Day Nine d. WEEK TWO, 

Wednesday, September the 14th, 2011

Cows are cool!  They can teach us a lesson!

As we are Trekking North on M-18 to Gladwin, the "folks" along the way offered us a wide variety of viewing options!  

These 'characters' above noticed us as we walked along... we saw that they were just 'parked' out in the field along the side of the road!  As we traversed up the highway...they actually turned and looked at us curiously!  Folks don't usually think that cows pay any attention to much but let me tell you, they are aware or their surroundings!  By the looks on their faces, it was as if they had never seen anyone 'walk by', out here, like this...!  

I have to tell you from experience, cow are curious creatures!  At one time when I was younger, we owned about 25 of them. I can tell you that if they see something that is unusual they will just stare it down!  Have you ever been stared at by a cow?  LOL!  You should try it sometime!  Cows have huge eyelashes and sometimes while they are looking at you intently... their tongues can come out of their mouthes and slides up into their nose like a big ole' snake!  It will freak you out, if you are not prepared for that kind of  'thang!"  

But that is the nature of a cow!  That is what they do!  And they will 'mooo' at you too!  They are like having a 'watch dawg' around...!  What a concept!  A 'watch cow!'  They are interesting creatures!   It doesn't make me mad because they are like that... that is just the nature of a cow!  So I deal with it!  

But if I impose my cultural values over on the cow... it makes me feel better about myself because the cows are 'uncouth' and they use their 12" tongues to clean out their noses and... 'they are not as cultured as me!'  But in reality, if I don't get close enough to notice... the cows, which are always different than me, I will always misunderstand them!  

I told you that they stare!

For most of us, it is convenient and time saving to just keep our distance!  It is less trouble too!  We end up flying past folks so fast that we don't really notice anything outside of our point of reference and if we do notice... it is because something has usually inconvienced us and the 'outsider' is just there staring and moooing and cleaning out their noses!  And we mindlessly see them as just 'folks on the other side of the fence.'  

This is why walking is such a good thing!   In a car; as you speed by, life is happening all around you; you hardly even notice what is on the side of the road... but when you walk, it gives you time to focus on what you see because you are not speeding along at 70!  Life is really too precious to just be speeding around from here to there and all the while missing those who are on the way!  So slow down!  Ask yourself!  "Why am I in such a hurry?"

With my feet on the Ground... 'slowly'

Simply Trey

DAY NINE c, WEEK TWO,  Wednesday, September the 14th of 2011! 

Trey's Trek cont... 

Change?  What change

After connecting with Becky at the Motor Home in Beaverton, MI the day was well spent and she drove us up M-18 to the Assembly of God Church in Gladwin, MI.  That was where we were to spend the night and we were to be involved in presenting the ministry in Dearborn and praying for our church there.  

Life in Northern Mid Michign seems to run at a slower pace than what governs the 'speed of life' in the Metro Area of Detroit!  The sign above shows that pace!  Even though automobiles are used here...they must 'move over' for the buggys and horses that traverse the area!   But I did get 'tickled' when I read the smaller white sign down on the left sign post.  It says "NO STOPPING  STANDING  PARKING"  Now is that for the horse or the driver?  

The next morning after spending the night in Gladwin, Becky drove me back to Beaverton to start where we left off  our walk the evening before.

This morning not like the others was a bit 'chillier' so I donned my winter coat to start with and later abandoned it as sun crossed the sky.  

Also there was a very nice young man at the church who was at the meeting last night that after hearing us speak desired to walk with us today!

As I was speaking in the Service, this young man had an "Alabama" hat that was (sittin' on his head!)   That was enough to get my attention and we struck up an conversation! Not many in the North know about the Crimson Tide...  Come to find out, he really was from Alabama which was nice... But that still does not mean I gotta like his hat!  

Anyway!  He wanted to walk with me and that he did!  I was really appreciative of his company!  We talked about Alabama and family matters and we harassed each other about Auburn and Alabama!  That was kinda fun! ... 'Way up North in Michigan',  no one really knows about such thangs as "down South"  SEC Football and what it means to Southern Reality!  It can even seem like, "Life and Death"  at times but when the dust settles, rivals are really blood relatives!  

Like when that huge tornado went through Tuscaloosa, Alabama a couple of years ago (where the University of Alabama is located) and the whole Auburn University Football Team loaded up in a bus and traveled to Tuscaloosa and aided the town in a massive clean up after a 'mega tornado' that was reported to be almost a mile wide at it's base, destroyed so much in town.  It was a heart rending time for everyone but "warriors" that did battle on the grid iron dropped their differences to actually aid their athletic arch enemy in what mattered most in life!   "Doing to others as you would have them do to you."   Those words are from Jesus and have been labeled as "The Golden Rule!"   In this case if you have the "Gold" you "Rule!"  

