How to Practice True Meditation

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Mark Cole

by Stefani Yorges, Ph.D. ~

In this world of busy schedules, noisy offices, and invasive technology, people are hungry for the peace that quiet meditation can bring.  But meditation has become associated with a mystical ritual practiced by eastern religions, so most Christians have removed the word from their vocabulary.

Meditation

The word is actually used frequently in the Bible:

  • David said, “Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long,” “I meditate on all Your works,” and “I meditate on You in the night.” (Psalm 119:97, 143:5, 63:6). He was also concerned about the quality of his meditation, saying, “Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight” (Psalm 104:34, 19:14).
  • Joshua encouraged the Israelites to meditate on the Book of the Law all day long for it would bring them prosperity and success (Joshua 1:8).
  • Paul told the Philippian church to meditate on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Biblical meditation is reflecting on God’s Word. It involves calling to mind, thinking over, and dwelling on the ways of God. Meditation is defined as focused thinking – a skill obviously useful in prayer and Bible study. It is a means to let His truth have a full and proper impact on your heart.

Proper meditation involves filling your mind with God’s truth, rather than emptying your mind as in Eastern practice. Eastern-style meditation involves repeating a mantra, which Webster’s dictionary defines as “a mystical formula of invocation or incantation (as in Hinduism).” The goal is to move into a trance-like state and progress to the point where “spirit guides” appear to lead and instruct you.

In true meditation, there is only one Holy Spirit you should be seeking, not multiple spirit guides. You only want the Holy Spirit speaking over your life; anything else is going to lead you astray. Satan has always tried to imitate the power of the Holy Spirit by offering deceptive alternatives. But the Bible says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God…Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God” (1 John 4:1-3).

If you open up your spirit for guidance and direction, make sure it is not a counterfeit. In true meditation, the Holy Spirit can lift your burdens, change your perspective, and renew your mind. Psalm 119 lists some of the benefits of meditation including guidance, wisdom, discernment, insight, and heightened obedience. Exactly what we need today!

For more from Stefani:
1.  Follow her on Twitter here.
2. Get a FREE guide on how to renew your mind here.
3. Check out her coaching services here.

The original post is here.

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What Makes A Great Worship Song?

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Mark Cole

I recently saw three questions asked on a Facebook ‘Worship Leaders +’ group. Brent Milligan asked: What qualities or attributes of a worship song make it something that people love to sing and can really get into? Why does EVERYBODY sing on 10,000 Reasons? Why do Tomlin’s songs go over so well in so many churches?

Great Worship Song

I thought some of the responses were particularly good. So I wanted to repost some of them. Which of these posts resonates with you?

Dave Duncan: Digging into my notes from a past conference where Don Moen spoke about what makes a “good worship song”:
Catchy, memorable, true, emotional, culturally accessible, original, universal theme.
“10,000 Reasons” and many Tomlin songs fit that criteria. So do many others, but culture plays a big part in what works and what doesn’t at any given church.
Delivery plays a part, too. The same song played two very different ways can be very differently received by the same congregation.

Peter Hamm: Andy Piercy at the NWLC last year said a lot of stuff that I thought was golden in the songwriting seminar.
He talked about the balance between the 3 elements of song – words, tune, beat (rhythm and cadence of words)…
But here’s the thing… people can only concentrate on two at once. Words and tune, or words and beat or beat and tune.
A lot of the “bad” worship songs I’ve heard don’t understand that.

Derek Charles Johnson: 10,000 Reasons has a hymn-like quality to it…that’s why I think it goes over well in my church. They like hymns.

Dave Duncan: Think of the common denominators for many of the popular worship songs: it’s easy to listen to and remember the melody, it has words that flow in a somewhat consistent meter, it contains words that are true/Scriptural, it’s in a singable range (this is a bit of a moving target, but generally speaking…) and the arrangement is probably not too complex and follows one of but a few common patterns. In other words, the popular songs probably don’t challenge the listener to do more than just listen AND is inviting them to maybe join in.
It’s that simple to me.

Erick Bieger: From a purely musical perspective it’s all about the hook. You nail down that one melody that you can’t get out of your head and you build around that. Throw in lyrics with theological depth that are easily singable – you win.

Curtis Kent Toneworks: yes. everything must be accessible. The melody, the key, the lyrics, rhythm of the words, everything. IF this is present and the theology is sound. THEN you have a great congregational song.

