I just wanted to post the Sedona Marriage Adventure event on this blog.
My good friend Joel Malm gave me the phrase “anti Conference” last September when I hiked Half Dome with he and a few other crazies.
He said, “an anti conference is smaller but more powerful way to get a message across because you are not in a big conference room with thousands of other people.”
I agree. We have all attended conferences and felt like we were just a number in a crowd… or as we sat in the ninth balcony we were not really involved or engaged in what was going on.
Connection Expeditions is totally opposite of the BIG conference and strives to be more personal and a whole lot more organic in its approach.
Connection Expeditions exist to give people another opportunity to grow both personally and collectively in a unique setting other than inside the walls of a church or conference center.
We believe that God gave us the outdoors to help us see the bigger picture He has designed for us.
Church settings are nice but the roof is to low. God took Abraham outside his tent and told him to look up at the stars in the sky – God told him that his offspring would outnumber the stars. What God did is just as significant as what he said. He led Abraham outside for an object lesson that he would never forget.
Why did God take him outside? Because inside the tent, Abraham’s vision of God and God’s amazing future for him was limited. He could not see the potential of God’s promises displayed against the backdrop of God’s creation. God wanted him to get a glimpse of just how big a God he was. Taking Abraham outside was God’s way of telling him not to put limits and ceilings on what God wanted to do through him and for him.
Conventional leadership, marriage conferences are neat to attend and meaningful without a doubt. They give us a new perspective on everyday life and work. But with the unique angle Connection Expeditions take we get out of buildings and into God’s creative natural sanctuary’s for lessons and connections that give us another way of learning what God is speaking to us.
In short, Connection Expeditions exists to create unique outdoor experiences that inspire vision and broaden
the perspective and connectivity of people of today.
Here is a brief look at the conference in Sedona this May 6,7 and 8 of 2012.
Sunday afternoon you arrive at Sedona’s Hilton resort and spa.
The event begins at 5:00 pm on the patio of the Hilton Resort and Spa and a brief mixer and introduction to our time together.
Monday and Tuesday we will explore the amazing sites of the region. - Connection Expeditions will use the geography and beauty of Sedona to teach couples from God’s creation the timeless truths that have kept couples together for thousands of years.
Then just before couples go to dinner we will teach on three tracks that will guide us through next few days.
THE CONFERENCE TRACKS
1. COMMUNICATION CONNECTS US
We will take a short walk into the distant past and see messages carved in stone by the Sinagua tribe some 900 years ago. Through this session we will see the significance of how important real and meaningful communication is between two people who desire to invest in a lifetime together.
#2. THE LOVE BRIDGE
Sedona offers some amazing natural scenic illustrations that can teach us how to adapt to and adjust to the challenges that attempt to keep us apart.
In this session, we will explore Sedona with the help of Jeep Tours on a 3 1/2 hour trip through the red rocks to Devil’s Bridge.
#3. CREATING ORDER IN THE NEST
One of the amazing gifts that this region offers is the ancient Native American ruins that still exist today. This session will be a trip back to some of the places and spaces people used to live hundreds of years ago.
We will see some biblical ways to create order in our homes that will have a lasting effect in our lives and the lives of our families for generations.
To register for this event, go to:
http://www.connectionexpedition.com/
Or feel free to email us or contact my cell @ 928-710-0750.
Please plan on registering early. This event is open to only 15 couples.
A $200.00 deposit per couple is due by march first to reserve you spot and room at the resort.
http://www.visitsedona.com/
http://www.hiltonsedonaresort.com/
http://www.connectionexpedition.com/
We are really looking forward to this time with you.
Steve and Brenda Lummer
Filed under: Arizona, outdoors | Tags: granite basin, psalm 104, thumb butte
Just wanted to post a few of my latest photos of my back yard…. (well, a five mile radius by bike.)
Double click on the pick with your mouse to enlarge the photo.
All of these places were adventured by bike.
Granite Basin and Thumb Butte.
Get out there and enjoy the places and spaces you have been gifted to occupy while you are able.
Psalm 104:24, 30 - How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures…. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.
Today was another epic Preskitt crew ride.
I knew it was going to be a great day when I saw this on the counter while getting our morning coffee…. gotta love Arizona.
Last months edition of Dirt Rag.
We rode the northern section of the BCT (Black Canyon Trail) from Hwy 69 to Hidden Treasure Mine TH and back. It included the Big Bug, Drinking Snake, and Antelope Canyon Sections, 25.9 miles of mountain biker heaven.