With my feet on the Ground

Simply Trey

DAY NINE b, WEEK TWO,  Wednesday, September the 14th of 2011! 

Trey's Trek cont... 

After watching the Brothers from North Carolina drive away...and completely get out of sight, I again stood there all alone!  Bu Hu!  LOL!  .  Thoughtfully, I just turned back around and headed West "uh'gin".  

There were still several hours left in this day for me to reach my destination which was Beaverton, MI.  When I rounded the Eastern shore of Ross Lake at the corner of Pearson and Porter, I saw the Motor Home parked under the SHELL sign!  When I got closer, guess who popped out!  You guessed it!!!! How did you know?  Just kidding!

Becky!  Oh my Becky!  I bet you didn't know that she could drive a big ole' rig like that!  She is so talented!  I "rilly" like  her!!!

I had called her before I arrived in town, so I knew where see was located.  That way when I got close to the location where the Motor Home was parked... I pulled out my phone and was ready to take her picture when she can out!  I was ready with my 'handy dandy' Blackberry;  she came out... and the photo above turned out great, at least I think so!!!  She was a sight for sour eyes (and feet!)

"How beautiful are the feet..." but nothing was ever said about being..."sore"!

How is it that "feet" and "Good News" are related?  Hummm? 

If feet are related to walking... and The Scripture says that the feet of those who bring Good News are beautiful then why was there no mention of tireness or soreness or blisters or the like?  

Because from personal experience, I can tell you that walking makes your feet tired!  Walking makes your feet sore!  Walking tends to create blisters!  I guess the only thing that I am to surmise from this is that no matter how "beautiful" you look... the work that your feet create, causes wear and tear!  

Getting to where you are going is not an easy prospect, ever!  Maybe this has something to do with the "News" that you carry!  Not just plain ole' news but GOOD news!  News that refreshes others!  News that strengthens and encourages others!  News that breathes life back into a worn out situation!   But the whole while... your feet hurt!

Personally for me... the reality of getting the Good News to anyone is no easy task as far as being easy goes!  So the lesson I think I need to learn and learn well is that walking means that you are going somewhere.  That you have a direction!  That in perusing that direction (no matter how 'right' your missions is...) that the path you are on will drain you!  The effort you expend in expediting you task can and will make you feel weak!  

The persistent plotting of being consistent in completing your task will cause the emotional and 'heart' issues of your life to seem to loose their mobility and get rigid thus making you less patient and more anxious!   

Then lastly but not least, the friction that can be created when people work closely together in tight spaces can create blisters on your heart and soul and cause you to stop doing what you are doing altogether and just check out!   

So the lesson for me is that... This is just what life is made of.  It is not strange!  It is not out of the ordinary!  It is not unusual... it is life in this realm!  But it does not stop me from attaining and maintaining a Beautiful attitude in the process! 

Just trying to think this THANG.. through!

With my FEET on the Ground!

Simply Trey

DAY NINE, WEEK TWO,  
Wednesday, September 14th! of 2011 
Trey's Trek cont... 

Saying good bye to our friends at Albright Shores, we headed out again due West of Town where we walked on Estey Road for a few miles until we came to M-30 and we turned North for a bit until we came to West Knox Road.  We walked on W. Knox Road until we came into Beaverton.  Well, not really... because this time the Brothers from North Carolina had walked as far as they could go today and needed to start back home!  This time it was for keeps!  So we prayed and they left (me all alone... bu hu! - poor pitiful me! LOL!)

I have to tell you that their encouragement for me, in effort expended... toward the ministry and work of Dearborn Assembly was humbling!  They took off of work!  They paid their own way to travel to Michigan!  Then spent at least 14 hours traveling (ONE WAY) to get to us, not to mention traveling back to Carolina again!  They paid for their own hotel to stay the night!  They did not complain!  They encouraged me to continue the Trek and serve the Lord with gladness!  They walked the road with me!  They committed their prayer support and resources toward 'the work' in Dearborn.  They showed their love and concern by the sacrifice that they made!  In my heart I am flabbergasted and amazed at how they allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them!  Thank you Brothers!  I love ya'll!

With my feet on the Ground

Simply Trey

DAY EIGHT c, WEEK TWO,  
Tuesday, September 13th! of 2011 
Trey's Trek cont...