Bill Horn: I would also add that there are certain songs that resonate or ring true within believers. Most often it is something that is directly from Scripture or very connected with Scripture, but you know it as soon as you sing it together. I like to describe those statements or phrases as “very true.” There is no question or hesitation for any of us that it is something we should be singing together.

Roz Jeffcoat Garland: Just one more comment… what we as worship musicians and leaders sometimes forget is that we learned the song by reading the music or a chart… other than seeing the words on screens, or in a bulletin, we are asking the congregation to learn the song by ear (rote) which is a lot to ask. How many times does it take doing it (considering that we have a week between Sundays) before they can really “lose” themselves in the music, in the worship experience and just SING it from the heart? I think it’s hard to really get into the music as a congregation member if you are still struggling with 15 different melodies, hooks, turnarounds, tags, pre-choruses, bridges, etc and all you have to lead you is your ear and the words. Just remember how it feels to be in a church where you Don’t know the music and are just standing there.

Mark Cole: I also think God’s anointing on the song and songwriter is a major factor in the success of a song, but that is harder to quantify. 

Question: So what do you think makes a great worship song? What elevates a song to making a congregation want to sing it again and again? Why do some songs thrive and others fail?

 

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Good Advice From A Very Remarkable Book

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Mark Cole

I have been reading through the book of Proverbs every month for over 30 years. That means I have read it at least 360 times. There is so much wisdom in that book that I still learn and glean from it daily. Here are my favorite proverbs and advice from that Book of Wisdom.

good-advice-2

– The purpose (of the Proverbs) is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. 

– Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.  

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. 

– Don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord  corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.

– Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 

– If you can help your neighbour now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

The path of the

– Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.

– Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.

– Wisdom speaks: I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.

– Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

– Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Screen Shot 2015-03-13 at 8.23.42 AM

– Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

– The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

– Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

– Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

– The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

– A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

– Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

– Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

– Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children.

– If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

– Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.

– We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

– Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

– Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

joyful_heart_good-_medicine

– A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

– The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.

– Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

– People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

– Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

– Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

– The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

Screen Shot 2015-03-13 at 8.09.39 AM

– Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.

– Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.

– If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

– The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

– Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.

– It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.

– A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

– Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

– Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

– Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.

Charm is deceptive

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9 Things Skilled Songwriters Do Differently

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Mark Cole

By Clay Mills ~

Throughout my 20 years as a professional songwriter, I’ve noticed there is not always a huge difference in talent levels between most creative people. Why, then do some songwriters seem to have an over abundance of fans buying their music and other writers struggle to sell the first song? The answer is there is not a huge difference in skill most writers process, but there is a little. And that extra 5% makes a BIG difference. I’ve also noticed that skilled songwriters shared some common mental habits. The good news is that these habits can be adopted through practice. Here are 9 traits that can help us over the hurdles to accomplishing our songwriting goals.

Treble Guitar

1.  Skilled Songwriters write whether they feel inspired are not.  

We all know how easily the words and melodies flow when we’ve been inspired by a life event to create. But skilled writers know to be a master of their craft they must write whether the feel like it or not. They are in love with writing and enjoy writing on a near daily basis. They realize they don’t have to wait on inspiration to strike. They began the task and invite inspiration to join them.

2.  Skilled Songwriters are process-oriented.

Skilled songwriters are focused on the act of writing. They are caught up in the moment while they are writing. Able to block out external distractions as well as internal. They use the process to stay focused and the overall goal as the rudder to steer their efforts. They are deliberate in their work, which allows them to avoid being over-emotionally attached to or judgmental when it comes to the song at hand.

3.  Skilled Songwriters can write what they feel in ways that make sense to others.

Again, skilled songwriters think about what they are writing in terms of how others might interpret it. Songs are a conversation with the listener. If the writer/singer is feeling the impact of the song but the audience is not then it’s not an effective song. It’s also a good habit to get feedback from mentors and people who you respect to make sure your songs are received the way you’ve intended.

4.  Skilled Songwriters appreciate different perspectives.

It’s difficult to be a skilled songwriter if you are not be open to ideas that are different from your own. This doesn’t mean agreeing; it simply means being open to all sides. When sitting down to write a song, this ability to look at the situation from all angles gives the skilled writer extra depth when writing a lyric. And affords the creator options to writing the song the best way possible.

