The "Road" to Alaska

(Photo taken from a ferry by Charles Baxter)

I've been rather quiet on the blog since returning and wintering in Oregon for the past three months. Yet, it hasn't been totally uneventful. I've had three speaking engagements, made a trip to Indiana for a conference, and visited relatives in the Hoosier State that I hadn't seen in over two decades.

The nature and direction of Uttermost Road continues to evolve and meander in new directions. This week, the road led me north to Alaska. This time, however, I didn't ride my iron horse with longhouse in tow. The "uttermost skies" was my pathway to Wrangell . . . a small town located on an island bearing the same name in SE Alaska. The borough of Wrangell is located on the northwest tip of Wrangell Island, approximately 150 miles south of Juneau and 80 miles north of Ketchikan. It's near the mouth of the Stikine River, a historic trade route to the Canadian Interior.

Perhaps you're wondering, "Rick, why are you in Alaska and for how long?" If you know me at all, then you might conclude that I traveled to Alaska in pursuit of fishing experiences for various salmonids. That would normally be a logical conclusion. However, in this case, that would be incorrect. Though Wrangell is surrounded by waters teaming with salmonids and halibut, casting a line isn't the purpose of this trip.

While on the road last summer, I was exploring ways of spending the winter months in something other than my trailer in the sub-zero temperatures of Montana. In the process, I discovered a small church in Wrangell without a pastor. So, the purpose of this trip is to visit for about a month as an interim pastor and hopefully offer encouragement and ideas about how the congregation might move forward in ministry. At this point, my intention is not a long-term gig, so to speak, though I am willing to extend my stay, if need be and so led. The reservation road still beckons, so how the path from here leads back to the rez remains to be seen. On the other hand, driving blind, as it were, might always be the case along the Uttermost Road. I have yet to develop the ability to see around the next bend in the road. "Pneumanauts" (sailors of the Spirit) seek to be led and moved by spiritual currents; they're cared for and carried by the Wind. I'll be casting my cares into the Wind whether or not I ever cast a line into these inviting waters.

The beach along Zimovia Strait at low tide in front of "my house."

As the ministry of Uttermost Road branches out, please consider becoming a partner with me. Your prayers are most appreciated, and I accept any and all forms of spiritual lifting and support. I'm especially looking for a few individuals who sense a stirring to pray. I'd like to hear from you and ask you to consider being part of my "spiritual support team," a group I can contact directly with specific prayer requests.

LYGO,

Rick


Blue-eyed Jesus?

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A friend of mine posted this photo on Facebook recently and I wanted to share it with you along with my comments. Why, you might ask? Do I think Jesus actually looked like a blue-eyed hippie from a movement that bore his name back in the late 60s and early 70s? No, I don’t. He probably looked more like a Navajo or Crow than a white guy. It's the caption that really caught my attention!

The reality is that underneath the skin we all look alike. So much so that Jesus looks like a commoner from every culture throughout the history of humanity. We can disagree as to whether or not Jesus looked anything like this fellow in the photo, but I believe the caption is absolutely true and accurate. He identifies with every one of us and will carry every dark secret and pain we keep concealed in our baggage. In fact, whether you realize it or not, Jesus has been carrying your baggage all along. The mystery of the cross has something to do with this mind-boggling truth. 

You don’t have to lug your "stuff" around isolated and alone. Choose Life and live unencumbered... and journey into freedom with a Companion who bears your burden and knows the way forward!

"Rivers" Videos: Parts 3-5

Bitterroot River, south of Missoula, Montana.

I recently completed the video series "Rivers" and posted parts 3, 4, and 5. I thoroughly enjoyed recording Rivers in beautiful settings along rivers and streams in Montana and Oregon. The main theme I discuss in this series centers around what Jesus said in John 7:38..."Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water."

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New Video Series: Rivers

I've started a new videos series titled, "Rivers." Part One and Two are posted and available for viewing. Part Three is still in the works. Rivers "flows" out of the Gospel of John, so this is actually a continuation from the last series, "The Heart of John's Gospel." And check out "Fish'n the Foot" while you're at it. It's strictly a fun and hopefully funny fly fishing video.

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"Pretty On Top" (Video)

I made a short hike to the top of a rim near my camp on Reno Creek, Montana (Crow Rez). The land belongs to the Pretty On Top family. Seeing clouds linger in the late afternoon gave my the idea that a good sunset might be in the making. So I hiked to the top about an hour before dusk, hoping this would be the case. I wasn't disappointed. It was one of the grandest and most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen! The video I recorded was totally unscripted. Click the link below to view:

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3 New Views From the Road

All I can say is precious and beautiful!! (Labor Day feast with the Pretty On Top family at Reno Creek)

I'm very excited about the addition of a new feature called "Views From The Road." I just uploaded three new "views" in this emerging video library of my thoughts, reflections, and biblical teaching from the road. I plan to continue to record these videos as long as the river keeps flowing, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon! My heart and mind are simply bursting with a new found appreciation for the truly good news of the gospel...one that has been abused and misunderstood by many for far too long.

My desire is for this virtual teaching ministry of Uttermost Road to grow and become a major thrust and focus. Being that it's internet driven and available online, the potential of reaching viewers is seemingly endless. This is where you can play a HUGE role in being a partner and growing the outreach and impact of Uttermost Road. It's only by making people know that it exists and where to find it is crucial. So, if what I'm sharing with you in these videos is valuable and worthy of mention, PLEASE tell your friends where to find a "good meal." If you're on Facebook or other social media, consider sharing the link with your friends and followers on those sites. And if you like what you hear, consider inviting me to your community of faith and I'll gladly come to you and share in person what Creator is sharing with me.

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Thanks! 
LYGO

Powwow Time

If you've never been to a powwow, you've missed out on a special treat. I shot these video clips at the Circle The Bluffs Powwow near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This particular powwow was particularly special because I know the Poor Bear family of some of the young dancers.

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