The Land Discovery Path Guide by Reb Scarborough

The Land Discovery Path Guide Bench Narratives v.3.0

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South Fire Pit

North Fire Pit

4 (Street) 1535 Lone Stirrup Dr., Grand River, Richmond, TX

The Discovery Path Map

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Gathering Start Gathering NOTES: 1. Say the Jesus Prayer to yourself as you journey. 2. Don't interact with others outside your journey buddies. 3. Keep moving - pause only long enough to reflect on the questions and bible verse. 4. Follow the arrows. Read and follow directions on signs. 5. Adults are guardian angles - don't mess with them. They may help you. 6. Stay on the trails! Mark 14:32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” The Jesus Prayer, also called the Prayer of the Heart, the Prayer of a Single Thought, or simply The Prayer, is a short, simple prayer that has been widely used, taught and discussed throughout the history of Eastern Christianity. The exact words of the prayer have varied, from a simple form such as "Lord, have mercy" to an extended form: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. The path you are about to follow is designed as a reflection about your life both now and in the future in terms of the nature of God. There are seven benches where you will stop and reflect on one or more questions. Your answers should be written in the provided journal. There is a map and you should refer to it. At various times, signs are present to, hopefully, keep you from getting lost. However, Do not stray from the path. In other words there are things that can sting, bite, cause rashes, scrape knees, cut, and sprains. Even on the path, whoever goes first should carry a stick that can divert spider webs; better on the stick than in your face. Be careful and stay on the path, following the directions. While walking watch your step, look down at your feet and repeat the Jesus prayer. If you want to look around stop walking. "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" When you come to a bench stop, take a break and look around. While at the bench, read the associated reflection, answer the questions and relax. When ready, continue your journey. Repeat this action for each path segment. Go ahead and start. Let go and have fun. Next stop - Land bench Stream 3|Page

1 Land bench Stream This is the first bench on your discovery path. From where you started, the gathering area, to this point, what did you notice as you walked down the path? Hopefully it was a stream or dry stream bed depending on time of year. This gully is the upper branch of the mainstream. It is part of a major drainage system for the east side of Grand River (~100 Ac). You may have noticed several constrictions and potential flood areas. Reflect on the following passage: Genesis 1:9 - And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so (God said to Job) Job (3-4) Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand”. Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 1. Self - an inward peek A. B. C.

What are your passions? What are your gifts? What is most important in your life

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench South Bridge NOTES:

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2 Land bench South Bridge Notice how deep the stream cuts into the bank. Without the stream we would be sitting in the open prairie. This gully is connected to the Brazos River about half a mile away by way of Jones Creek. When the water level gets to be about 60 feet (32â&#x20AC;&#x2122;at the Richmond gage) it shows up in the gully below. When river water is present you can see the Brazos breathing, flowing in, then flowing out, back in again and flowing out, about a 3 minute period. Water erosion creates a diverse ecological system. This is the dynamic transition between water and earth. The path ahead will carry you from bank to bank providing a view of the cross section of this eco-system. Reflect on the following passage: Hebrews 1:10 - And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 2. Friends, neighbors, world A. B. C.

Who are your best friends? What part do you play within your family? What is your role in your church, school, activities, the world?

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench Southland (consider the detour to visit the Southbridge Troll) NOTES:

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Detour to visit and say hello to the Southbridge Troll Cross South Bridge, turn right and follow the path around to under-bridge. Sit comfortably on the rocks and read the poem and story of the Southbridge Troll. A Poem: The Southbridge Troll This is the land of the Southbridge Troll It is inviting but be careful Some days are wet, and some days are dry History includes Santa Anna The birth of Texas, ever present The Brazos visits without regard

Snakes, frogs and fish are present when wet. Owls, crows, woodpeckers, Cardinals, insect hum and other creatures known only by their sound are close. These are all natural creatures Unlike the Southbridge Troll, a figment

Listen to the distant train passing, Cars, planes, storms and neighbors, a backing track.

Under the north end of Southbridge lives a troll To see him is to know him. He lives at The edge of physical and spiritual.

Raccoons, possums, rabbits, coyote Bobcats, deer are frequent visitors.

The cost of a favorite memory lost Is the price paid to refuse a hello.