5.  Skilled Songwriters keep learning.

It has been reported that people learning to juggle increased the grey matter in their occipital lobes, this is the area of the brain associated with visual memory. When the same individuals stopped practicing their new skill, this brain matter disappeared. Similarly when songwriting there is a “use-it-or-lose-it” phenomenon that occurs. Skilled songwriters are always learning more about their craft. they study other songs and songwriters. And write often!

6.  Skilled Songwriters cultivate a curious nature.

How does one cultivate curiosity? Simply, by asking questions and refusing to accept things at face value.  Skilled songwriters want to know how, what, when , why and where? It’s this curiosity that drives them to dig deeper into understanding human nature and write songs that resonate on a deeper emotional level.

7.  Skilled learners are good observers.

Skilled Songwriters study the many details of life around them and pick up on the things that are most useful to them; filtering out the rest. They are observant whether they are reading a text or listening to a sermon at Sunday morning church. They know that truly great ideas for their art come from everyday

8.  Skilled Songwriters are  frequently trying things.

Why is this important? Trying new things keeps the brain sharp. But it also keeps your creative channels open. We are most creative when we are exploring. Trying new grooves, rhyme schemes,  chord changes, etc, lead us to new creative places we never imagined going. Skilled songwriters know that doing the same thing over and over again lead only to creative ruts and boring songs. Skilled songwriters also know this is even more importantly applied to living life. Learning new hobbies and exploring the world around them can only lead to more fodder for their art.

9.  Skilled Songwriters always keep the big picture in mind.

Skilled songwriters know that writing is often a roller coaster of victories and valleys. Some days the creative juices are overflowing and other days you can feel like a frustrated beginner. There are times when the world is applauding your art and times when even your closest friends question why you do it. It’s the ability to look at the big picture that allows the skilled songwriter to ride the highs and lows with knowing faith that in the end the world is a better place because of music and art. And that struggle is often  a necessary ingredient to creating great music.

Clay Mills
Pro Songwriter/Producer/Seeker of Song Knowledge

The original post is here.

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Picking A Great Digital Stage Piano For My Worship Band

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Mark Cole

Have you come to the point where you need to upgrade your Digital Stage Piano? I have spent 10 years on the road and 30 years playing in churches and I’ve tried almost everything along the way. I’m especially fond of Roland, Yamaha and Nord products.

Stage pianos

In my quest to get the best-bang-for-the-buck I’m going to compare my 3 favorite stage digital pianos in the $2000-3000 range. These keyboards all have 88 weighted keys and have hundreds of different sounds. I’m especially looking for great acoustic and electric piano sounds, B-3 with Leslie effects, pad and string sounds. I also want ease-of-use, great layering capabilities and the ability to easily change sounds on the fly. So here are my 3 top picks.. Tell me what you think?

They are all great keyboards, it really boils down to what sounds and what keyboard feels the best for you. I’ll give you my personal choice at the end.

1. Roland RD-800 Stage Piano ($2499)

2. Nord Piano 2 HA88 ($2999)

3.  Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano ($2299)

As I said, they are all great keyboards but my vote goes to the Roland RD-800. It has some of my favorite sounds but it is also extremely easy to use. You can blend and change sounds quickly and intuitively. When you are in a live church situation with multiple keyboard players and teams, great sounds and ease-of-use are extremely important.

Question: Which of these keyboards is your favorite? Do you have another recommendation beside these three?

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount through this PayPal account.

Comments from Facebook:

David Straley: They’re all excellent keyboards. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. And since your church is paying for it, the price difference probably isn’t that important to you. (It might be if that weren’t the case.)

From my experience, Yamaha and Roland’s weakest point is their organs. But Nord is apparently well-respected for theirs. I heard a gal play Nord’s organ (and she was a real organ play) and it was fantastic.

But for those who do have to pay for their own keyboards, may I suggest that you get an older one? You can get a 10-year-old keyboards (or older) which still sounds terrific. I mean, like really good.

And for those who are on the road a lot, may I suggest that you go a whole other route. That’s this: consider getting rack-mount synthesizer modules and drive them with a low-cost controller keyboard. This is more work for setting up, but it has a powerful side-benefit: when your keyboard breaks (not if) you can replace it with a new, low-cost controller, but still keep all your sounds and your painstakingly crafted configurations. You can buy older MIDI modules at a low price and they still sound terrific, too.

