Well, the questions keep coming in due to the curiosity of my friends. I even had someone ask me this week if I had to hunt for my own food while out in the mountains. Not exactly. If they knew me better they would know that I haven’t shot a gun newer then 1863 in decades and hunting isn’t really my thing. It’s pretty hard to explain to someone from Texas what the Appalachian Mountains are all about because Texans consider mountains to be those hilly bumps over near Stephenville. On the other end, all my New Hampshire friends think that the AT (remember what AT means?) is like Mount Washington with all of its rigorous ascents and descents. Nope, not exactly again. I can not do justice to this trail with any personal explanation so I figured I would let National Geographic do it for me.
Click on this to view my 2010:
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/appalachian-trail-3591/Videos/07338_00#tab-Videos/07338_00
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Rat Race- Living Life
Click on or copy and paste the link at the bottom of this. This is a song by John Fegyveresi who hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2007. This is one of a couple of themes I have for hiking this trail. This is a really good song and it seems to explain some of what I am going through. Some of you might feel this way too.
Listen to the whole thing including the little story at the beginning. Tell me if this makes sense to you. I think this song was best when I closed my eyes and just listened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JNsxciHN7w&feature=PlayList&p=CC61B02DBB1D79FF
Listen to the whole thing including the little story at the beginning. Tell me if this makes sense to you. I think this song was best when I closed my eyes and just listened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JNsxciHN7w&feature=PlayList&p=CC61B02DBB1D79FF
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Truly Inspiring
It has become clear why I have started writing this far in advance of my trip. I am obviously on more than one journey right now. To be honest, I can’t clearly pin point what exactly this journey is. Maybe that’s why so many of my friends are open to talk to me about this…maybe they are on some kind of journey themselves. I’m not really sure but I can tell you right now I am truly learning a lot about my friends’ character.
I think the most inspiring thing thus far has definitely been everyone’s willingness to help me in some capacity. Anything from lending me equipment to helping me set up some kind of charity, all the way to offering to walk with me for a few days to keep me company. It’s truly inspiring to me when people offer what they can in order to help people. Honestly, I think my friends are a microcosm of society contrary to popular belief. I really truly honestly think that people as a whole are willing to help and not just their friends but strangers. We get caught up in believing that selfishness and cruelty plague this world courtesy of our media. I just see too much good in people to believe that we are caught up in a horrible world.
I really hope that this trip gets people to help in one capacity or another. Not necessarily helping me but helping one another. I’m not one of those hippie world peace types (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but I truly hope that people will help. For those of us that just can’t financially give there are other ways to help. You can help me on this trip by volunteering at your local church or community organization. Sounds hokie but it really does go a long way especially for those people you are helping. Even if you volunteer once for two hours at your local Salvation Army on one lowly Saturday morning you have helped me accomplish my trip. For football, I once volunteered at a Salvation Army serving food and it was awesome to see people be so thankful. It made me look around at some of my teammates and wish they had that same humbleness. I can’t say that my personal volunteer record is this awesome account of every free hour of my day goes to volunteering and charity. No, its not but I am slowly but surely making strides to impact the people around me with doing what I can to help others. It’s important to realize that God has us on this earth to help one another. So, again, whether people donate their time, money, ideas or just anything to anyone or organization that helps one another is what makes my trip a success.
So for those that have volunteered anything to me I say thank you and I really appreciate you. For others, I say I need your help in one way or another. Just do me a favor, think about anything you can give back to this awesome world we live in. I will help you in any way I can.
Matthew 5 read it
I think the most inspiring thing thus far has definitely been everyone’s willingness to help me in some capacity. Anything from lending me equipment to helping me set up some kind of charity, all the way to offering to walk with me for a few days to keep me company. It’s truly inspiring to me when people offer what they can in order to help people. Honestly, I think my friends are a microcosm of society contrary to popular belief. I really truly honestly think that people as a whole are willing to help and not just their friends but strangers. We get caught up in believing that selfishness and cruelty plague this world courtesy of our media. I just see too much good in people to believe that we are caught up in a horrible world.
