Hike #3

This past weekend the elders of our church, and their wives, enjoyed a retreat in Tellico Plains. The cabin we stayed at is situated on 90-acres of private property adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest, so we had plenty of room to roam. The above photograph shows an overhead look at the path of our hike. We journeyed along the creek route into the woods. The fourteen of us crossed this lovely pasture to enter the woods. From there, we followed the trail to a waterfall. It was a lovely hike, and we stopped at the falls for some picture taking. The next part of the hike was much more challenging...and STEEP. Here we ascend the trail (or what Tim, our guide, called a trail. I'm not so sure...). After our less-than-certain but very encouraging guide found the property marker, the whole group let out a collective sigh.

Hike #2

Today we took the short trip to nearby Melton Hill Lake for hike #2. This is one of our favorite spots because it is puppy friendly. Titan exhausted himself quickly in the Spring sunshine.

Something To Think About...

Several times a week I visit Donald Miller's blog, www.donmilleris.com. One of my favorite writers, Miller's writing explores the themes of story, faith, and desire. Today's post (click here) is thought provoking, so I wanted to share. Please read it, and don't skip the postscripts.

One of the things that struck me as I read through the responses to Miller's post (yes, I am a "comments" reader) was the number of people who admitted they are not part of an organized church any longer. They express strong opinions and firm declarations that the church that meets within four walls is not for them.

These comments compel me to consider why people leave "church" and why they might not want to return. One of my favorite lines from Miller's post is "Be the church and be united." Simply put; yet, not so simple. I am sad that far too many people have walked away from church because of squabbling, slander, and division (which expose an absence of unity and love).

Miller's post also moves me to consider why I am part of a church - my expectations of its leadership, my understanding of my role as one of its body, and my eagerness or hesitancy (whichever the case may be) to serve, lead, and love.

Just something to think about...

Meandering

When people find out I have a blog, I quickly make excuses for its condition. "It's a bit schizophrenic" is my usual description. By that I'm referring to the second dictionary definition offered: "a state characterized by the coexistence of contradictory or incompatible elements," not "characterized by emotional blunting, intellectual deterioration, disorganized speech, delusions, and hallucinations" (at least I hope not!).

It seems these days that nearly everyone, including my favorite authors, my church, and my veterinarian, have a blog. And many of the blogs out there are finely focused sites with a clear sense of purpose and a set direction. I have to admit...they make me acutely aware of the meandering path of Tucker Tracks.

However, as tempted as I am to make excuses, I don't want to refine this randomness that is our blog. It is its essence. When I began this blog in 2008, the intent was to follow the journey that our family is on. And it's much like the hike we enjoyed this past Sunday.

We set off on one trail, but when it crossed with another we switched paths to discover what lay ahead. We did this many times, and in the process we stumbled across wildflowers, streams, tree galls, silkworms, a bog, and a meadow. If we had stuck to one path, oh, how much we would have missed!

In our meandering, we had a more complete picture of the beauty of the landscape surrounding us. And hopefully in our meandering here on Tucker Tracks, we impart a fuller picture of the beauty of our life and the journey we are on.

For it is a journey. Each photo shows a glimpse of growth, a little love, and the delight of discovery. Each essay tells about the deeper journey of the heart. So, welcome. Thank you for joining us as we wander in our own way here. We hope that you'll find the incompatible somehow compatible and be blessed.

Hike #1

The Tuckers have a big adventure on the horizon. After ten separate trips to Colorado, Tim and I are heading to the Rocky Mountains together and - best of all - that boys are going too! To prepare for our high-altitude trekking, we've set a lofty goal of a dozen hikes before we depart. This past Sunday was hike #1 at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. Enjoy pictures from our lovely Spring day:

Big Dad's Birthday

How'd you like to look this good on your 97th birthday? Yes, please!

The boys and I were incredibly lucky to be in Birmingham on March 17. Not because we like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Magic City, but because it was Big Dad's birthday, and that's where he lives.

Big Dad is Rev. James Horton, Tim's maternal grandfather, and he has lived in Birmingham for 10+ years now. A former pastor and college professor (he taught religion at Carson-Newman College), Big Dad inspires us with his optimistic personality, quick wit, and incredible memory. We had a wonderful birthday visit with him, and I am thankful for these precious photographs of him and his bright smile.

Movie Mania

Once a year the characters that comprise our church shine like no other time: our annual leadership banquet. For the past three years, the event has had a theme, and this year it was particularly fun - the movies!

Of course, the choices were nearly limitless. Tim and I could embrace our inner Star Wars and rock a Princess Leah and Hans Solo get-up. We could pay homage to Middle Earth as Aragorn and Arwen. Or we could channel two of my literary favorites, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.

In the end, we went as H.I. and Ed from the Coen Brothers' classic, "Raising Arizona." I faded into the background of Tim's appearance. His sideburns and moustache (both real) were quite impressive!

Tim got into his character...maybe a little too much? Naw...he was awesome and earn lots of laughs for his commitment to the character. In fact, the entire crowd wowed with their costumes. One small group came dressed as the cast of "The Wizard of Oz," even down to the flying monkey! Couples represented "Men in Black," "Driving Mrs. Daisy," "The Matrix," "My Fair Lady," and so many other classic film characters. The surprise of the night was the absence of Bella and Edward, at least in person (the staff did produce an entertaining video reinactment of a "Twilight" scene).

Additional entertainment was provided by the staff doing a live song and dance from "Annie" and "The Sound of Music." Plus, the motley crew pictured above (our elders - notice Tim second from right) along with the elders' wives (myself included) did a step dance spoof from the movie "Stomp the Yard." I'm not sure our dance skills impressed anyone, but we certainly entertained if the laughs were any indicator.

Thanks to the Providence staff for putting together this excellent evening to honor the many volunteers who serve every week at our church. We enjoyed our night as H.I. and Ed, and in the end, we were a little sad to see the sideburns and moustache go. Here's looking forward to next year and whatever costume (and facial hair) it will require.