And of course, you can also go with Software synths + a controller, if you’re into that. Also a lot cheaper than a new Nord, etc.

Tom Keller: Go into the Roland in detail. You have complete control over every aspect of their sounds. They model a lot of their organ sounds from Hammond B3. Nord is an amazing piano. It has awesome electric pianos and organs, but that’s pretty much the only place where it shines. Rack mount synths are good, but you don’t have control on the fly. That’s why I like work stations such as the FA-08 or the Korg Kronos. I’d play all of them and get a feel for them all before dropping a giant load of cash on one. Take your time and look at as many as you can!

Dusty Sturk: The Nords also do great synths (fully controllable) and vintage effects. One other selling point for Nord is that you can download and swap out sounds whenever you want with their editing software. I have found that aspect quite useful when looking for specific sounds for certain songs. It is a pretty invaluable feature. The Korg allows downloaded sounds, but they charge quite a pretty penny for them, as opposed to Nord, which is all free.

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10 Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Life Instantaneously

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Mark Cole
By Lolly Daskal,  President and CEO, Lead From Within, Twitter:  ~

(slightly edited by Mark Cole for a Christian perspective)

Everyone wants to make an impact and live a life they can be proud of. But anyone who has ever known success or even been around the block a time or two knows that life comes with some hard realities.

Success takes hard work and commitment, but what happens when situations change and success evade us?

Maybe we have to start looking at the hard truths that show us whether we’re standing in the way of our own success.

Maybe what’s needed is to spend some time praying, rethinking, revamping, and restructuring our approach to give us the best chance at moving forward successfully.

harsh-truths

Here are 10 harsh truths–they may not be fun to hear or think about, but they can help you improve your life immediately.

1. You can’t control a lot of things–but you can control how you respond.

In life and in business, many things are outside your control. But there is one thing you can always control–and that is yourself, your reactions and ideas.

2. Life isn’t always happy–but there’s value in both the bad and the good.

There is tremendous pressure on all of us to be happy. But life is sometimes difficult and painful. When you let go of the idea that only happiness has value, you can accept life in all its glorious complexity.

3. Most things don’t last forever–and that’s a good thing.

Whatever the situation or emotion, there’s great freedom when you can learn to let go, make the experience a part of who you are becoming, and move on.

4. We can do our best and still fail–and it’s not our fault.

As leaders we have a tendency to be hard on ourselves. But when you let go of perfectionism you can accept that you did your best, whatever the outcome. Hope and pray for the best and expect great things–and if that doesn’t happen, let it go.

5. You’re not everyone’s cup of tea–and that’s OK.

It’s been acknowledged again and again that you can’t please everyone. But if you focus on staying in favor with yourself and God, you can fly above the approval of others.

6. The past is gone–but you can build a great future on its foundation.

We’re all inclined to spend time analyzing the past. It’s valuable up to a point, but beyond that it’s just a recipe for paralysis. Hold onto what you have learned, let go of any pain, forgive and move forward into the present–and from there, the future.

7. The approaches of others are not your concern–acceptance is.

Each one of us is unique in our own way, and that is what makes this world so fantastic. What is right for me may be wrong for you (within God’s parameters) –all we can do is to let go of judgment and accept one another for who we are.

8. Some people and situations are harmful–and there’s strength in walking away.

Once in a while, you encounter a person or situation that’s just wasting your time, sucking precious resources and energy from your life. It may not be your place to judge, but that doesn’t mean you have to allow toxicity to hold you back. Just leave it behind you.

9. Deceit and games don’t fuel careers–trust is the key.

Life and business are built on relationships, and like partnerships, marriages, or friendships, trust and authenticity are the key components.

10. Many things you can’t choose.

You can make excuses, blame others, embrace the toxic and wrong–or you can follow a brighter path. It’s up to you.

When you let go of the bad ideas in your life, it’s not about weakness–it’s about realizing that you can change and choose well and you are strong enough to let go of the things that may be holding you back.

Many things you can’t choose–but you have a choice in everything you do. Pray, trust God and move on to the good things He has in store for you.

The original post is here.

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The Most Amazing Book I Have Ever Read

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Mark Cole

When I was twenty-six years old I was the music director of a Christian band travelling in Europe. Because of a political crisis in Poland, our travel plans changed and we ended up staying at YWAM (Youth With A Mission) hostel outside of Vienna, Austria for about three weeks with no concerts.