I really hope that this trip gets people to help in one capacity or another. Not necessarily helping me but helping one another. I’m not one of those hippie world peace types (not that there’s anything wrong with that) but I truly hope that people will help. For those of us that just can’t financially give there are other ways to help. You can help me on this trip by volunteering at your local church or community organization. Sounds hokie but it really does go a long way especially for those people you are helping. Even if you volunteer once for two hours at your local Salvation Army on one lowly Saturday morning you have helped me accomplish my trip. For football, I once volunteered at a Salvation Army serving food and it was awesome to see people be so thankful. It made me look around at some of my teammates and wish they had that same humbleness. I can’t say that my personal volunteer record is this awesome account of every free hour of my day goes to volunteering and charity. No, its not but I am slowly but surely making strides to impact the people around me with doing what I can to help others. It’s important to realize that God has us on this earth to help one another. So, again, whether people donate their time, money, ideas or just anything to anyone or organization that helps one another is what makes my trip a success.
So for those that have volunteered anything to me I say thank you and I really appreciate you. For others, I say I need your help in one way or another. Just do me a favor, think about anything you can give back to this awesome world we live in. I will help you in any way I can.
Matthew 5 read it
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sometimes People Think You Are Crazy….
And theres nothing you can do about it. I’m starting to realize that in order to take chances you have to come to the conclusion that not everyone is on your same page. That doesn’t mean that they are negative or holding you back but you just don’t always get the desired answer or approval. What can you do about it? You just have to stick to what you believe in even if its not someone else’s cup of coffee.
I’ve brought up my idea of doing this AT journey to raise money to people and its funny how people have all wondered the same thing: how this is possible? I don’t really know. I just finished writing a letter to my church describing what I wish to happen out of this walk and seeking their help or at least their advice. By doing that I have kind of realized who I want to help out and why.
A lot of us grew up with a lot of opportunities that many people do not have. We consider a bad day when it took us 5 minutes extra to get home from work or when we realize that our favorite shirt has a hole in it. We take a lot of things for granted.
I think its very important to help kids…especially young looking for role models. What better way to shape a young kid then to show him by example how to follow their dreams, especially through church. I would love to raise money for disadvantaged children who don’t have all the same opportunities as we do.
Kids need positive role models who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. People who are positive and lead by example. My church built this multi million dollar camp for kids to attend during the summer but in order to maintain it it requires a lot of financial resources. I want to be able to raise money to send some kids there so that maybe they can grow up with purpose and guidance.
I really don’t know how or if anyone would help with this. I just know that if your passionate about something and care deeply enough you will find a way. Directly, this could really benefit a kid. Indirectly, this could really benefit anyone around these kids. I don’t know, I just feel that this could be a great opportunity for some children.
Again, I’m just thinking out loud.
Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
I’ve brought up my idea of doing this AT journey to raise money to people and its funny how people have all wondered the same thing: how this is possible? I don’t really know. I just finished writing a letter to my church describing what I wish to happen out of this walk and seeking their help or at least their advice. By doing that I have kind of realized who I want to help out and why.
A lot of us grew up with a lot of opportunities that many people do not have. We consider a bad day when it took us 5 minutes extra to get home from work or when we realize that our favorite shirt has a hole in it. We take a lot of things for granted.
I think its very important to help kids…especially young looking for role models. What better way to shape a young kid then to show him by example how to follow their dreams, especially through church. I would love to raise money for disadvantaged children who don’t have all the same opportunities as we do.
Kids need positive role models who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. People who are positive and lead by example. My church built this multi million dollar camp for kids to attend during the summer but in order to maintain it it requires a lot of financial resources. I want to be able to raise money to send some kids there so that maybe they can grow up with purpose and guidance.
I really don’t know how or if anyone would help with this. I just know that if your passionate about something and care deeply enough you will find a way. Directly, this could really benefit a kid. Indirectly, this could really benefit anyone around these kids. I don’t know, I just feel that this could be a great opportunity for some children.
Again, I’m just thinking out loud.
Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Help Me Help Others
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a monumental task and can be overwhelming if you don’t properly prepare. All of the preparation, physically, mentally, financially, and logistically has consumed my mind for the last couple of weeks. But I don’t want to lose focus of what I am really intending to accomplish with this hike. So far, I have only written about personal goals and what I hope to accomplish on a personal level. However, I would like to make known the real purpose of this journey. A lot of my peers will understand this but a lot just won’t grasp this concept or intention.