(double click on the pics with your mouse to enlarge the photo)
Today Dave Sewell Doug Korell, Jeff Combs, Robert F. Coombs, Thomas Stotler, Scott Golden and I started out fully layered with jackets that quickly came off .
Jeff came in the parking lot with his new red bike rack.
The first half of the trail meanders through typical cow pastures and beautiful high desert terrain. – There was a two mile section that was pummeled by post holes cause by horses and I only lost three teeth.
The first half of the ride quickly changes after you pass the water tank into into Antelope Canyon. The singletrack is cut into the side of the canyon and if not careful, you could slip off into the abyss and get an expensive helicopter ride out.
Photo by Doug Korell.
photo by Doug Korell
The BCT is a great winter edition for any mountain biker who wants to feel the Arizona sun.
Thanks Dave for the pre ride coffee and thanks Robert for the In and Out Post ride burger.
Great day, great ride and a great crew.
Steve
I just wanted to share a few pics of our December 2011 Sedona mountain bike adventure.
Sedona is one of those treasures that keeps you on a quest to discover more each time you visit.
Our group of ten started around 11:30 in the morning at the Bike and Bean in the Village of Oak Creek
.
http://www.bike bean.com/Sedona_Bike_%26_Bean_Sedona_Mountain_biking_and_Coffee/Enter.html
The plan was to start at the “made in the shade” trailhead and get to chicken point and then back to the parking lot.
Here is a map provided by Cosmic Ray.
The actual route we ended up taking was: Made in the shade” – “Slim shady” – “HT” – “Little horse” – to Chicken point – Llama – “Little bell loop” – Bell rock loop and back to the parking lot.
The “made in the Shade/Slim shady section in one of my favorites.
Here our group stops for a photo op.
The “HT” (highway tunnel) trail travel under highway 179 and over to the Little Horse trail.
After “HT” things get a little technical and steep on the Little Horse”
No one cleaned this section but they gave it a good try.
Chicken Point is a destination and point of interest for hikers, Jeeps and mountain bikers.
The views are amazing and give you a “back country” view that most Sedona visitors don’t experience by traveling up and down the main roads and tourist shops.
Chicken Point is a playground on the hidden side of Sedona.
A couple of our braver souls attempted ti ride part of the “white line” pictured below. (double click the image with your mouse for the bigger pic)
The “white line” is not really a shelf ledge …. but rather according to Rob H. more like just a sloped part of the rock formation that is “steeper than it looks”.
Here is a youtube video of the entire “white line” by a couple of crazies.
The entire day was awesome with the exception of a mechanical small ring failure on the way back to the cars.
Looking forward to getting back to another Sedona adventure real soon.
Steve
Prescott First Assembly of God is partnering with White River Assembly of God church in collecting toys for their annual Apache Kids Toy Drive. The event takes place on the White Mountain Apache indian Reservation which is currently suffering through a 92% unemployment rate. This toy drive is vital to showing the children of that area that there is a wonderful season called Christmas.
Through us all pulling together, we can make a huge difference in many lives and many families again this year.
The toys collected for the children and teens will be distributed on December 18th, 2011 during the churches annual toy give away program.
Our church will be driving a truck load of toys up the week of December 7 th. – If you would like to donate to the effort you can bring your donations of toys by the church on Sundays between now and then. – Please have the gifts wrapped and mark by age and gender.
You can also mail you gifts to:
White River Assembly of God Church
701 N Chief Ave. or P.O. box 597
White River Arizona 85941
We are really looking forward to partnering with pastor Jeminez and his congregation in blessing and ministering to the people of White River Arizona this Christmas.
If you have any questions post them to this blog.
Thank you for joining us this year.
Pastor Steve Lummer
Prescott First Assembly
I just wanted to post up a few pics of our latest adventure to Havasupai Canyon.
Last week, my friend Jesse Quiroz brought 18 energetic adventurers to Arizona to hike down into the Grand Canyon.
(Double click on the photo to enlarge it for a better view)
Havasupai Canyon is an amazing hike that begins at Hualapai Hilltop, making a 10 mile descent through Hualapai and Havasu Canyon, past the native Supai Village and to our basecamp. From there we cast off to explore the turquoise waterfalls such as Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. A few brave souls hiked all the way to the Colorado River.
The total milage to the Colorado river is stated to be 17 miles – but from my calculations it had to be at least 19 one way.
