From the category archives:

Life

Spending Time In the Word

by Stephen on October 19, 2007

Spending Time In the Word

Spending time in the word of God is an important aspect of my life. Each morning I try to read at least two chapters of the Bible before logging on and checking e-mails or my Adsense account. =)

It’s important. Starting my day in the word and prayer keeps me focused on whats really important. My relationship with Jesus Christ. When you start to develop a strong relationship with Jesus everything else in your life naturally starts to fall into place.

One of the most important things in strengthening my walk with Christ is wisdom. In 1 Kings 3-14 we read about King Solomon, son of King David, the wisest man who has ever lived:

4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

Instead of asking for riches, more power, etc. King Solomon simply asked the Lord for wisdom. As God has stated, you will never be as wise as King Solomon, but if you ask for wisdom and discernment from God with a humble heart He will surely give it to you.

However, when God does grant you wisdom you must make the right decisions. Otherwise, you only squander the insight God has blessed you, which hinders your spiritual growth.

I’ve struggled with this many times. I know you’re all perfect but sometimes I slip. =)

One of my favorite books of the bible is Proverbs. A collection of wisdom filled verses written almost exclusively by King Solomon…go figure!

If you want more wisdom and understanding of Gods expectations of us read a chapter of Proverbs….every month. Proverbs is 31 chapters long so whatever the date is simply read that chapter for the day and so forth and so on. I learned that from one of my favorite ministers out here in Hawaii, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu.

Spend time in the word. Keep God first and let His words of wisdom guide you in all that you do.

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Conquering Pu’u Manamana

by Stephen on September 29, 2007

Kahana Valley

The Pu’u Manamana trail, located within the Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park, is undoubtedly the most beautiful and dangerous hike on Oahu.

Enjoying a great view of the Makai coast.

With absolutely fantastic views of the Kahana Valley, Makai, Ka’a'awa Valley and Punalu’u Valley I highly recommend it to any experienced hiker…who doesn’t suffer from fits of vertigo. I don’t so here we go!

Yet another gorgeous view.

Allen and I got a late start on Pu’u Manamana and didn’t make it to the trail head until about 1215. He overslept….much like he does for work because he’s late all the time (obligatory dime drop).

Generally speaking you definitely want to start this trail in the morning. It’s only a 4-mile loop but I can guarantee you it will take you longer to traverse than you’d expect.

This hike requires a bit of free climbing.

As soon as I stepped foot on the trail I tightened up my backpack straps and pulled my visor down a little bit….this one was gonna be rough. The trail starts steep and doesn’t let up until you hit the summit more than 2100 feet straight up.

Allen giving you a good perspective of how razor thin this trail is.

This trail is NO JOKE TOUGH. Besides the incredibly narrow passage along this legendary ridge, with imminent death (or maiming) on either side of you; you also have to be wary of bare roots, loose rocks/dirt, wind gusts and frequent rain showers.

After about 1500 feet up we got dumped on by more than just a little rain and remained soaked for the rest of the hike. Climbing this fantastic ridge in the rain was not that difficult but going down the slippery 2000 ft drop for about a mile back to civilization proved to be incredibly exhausting and dangerous.

This is just one of many descents along the ridge on your way to the top.

Despite the difficulty of this razor thin trail it is one of the best marked trails I’ve hiked around Oahu. With all the pink markers that adorn this trail getting lost is a non issue because I can guarantee you they’ll find you at the bottom of the mountain if you step off of the path =)

4.5 hours later all beat up and loving it.

Best of luck to you if you decide to take up this challenging Oahu hike. Don’t do it alone, tread lightly, turn around if you don’t feel safe and above all God bless you.

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-- Weather When Posted --

  • Temperature: 79°F;
  • Humidity: 64%;
  • Heat Index: 81°F;
  • Wind Chill: 79°F;
  • Pressure: 30 in.;

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