The High Places of the Earth, Part I
“If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 58:13, 14).
This verse was a particular encouragement to me years ago when I first began to study God’s design for time. Otto Koning’s testimony was a great encouragement also. Giving God the first day of the week however is only a way of telling Him that my whole life is His and that I seek to live for no one else but Him.
One part of His reward is that we would be able to ride, so to speak, on the high places of the earth, not caught up in distractions that can quickly become a burden. One way this was fulfilled recently was when a few of us had the opportunity to go hiking in Yu Shan National Park. 
It is one of Taiwan’s six National Parks and encompasses Jade Mountain, Taiwan’s (and in fact one of Asia’s) highest points. It was a short visit. We did not even see Jade mountain. But on the Walami Trail we got as far as the “beware of bears” sign and enjoyed each other’s company! May we learn as early as possible to enjoy the path of the One Who said “Follow Me”.
Yielding my right to my time and my schedule is a hard one for me! Thanks for the encouragement.
Did I see ice on the river in the first two pictures?
It does look like ice but the truth is we enjoyed almost-summer weather even though it was only April. At the higher elevations is where they have snow but since so few people go to see it most children in Taiwan don’t even know they have snow! And that’s still only in the wintertime if I’m not mistaken.