Setting out from Hermiston, Oregon, we followed the Oregon Trail across the state and into Idaho today. What a neat journey! I am always amazed at the pioneering spirit that men and women had as they made their way into Oregon along this trail…with no easy path to follow, no conveniences, and no real promises of a better life ahead. I wonder how well I would do under such circumstances (although, sometimes, being a follower of Christ is much the same, except there are very real promises of a better life ahead — thanks to Jesus). We stopped in Ontario, Oregon for a Walmart run, loading up for our week-long stay at Yellowstone. Three interesting things I discovered: 1) Even when I am walking around on solid ground, I still feel as though I am on a boat. The middle of the cereal aisle at Walmart is not the place to “tilt and sway” into the shelves. 2) Vegetables are still reasonably priced in some parts of the country. I actually bought asparagus for $0.98/lb.!! 3) It is against the law in Oregon to pump your own gas. I have no other words for this one….
Driving through Idaho was much like driving through Oregon, miles of rolling hills, mountains in the distance, and cows grazing in the pastures….until we rounded a bend and suddenly everything was covered in black. We had entered the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. This land area contains three major lava fields and is one of the most well-preserved flood basalt areas in the United States. We took the drive through the preserve and were able to trek up Inferno Cone, a cinder cone, to a lookout point and made one small hike up a spatter cone. Joseph and I were even able to look down into its lava vent. The most fascinating thing about these lava fields, though, is the fact that though everything would seem dead around these lakes of black basalt, there were actually sagebrush, trees, and other plants growing right out of the rocks. It immediately reminded me of the scripture from Luke 19:40 when Jesus said that if “they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Yes, when all looked bleak, burned out, and dead in that volcanic mess, even these lava rocks showed hope of life and seemed to be crying out to the Creator. For us, too, when everything around us looks hopeless, bleak, or dead, Jesus is there to bring life! We can cry out in praise and bring glory to His Name!
Until next time…
Choosing Life 
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