Thursday, September 4, 2008

Time to leave




It's 8am here at the Grand Canyon and it's now time to hit the road. We spent yesterday morning hiking on some trails a little and stopping alot to take in the different views. We drove to 5 different lookout spots along the south rim and hiked along one spot. We finished with watching the sunset at our favorite lookout spot called Yavapai.

Seeing the canyon makes me wonder what God was thinking when he carved it out with His hand. I can't wait to ask Him why he made the Grand Canyon. Although, I like what someone recently reminded me of on a response to my blog. It's kinda nice not knowing and trying to always figure out what His plans are. I know we just had a very tiny glimpse of heaven the past two days. I hope you enjoy these pictures we took from yesterday. But as everyone says....you have to be there to experience the real magnitude of the canyon.
I am probably not strong enough to hike the canyon now. However, Lara and I have decided that we are coming back after all the chemo and we will hike and camp out at the bottom of the canyon. It will be our victory tour. But for now, I am ready to knock out round 8 chemo. Bring it on!

28 comments:

idolette said...

Good golly, Luke, that last picture is amazing! Black and white pictures are the best. =]

Lots of love!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to go back! Thanks so much for sharing them with us.

Wishing for safe travels & good weather for your drive home.
- CK

Anonymous said...

Luke, I love, love, love the first picture here! You look like a CONQUEROR! In fact, that picture made me think of the verse in Romans that says "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

I've never been able to look at a sunset or the ocean without feeling a unique closeness to God. I know the Grand Canyon had to be an amazing experience.

And, yes, God is in control, so keep your eyes on Him! Thanks for sharing with us. I pray for you every day.

Mazakai said...

Thank you for sharing your pictures with us! As you can see, everyone appreciates it. The first picture is very fun, you look great and strong.

Like others have said, too, the black and white picture is very pretty. It makes you want to ponder.

Ponder about the Grand Canyon especially, because it is amazing. Maybe someday we'll have the answers, but it's beautiful not knowing, too.

I hope the rest of your trip is wonderful, have fun, best wishes, and good luck!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures! I've never been to the Grand Canyon, but I'd love to go sometime. There's nothing like seeing God's creation to remind you of His glory!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Anonymous said...

Great pics, thanks for sharing.

Looks like someone took good care of your car since since you had to leave it behind as you left the LA hospital to come back home. Otherwise, it might have been found somewhere stripped to the frame & covered in 3 months worth of parking tickets. HA!

Anonymous said...

GREAT PICS!

Hmmm, now who could the 2 fingers greeting be for in the 2nd pic? ;-)

Anonymous said...

Luke, you look great! Love the pose in the first pic. Beautiful pics of the Canyon. Thanks.

Danelle

Carianne said...

These pictures are beautiful! I am happy you finally figured out how to post pictures -- Thank you so much for sharing! =D

What an amazing experience that must have been for you! I have lived in southern California for the past 15 years, and have been telling myself for years and years that I would one day get around to making the trip out to see the Grand Canyon... I always put that day off until "tomorrow" or "next year".... But somehow seeing your pictures has opened my eyes to the truth: I really shouldn't do that. Life is short, and I really do need to stop getting so caught up in school and work. I need to remember to take more time to appreciate God's wonderful creations.

Thanks for reminding me of that.

Anonymous said...

great pictures (on both recent posts). i'm glad that you guys made it out there and are having a great time. God knows what he's doing by putting such marvels in the world for us to behold... they renew our sense of awe and strengthen our souls.
here's to your victory lap! *cheers*

Anonymous said...

That 3rd picture could be your CD cover. (Either front or back.) It's very introspective.

Anonymous said...

