One Small Step for Mankind, One Giant Leap for Me (Apologies to the late Neil Armstrong)

I twisted Neil Armstrong’s famous words as he became the first human to step on the moon to reflect my feelings as I prepare to take my first mission trip in a few days. Yes, in just 3 days I’m heading to Jalapa, Guatemala with a group from my home church. I thought if I wrote about what brought me to this point, maybe it would help others take the leap, get outside their comfort zones and proclaim their faith to others, while at the same time learning how different people live and view the world.

After a few church-less years in my twenties and early thirties, I was moved (I believe my mom’s ceaseless prayers were answered) to find a church home and raise my 2 young boys in a positive, Christian environment. I found a great church close to home, connected with the pastor and became a member of Effort Baptist Church in Fluvanna County. Right away, my wife became very active, signing up for small groups and taking Bible classes. I kind of eased into things but soon became as involved as her. As my boys got older my wife began to go on mission trips with them. They picked up trash locally, built access ramps and repaired roofs in North Carolina and even repaired homes after Hurricane Katrina. In the past few years she has gone to Puerto Rico and Guatemala always returning with great stories about what God was doing through the mission groups. I watched all of this and thought it sounded great, I even told myself I need to go on a mission trip.

Every year, in February or so, our church would post the list of places where they would be sending mission teams. And each year I would read the list, pray over it and nothing. Yes God had a plan for me and wanted me to step out, but the time wasn’t right. I mean if I was really called to serve I would feel the spirt leading me, right? Well I started attending Effort in the fall of 1995 and still no mission trip. This year was different though. The list was posted as usual, I looked it over and said that’s it, I’m going and put my finger on Guatemala. Funny thing is, once I made the decision I actually felt moved to go and the apprehension of stepping outside my comfort zone began to fade away and I am filled with excitement, eager to share my faith, work with others, and learn about another culture. I will be taking a notebook and I intend to post about my experience when I return.

So if like me, you are looking for a place to serve, whether it is at your church, a local construction project or a mission trip to another country. Go ahead take the leap, sometimes we are waiting for God to move us when He just wants us to move!

Local Author Reveals Young Jefferson

Living in close proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s birthplace and his Monticello home, many Central Virginians probably think they know the story of Jefferson and how he grew to become a founding father, vice-president, president, founder of the University of Virginia and an all-around brilliant scholar.

Local author Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox was curious about young Jefferson’s childhood and what influences he encountered as he grew up to become one of our nation’s greatest historical figures.  

Much to the author’s surprise, she could find very little on young Jefferson. Most of the books, and historical documents she read went into great detail on Jefferson’s adult life and his many accomplishments, but his younger years were glossed over. That peaked the author’s curiosity even more and that’s when she decided to research and write a book on young Thomas Jefferson.

In Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man, Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox illustrates how the interactions of friends, family, mentors and even failed love influenced Jefferson and sheds light on an often neglected part of the Jefferson story. Thoroughly researched, and illustrated with rare photographs, this is a must read for Jefferson history buffs or those just interested in learning more about the history of central Virginia and one of our most beloved founding fathers.

D’Alessandro-Cox will be at the Jefferson Pharmacy’s 5^th anniversary celebration on Thursday March 13^th from 4:30-6:30 for a book signing of Thomas Jefferson-From Boy to Man. Come meet the author and learn more about the man and our historically rich part of Virginia! More information on the book and author can be found here: http://www.jaynedalessandrocox.com/

Hiking Old Rag Mountain

View from the summit

I am almost ashamed to say I have lived in Central Virginia for over 18 years and this past Tuesday (September 24th) was the first time I have hiked Old Rag Mountain. What a jewel we have right here in Virginia! If you are up for a very challenging hike with breathtaking 360 degree views, then the Old Rag Mountain hike is for you.