Guess who came back?

Well, as I am writing this and going back down memory lane...It hit me like a ton of bricks!  'The Brothers from North Carolina who did leave me beside the side of the road and drove away 'yesterday' did not go back to North Carolina'... like I wrote in the last post!  "I plum' forgot"! 

They actually went back to the Detroit area and attended a meeting there for the evening and on the next morning, they came up from Midland after spending the night there... again!  

My wife Becky had made a trip to Grayling,  MI the day before and picked up a Motor home that we  borrowed from Becky's Sister and Brother in Law, Ron and Sue Voelker!  

Our Home away from Home for Trey's Trek

The 'rig' was to be 'our home' for the next two weeks and let me tell you, it was a royal blessing! 
After Becky arrived with the motor home that evening, we bedded down for the night by the church and I slept like a rock!  That day I had walked my first 15 mile trek (second leg of the trip from Midland that day) by myself and it drained me both mentally and physically.

After we arrived, the Pastor warmly welcomed us and we went into the church and greeted some other folks who were there waiting on us, to pray with us... for Dearborn.  

When this Brother opened up his mouth... all I heard was 'sweet' English!  It was like music to my ears!  He was from the South!  This precious couple are in their 90's and have spent their lives in the Service of The King... Jesus!  They were some of the most delightful people that I met along the way North!

The Breakfast Crew at Albright Shores

When we woke up the next morning the Brothers from North Carolina had driven up from Midland where they 'camped' for the night!  Some of the men of the church met with us along with Pastor and we walked down to the local restaurant and had an awesome meal!  Those Northern Michigan, back woods restaurants, serve some of the most delicious, "down home" cooking that fills you up and gets you ready for the Winter!  Nuff said!  It is good stuff!  

The Breakfast place in Albright Shores!  

Getting ready for Breakfast!  

These Brothers 'chowed down' and the fellowship together was filling!   



These men in the NORTH are hearty, strong and alive with the Love and power of Jesus!

There were a lot of FIRSTS... this day for the Trek.  The first day walking at least 15 miles through the 'Michigan Outback!'... by my self!  A first night camping in a Motor home with Becky for the Trek!  And a first...on this Trek for spending time with awesome men UP NORTH!   Thanks Brother!  Your fellowship soothed my soar 'ever'thang!"

With my feet on the Ground!

Simply Trey

DAY EIGHT b, WEEK TWO,  
Tuesday, September 13th! of    
Trey's Trek cont...

Starting out after lunch today looked like this!

 The Brothers walked 'a ways' with me after lunch but the time came for them to return home!  So we stopped on the side of the road and thanked Jesus for their sacrifice in time, effort and money to come and walk with me on this leg of the Trek.  In my heart, I was so thankful for their presence!  "Jesus, watch over them as they travel home to North Carolina!  Bless them for their efforts!  Change eternity because of what they have done!  In Jesus' name!

Then as the road stretched out in front me... I put one foot in front of the other and resolved to make this day count!  From Pastor Calvin's home it was almost 15 miles to Albright Shores Assembly of God.  The photo below shows the road through part of the way.

You know you are not "in town" when the "used car lots" start looking like this!!!

On trips like this, especially when you are by yourself... it is harder to stop because you want to get to your destination as soon as possible!  But there are some things that just will not let you continue on your journey. Things that you must tend to.  Things that will just bug you to death if you don't pay attention to it!

Well, as nature would have it... if you eat, you must rest!  And in resting, you must find room on the 'road of life' to do just that!  But I have to tell you... "out there on the road," sometimes... there just 'ain't no' place or room to rest!

Like when you drive a car on the expressway from one town to the next.  You drive and you drive and you look and you look and there is no place to stop!  There is not even a McDonalds Restaurant within sight, so you begin to think... "where can I go?"  At this point,  you really get motivated when the pressure you are under begins to build!  It is at that point that your brain becomes really perceptive and aware and your neurons fire within your brain that have not... 'here to fore' engaged themselves because there was no special necessity to do so!  But now there is sufficient motivation to bare down and get the job done!

Then all of the sudden... like a light coming on in my head, I see a corn field! Yes, a beautiful corn field!  It stretches as far as I can see on the side of the road!  So I say to myself...."Self", 'there you go!!!  Then all of the sudden... I look this way; and then that way;  not a car or a truck or a farm vehicle is within sight!  SO now is my chance, I think to my self!