(double clink on the image with your mouse to enlarge it)
Here are just a few pics to attempt to describe and show our three days in the canyon.
The trail down Havasupai is about a 2000′ drop. The first mile is reasonably steep, while the rest of the trail follows a very slight down grade. The hike is not overly difficult, and is a good one for first-time backpackers, but you do have to deal with a great deal of sun and heat. It will take about 4-6 hours to hike the ten miles each way, but don’t try to go all the way down and all the way back in one day, you won’t have too much fun.
There is a village about eight miles into the hike, but besides stopping to register your group, there is not much else to do there. It’s another two miles to the campgrounds.
Navajo Falls
Supai Creek runs through the entire length of the campgrounds – It is beautiful and has a ton of trees to help shade campers from the sun.
After setting up our camp Wednesday night we started the next full day exploring and hiking to the Colorado river. We left @ 7:30 AM for the “7 mile” hike. – I concluded it was more like a 9 mile hike from our campsite.
Here are a few pics of our journey down to the Colorado River.
Havasupai Falls pictured above is just above the campground.
Mooney falls is just below the campground.
Mooney Falls is the tallest of all the falls at Supai - It is beautiful.
The hike down the side of the cliff can be dangerous and caution is the word for the “chain climb” down to the floor.
The first few steps are through a tunnel that lead you to a series of chains that help you navigate your decent down to the base of the falls – The chains are wet and the climb is steep.
The climb down is worth the view – Wow!, what an amazing sight and feel to be at the bottom of Mooney falls with all that power of water spraying on your face.
(Mooney Falls behind me.)
After Mooney Falls, you make your way down stream to the next set of water falls called Beaver Falls.
This is where you need to be prepared for a attempting to keep your feet dry after you cross the water.
You might not think about it, but wet feet and shoes after putting in a few miles will result in blisters…. that will result in pain… that will result in a very uncomfortable hike.
Our process was to change shoes after every water crossing. – ALL 10 of them to the Colorado River and 10 of them on the way back.
Seven of us attempted to make it all the way to the Colorado river on this trip.
It is not a simple venture givin the water crossings and trying to make it back to the chains at Mooney before dark.
Beaver Falls are a series of water falls the cascade down the canyon – take some time to swim in this blueish “Gatorade” looking river.
Once you get past Beaver Falls, there is a rope climb that takes you up and over to a sign that tells you you are leaving Supai Nation and entering the Grand Canyon National Park.
After the sign, we headed to the Colorado river at a good pace.
We made it to the river at 2:06 pm. – here is a pic of the end of the Supai River as it flows into the Colorado.
Looking back up the canyon from the Colorado River.
Heading back to the campground was another set of water crossings – make sure you plan your hike and give yourself plenty of daylight – It would not be too much fun climbing the chains at dark.
We made it back to camp at 7:00 pm – 11 1/2 hours on the trail meant the next day we were a bit sore.
What an awesome trip. I really enjoyed the company of my daughter Natascha as well as some amazing friends from Journey Church.
Looking forward to going back to Hava Supai next Summer with Summit Leadership and Mark Batterson.
The Havsuw’ Baaja (Blue Water People), or more commonly the Havasupai. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havasupai_people When you see the Havasupai Indians, say "gah'muuh" - it is a a greeting meaning how are you?
Take a hike.
Steve
Tomorrow is Sunday and I will have two services @ two locations for anyone who wants to attend either.
The first service is rather conventional, traditional and has seats - it starts @ 10:00 am and is held @ 1455 Willow Creek road here in Prescott Az.
The Second site is @ 7,200 feet at the top of Granite basin and will not be typical, traditional or conventional….It has no seats but a really good view.
Here is a pic of our location of our Sunday afternoon worship service. (no fried chicken allowed).
Pretty nice temple right?
Desire – We are going to meditate on the word “Selah” when we reach the top of the peak.
Destination - The scenic, tranquil, Prescott National Forest. - We will unplug from the fast-paced life in an effort to slow down, relax, connect with each other and listen for the voice of God.
The “service” won’t be lengthy and we won’t even take an offering…..but we will reflect on some amazingness of God’s handiwork and artwork.
Details – We leave Granite Basin/Iron Springs parking lot at 3:00 and commute to the trail head area to save on parking fees.
The eight mile hike round trip will require you to be self contained with plenty of water and snacks. (remember it will be hot in the afternoon.)
The hike is approx two hours up and two hours back.