Luke! thanks for blogging and figuring out how to post the pix; they are great fun to see, from both blogs. Being out in nature is a heart-lifting experience and I know it will provide strength as you finish the course of chemo. Our God is an amazing God, and his plans are better than ours, more intricate and beautiful -- though when you're a character in the middle of a story, and He's the author, sometimes it's not such a comfortable place to be, lol. hang in there brother, you have our prayer support daily. Hope you can stay in touch with your AI friends, too, because I think all of you can be a blessing to each other, in many ways. It's not a fluke that you were brought together through that show. Take care, Luke, and thanks for keeping us posted so we know how to pray. If you remember, please always let us know about your chemo days so we can be mindful of your needs on those days and the ones right afterwards...
Julie, chicago

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your pictures. They are beautiful and really capture the moment. Living in Arizona I often forget what beauty is right near me. I am so happy your trip is going well. I enjoy hearing of your stories of inspiration. Thoughts of healing are with you - kathypinaz

Anonymous said...

Hi Luke - just wanted to tell you that I now have your first picture as my desktop background. It reminds me to pray for you every day, and it reminds me that God is in control. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 1James 1:2-4 ESV

Have a great day today!

Anonymous said...

Hey guys! We saw your parents today at church, they filled me in on where you were! Sounds like a relaxing time together! You guys sooooooooo deserve it. Luke, you know I continue to pray for you every morning at 4 am! I know God is with you and will use this time for his glory! I couldn't help but think about when I read about u guys hiking, how life is like a hike.. you have to keep walking, keep pressing on.. and as Joyce Meyer puts it "in order to have a breakthru, you must go thru". But the secret is to just enjoy the moment, good or bad and stay focused on Christ..Your pictures are awesome..and you guys are still the cutiest couple I've ever seen. Keep rockin! BTW, AWESOME about the whole PAYPAL and what David and Michael are doing! God is so awesome! Can't wait to see you soon! Lara, talked to our mom's.. we are gonna have lunch soon! HUGS! Amy and Toby

Pamorale said...

Hi Luke
My name is Pablo, Im from Chile... a small country in southamerica...
my mail is pmoralesm@gmail.com,
well...
i read about your illness and i'd like to send you strengh to overcome all the obstacules.
Like many others i am waiting for your music... don't give up!!!

get well... there's a lot of people wishing you the best....

Bye!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Isn't it wonderful that God has given us reminders of his love and greatness in nature. Enjoy the rest of your drive and be safe.

~Rhiannon in Nashville, Tn

Anonymous said...

Hey Luke.
I just found out about your blog on here and I think it's a very cool thing to have. I enjoy reading about your adventures and how you're doing.
Stay strong! You will fight this cancer and return to "normal" life.

Anonymous said...

We'll be praying that Round 8 goes smooth for you. (Tomorrow, right?)

Take care,
- CK

Anonymous said...

hey luke, thinking tomorrow must be your day, if you're still on the thursday schedule -- know it is/was sometime this week anyhow. sending up extra prayers for you, that you will be strong and feel God's presence with you in a special way during and after your treatment. Take care, man... we're all rooting for you...
julie, chicago

Unknown said...

Hi Luke. Love your blog!

I hope the money that we're all raising over at the word nerd home can help you a bit!

Thinking about you and praying for a quick recovery!

Danielle
Tulsa, OK

Anonymous said...

Hey Luke. Hope that long drive home went OK and that you & Lara are doing well. Good luck with Round 8! Only 4 more left after this one!

Dale

The Saunders Family said...

I can only imagine how close to God you felt while you were there!

Anonymous said...

been thinking about you. glad to see the pictures, thank you for posting them.

Anonymous said...

Hey Luke, just found your blog. Hope you're starting to receive the donations from the various fund raisers that have happened on the websites as result of the Mavid request and that the money is helping you guys out. Don't know what your insurance situation is, but I had a heck of a time getting them to pay up for some cardiac issues I had last year. If you're having similar problems, just keep bugging them and document EVERYTHING!

Great pics of the canyon! Thanks for posting them. You're doing great!

Dan

Anonymous said...

Luke.... you're in my thoughts and prayers today... blog when you feel up to it, let us know how you're doing...

julie, chicago

Anonymous said...

Luke, I hope you're feeling better today. Extra prayers have gone up for you since Thursday! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a great time at the Grand Canyon! That sounds like an awesome idea for a victory tour too!

So here is to one step closer to that victory tour!

Wishing you all the best! And thank you for inspiring so many people by sharing your journey with us.