Straight away, I dart from the side of the road, 'tween the tall, standing, green, corn stalks and instantly I am out of sight!  But also the thought hits me!  I better pay attention...because there are not signs in here telling me where I am or which way I am doing!  All I can see are rows and rows of corn stalks!  I have to tell you that I have never been more relieved!  And as I looked up, there was no 'ceiling fan' noise, just open sky!  Oh what a view!

With my feet on the Ground!

Simply Trey

p.s. I did eventually find my way out!

DAY EIGHT, WEEK TWO,  
Tuesday, September 13th! of           

The "Brudders!"

Trey's Trek cont.....  

Well!  Last night before we 'turned in',  "My Friends" from Winston Salem, North Carolina came up and spent the night in Midland, MI with us!    We all rested in preparation to start out again in the morning to head North to continue Trey's Trek.

So when we started out from Christian Celebration Center on Swede Road in Midland, I was really encourage, not only that four people joined me today but that they drove all the way up from North Carolina (14 hours ONE WAY!) to walk this leg of the Trek with me.  I appreciate men like this who will not only commit their time and resources but their friendship as well!  Thanks Men!  

So we headed out from the Church, West on Swede Avenue which turned into Wacherly Street that paralleled M-10.  That road leads you over to Claire, MI.

  At North Jefferson Road we turned North and headed across M-10 and then left again through the Mall over to North Eastman which took us into the woods on the outskirts of town! 

When we reached East Monroe we headed West again until we can to Sturgeon Road.  

It was this road that led us North to Pastor Don Calvin's home.  It was there where we had lunch and was it 'a meal for the troops!'  Sister Calvin is to be commended and recommended for here cooking!  

I can tell you now that physically, I would have 'run out of gas' on the last leg for today if she had not laid out such a wonderful spread for us all!

It was a welcomed sight when we reached Pastor Calvin's place IN THE WOODS... knowing that we could rest a bit, have some fellowship and also to eat which was such a needed relief!

Arriving!

We made it to Lunch!!!

Pastor Calvin's home

Sturgeon Road to the Calvin's home...

Today the weather was overcast and the temperature was down a bit which made it really comfortable, temperature wise!  After a good rest and fellowship with the Calvins we 'geared' up again and headed back out to the road and looked North again as we continued.  Our next stop would be a fruit stand just up the road a piece.  We were able to pray for the lady who was operating that fruit stand.  (her photo was published earlier).

Some days there are many unusual things you see and experience and some days... not!  That is just life!

With my feet on the ground!

Simply Trey

DAY SEVEN b, WEEK TWO,  
Monday, September 12th! of           
Trey's Trek cont.....   

Arriving at Freeland A/G, Freeland, MI

Pastor Don Calvin was waiting on us as we walked into town!  It is always good to know that someone is watching for you!  The church also provided an awesome meal for Mark, Dad Severance and me as we rested our feet and enjoyed an awesome meal!  Thank you Freeland Assembly of God for your sacrifice of love and your grand hospitality! 

Pastor Calvin
former Dow Engineer!

 It was so encouraging to see a 'boat load' of folks there at the church to have lunch with us and afterwards to pray with us for Dearborn.   Then afterwards Mark and I, along with another Sister walked away from Freeland up the road to Midland.  It was very much of an encouragement for me to have company along the way!  We talked and shared stories as we walked along. 

Pastor Calvin with Trey & Mark Kellogg
who are on their way out of town
 ... heading toward Midland, MI

"Sister!" who joined us to Midland
(if you know her name...
please let me know!)

So before we left,  I changed my shirt after freshening up a bit.  I tell you... It just helps!  And you know... that guffy looking hat that I wore... the whole top part of it is 'mesh'!  So anytime that the winds blows, it is like an air conditioner!  Awesome idea!  Great comfort!

It was a hot day!  We drank alot of water!  And it was tiring...and  it was a great sight to be walking up the road and see what you are looking at in this photo below!  It was the first sighting of Celebration Center Assembly of God.  It was was our destination for the day and a welcomed site indeed!  

Tonight the Church would put us up in a hotel but before the day was ended, we would participate in a prayer meeting that this church already had scheduled.  The place was full!  Yes, full of people praying for all kinds of situation and places and people.  In fact, their whole assembly area where we were gathered had a huge map of the whole World, all spread out almost over the whole floor where people would go and stand.  The spot where they would stand over... would be the country that they were praying for and cry out with a broken heart to Jesus for that Country!  It was awesome!  Then they all prayed for us there in Dearborn!  That was humbling!  Thank you Lord!

First sighting of Celebration Center Assembly of God
on our walk up from Freeland!