Here is a link to help you with info. regarding the climb and decent.
http://www.eatstayplay.com/html/az/a317p011c2079.html
Plan on arriving back to your vehicles around 8:00ish.
Pastor Steve
710-0750
Selah
Here is part two of this blog post of some pics while up on the summit of Granite Basin.
The hike was pretty much two hours up and two hours down….good work out for the Yosemite trip coming up next week.
(Double click on the pic with your mouse to make it full size on your screen)
The face of GB
On the way up looking toward Skyline drive.
GB trail
Close to the meadow on the top of gb.
The back side of granite Basin looking toward willimson valley/Sedona/ Flagstaff…One of my favorite sections of this amazing trail.
The entire afternoon I saw four other humans.
Summed up I say: Scenic time for solitude and Selah.
Steve
Prescott Az.
I just wanted to post some information regarding our recent experience with a lightning strike to our son-in-law Adam.
Adam was out in his neighborhood ride with his lab Jake last Monday night around 6:00 pm when he was struck by a flash of lightning.
I was in Prescott doing my own hamster wheel ride through the Pines when a storm blew in quickly. I decidied to bust it home and get out of the elements but got totally drenched.
When I got home there was a note on the kitchen counter from Brenda that said two words. “Call me.” – Whenever I get a message like that from Brenda I know something is wrong.
I called her asap and she told me our son-in-law had been struck by lightning while riding his mountain bike.
Upon arriving @ YRMC in Prescott Valley I could tell by Adam’s speech and constant body movement that he was traumatized by the event.
Lightning strikes are rare but do happen and now we has a family know this personally.
I wanted to send this blog out to anyone who wants the information and especially to my bike friends who love the outdoors.
Here is an excellent info. article by .I.M.B.A. ( International Mountain Biking Association) regarding mountain bikers and lightning strikes.
Lightning Injuries in Mountain Bikers
Scenario:
You are on patrolling in the high country when a late afternoon thunder storm rolls in. Thunder and lightning is everywhere and it begins to rain. You hear a loud boom and see a flash of light ahead of you. You take cover in a safe area until the storm passes. When you continue down the singletrack you see a dazed but conscious cyclist who appears to have been hit by lightning. The trees around him appear to be scorched. What do you do next?
Demographics of lightning injuries:
Overall, lightning injuries are an unusual form of trauma but are one of the leading causes of death related to the natural environment. In the United States, lightning accounts for 150-300 deaths per year. An additional 1000-1500 will be seriously injured. Those struck by lightning have a 20-30% chance of death. The most common cause of death is related to heart and respiratory issues (usually the heart and breathing stops).
Injury mechanism:
Lightning may injure a cyclist in a variety of ways. The exact way in which a lightning causes an injury will determine if that cyclist lives or dies. Lighting can injure a rider as follows:
- Direct strike: The lightning bolt comes into direct contact with the person and may pass directly through that person. For example, this may occur when the cyclist is struck in an open flat area or when alone on the top of a hill or exposed ridge. This usually causes the worst injury and death can result when the heart or breathing stops. However, it is possible to survive a direct strike.
- Side flash (splash): Lightning may hit a nearby object but the energy and current splashes over to the cyclist who may be in close proximity to the direct impact.
- Ground current: The lightning current travels through the ground and travels up the leg of a nearby individual.
Signs and Symptoms:
Lightning victims may display some or all of these injuries:
- Burns: These are generally 1st or 2nd degree burns. Burns are usually superficial and are rarely cause severe damage.
- Blunt trauma: The cyclist may be thrown by the shock wave landing several feet from the original site of lightning impact.
- Spine trauma: Always suspect spinal injury in a lightning victim.
- Cardiovascular (heart): The heart can actually stop or the rhythm can slow down.
- Respiratory: Breathing can arrest.
Treatment:
Prevention! Make sure your patrollers are trained to recognize safer places to be during lightning storms. Avoid exposed ridges, summits, and areas directly underneath potential rockfall. Also avoid low-lying areas or standing bodies of water. Educate other trail users about lightning safety. The best way to avoid lightning injury is to be prepared and avoid riding during times when lightning storms are common.
But if you do happen upon a lightning victim in the field, always ensure your own safety before providing aid. Once you are certain the scene is safe, do not delay. Immediate evacuation to the hospital is essential. Evaluate the patient for breathing by looking for chest expansion or the movement of air from the mouth and nose. Evaluate the heart by checking pulses. If there is no breathing and no pulse start CPR and rescue breathing if trained. This is a horrible situation and unless help is readily available the outcome could be poor. In the remote backcountry or when help is far away, studies have not shown recovery after prolonged CPR and rescue breathing. If the cyclist does not have a pulse after 20-30 minutes, the chances of recovery may be slim.
