I must confess that I have often taken for granted what this day really means for ALL of us! It's a day to remember and reflect upon the death of the perfect God-man, Jesus! It occured to me tonight as we sat in the church, we were very much at a funeral service. But this funeral is different. It has a wonderfully amazing ending! So today we remember His death and suffering. It's filled with mourning and sorrows. But it's only temporary! For we will soon remember and reflect upon His majestic resurrection. Also we groan with all of creation for that day when we will get to see Him face-to-face, when we will rise with Him to live forever!

-------------------------------------------------------
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
-------------------------------------------------------

What is the most exciting and adventurous thing you've ever done in your life? Something that took you to the limits of your strength and capabilities. Something that brought both tremendous pain and joy at the same time. Something that made you realize that there is more to life than money and sex. Something that made you keenly aware that there is something or someone bigger than who you are, and what your eyes can see.

For me that was mountain climbing. Growing up in Miami, Florida, mountain climbing was something that was completely foreign to me. I've seen picture of hikers in magazines and posters. I even saw a movie about Mount Everest. But, that was the extent of my experience. That is until summer of 2000.

It's called Madera's Peak, seated at the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in Southern California. It was an awesome sight, at some 5000 feet tall, covered with sharp rocks, steep climbs, and beautiful snow. It took us three days of hiking just to get to the base of the mountain, and another day just to climb it. For most of the twelve people that were in this group, this was our first climb. As we got closer and closer to the base of this majestic mountain, my heart was beating faster and my palms were beginning to fill with moisture. I knew this was going to be one of the toughest challenges I will encounter in my life. But inexplicably, I was strangely drawn to it with all my heart.

We took turns leading the group through the numerous trails, until it was finally my turn to lead the last leg of our climb, which was the toughest part of the climb. With arms and legs shaking in fear, feeling my heart pound with excitement, I began to climb. With the 100 pound backpack over my shoulders, I grabbed each rock as if it were the last thing on earth, and pulled myself up inch by inch. I didn't dare look down to see if my team was following me or not, but my eyes were fixed upon the goal.

After what seemed like an eternity, I finally grabbed the last rock and pulled myself up to the peak. The mixture of adrenaline running through my blood stream and the physical exhaustion brought together a sense of pain and joy that I've never felt before in my life. Once I caught my breath and helped others on the team to the peak, I threw off my backpack and saw for myself in real life what only existed in my mind's eye up to this moment. As far as the eye can see, there were magnificent trees all around, and tall mountain peaks that kissed the clear blue sky. It was absolutely awe-inspiring! Even after a year, those majestic images are firmly imbedded in my mind's eye.

A Journey for Your Spirit
What would you say if I told you that there a Journey for your spirit that awaits you? What if you can actually feel your spirit come alive and take its breath for the first time? What if you can discover both the pain and joy of allowing your spirit to fly? What if you can experience a supernatural God in this natural world?

What is this Journey is really possible? Would you take it? Would you step up to the challenge?