Around that time, one of the guys in the band gave me a ‘Read-Thru-The-Bible-In-A-Year’ chart and encouraged me to start reading the Bible on a daily basis. Because of our empty schedule, I started reading the Bible for hours every day. As I read it, God began to speak to my heart. I began to change. I remember gently weeping as God’s Spirit spoke to my heart through the power of the words of the Bible.

Amazing Book

I had begun to discover the power of the Bible. The power that God’s word has to change the human heart. It began a shift in my life and mind that continues to this day. Those hours reading the Bible began a transformation in my heart that lead me to be a Pastor for the next 30+ years. At that time, I also committed myself to make the reading of the Bible a daily part of my life. That has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

In Paul Tripp’s blog, he gives three powerful reasons to encourage us to read the Bible. I share these edited points because I have found them to be true in my life.

1. The Bible Shows Us How To Understand Life

From the beginning of time, there has been an immeasurable distance between the mind of God and the comprehension of humans. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Even in a sinless world, Adam and Eve were completely dependent on God for revelation. They didn’t come into existence knowing what life was about. They didn’t know who God was or why they were created. As soon as Adam took a breath, God started telling him all the important things he needed to know.

We are no different from Adam and Eve, except that they received revelation while walking and talking with the Creator. Today, we receive our revelation through the Bible. It is where we need to go to discover who God is and why we were created.

You need to read the Bible because you’re a human being. You simply don’t have the capacity to understand life without divine help. Without God’s Word, your existence will not make any sense.

2. The Bible Shows Us How To Live Life The Right Way

If Adam and Eve needed God’s Word in a perfect world, how much more do we need His word now? You see, it is difficult to have pure motivations in your life; sin tends to taint our outlook and perspective.

We need the Word of God to help us know what is good and true because it doesn’t come naturally: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8).

You need to read the Bible because we are sinners. You simply don’t have the ability to move through life with a clean heart. Without God’s Word, you don’t have what it takes to live righteously.

3. The Bible Shows Us How To Change

The ultimate purpose of the Word of God is worship. We were designed to worship the Creator, but sin captures our heart and we worship the creation (Romans 1:25). Only the Word of God can take us from one side to the other.

The Bible has the unparalleled ability to grip us at our roots – our sinful, creation-worshiping heart – and transform us into an entirely different person.

You need to read the Bible to experience change. You simply cannot experience spiritual growth on your own.

One Final Word

The purpose of this blog is not to persuade you to rise early everyday and read the entire Bible in 365 days. It’s very possible to read the Bible diligently and with a hard heart.

Instead, this blog is written in the hope that you might admit to three things: your dependence on God, your sinful heart, and your need for change. If you read the Bible with that type of humility, get ready for God to change and reshape your heart, soul and mind.

If you would like to start reading the Bible on a regular basis, here are links to two great online reading plans.

1. Read the Whole Bible Chronologically in a Year: 

Bible Reading Plan — the Bible Chronologically #2

2. Read the New Testament, Proverbs & Psalms in One Year: 

Bible Reading Plan — 2 Chapters A Day

Just add your email at the bottom of one of these links to receive daily readings that will take just 10-15 minutes per day.  1. Whole Bible NLT Chronologically or 2. New Testament/Psalms/Proverbs

 

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10 Amazing Day Hikes Near Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Mark Cole

by Kyle Pearce ~

With the warm days of summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time of year to start planning some day hikes in the Coast Mountains. I make an effort to get out and do a solid hike every week throughout the year. Even in the winter, some of the hikes mentioned below can be done with good boots, skis or snowshoes; such as Dog Mountain, Diez Vistas and Mount Seymour.

What  I find most amazing about Vancouver is living in an urban environment but still having amazing backcountry wilderness on our doorstep. All of these 10 hikes are within 1-2 hours driving distance from the city of Vancouver and they can be completed in a single day. As you can see for yourself in the photos below, all of these 10 hikes offer exceptional views.

1. DOG MOUNTAIN

Dog MOuntain

A surreal view of Vancouver’s natural harbour and the distant peaks of Vancouver Island as the sun sets.