Old Rag Mountain is located in the Shenandoah National Park and there are several websites that have directions and what to expect when on the trail. I recommend going to the websites and reading about the trail before attempting this challenging hike. Here are two sites I found very helpful: National Park Service and
Hikingupward Old Rag

Alex enjoying the view Ridge Trail

Now for my experience. I went early on a weekday morning with my 19 year old son Alex. We arrived around 8:30 and there were only two other cars in the lot. The ranger station appears to be sparsely attended, so we completed the self pay form and off we went. It is approximately .7 miles from the parking lot to the trail head. At the beginning the trail splits in two. To the left or south is the Ridge Trail and is the most difficult trail. Straight ahead is the fire road which leads to the easier Saddle Trail to the summit and should be used if traveling with children or folks just not ready for a very difficult hike. Alex and I made it a circuit hike going up the Ridge Trail and returning by the Saddle Trail to the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Let me say the rock scramble at about the 3/4 mark on the Ridge Trail is very difficult. Even though I had read about climbing over some large boulders and thought I was prepared, I was surprised how much upper body strength it took. I came close to asking Alex for a boost a couple of times, but made it up on my own, and with determination and maybe a helping hand from a friend (I do not recommend hiking this alone or with small children), most healthy adults would be able to complete this hike. Once over the boulder field or rock scramble you come to an open area Alex and I called the false summit. We spent 10 minutes here taking pictures and then noticed the trail going up towards a rock formation even higher. We hiked another 10-15 minutes and finally saw a sign that confirmed we had reached the real summit and all I can say about the views is wow! We spent another 20 minutes or so on the real summit before heading back down the Saddle Trail to the Fire Road and on to the parking lot. The total hike was right around 8 miles and took us 4 hrs 46 min, including our stops for picture taking. This was a very fast pace and I recommend allowing some time for a lunch and longer break on the summit.

Panoramic from the summit

Me taking a break on the summit

Alex and I both had hydration packs and power bars and I would recommend these items as minimum. We also took light jackets. The rock scramble has some tight places, so I do not recommend large packs or balky equipment. For the views, make sure you don't just rely on you phone camera and bring a good digital camera to capture the awesome scenery. Our cell phones had no coverage most of the way, so we just left them in airplane mode to save the battery. Finally, we went on a weekday, having read all the horror stories about large crowds on the weekends. We only saw a total of maybe 10 hikers on our journey and found it to be both peaceful and exhilarating. I highly recommend this hike to all my friends especially all my Virginia friends!

Update: Another website was recommended in the comments, I checked it out and it's full of good information on hiking and Old Rag Mountain: Old Rag Mountain Hikes

My Rules for Dieting

As I struggle to lose the 5 lbs I put on during a recent visit to the west country of England, I have reached a sad conclusion. Losing weight is hard and painful. If you see an advertisement or infomercial talking about how easy weight loss is, or that you can enjoy pizza and other favorite foods, turn away, it’s all lies and you will only be frustrated. To cut through the clutter, I have come up with a simple list of rules that if you follow, I will guarantee you will lose weight. Note, I said the list is simple, not easy! Following my plan will be the hardest thing you have ever done regarding diet, but it works!

1.      If it taste good, don’t eat it. (Similar to Jack LaLanne’s “if it taste good spit it out”)

2.      If you feel cranky, lightheaded and hungry most of the day, you are following the plan perfectly.

3.      Brussel sprouts washed, cut into quarters make great snacks.

4.      You can overdo fruit, too much and you might as well eat a bag a candy.

5.      Do not expect support from your friends and family. They will do anything to get you to eat desert with them. My wife said she was with me and the other day she cut a piece of apple pie and started heaping ice cream on it.  I asked what the heck, she answered she needed calcium.

6.      Bacon can be your friend, get it without all the sodium and nitrates.

7.      Eventually just plain water will taste good.

8.      Try to exercise a little each day, preferably in the morning before the dizziness kicks in.

9.      Absolutely no snacking on chips, cookies, health bars or anything else that is not a fruit, vegetable, meat, seafood or grain.

10.  Finally, if you go to bed at night with hunger pains and your mouth waters when you think about the oatmeal you are going to have for breakfast, then you have had a good day.

