When I first learned that I would spend a year in North Park, my first impression was why on earth should I be coming to this place in the middle of nowhere. I was poorly educated about the area and disappointed it was nowhere near the sea. A few months after I arrived here I felt like I’d never trade this experience to anything else. Although it took time for me to adapt to being around livestock so often and commuting by vehicle everywhere I went, I gained appreciation fo

I wrote this song in the final months of the year I was paralyzed, 2013. The song has a rather melancholy sound, but it really is a song of joy. I wrote it as a kind of identity manifesto and reminder. I was paralyzed in July of 2013, and released from the rehabilitation hospital in October. Over the months of rehab and first few weeks back in Oskaloosa; I found reassurance in my faith as I thought about the weight of what it is to be God’s beloved. The chorus of the song si

Growing up as a “townkid” from Walden, I did not have much more experience with calving season than what I had gained by an occasional sleepover with Tawnya Quick at the LonePine Ranch. A few years ago, I was on my way to Steamboat. As I topped Peterson Ridge, I found myself in a spring snowstorm. A pitch black silhouette against the whiteout quickly caught my eye. I slowed down in disbelief of what I was seeing. A big black mama cow was standing in the middle of the field w

It's the sound of cold, crisp water trickling over rocks and meandering down a well worn path... It's the feel of fresh air rejuvenating every inch of my body as my thirst for life is quenched... It's the warmth of the sunshine on my face and the breeze at my back enveloping my being... It's the sight of the line releasing back and forth over and over, tickling the surface as a fly taps at it... It's the taste of natures silent infusion to my body replenishing every ounce of

For the past eight years, we have had the priveleged opportunity to grow and establish Crossroads Horse Ministry. The ministry was birthed out of two passions; ​ (1) BJ's love for God and people, colliding with (2) Enthusiasm for the western way of life As parents we have earnestly sought to raise our children to love God and His people. Now, we are challeneged daily with our own commission. By the grace of God, we seek to apply these same principles to every person we come i

What purer form of love and compassion could you possibly find than Miss Morgan Hutcheson? You all know her, and her family. Her Senior Project trip to Mexico expanded Morgan's life in a way no textbook or classroom experience ever could have. Her humility and heart of service were evident every step of the way; from being teachable by her mentor here in Walden, to reaching out in love on the streets of Mexican villages. From smiling and laughing, playing with and caring fo

How do you feed your soul? For some, it may be finding a spiritual connection on a Sunday morning sitting in filtered stained glass worshiping. Others feed their soul in God’s creation on the water or during a mountaintop rendezvous. Just being in North Park can feed ones soul and rejuvenate the spirit. The fresh air and lack of traffic add to the beautiful vistas and the sense of community that bring peace to many the use our home as a retreat. This weekly feature titled “Fe