Photo Credit: Kyle Pearce

The Dog Mountain bluffs offer the best-hike-to-view ratio in the Lower Mainland. I try to do this hike at least once a month since it is a quick 25 minutes drive from downtown and it only takes about 1 or 2 hours to complete. Plus, it is an easy hike in the snow.

The trailhead begins just past the Bear’s Paw lodge at the far end of the Mount Seymour parking lot. In the summer, the Dog Mountain bluffs and the other ridge lines higher up in Mount Seymour Provincial Park are an excellent place to watch meteor showers and observe the northern lights. While you can’t camp on the Dog Mountain bluffs, there are many backcountry camping spots in the park where you can camp with a view of the sparkling lights of Vancouver from your campsite.

2. STAWAMUS CHIEF

The Chief

The mysterious crouching Stawamus Chief seen from the Squamish Marina.

Photo Credit: Kyle Pearce

The Stawamus Chief, or “The Chief”, is the second largest free standing granite outcropping in the world (after the Rock of Gibraltar). There are three domed summits you can hike to, all accessed by a trail that starts on the side of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park near Shannon Falls. The lowest dome takes about 3 hours and the highest dome takes 5 hours (all times are return trips).

The Chief in Squamish is also a world-famous rock climbing destination. Many professional climbers will spend the summer months living in the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park campground at the base. There are also day climbing tours available in the nearby town of Squamish to climb one of the many challenges routes on the front face.

3. ST. MARK’S SUMMIT

St Mark's

A spectacular view over the mouth of Howe Sound. You can see Bowen Island on top left, the smaller Anvil Island to the right and the mountains of Vancouver Island fade into the clouds in the distance.

Photo Credit: Realaworld

St Mark’s summit is an intermediate hike that starts by the Cypress Mountain day lodge. It winds 11 km along the Howe Sound Crest Trail. It takes about 5 hours to get to the summit and back.

If you’re really ambitious and you want to hike the entire Howe Crest Sound Trail it takes 1-2 days to hike the full 32 km. There are many other mountains along the trail that have much better views like the Binkert Lions, Unnecessary Mountain and Mount Harvey, but St. Mark’s Summit is the easiest hike and the other peaks can be difficult to reach until mid-to-late summer when the snow has melted.

4. MOUNT CHEAM

Mt Cheam

The view of the peak of Mount Cheam with the volcano Mount Baker looming in the background.

Photo Credit: Kyle Hislop

Mount Cheam is the highest peak in the Fraser Valley but also one of the easiest climbs thanks to a logging road that gets you within a one-hour hike of the summit. The road is snowed-in for most of the year so the best time to go is between July and October.

The backcountry forest road can be accessed from Chilliwack Lake road and you will need a 4×4 vehicle. You can find more information on how to get there on the Mount Cheam hike page provided by Vancouver Trails.

5. MOUNT BAKER RECREATION AREA

Mt Baker

The late summer view of Mount Shuksan reflected in the calm waters of Picture Lake.

Photo Credit: Kyle Pearce

Only a 2 hour drive and a quick border crossing at Sumas from Vancouver, Mount Baker Recreational Area offers amazing high alpine hiking right from the parking lot at 4200 feet. In the summer and fall you can drive up to Artist’s Point and from there you can access many excellent hikes that can be completed in a few hours. The mountain scenery in this area is simply outstanding.

If you want a more challenging hike you can attempt to trek Mount Shuksan pictured above or make the ascent of the 10,781 foot volcano Mount Baker (from the top of both mountains you can see Vancouver on a clear day). In the winter months, Mount Baker Ski Resort offers winter trekking and some of the best powder in the world. The resort actually holds the world record for the most snow at a ski area in a single season. The record-setting snowfall in the 1998-99 season was 1,140 inches (95 feet)!

6. GARIBALDI LAKE

Garibaldi Lake

The view of the aqua blue waters of Garibaldi Lake and Mount Garibaldi from Panorama Ridge.

Photo Credit: Grant Mattice

The 3 hour hike up to Garibaldi Lake is a tedious trek along seemingly endless switchbacks. But once you arrive at Garibaldi Lake you will be blown away by just how insanely beautiful this glacial lake is. While it can be done in a day, it is better to spend a few days at the beautiful campground along the southern shore.