Now one other drawback to this plan besides the constant hunger, loss of friends and poor work performance, it takes at least 2-3 weeks to see results.  But stick with it, you will see results, the hunger pains will subside and getting comfortably into your jeans again will put all the pain and suffering in the recesses of your mind.

Local Author Pens Devotionals

Lake Monticello resident John Chandler grew up in a time when reading the Bible was intrinsically valued as the path to personal transformation. Heavily influenced by his grandparents and local church John strived to devote part of his day to reading and comprehending the Bible. As demands on his time increased, John experimented with creative ways to continue his Bible study; including, listening to the Bible on tape while commuting to work on his motorcycle. John was facing the challenge of balancing a hectic work and family schedule with his desire to continue a daily diligent study of the Bible. While discussing this with a friend, the friend pointed out that “winning the first battle of the day” would lead to a more disciplined and richer Bible study. That is, to engage in listening conversation with God through the Bible before turning to the inbox, reading the paper, or watching the news each morning. John began to devote his first hour of the day reading and writing notes in the margin of his Bible.

Through disciplined study, John found himself becoming a calmer, clearer and more effective leader. As his personal muscle for the practice developed, so did his ability to lead others to do likewise. Soon John began sharing his reflections from his Old Testament study with other leaders and would often diagram his insights with simple illustrations on the back of a napkin. His wife Mary suggested he should compile these reflections into a book.

After a year of assembling insights, reflections and diagrams, John has published three new books: “Praying the Kings,” “Praying Wisdom” and “Praying the Prophets”. These devotionals were written with a simple premise, reading the Bible expectantly can change your life. The books share nuggets of gold John has found in his study and are intended to help the reader mine their own precious gold nuggets of wisdom that lie just below the surface. The books contain simple illustrations by Jessica Luttrull which can be copied on scratch paper or on the back of a napkin and make it easy for the reader to share insights with coworkers or family members. It is John’s desire to help others “build the muscle” of disciples to listen to God everyday through scripture.

You can meet John, learn more about the books and purchase signed copies at the Jefferson Pharmacy in Fluvanna County on Thursday May 23^rd from 4-6 PM.

(John Chandler is now the author of four books, he is the former pastor of Effort Baptist Church and has been a resident of Fluvanna since 1987)

Virginia Military Institute, A Refreshing Change

Almost two weeks ago, my wife and I took our youngest son to college. This experience turned out to be much different than our trip four years ago with our oldest son to a traditional four year university. Arriving at VMI, I was struck by the lack of U-Haul trailers, roof luggage racks and pick-up trucks overstuffed with all the comforts of home. Parents and new cadets (know as “Rats”) walked to their rooms with the bare essentials, absent were large flat screens, mini refrigerators, microwaves and fancy coffee machines. The Rats even had cell phones taken and locked away in the basement, no Facebook, twitter or texting for the first week!

Then came time for us to say good-bye. All the parents and Rats gathered in the basketball arena where the Rats would be called down by company and assembled on the gym floor. First there were speeches by the Superintendent and senior cadets. The words of the Corps Commander filled me with joy and pride. He eloquently stated how in a time when shortcuts have become the norm, hard work derided and discipline almost non existent our sons and daughters had chosen a much different path. One that was more academically intense, physically challenging and lacking many of the comforts of other four year institutions, but in the end, a choice that will lead to success after graduation from VMI.

My son Alex, 1st from the left

Finally, all the Rats were lined up and the Pipe Band began to play. They marched off as the parents stood and applauded. There were few dry eyes as we strained to catch one last glimpse and give a final wave. What a difference, college freshmen marching off for grueling physical training and demanding academics, instead of their first keg party or endless hours of video games. I still get chills when I watch the march out video and I am reminded how proud I am of my son and the choice he made. I send a heart felt thank you to the faculty and staff of VMI.

Truth, lies and Afghanistan

Shocking article, are our civilian and military leaders letting us down? Seems to be a very credible source.

