Photo Of The Week: Frog In Puddle

I saw a little frog swimming around in one of the puddle of water in the drive way and decided to try to get a picture if I could. To my surprise, I saw the mother frog one day so I stopped and took her picture.

Mom's Birthday With The Grandkids

Today was my mother's birthday. In our family, we take the persons who's birthday i is out to eat. My sister, Mary and I, took our mom with the Mary's kids down to Greenville, South Carolina. We eat lunch at the Golden Corral in Cherrydale and then looked around the shops in Greenville. Mom enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren since she has not seen them in a couple months. After spending time in Greenville, we showed Mary where Mom lives and Mary showed us her new house in Asheville, North Carolina. It was a long day but we all enjoyed the day. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Photo Of The Week:

This is a marker on a grave in a cemetery down the road from my house. It glows in the dark but I could not get a great picture of in glowing in the dark.

First Day of School

Yesterday, I have my first day of classes at the college. When I first got to the school I checked to see if the financial aid for my books was set up at the Book Store. Everything was setup for me to get my books so off to the book store. I got over to the book store and started looking for my books. I about died of a heart attack when I found the book for my accounting class and it cost over $200. I did not even to pick it up. I continue on looking for my other book and they were $56.50, $110.75 and $173.75. I got the other three books and went to the counter to see how much I had for book with my financial aid. I had enough to cover all my books. I even lucked out and they had one used book left for my accounting class that cost $153.50. Thank God!

I know you can buy the book for less online but you can not use financial aid on the websites. I wonder how much the books would cost if people had to pay for the book on their own. I would be willing to bet it would be a little cheaper. I now that I would have just left the books their and asked for a lower price.

After, I got my books I head off to my first class for the semester, my accounting class. I believe I will enjoy the class. They professor is my academic advisor and is enjoyable to talk and listen too. I am sure I will learn a lot this semester and hopefully end up with better jobs.

My New Website

I have decided to go ahead at release my new website to the public today. I am not finished with the setup at this time up I hoping to get some feedback to make it better by releasing it now. I moved my site to 50Webs from GeoCities since Yahoo! is closing GeoCities down in October of this year. I have kept the name Dan the Mountain Man's Cabin but have made several changes from the old site.

I do not have much information on the site but I hope in time to make the site a wealth of information. I do most of the website by typing the code myself so it takes a while to create a page but it gives me more control of how the page looks. I can edit the pages faster since I know where to look in the code. I have been working on web sites since 1996 as a hobby. I enjoy working on my site.

I have also add music to this Blog last night. The list of songs our songs that Jo Anne enjoy listening too. The player is at the bottom of the page.

Miles Away

Being apart from someone you care and love is really hard. At this time, I realized and feel all the sacrifices that my parents went through during the moment that my Dad is working at the ship just to give us a better future.

Daniel and I were almost experiencing the same scenario. But we knew from the start of our relationship that we’re going to face some difficulties and challenges in our lives. First, is the distance that we had from each other. Second, is the processing that we’re going to undergo in order for us to be together forever. These are the things that break our heart, but we are ready to face it from the beginning. We both feel the sadness but we are thankful for the strength and comfort that God has given us. The top secret for having a successful relationship is putting God at the center. Our prayer time is a great blessing for us. No matter how busy we are, we set a time to pray together everyday and that is our commitment to the Lord. God brought us together and we believe He will make a way for us to be together forever in a few months.

We are miles away but our hearts are very close to one another. God connect us and bind us with the love that comes from Him and no one can break the bond that we had. God is our strong foundation, our shield, our strength, our comfort, and our provider. He sustain all our needs, and He make all things possible. We put our trust to the Lord for He knows what is the best for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Orientation For Online Class

Today, I went to Blue Ridge Community College to attendant the orientation class for online classes. The college offers online classes through the Moodle system. I am taking a Principles of Management class online. This will be my first online class. Of course, I am going back to school for Business Management Degree. I hope to use the degree to start my own ministry or business.

I am excited about starting classes on Thursday. I interested to see how I do with the online class. The Moodle system looks pretty easy to use. Moodle stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It was developed in Australia. Many colleges are switching to Moodle for their online classes because of its low cost and it is easy to use.

Tomorrow, I will be working on getting everything setup for my online class. I have to setup my college e-mail account and Moodle account. Of course I will be updating you on my schooling here.

Why is the Dismal Forest called Dismal?

While, I got an answer from the Assistant Park Ranger at the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area in South Carolina. I think it is a good answer.