Book ahead at the Garibaldi Lake Provincial Park campground and from there you can hike to Panorama Ridge, the Battleship Islands, Black Tusk (a highly recommended 3 hour hike from the campground where you can see Whistler and the Pacific Ocean from the same peak), Cheakamus Lake and the amazing wildflowers in the Black Tusk meadows (best seen between the middle of July and middle of August).

7. DIEZ VISTAS

Vistas

The view of Indian Arm and the city of Vancouver in the distance.

Photo Credit: David J Laporte

The Diez Vistas trail is a nice 4-6 hour hike along the ridgelines above Indian Arm and Bunsen Lake in Belcarra Regional Park. On the way back down, it is worth stopping at Buntzen Lake or drive 5 minutes to the much warmer Sasamat Lake (also called White Pine Beach) for a swim.

The trailhead begins at the south end of Buntzen Lake. From the main beach you should walk to your left and follow the marshlands to a boardwalk. Walk across the boardwalk and you will see the marked ascent begins on the other side.

8. CROWN MOUNTAIN

Andrew Ladd

When I saw this photo it just blew me away. Local boy and two-time Stanley Cup champion Andrew Ladd fulfilling his dream to watch the sunrise on Crown Mountain with the Stanley Cup.

Photo Credit: Mark L. Johnson

Crown Mountain is one of the most distinctive peaks visible from downtown Vancouver. You have to take the Grouse Mountain skyride to access the trailhead but I can assure you it’s a lot better hike than taking the crowded, knee-crushing Grouse Grind. The trail starts just beyond the Grizzly Bear refuge on Grouse Mountain and it takes about 5 hours to the peak and back.

The pyramid-like peak in the top left of the picture above is Cathedral Mountain, the highest visible peak from Vancouver in the North Shore Mountains. Brunswick Mountain, the highest peak in the North Shore Mountains at 1,788 m (5,866 ft) is accessed from the Howe Sound Crest Trail. Also highly recommended is Goat Mountain, the peak to the right of Crown Mountain. It is much easier and only takes about 4 hours to the summit and back.

9. MOUNT SEYMOUR

Mt Seymour

 The view of Vancouver from the peak of Mount Seymour.

Photo Credit: Karl Woll

Mount Seymour is a 5-hour hike from the Mount Seymour Ski Resort parking lot. The trail follows the edge of Mount Seymour’s ski runs and then you climb the three “pumps”,which are large dome-like mountaintops. The third “pump” is the summit of Mount Seymour. The views of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland on the way down will take your breath away.

I find it is most fun to do this hike in the winter when you can ski, slide or snowboard back down. There are usually lots of interesting and friendly people in the Seymour Backcountry hiking around and building jumps in the winter. If you attain a backcountry camping permit at the Mount Seymour Provincial Park office you can also camp in the park.

10. THE BINKERT LIONS

The Lions

 Photo Credit: Stephen Lam

The Lions Gate Bridge is named in honour of these distinctive twin peaks and they are a famous natural landmark visible throughout the Lower Mainland. The best way to reach these peaks is a 8-hour hike along the Binkert Trail (named after Paul Binkert of the BC Mountaineering Club) from the village of Lions Bay. You can also hike to the Lions from the Howe Sound Crest Trail that begins in Cypress Provincial Park.

Overall, this is probably the hardest hike on the list and you can only the summit the slightly higher 1,646 m (5,400 ft) West Lion (on the left in the picture) because the East Lion is protected in the Vancouver watershed. It is recommended to have rock climbing equipment and ropes to summit the West Lion but it can be also reached by a slightly dangerous scramble.

So, there you have it, ten of the best hikes that you can do in a day around Vancouver. If you have your own personal favorite hike in the Coast Mountains that isn’t mentioned please feel free to share it with everyone.

Author: KYLE PEARCE

I teach people how to optimize their health and productivity using flow psychology and quantified self-tracking. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

The original post is here.

Note from Mark: I’ve done three of these hikes: The Chief, Black Tusk (Garibaldi Lake) and the back of The Lions (I didn’t summit)…. I hope to do a couple of these hikes this summer when I visit my family in Vancouver and eventually I would like to do all of them.

 

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Grandparents Are Key To Happy Grandchildren

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Mark Cole

From oversixty.com ~

A grandparent’s love for their grandchildren is often said to be the most magical love of all – it’s boundless, unconditional and unbreakable. Without the daily pressures of parenting, grandparents and grandchild often develop a bond that is as close as it is strong.

