Mattix Montoge

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:5-7 NLT)

The unknown tends to make us anxious. It is these times we ask for wisdom, but often we are really asking for a crystal ball, or we are asking with one hand holding on to our little box we try to keep hidden from God called "just in case.". Both of these are useless. A crystal ball will not change our hearts, and a backup plan just shows that our God isn't big enough for us. I don't think He likes either of these.

That is why our Lord reminds us that what we seek; (wisdom) only comes from Him. What is wisdom? It isn't the future, it isn't a contingency, it is seeing things from his perspective, in the context of his authority, his plan, his power.

This perhaps one of the few instances where God says, "sure you want to use me as a vending machine? Sure. Go ahead. I will give you more wisdom than you ever wanted. The jackpot. The motherboard. I only have one requirement of you. Empty your pockets. Go all in. Anything else and I don't play that game."





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This past year has been a busy one. At my day job we have opened a new branch. I have become more involved in our church which is going through a busy season, and my family including my girls, 15, 13, and 11 need more of me than I can provide. I have been waiting for things to settle down. They have not. I kept waiting for the tide to slow, the waves to calm, I think that is a dream right now.

So I am left with a choice. Should I keep going, hoping that "things" will settle down to give me the breathing room I need? All the while, those closest to me have to keep waiting. Or should I do something different? Pull back? Work longer, hoping the gaps will emerge?

Coupled with this are some things I need. I have become aware that as I do more, I am increasing at risk of writing checks my character cannot cash. Stated simply: If I do not invest in my relationship with my Lord and in spiritual disciplines, I may find myself in a future time "drinking the cool-aid." So caught up in myself, I am un-aware that I am my own worst enemy in a place that has little room for anyone else.

I don't know all the answers, but I do know what I am doing now is not working. I am committed (with my Lord's help) to take some time to look at others who have struggled with these same issues in hopes of investing in eternal things. I am thankful that there are some great resources out there:

Michael Hyatt



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"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."
(1 Timothy 6:6 NASB)

Contentment. Such an odd word. It is defined as a state of happiness and satisfaction. Paul refines it later on by saying: "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content." (1 Timothy 6:8 NASB)

I have just finished a backpacking trip in the Teton National Park in Wyoming. Camping at 7,000ft for five days with two good friends, I wore the same clothes every day, I slept in a tent that was just barely big enough to cover my body, and ate food that by a food critiques standards would never make the grade. Yet, I was content. My clothes had a unique scent, but I cherished the fleece top and wool gloves that kept my body warm when the sun dropped. The food had a deep richness since we had carried it up on our backs, and it brought satisfaction to my soul. My down sleeping bag was a safe warm place that was my companion as my body adjusted to sleeping on the ground. Maybe I was just wowed by the immense beauty around me. But I am not so sure.

I sit now in a four star hotel writing this. The food I am eating is exceptional, people wait on any request I need. I am the "tourist" in a mountain town that is built around catering to me. Yet, something is slipping away.

When you are in the woods, there are fewer choices. You don't like the meal? Sorry, unless you plan on walking out or happen upon a wounded Bison, you go hungry or choose to savor the favors you have before you. Does your shirt not match your pants? Well try going bare-chested when the temperature drops to 19 degrees. Suddenly that green pullover is a lovely color. My boots became soaked and filthy from a deep snow hike, but when my socks and boots were once again warm and dry I slipped them back on with the joy of finding a long lost friend.

Why then do we find it so hard to be content? I am convinced that Paul is on to something in 1Timothy 4:8 "If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

Do you see what is missing from this statement? He speaks nothing of the quality of the food, or the grade of the clothing. He compares it to nothing. Just the presence of the essentials bring gratitude. That is what happens in the woods. Their is no menu of other choices, no other shop next door, no other bed but your own.

When we choose to focus on the presence of the essentials vs the perfection of the essentials we are then set free to see the true things. In the woods, that is the beauty that surrounds us. A reflection of the immenseness of our God. In life, Paul reminds us that contentment with godliness (becoming more like Christ) is great gain. But it is a truth we will never see if we continue to compare. Comparison and contentment never go together.

"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."
(1 Timothy 6:6 NASB)



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Labels: Teton

So we are walking out. Total miles walked: 30. Total pounds of foods consumed: 30. We saw snow, sunshine, rain, snow up to three feet deep. We have had a great time. But a warm shower sure will feel good.

Labels: Teton

Well we made it to our second camp. By the time we are done, we will have hiked about 30 miles. This one is not as nice as the others but the alpine lake is a change of pace.

Labels: Teton

Well all was peaceful at camp KTD. All were sleeping nice and toasty. We could tell from the stars it was around 4 am. And then we heard a noise. An more noise. And then lights, and then loud voices "Bear Bear Bear!". It kept getting closer. More noise and yelling "Bear bear bear!". Suddenly two young lads appeared with skis on there back looking confused as my surefire blasted them. Keith had his hand on the gun. I asked them what was going on. They mumbled about being sorry and passed on through. As they walked away I heard Keith mumble "those boys bout' got shot". Lesson: If you have aspirations of doing some peakbagging, don't be go and sneak up on a bunch boys from North Carolina. Like the country song says "this camp is protected by the good Lord and a gun, you might meet both if you show up unwelcome son."

Labels: Teton

Below is the box that is keeling all our food safe. Our bear box. Not that we have seen anything more than a chipmunk or beaver. But in the odd chance that we are over run by a grizzly. At least our food will be safe.

Labels: Teton