Apparently there are two different stories for how the Dismal Forest received its name. The first is that when loggers first entered the Dismal Forest, the rhododendron and mountain laurel were so thick (or so "dismal") they decided to turn around and log elsewhere. The second involves those visitors who came to visit Caesars Head in the late 1800's. Apparently, a few young woman were standing out where the overlook is today looking out over the Dismal Forest. As they enjoyed the view and fanned themselves from the summer heat, they contemplated how "dismal" it would be if one were to fall to their death from the overlook. At the thought of someone falling, they would continue to fan themselves, just shake their heads and say......"Dismal, dismal, dismal."

Again, the Dismal Forest in located in Northern Greenville County, South Carolina. It can be seen from the overlook at the headquaters of the Caesars Head State Park.

Photo Of The Week: The Mushroom

I found this mushroom near my roommate's parents' house. Makes you want to look for fairies.

Researching A Question For A Reader

With last week's Photo of the Week from the Dismal Forest, I received a question about why it was called the Dismal Forest? I have been looking into the question a have not found much more information that I already knew. In fact, the only thing new I have learned in my research in the Dismal Forest in located in the Dismal Valley. So I continue my research. I am currently waiting on replies to e-mails I have sent to the Greenville County Historical Society and the Caesars Head State Park asking for leads that I can use to answer the question. Next week I will travel down to Greenville if I have enough money for the gas to done more local research on the question.

Here is what I know so far about the Dismal Forest. The Dismal Forest is located in the Dismal Valley in Northern Greenville County, South Carolina. It is a hardwood forest that covers several miles. I am guessing at this point that it got it name from the thick forest cover keeps the light out from under the tree tops. I am trying to find the history of the forest to see who first named it the Dismal Forest.

I enjoy receiving question and comments from the readers of Mountain High And Valley Lows, and try my best to answer any questions quickly. If you have a question or a suggestion for a blog post please feel free to contract me.

A Evening Out With Mom

Tonight, Mom and I headed down to Greenville, South Carolina for a evening out together. We stop at the Huntin' Camp Bar B Q & Grill in Travelers Rest for dinner. Then went looking around in some of the shops in Greenville.

Huntin' Camp Bar B Q & Grill is at 2221 Hwy 25 North in Travelers Rest and has a great buffet. The food is always great and wonderful service. I have been promising mom for awhile that I would take her there to eat. Mom enjoyed her meal.

After we eat, mom and I heading on down to Greenville and looked around in some of the stores. We stop at the Cold Stone Creamery to get some ice cream. After enjoying the ice cream we went to the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in the same shopping center. While at the bookstore, I found several books I would like to have. I read a few pages in a few books. I even did a little research for a post for Mountain Highs and Valley Lows that I am working on with no luck on the answer to the question I am trying to answer. I would say the bookstore was the highlight of the night.

Hope For People In Poverty

This past Sunday, Jen from my Sunday School Class reported about her mission trip to Ethiopia which she just returned from. She did work with a school and another ministry. The school helps teach students English. The ministry she worked with helps a community with AIDS to improve there lives.

Many of the things she talked about in want ministry to the people with AIDS is very similar to the ministry that I want to get started to help people to get out of poverty. Part of want the ministry in Ethiopia takes coffee beans and make jewelry which is sold to benefit the people in the community. People in the who get money use the money to help others in the community out. The ministry has also helped they to setup a saving account for needs in their future. This is very similar to the plan for my ministry. I plan on out into place with a poverty and see want skills the people their have and provide ways for they to use their skills to provide money for themselves and their family. I hope to open stores here in the United States and their home countries to sell the products the make. The money made from the sale of products will be used to pay the people and pay for improvement to their community and develop their skills more.

The ministry that I am working on setting up with on adults that live in poverty. The ministry will work to take care of physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people in poverty. Poverty is more then lack of money but involves physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. I want to use the blessing that God has given me to bless other people. I plan to start with people in the Philippines and as we get thing setup partnerships with other ministries with the same goal of breaking the cycle of poverty. I know of a couple programs in Africa that helps people in poverty. Many are working to help with the scares of the many wars over the years.

Of course, as time goes on I will make updates here on Mountain Highs and Valley Lows. Right now, money is the biggest thing that has prevented we from getting things start at this time. I am sure that God will provide what is needed to get started when it is time to get started.

Dear Mr. Jesus

A song of prayer of an abusive child who cried for help to our Lord Jesus Christ. So sad to hear but we need to face the truth that many were a victim of child abuse. I want to share a story of two little girl who had been through with this experience. I feel so sad and my heart broke when I watch the video with their stories.



Dear Mr. Jesus

Dear Mr. Jesus I just had to write to you.
Something really scared me, when I saw it on the news.
A story 'bout a little girl beaten black and blue
Jesus, thought I'd take this right to
you.