Happy-little-girl-with-grandfather

A recent university study examined the role grandparents play in the development of children, has confirmed what every grandparent knows (or hopes, at least) – grandparents are key to grandchildren’s happiness!

“We wanted to see how grandparents matter to children, so we asked a number of questions related to emotional closeness to grandparents,” said lead author Jeremy Yorgason, assistant professor in the School of Family Life.

The study asked 408 fifth graders questions about their relationship with their grandparents including whether they get advice on important decisions and feel like they can discuss problems with their grandparents. The questions were followed up a year later.

The results found “the emotional relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren can significantly affect the children’s academic, psychological, and social development.” When grandparents are involved in their grandchildren’s lives, kids are not only more social but also more engaged in school. Researchers also noted kids were more likely to develop pro-social skills essential for social development, such as showing care, compassion and kindness for people who are not part of their inner circles.

“Grandparents matter above and beyond parents,” said Yorgason, adding, “They are an important resource.” Regular contact with adults outside children’s immediate family means they are more likely to be able to think outside of themselves.

The strong grandparent-grandchild connection was found regardless of income or whether it was a single parent or two parent households. In fact, grandparents who do not live with their grandkids were found to have the strongest bond.

As the study notes, it may be because “non-resident grandparents take on a role that encourages positive development rather than disciplining negative behaviour… which is particularly important in early adolescence when parent-child conflict increases.” Grandkids can find secure allies in grandparents, Yorgarson said, continuing, “Grandparents are like the National Guard, if there is a problem, they come in and help out.”

All in all, the study concluded, “children have a higher level of self-confidence when grandparents give more affection. Such emotional closeness has long-term positive impacts on children’s lives, including the value children derive from giving and receiving care from another person.”

The message to takeaway from this study? A close grandparent-grandchild bond does a world of good for both generations and grandparents can and do make a difference in a grandchild’s life. So go forth, and continue loving your grandchildren because you’re doing the right thing!

See the original post here.

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Five Reasons That Practice And Rehearsal Is Essential

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Mark Cole

by Brian Tabor ~ Twitter: @BrianLTabor ~

“We talkin’ bout practice?” Those words were spoken by former NBA star Allen Iverson back in 2002. He was being questioned by a reporter for missing his team’s practice. It was quite a rant, one that has gone down in recent sports history as an example…and not a good one at that. He went on to say:

“We not even talkin’ bout the game, the actual game, when it matters. We talkin’ bout practice.”

One of the passions of my life is preparation. No matter the application (sports, music, study, operating technology, professional endeavors, etc…) preparation is a good thing. Preparation helps, it doesn’t hurt.

when should be practicing

As a Worship Pastor, I am always trying to find ways to keep our team motivated and engaged in preparation. They know that their preparation begins long before they arrive at rehearsal. It is my sincere hope that it begins weeks in advance of their arrival. I love this quote:

“Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.” – Ann Voskamp

We should always be working to stretch and grow. Practice and preparation are essential to growth both individually and collectively. Why are preparation and practice important?

  • In The Bible, we are encouraged to offer our very best gift: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24 
  • Being prepared individually serves your team well. Academy Award Winner Sir Anthony Hopkins’ method of preparing for a role is legendary. He reads each script 250 times, out loud, before beginning a film. He not only wants to know his part but everyone’s part so that it becomes second nature.
  • Practice isn’t just about knowing your part. This echoes a little bit of the previous point; but, to elaborate, if you don’t attend practice because “you know your part” how does that affect everyone else? They are forced to prepare with a missing piece, which can throw off the balance of the team.
  • We’re never above practice. I once heard a church musician say that he doesn’t practice anymore and hasn’t in years. He felt that he had developed everything he needed to develop and no longer needed to practice. This is going to sound very harsh, but that viewpoint is all about ego and a sole focus on an individual, rather than the team. In Psalm 131:1 we see a much better target for us as we prepare: My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
  • Repetition. As a musician it is important to work songs into your voice, fingers, heart and mind. It becomes a part of you…a natural expression. This goes beyond the ability to sing or play a note. Music isn’t a mathematical equation. Practice allows us to fully express an idea or our worship to God, from our hearts and not just our minds.

This list isn’t meant to represent every reason that practice and preparation are important; but, it’s a place to start. What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave them in the Comments section.

The original post is here.

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