know what they want to achieve. Mel Gibson in the movie The Patriot tells his son as he's preparing for battle to "aim small, miss small." Golf icon Harvey Pinnock provided golfers with the maxim to "take dead aim." It is no surprise that when we really set our minds on a specific goal we have more success than when we live halfheartedly pursuing things. It is definitely a difficult thing to make the shift from abstractions like "I want to have a successful marriage" to "today, I am going to make my wife smile by having the house clean when she gets home." (quite the chore around here) Making concrete goals though is where it's at. It's fine to start abstract, but we must make the shift if we're going to put our desires into action.
Another important thing that I think helps us achieve our goals is to share them. Derek Webb talks about confession being a pretty good help to keep us from the sin we are attracted to, because the dark places in our lives are no longer dark, but the light has been turned on so we can no longer hide there. So, with that, I encourage you to set some goals (in a non-cheesy new years resolution way, but in a take in the full breadth of life and live it to the fullest)
So, here are a few goals I have for 2008:
1. Make a home that is ready to raise a child. Safe, nurturing, etc.
2. Achieve Compass financial/support goals
3. Take 20 groups out on trips this Spring
4. Climb one grade V route.
5. Redpoint Rap Bolters at Lost Dome (probably means nothing to most of you, but in short, I want to climb a particular climb that is difficult, without falling at any point)
6. Play live music at least once a month
7. Be a consistently positive influence on my peers, encouraging them to be the best they can be
8. Read something challenging academically or spiritually every day
9. Write daily
10. Go to church when we're not on a trip / be plugged into the local body.
11. Help couples achieve more fulfilling and permanent relationships living in harmony together.
There's some of mine, feel free to hold me to them, and even share some of your own.
Steven Charles
Compass Wilderness
Director of Operations - Oklahoma
405-487-7795
Another important thing that I think helps us achieve our goals is to share them. Derek Webb talks about confession being a pretty good help to keep us from the sin we are attracted to, because the dark places in our lives are no longer dark, but the light has been turned on so we can no longer hide there. So, with that, I encourage you to set some goals (in a non-cheesy new years resolution way, but in a take in the full breadth of life and live it to the fullest)
So, here are a few goals I have for 2008:
1. Make a home that is ready to raise a child. Safe, nurturing, etc.
2. Achieve Compass financial/support goals
3. Take 20 groups out on trips this Spring
4. Climb one grade V route.
5. Redpoint Rap Bolters at Lost Dome (probably means nothing to most of you, but in short, I want to climb a particular climb that is difficult, without falling at any point)
6. Play live music at least once a month
7. Be a consistently positive influence on my peers, encouraging them to be the best they can be
8. Read something challenging academically or spiritually every day
9. Write daily
10. Go to church when we're not on a trip / be plugged into the local body.
11. Help couples achieve more fulfilling and permanent relationships living in harmony together.
There's some of mine, feel free to hold me to them, and even share some of your own.
Steven Charles
Compass Wilderness
Director of Operations - Oklahoma
405-487-7795
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