The Southbridge Troll showed up during the Great Brazos river flood of 2016. He was dislocated from his upstream home and floated on ensuing flood waters. It is thought that a large softshell turtle nudged him into the Jones Creek eddy. Somehow he made it upstream to dry out. It was then he discovered South Bridge. A new construction. He immediately adopted it as his home. Trolls generally are a nasty sort. But the Southbridge Troll appears to have a kind nature. So far, the only toll required is a welcome and hello from a passing traveler. He has one special power, however. Should you stare directly into its eyes, and your cell phone is on, he will steal all your data. There will be no evidence. To be safe, turn on Airplane Mode.

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3 Land bench Southland What is different? Yes, among other things, the bamboo and many spider webs. Southland is an independent environmental kingdom. The bamboo is the most obvious sign that you have entered into a different environment. A new land, one with a spiritual nature. Listen for bird sounds, the insect noises or even animals themselves. In the distance you may hear traffic or train whistle. How much do you know about the flora and fauna that you're seeing? You will soon be making the second transition the transition from forest to prairie, an open space with a big sky. Reflect on the following passage: John 14:16 - 17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 3. God – The Holy Spirit A. B.

What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Have you ever seen, experienced, or felt the Holy Spirit? Give an example.

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench Big Sky NOTES:

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4 Land bench Big Sky This is our third transition. Water, earth and now sky. Where the heavens touch the earth. A full out encounter with God the Father. At night, the stars are big and bright. A perpetual moon rise off to the east, passing planes, satellites and storms in plain sight. Reflect on the following passage: BCP – Eucharistic Prayer C – “God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of glory and praise. Glory to you for ever and ever. At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home. By your will they were created and have their being.” Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 4. God - The Father A. B. C.

How do you understand God as Father? Where do you see the Father? In what ways can you hear His voice?

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench Labyrinth NOTES:

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5 Land bench Labyrinth The labyrinth represents a route with a single, undivided path and no choices to make other than traveling onward through the winding pattern to an assured goal. The meandering pattern may tease the traveler by leading inward, then suddenly outward, but eventually it arrives surely at the goal. Your life path is the sum of the choices you make. And there are shortcuts. What was your chosen path today? Did you walk straight to the center? Or, did you take the meandering path? Why? How you walk the path is your choice. How did Jesus walk his life path? Reflect on the following passage: John 13:3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 5. God – The Son A. B. C.

Think about five significant things/events in Jesus's life. Who is Jesus to you? How is this tree like Jesus?

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench Confluence NOTES:

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6 Land bench Confluence You may have noticed the Yellow 46 and the Red 49 markers. These indicate Brazos river levels at the Richmond gage. Periodic floods create back water swamp ponds binging with it soft shelled turtles and large gar fish. Confluence means coming together. This is the coming together of your spiritual and world life experiences, hopes and dreams, and relationships. Notice that one stream is larger. Which one is spiritual and which is the world? Reflect on the following passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4 - (NIV) And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Note your first reaction when you consider the following questions: 6. God and You - an encounter A. B.

What does it look/ feel like when you encounter God? List some things that might keep you from staying close God.

For each branch, world and spirit describe your desired future state. Use whatever words and phrases that immediately come to mind. Be spontaneous, don't analyze. When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Land bench Making It Real NOTES:

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7 Land bench Making It Real What is your vision for your spiritual life, what is your vision of your world life? It is only through the saving Grace of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we truly know God. He is a helper, guide, friend, and authority. A Rule of Life is a set of things that promote the care of your mind, body and soul. The five major categories that shape the whole our lives are: spiritual, relational, physical, material, and missional. What are the things that you're going to do to help realize both your spiritual and world visions? 7. Commission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sending out A.

What is your rule of life?

NOTES: Rule of Life:

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What is your purpose, your personal mission? Think about a few things you deeply care about, values? Who are included as your significant relationships? (Refer to Bench 2 answers) NOTES: Personal Mission:

Core Values:

Vision Priorities:

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What do you want to accomplish in the next year?

Summarize 1 to 3 accomplishments in next couple of years (vision); how do your gifts and passion help? (Refer to Bench 1 answers): 1. 2. 3.

Think about three actions for each vision above, something that you can do this year that helps realize those Vision priorities. 1a. b. c. 2a. b. c. 3a. b. c.

When ready, continue on the path. Next stop - Gathering End 13 | P a g e

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Gathering End Your discovery path is now complete. Now go and use what you've learned about yourself and live and grow in the Spirit, being an example of love, hope and faith to the world. What are your reflections on having just participated in this spiritual walk exercise? NOTES:

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