Dear Mr. Jesus, I don't understand
Why they took her mom and dad away
I know that they don't mean to hit with wild and angry hands
Tell them just how big they are I pray.

Please don't let them hurt your children
We need love and shelter from the storm
Please don't let them hurt your children
Won't you keep us safe and warm.

Dear Mr. Jesus, they say that she may die
Oh I hope the doctors stop the pain
I know that you could save her and take her up to the sky
So she would never have to hurt again

Please don't let them hurt your children.
Dear Mr. Jesus, please tell me what to do
And please don't tell my daddy
But my mommy hits me, too.
Please don't let them hurt your children....


Just give some time to think and reflect on the cry of these children. For all the parents, it is your duty and obligations to protect your children and not to bring them into harm. Let's try to put our feet in the position of those children who were abused, i am sure we will feel the pain they had. Children is a blessing from God, and we must give the love they need.

Photo Of The Week: Dismal Forest

This is the Dismal Forest in Greenville County, South Carolina.

Looking For A New Place To Live!

I am starting to take the steps for the next stage of my life. Part of this change is finding a new place to live. I need to find a place were Jo Anne can join my when she gets here. Of course, that is part of her Visa process. I will also need a place that will allow pet since I have Rayna.

The place that I live right now no longer means my needs for a place to live. I do not mind having a roommate. In fact, at this time a roommate or two is may be needed. I do not smoke or party, so it would be best to have a roommate that does not party also. I would prefer a Christian roommate. I already have a couple friends and family looking for a place for me. I will be checking around different places that list homes for rent. My friend that read this Blog if you know of a place for rent please let me know.

I hope one day to own my own place but at this time I can not afford a place of my own. I only have a few more month before my car is paid off. That will free up more money each month. I will continue to make the payment to my saving to buy a car without going into debt.

I am also looking for a second job that will work around my school schedule and other job. The second job is needed to get the money needed for Jo Anne's Visa. I also need to make more money to meet the minimum income requirement for Jo Anne's Visa.

Hike To Raven Cliff Overlook

On Monday, Rayna and I took hiked out to Raven Cliff Falls Overlook in Caesars Head State Park near Cleveland, South Carolina. There is a two mile trail out to the overlook. There is a $2 access fee for the trail per person over the age of 16. You put the money in a box at the trail-head. The view you see at the overlook and another the trail is worth the hike out to the overlook.



The trail is easy to walk with a couple steps along the way. The trail is well maintained by the park service. The trail is width enough for people to pass easily in most places. I also recommend trying some of the other trails and visiting the overlook in the at the headquarters.

Salamat, President Corazon Aquino (1933-2009)

Our country was in grieving for the lost of our beloved Former President Corazon C. Aquino, who became the leader and a mother of our nation for about 6 years. She served as the 11th president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female president of the Philippines and was Asia's first female president. She is also known as a world-renowned advocate of democracy, peace, women's empowerment and religious piety. Her leadership serves as a big impact to all Filipinos because through her we received the democracy we are longing. She led the country with all her best and gives her life in full service despite of many criticisms that was throwing to her by some people.

The sad news about her death was broadcast early morning of August 1, 2009 at around 3:18AM at Makati Medical Center. She died of cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer at the age of 76. Aquino was diagnosed with the disease in March 2008 but kept up public appearances this year . The news broke the heart of the people and more people shed in tears when they heard what happened to her. We will not able to see her anymore but her memories will always remain in the hearts of all Filipinos. For more details about her life, kindly visit http://www.answers.com/topic/coraz-n-aquino.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all the family, we keep praying for all of you. Thank you President Cory Aquino for the courage you showed in leading our country for 6 years. You will never be forgotten by all Filipinos. The peace and comfort that comes from the Lord be with all the family always.

My Father’s Chair

As I took my rest this afternoon, I had a chance to reflect and see how blessed I am to have a loving parents who brought me up in the ways of the Lord. I remember way back 1998 when I attended the National Youth camp of our Church, the song My Father’s Chair was interpret by some youth through a Pantomime. This song really touch my heart, knowing that, in our time now more children were abandoned by their earthly parents and they are longing for the love and embrace that they should have. I want to share the writings that were written by David Meece who also sung this song, just visit http://www.davidmeece.com/writings_myfatherchair.html. I hope his writing will inspire you especially those who are living alone and were abandoned by their own family. Remember, our Father in Heaven will never leave us and he loves us very much. If you feel the pain of being alone, just look at on the empty chair and imagine that our God was sitting there and waiting for us to embrace us and give the love that we are longing.

Photo Of The Week: Vegetable Garden At Carl Sandburg's Home

This is the Vegetable Garden at Carl Sandburg's Home. I like the scarecrow since you do not see many of them.