I’m trying to find a way to do this and to make this work. I want to give back. I want this trip to be about more than just me and my personal journey. I just don’t know how. Strength and persistence will be a major theme on my hike but it will also apply this idea of giving back. I would like to get my church, Fellowship Church, involved. Since minute one of me thinking of this and starting to prepare I have wanted to do this so that it will benefit others. How can a personal trip help to benefit others? Well, I really truly believe that people can take more away from this than just a good ole pat on the back for Greg Stevenson. I don’t want to do this as just an accomplishment for myself but as an accomplishment for everyone.
How can this benefit other people? Well, I need help in that department. I really want to get my church involved. I have told a few people this and they are kind of puzzled about the logistics of how this can be accomplished. I have one idea but it takes a lot of help.
First, why do I want to help other people with this? I have a true compassion for people who are in need; people who are in true need of a fellow human being’s help. True, the Appalachian Trail is a huuuuuuge struggle but it is miniscule in comparison of what people who are in need go through. Christianity is all about helping others. I believe that God can use me to help others with this. This might not be a uniform way to help but I believe it can work.
MY IDEA: What if I were to do this for some charitable cause? I know a lot of people have done tons of things for specific charities like Breast Cancer Awareness, Habitat for Humanity. What if I could do it for EVERYONE? Wait, what are you talking about, Greg? This is my goal….to line up some kind of way to set up charity through my church. For instance, people donating whatever amount they want for how many miles I walk. Like if someone donates a dime for every mile I walk, and I finish, in the end that’s roughly $218. I mean, if more than one person were to do that it would tally up in the end. Say ten people donated a dime for every mile I walk…that’s a couple of thousand dollars. Even if someone donated a penny for every mile, that’s still giving. That can really change one person’s life.
THE GOAL: No, this is not a get rich quick scheme. This is for others. If this can help at least one person then I have accomplished my goal. I hope and pray that I can figure out a way to do this. It would be my goal, through the help of others, that people would give through the goodness of their hearts and through God so that those less fortunate can benefit. If I had the help of the church people could just give directly to the church. I would not even see or touch the money. If the church wanted I would do this anonymously so that it would show that I am seeking no fame or fortune through this journey. I truly truly truly to the millionth power believe that people would see this as a good and fun donating opportunity. If I knew that I was doing this for others I would definitely have more inspiration to finish the trail on those tough, down and out days.
Why would people be interested in giving or helping with this? First, to know that their donations would help others. Second, I fully intend on taking short Youtube clips and pictures along the way. I think I could truly make it entertaining for people to follow and have them experience what I am going through along the trail. This would also serve as proof of the miles I walk and the struggles I will go through. I believe I can make this very relatable to the average person as I am aware that not everyone has a passion for hiking.
I hope this does not come off as crazy but in a way this is a good crazy. Sometimes you just have to take a major chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. I think I can do just that. I want this and I think that I can do some great help to other people. I want nothing more to help others. I know it’s crazy to think that something like the Appalachian Trail can benefit others because it’s such a personal journey…but God will find a way. As a Christian, I believe in helping others in any way possible. I also believe when someone’s intentions are right with God goodness will prevail. It doesn’t make sense to me to do something like this just for myself. I don’t believe I am on this earth to just benefit myself. I want to give back.
I need help. I don’t even know where to start. I guess these journals are my way of expressing my thoughts in an organized manner but if anyone reads this I need your input. This is where I need people’s help; to get me started in the right direction. Although I am seeking my churches help I am also aware that they are very large and have a lot of things on their plate and this might not be one of them. I totally understand that so maybe I can do this on my own or with the help of others (of course through God). All I know is that I want to help others and I could really use your help.
I’m trying to find a way to do this and to make this work. I want to give back. I want this trip to be about more than just me and my personal journey. I just don’t know how. Strength and persistence will be a major theme on my hike but it will also apply this idea of giving back. I would like to get my church, Fellowship Church, involved. Since minute one of me thinking of this and starting to prepare I have wanted to do this so that it will benefit others. How can a personal trip help to benefit others? Well, I really truly believe that people can take more away from this than just a good ole pat on the back for Greg Stevenson. I don’t want to do this as just an accomplishment for myself but as an accomplishment for everyone.