We made it!  

Praying at Celebration Center for Dearborn!

OK!  There are times when you seem to be on the other side of the world taking care of business as Jesus would have you do.  

So... I am at Celebration Center Assembly of God in Midland, Michigan.  I am on the other end of the country from where I was raised.  I am in a part of the country where hardly no one knows about where I am from, much less where I went to College after High School.  

Now, I am in a PRAYER MEETING!  I have walked over a hundred and twenty miles to get here. I am joining with people praying for places in the world that I have a heart for.  I am wondering around their world map in this assembly area with about 100 other people who are standing over the places that they are focusing on.  While focusing our thoughts and requests in prayer, we all ask Jesus to save and minister those folks who live there!  And naturally I am going to bump into people because there are so many who are there.   They just happen to be doing the same thing as I am doing... 'walking and praying!"  

Then all of the sudden, I look up and I am moving from one country on the map to another and I almost bumped into a lady who is holding a National flag of the country that she is pouring our her heart for in prayer to Jesus!  At first, I did not notice it but it was the colors..., no... not the colors of the flag that she was holding but the colors of the shirt that she was wearing that got my attention!   So quietly, I shuffled over to her and whispered "War Eagle!" (well... I couldn't 'hep ma seff'!)  

At first she did not react at all but afterwards she came over and said the same thing back to me with a big grin on her face!  Evidently, we were the only two in the whole building who knew anything about the big orange AU she sported on her navy blue shirt!  To say the least, I felt right at home!  War Eagle and Praise the Lord!

Just to think about it!  One time Becky was in Midland looking for a certain address.  She got 'turned around' in some residential neighborhood and just stopped to ask two ladies who were talking to each other on the sidewalk.  She asked them where the particular address was that she was looking for and just 'by chance' Becky noticed one of the ladies accents.  It was distinctively "Southern" English!  These folks from the South know how to 'butter' their words!  So, Becky talked to her for a few minutes and discovered that she was from Alabama and had married someone from Midland that she attended Auburn University where I went to School my first two years of College.  And on top of that,  found out that she was 'suite mates' with my sister "Kim" who graduated from Auburn!  'Interesting' to say the least!  Both of these fine incidences took place in Midland, Michigan!  We like Midland!

War Eagle and Praise the Lord!

With my feet on the Ground

Simply Trey

DAY SEVEN a, WEEK TWO,  
Monday, September 12th! of           Trey's Trek cont.....   

Today, this man (My father in Law, 'Bill' Severance) who set the pace last Saturday from Bridgeport Saginaw Township is pointing the way as we set out from his house to the church in Freeland where we will have lunch and  pray for our City;  Dearborn!

Mark Kellogg and I as we head for Freeland...

It was pretty early this morning when we left out from the house after an awesome breakfast that Gran'ma "fixed" for us!  So the shadow that spread out in front of us as we headed West was a pretty neat sight!  This shadow was signaling that we were 'on our way!'

"Dad" Severance and Mark Kellogg Trekkin' on up the Road!

Surrounding Farmland between Saginaw and Freeland

Walking out of Saginaw Township

Beautiful Views on our Trek

How would you like to walk to the mailbox 'to get' the mail at this place? LOL!

Tittabawassee Bridge

We started out walking North on Center Road up to McCarty and then turned right up to Tittabawassee Road that intersected with Midland Road where this bridge was located.  From there we turned North again and headed up to Freeland.

It is just a memory... but Grace and I went fishing years ago, just to the right of this bridge when she was a little girl.  I don't know why it was just her and me but that is where we went fishing one time while we were visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Severance!

Mark is making his way... as we get closer to Freeland

Coming into Freeland

The scenery seems to be changing a bit as we get closer to Freeland.  Sidewalks are re-appearing which make it easier to traverse along!

This is actually a scary photo!

The picture of this millstone that we saw on our way over to Freeland reminds me of a sobering story that Jesus told!  He said that if anyone offends one of 'the little ones' that he considers precious to Him that it would be better for that person if a "millstone" would be hung around their necks and then thrown into the sea!  Wow...!  Just thinking about that gives me the "willies!"  I never thought of it that way... But how often do you see millstones laying around?  So I guess... 'Ima gonna thank about it!'  So walking can make you sober up... just from the things you see along the way!  I am so glad that knowing and relating to Jesus is not just some religious function but... "rilly is", real life!  This 'stone' and what it speaks is real life!   So 'I gotta' deal with it! 

With my feet on the Ground!

Simply Trey