Why This Spider Will Support VCU This Weekend

To the shock and horror of many Richmond Spider fans, VCU dispatched the Kansas Jayhawks Sunday and advanced to the school’s first Final Four next weekend in Houston. While many Richmond alumni believe VCU’s advance will take away from Richmond’s march to the Sweet 16 and lead to endless, overbearing bragging, I disagree. I see VCU not only representing the university but also the city of Richmond.

I moved to the Richmond area in 9^th grade and immediately fell in love with the city. The rivah, Shockoe Slip, the Fan, Monument Ave, the museums and all the history provided endless opportunities for exploration. Later, when I graduated from Midlothian High School, my brother was already attending VCU. I was drawn to the beauty and small classes UR offered and set off for the west end school.

Throughout my years at UR I spent a lot of time on Franklin St visiting my brother and many friends that attended VCU. I found the Fan to be a great area and actually enjoyed the urban campus. During this time I developed an even greater appreciation for the city. That said, I was still a Spider first and made that clear when attending the heated basketball games between the two schools.

Now the Spiders tournament run has ended and many fear UR’s great season has been overshadowed by VCU’s historic appearance in the Final Four. I don’t believe this is the case.  To me VCU is also representing the city I consider my adopted hometown and fell in love with over 36 years ago. I always tell my boys don’t worry how bright someone else’s light shines; yours can shine just as bright or brighter. UR need not fear the glow coming from VCU, our light will always shine bright. I will forever be a Spider first, but this weekend I’m pulling for VCU and the city of Richmond. Go Rams!

The Right Did It!

According to many national news organizations Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and the rest of public speaking conservatives are responsible for the Tucson massacre. Their hateful rhetoric full of vitriol and violent website images drove a young man to kill six innocent people and they must be silenced. Using this twisted logic are we to assume networks are responsible for the drunk driver carnage on our highways since they show alcohol ads that glorify drinking? Is CBS responsible for rapes, mutilations and murders because its series Criminal Minds portrays these things? Heck, let’s shut down the porn industry because obviously it’s responsible for unwanted pregnancies, abuse of women, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Even I should be banned from football games because I have been known to shout “kill him” when the other team has the ball.

The point is we are all bombarded with violent images, words and just bad plain bad behavior from all types of media on a daily basis. Metaphoric language and violent images should never absolve an individual from a heinous crime. The left hijacked this senseless killing in order to attack and quiet their political opposition. If they are serious about toning down the rhetoric and cleaning up the images we see, maybe they should start with their own programming. Their attempt to pin this on the right reeks of desperation and is pathetic. Let’s get the focus back on the victims and a solution on how to help those known to be mentally unstable.

What's Absurd About Restoring Honor?

My letter to Charlottesville's Daily Progress in response to Eugene Robinson's column published August 31st:

I hope the Daily Progress didn’t pay for Eugene Robinson’s opinion piece published on August 31st, because he mailed this one in. His “Even Beck can't mar King's legacy” article had nothing to do with the Restoring Honor rally held at the Lincoln Memorial last Saturday.

The first paragraph shows he had no intention of writing a thoughtful, honest piece and lets us know how he feels about the rally “…Glenn Beck has every right to hold his absurdly titled "Restoring Honor" rally on Saturday.” Absurdly titled? Mr. Robinson what’s so absurd about politicians doing the right and honorable thing? What’s so absurd about reading bills before you vote on them, posting bills online so they can be reviewed by the public before the vote, holding open and televised hearings on importation legislation, passing a budget and sticking to it, securing our borders and ensuring all immigrants play by the rules, supporting our troops once they have been committed to combat operations, maintaining high ethical standards and upholding the constitution they swore to protect. I agree, these things may seem absurd to you and many in Washington, but to the 300,000 plus that attended honor is important.

You see Mr. Robinson; you thought the Restoring Honor rally was an attack on the Democratic Party and liberal causes. It wasn’t, it was aimed at all of us, including members of both parties. Its simple message, just do the right thing. You sold your soul to the party long ago and such devotion has led to the one dimensional thinking your articles now reflect. Sorry you missed it and I fear most in Washington are restricted by a similar mindset.