John Muir (April 21, 1838-December 24, 1914) was a Scottish-born American known as the "Father of the National Parks" and interesting to me is the fact that he memorized most of the Bible in his childhood days. He lived a full life and his multi-faceted career occupations all grew out of his love for Creation. He said many wonderful things, and a few of my favorites are "the mountains are calling and I must go" -- "between every two pines is a doorway to a new world" -- "the clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness"....
He lends much inspiration to Back Forrest Fullaunthrop'E!
His words, "The mountains are calling and I must go!" cause me to think of Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful (B'youteafull!) on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" and the words of Jesus in Matthew 28 "All Authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, Therefore GO! and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
As the heart of Back Forrest Fullaunthrop'E! is Psalm 50:10 "Every animal of the forest is mine and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.." those forest animals appear everywhere in our vision! John Muir's words, "The mountains are calling and I must go.." have become for us, "The mountains are calling and we moose go!" Ta Ethne Alleluia! All Peoples Praise the LORD!
The name John means "God is gracious" and the name Muir means "by the sea" which is a beautiful picture to me of the Gospel--God's gift of salvation to all mankind, and Habakkuk 2:14, "The knowledge of the glory of the LORD will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea."
Muir also reminds me of CS Lewis' book Mere Christianity, and makes me think of the simplicity of what we know to do, no more, no less, and "Mere" as in Muir Mountains---"mere mountains"--reminding us that by faith, we can move mountains!
Eric Liddell is pictured above with Race Bib #451, running to win the prize of the GOLD medal in the 1924 Olympic 400 Meter Race, where his time was 47.6 seconds. "In a race every one runs, but only one gets the prize! Run to win!" 1 Corinthians 9:24