Many vicims of splash or ground strikes, however, may retain consciousnes. These individuals will be breathing on their own and have a pulse. They may be disoriented, irritable, or confused. After confirming an adequate airway, breathing, and circulation, assess for shock and hypothermia. Do not move the patient, even if he/she feels ok to walk. Hypothermia is common threat since the cyclist may have been caught in the associated rainstorm. If the cyclist was thrown from the lighting strike, assess for blunt trauma and maintain spinal precautions. Keep the patient still, warm, and arrange for immediate evacuation.
Remember, lightning strikes are horrible injuries but death from the injury is not inevitable. Immediate advanced care is essential. As the first contact in the field, you can dramatically increase a victim’s chances for survival with proper care and attention.
Because of the recent awareness to the dangers of lighting I will certainly be more cautious when those Arizona monsoons roll in over my favorite trail.
I would like to thank some people who helped us during and through this event that could have ended a lot more tragic than it actually did.
The quick responsive ER staff @ YRMC Prescott Valley …you guys and gals are pros.
Pastor Wade Mansfield of the Ridge Christian fellowship for being the first on the scene to help.
Our friend Todd for watching Adam and Natascha’s three labs during the hospital stay.
High Gear Bike Shop for the gift of a LIVESTRONG mountain bike helmet and their amazing wit they wrote on the box…. also for the repairs to Adams bike.
(double click on the pic to enlarge to read)
All of our amazing friends across the country, facebook and twitter who responded so quickly in prayer, phone calls and words of comfort.
Thank you all –
Thank you guardian angels for protection over our son-in law Adam….He has so much more to accomplish in this life.
Adam is recovering at his home in PV and will live to talk about it.
Pastor dad/Pastor Steve
One of my favorite seasons of the year as a kid growing up in the mid west was-MUSHROOM HUNTING SEASON.
Morel mushrooms grow in the wild and that is the best place to find them – IN THE WILD!
On one of my “walking the pups” adventures here in northern Az. I took a quick glance to my left into a near by creek and could not believe my eyes. Four yellow morels? (sponge mushrooms).
Everything was on hold until I could climb down in the creek and grab a few pics of the beauties.
At first I left them exactly as I found them because I wanted to ask a few friends about morels in Arizona before I harvested them. After speaking with a friend of mine I was free to get out the next morning and bring home my treasure.
Yes, we breaded them and had em for dinner that night.
These shrooms sell for $20-$40 a pound in the grocery stores…but now that I know they are out there in the woods you can bet I will get out there again next April with my brown bag and be on the hunt.
What a great find.
I will never forget the day I found those morels by a creek in Arizona.
Steve
Forever on the hunt.
I just wanted to post a few pics of the latest hazardous fuels work done by the Prescott national Forest Service.
(double click the image with your mouse to enlarge the photo)
Over the past few weeks the PNF has been working to “brush” the Spence Springs or what many know as the (Emmanuel Pines) area.
After the “decimation” of much of the Granite Basin area there was alot of concern that the PNF would continue on and possibly make the “pines” area look like what happened in the Granite Basin area..Thankfully that didn’t happen.
The PNF was more than willing to meet with and listen to local trail users and curbed some of the intensity of the brushing to leave a distinction between the existing trails and the brushing .
Mitigation is very much needed in this area to prevent an un-contained fire problem. All agree confidently on that point and fire retardant needs to be able to hit the ground from the air if needed.
Our concern was “overbrushing” and making the trails in the pines not usable and a mess for a long period of time.
Long story short. THUMBS UP TO THE PNF for giving an ear to some of the locals and preserving much of the Spence Springs area while at the same time doing the needed hazardous fuels work on the 598 acres section of forest.
Below are some of the “after brushing” pics of the area of concern.
The brushing crew in our estimation, toned down the negative impact on the trail use areas and left a margin of distinction between the trail and the brushing area.
The mosaic the forest service desired to see was accomplish and at the same time the forest seems have its beauty preserved thanks to all involved.
I have spoken with approximately 75 people over the last two weeks who use this area and the comments made have all been positive regarding the brushing in the Spence Springs area.
Just a little communication and consideration made the difference.
Thank you PNF, local trail users and others who made a 598 acre difference in our community.
Steve
PNF trail user