How can this benefit other people? Well, I need help in that department. I really want to get my church involved. I have told a few people this and they are kind of puzzled about the logistics of how this can be accomplished. I have one idea but it takes a lot of help.
First, why do I want to help other people with this? I have a true compassion for people who are in need; people who are in true need of a fellow human being’s help. True, the Appalachian Trail is a huuuuuuge struggle but it is miniscule in comparison of what people who are in need go through. Christianity is all about helping others. I believe that God can use me to help others with this. This might not be a uniform way to help but I believe it can work.
MY IDEA: What if I were to do this for some charitable cause? I know a lot of people have done tons of things for specific charities like Breast Cancer Awareness, Habitat for Humanity. What if I could do it for EVERYONE? Wait, what are you talking about, Greg? This is my goal….to line up some kind of way to set up charity through my church. For instance, people donating whatever amount they want for how many miles I walk. Like if someone donates a dime for every mile I walk, and I finish, in the end that’s roughly $218. I mean, if more than one person were to do that it would tally up in the end. Say ten people donated a dime for every mile I walk…that’s a couple of thousand dollars. Even if someone donated a penny for every mile, that’s still giving. That can really change one person’s life.
THE GOAL: No, this is not a get rich quick scheme. This is for others. If this can help at least one person then I have accomplished my goal. I hope and pray that I can figure out a way to do this. It would be my goal, through the help of others, that people would give through the goodness of their hearts and through God so that those less fortunate can benefit. If I had the help of the church people could just give directly to the church. I would not even see or touch the money. If the church wanted I would do this anonymously so that it would show that I am seeking no fame or fortune through this journey. I truly truly truly to the millionth power believe that people would see this as a good and fun donating opportunity. If I knew that I was doing this for others I would definitely have more inspiration to finish the trail on those tough, down and out days.
Why would people be interested in giving or helping with this? First, to know that their donations would help others. Second, I fully intend on taking short Youtube clips and pictures along the way. I think I could truly make it entertaining for people to follow and have them experience what I am going through along the trail. This would also serve as proof of the miles I walk and the struggles I will go through. I believe I can make this very relatable to the average person as I am aware that not everyone has a passion for hiking.
I hope this does not come off as crazy but in a way this is a good crazy. Sometimes you just have to take a major chance to make a difference in someone else’s life. I think I can do just that. I want this and I think that I can do some great help to other people. I want nothing more to help others. I know it’s crazy to think that something like the Appalachian Trail can benefit others because it’s such a personal journey…but God will find a way. As a Christian, I believe in helping others in any way possible. I also believe when someone’s intentions are right with God goodness will prevail. It doesn’t make sense to me to do something like this just for myself. I don’t believe I am on this earth to just benefit myself. I want to give back.
I need help. I don’t even know where to start. I guess these journals are my way of expressing my thoughts in an organized manner but if anyone reads this I need your input. This is where I need people’s help; to get me started in the right direction. Although I am seeking my churches help I am also aware that they are very large and have a lot of things on their plate and this might not be one of them. I totally understand that so maybe I can do this on my own or with the help of others (of course through God). All I know is that I want to help others and I could really use your help.
Monday, October 12, 2009
For Something Bigger
For Something Bigger
So from all of the questions and comments people have been giving me I have come to the conclusion that what I am doing makes no sense to a lot of people. My first instinct was to try and justify or tell them why I was doing this but the more I spoke the further counter clockwise their head turned. My puzzled audience resembles my Pug when you speak to him a sentence that is longer than three words; he just looks at you and tilts his head undoubtedly thinking “how do I get that chew stick out of his hand?” My friends seem to have almost the same sense of wonder only they’re thinking “This guy is nuts” and the rest is like Charlie Brown’s teacher.
Too many of my friends and peers don’t understand this because they are caught in a life of comfort. No, not the kind of comfort where they get massages, have a butler, and are constantly pampered. That’s not what I am talking about. I’m talking about they are stuck in a “comfortable” job that pays their bills and they are too afraid to leave it because they will not have a sense of security. I have always admired the friends that I have that are truly doing what they are meant to do. They know they are doing right and because they are happy they are good at their jobs. However, a lot of people are caught up in making sure they aren’t unemployed and I get that that and I don’t blame them for doing that. But I gotta be honest with you, that’s not what I am about. I can’t wait for life to happen in a comfortable job because it never will. I want more.
