NOVEMBER UPDATE
A NEW DAY DAWNS!
On Saturday, November 22 we gathered for our annual board of directors meeting. It was a wonderful time of seeking the Lord's direction together for us and this ministry. Thanks to all who were praying and encouraging us during this time.
An apology for the poor picture of our recent board meeting. My mind was not on taking pictures.
Pictured: Heidi with Arthur, Alan Stroud, Joe Goemaat, Isaac, Jay, Nick Hargis, Amy, my empty chair.
DECISIONS AND DIRECTION
Thirty eight years ago I (Dean) came to Uplift Mountain in response to the needs I saw in the lives of teens.
The shift in direction at Uplift is my response to the needs I see now in the lives of adults.
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A culture unmoored from truth.
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A lack of clarity and conviction of fundamental principles.
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A loss of relational skills and the strength of family structure.
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A growing inability to focus on anything, especially what is most significant.
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An unanchored construct of personal identity.
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An increase in anxiety, discouragement and disengagement.
A NEW CALLING AND VISION
IT IS TIME to let go of some things so that we can move forward into what God has called us to.
LETTING GO
​It is time to let go of the youth / adventure based expressions.
GRABBING HOLD
We are going to focus on programs, experiences and facilities for adults (high school graduates and above).
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MEETING THE NEED THROUGH:
A PLACE:
A place where stillness and quiet have a chance to allow for God to speak and for us to hear. A place prepared in love and intention to receive all who come. A place that awakens, refreshes, and brings Christ into clear focus.
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EXPERIENCES:
We are not removing adventures, just reshaping how we hold them out. A less intense offering of purposeful activities. Watch a sunrise and/or sunset, see the stars, take a walk without your phone, ride a bike, jump in the cold tub, read, listen, consider, join in a work project, make something in the shop - I think you get it.
​GUIDANCE:
This will be done both formally - in the way of specific weeks and weekend offerings - and informally through times to share our stories, pray, laugh, walk, work or play together. I am especially excited to free Heidi up from her normal roles to be involved in this way. This will also give dad (Jay) a chance to share his heart and wisdom.
AN INVITATION
We invite you to :
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continue to partner with us in the days ahead, in prayer, support, with words of encouragement and guidance.
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help us develop the property and facilities to reflect the new focus.
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embrace the adventure of newness and the joys and challenges it holds by being patient as details emerge from vision.
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plan a trip to the mountain. To be restored, to remember, to be strengthened in relationships and the work God has given you.
MORE TO COME
As winter unfolds there will be many more details to share. You may have some questions. I invite you to call or visit. I would enjoy sharing more of the movement of the last few months.
THE WORK OF THE HANDS
So much of the work we have been doing has informed and reflected the movement of our hearts.
Over 30 years of accumulated "possibilities" have been cleaned out, organized and reclaimed.
The renovation of the little brown cabin continues.
An old wood lathe stored for years has been brought into the shop and put to good use. Heidi's first creation is pretty cool!
The Selden Thanksgiving
(Serenity, Asher ,Lydia, Arthur and I not pictured)
We are excited and expectant to see what God has in store for us and this place!