You have to make life happen. Some people understand this early in their adulthood and grab life by the horns. Unfortunately, I got caught up in doing what I was “supposed” to do which is getting a job to pay bills. I’m done with that. In my heart I know I have more to offer. I believe this trip will bring out my life’s potential. I have faith.
A lot of questions are geared towards my future and life after the trail. My response? I don’t know. The shocked look on the recipients face is always of the priceless sort. Let me explain. I have no idea what I want to do but that doesn’t mean I am going to wander through life looking for handouts. I’m going to figure it out. Remember, everyone is different and we all work at different speeds. Don’t forget that God has a plan for us all and we are all destined for great things, big and small. I have ABSOLUTE faith in God and that I will find what it is that I’m supposed to do. I refuse to settle for a job that’s not setting forth my true potential. I truly believe that this trip will bring out what I am supposed to do in life. No, I don’t think anything will be handed to me because of this but I do think that when you sacrifice for something you know is right you do it with an open heart.
For those of you that are caught up in settling for life, remember, life is truly not how much money you make or how much you have in the bank. That stuff is nice but it doesn’t supply you with true happiness. Life is about your relationships and all of the non material things. For those that are making tons of money and doing what you’re supposed to be doing, I say rock on and keep making people happy.
Since I’m not worried for the future then don’t feel bad for me and think and I am a drifter. It just takes some people longer to figure out their purpose than others.
That is just a small reason on why I can quit what I am doing in life, drop my job, quit a sport I love, leave my loved ones, and go hiking…..it’s for something bigger.
So from all of the questions and comments people have been giving me I have come to the conclusion that what I am doing makes no sense to a lot of people. My first instinct was to try and justify or tell them why I was doing this but the more I spoke the further counter clockwise their head turned. My puzzled audience resembles my Pug when you speak to him a sentence that is longer than three words; he just looks at you and tilts his head undoubtedly thinking “how do I get that chew stick out of his hand?” My friends seem to have almost the same sense of wonder only they’re thinking “This guy is nuts” and the rest is like Charlie Brown’s teacher.
Too many of my friends and peers don’t understand this because they are caught in a life of comfort. No, not the kind of comfort where they get massages, have a butler, and are constantly pampered. That’s not what I am talking about. I’m talking about they are stuck in a “comfortable” job that pays their bills and they are too afraid to leave it because they will not have a sense of security. I have always admired the friends that I have that are truly doing what they are meant to do. They know they are doing right and because they are happy they are good at their jobs. However, a lot of people are caught up in making sure they aren’t unemployed and I get that that and I don’t blame them for doing that. But I gotta be honest with you, that’s not what I am about. I can’t wait for life to happen in a comfortable job because it never will. I want more.
You have to make life happen. Some people understand this early in their adulthood and grab life by the horns. Unfortunately, I got caught up in doing what I was “supposed” to do which is getting a job to pay bills. I’m done with that. In my heart I know I have more to offer. I believe this trip will bring out my life’s potential. I have faith.
A lot of questions are geared towards my future and life after the trail. My response? I don’t know. The shocked look on the recipients face is always of the priceless sort. Let me explain. I have no idea what I want to do but that doesn’t mean I am going to wander through life looking for handouts. I’m going to figure it out. Remember, everyone is different and we all work at different speeds. Don’t forget that God has a plan for us all and we are all destined for great things, big and small. I have ABSOLUTE faith in God and that I will find what it is that I’m supposed to do. I refuse to settle for a job that’s not setting forth my true potential. I truly believe that this trip will bring out what I am supposed to do in life. No, I don’t think anything will be handed to me because of this but I do think that when you sacrifice for something you know is right you do it with an open heart.
For those of you that are caught up in settling for life, remember, life is truly not how much money you make or how much you have in the bank. That stuff is nice but it doesn’t supply you with true happiness. Life is about your relationships and all of the non material things. For those that are making tons of money and doing what you’re supposed to be doing, I say rock on and keep making people happy.
Since I’m not worried for the future then don’t feel bad for me and think and I am a drifter. It just takes some people longer to figure out their purpose than others.
That is just a small reason on why I can quit what I am doing in life, drop my job, quit a sport I love, leave my loved ones, and go hiking…..it’s for something bigger.
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