“This fee-free weekend provides an opportunity for individuals and families alike to take an affordable vacation or to explore a nearby park they have never visited before,” Salazar said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free admission to visit not only our greatest natural wonders but also our nation’s historic and cultural icons.”

There are 391 national parks located across the country in 49 states, many of which will hold free events on August 14 and 15. A complete list by park or state is available at www.nps.gov. A sampling of offerings include:

• Ranger-led programs with free instruction and equipment loans for those who want to get wet. Enjoy snorkeling at Cape Cod, kayaking at DeSoto, or canoeing in Congaree or Big Cypress. Prefer to simply chill out near the water? Bring your blanket to one of the 50 parks with beaches.
• Watch history come to life at military encampments and firing demonstrations at Antietam, Gettysburg, Fort Laramie, Fort McHenry, Fort Vancouver, Fort Stanwix, Fort Matanzas, Kings Mountain, Wilson Creek, Kennesaw Mountain, and Yorktown.
• Dance or tap your toes to the sounds of the Pig War Band at San Juan Island, Cajun music at Jean Lafitte, Ojibwe music at Grand Portage, mountain music on the Blue Ridge Parkway, folk songs at Carl Sandburg, classical music at Saint-Gaudens, or dulcimer music on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The entrance fees being waived at the 146 sites usually charge for admission range from $3 to $25. There are 246 other parks that do not have entrance fees so you can plan a free visit year-round.

The fee free waiver does not include other fees collected in advance or by contractors—such as fees charged for camping, reservations, tours and use of concessions.

The National Park Service website provides information to help the public plan their park adventures at www.nps.gov.

SOURCE: National Park Service press release

Those are questions that will be much discussed in Cambodia over the next few months, you can be sure. But today’s Words of Hope devotional, about the Christian understanding of justice, seems timely. What does justice look like through the Bible’s eyes, and should a Christian’s definition of justice differ from a non-Christian’s?

There is a great debate in legal and philosophical circles about the nature of justice. The ancients defined justice as giving others their due. Modern theories of justice often talk about fairness and equality.

In Micah 6:8, God calls us to be agents of his justice on earth. But doing this requires deep, prayerful humility. Christian justice has no place for vengeance, self-righteousness, or “getting even.” Instead, justice requires us to seek the good of others, even those who have wronged us. And though that may still require us to take legal action against wrong-doing, we are called to do it in a spirit of love and mercy.

Read the full devotional at Words of Hope.

This quiet and humble approach is a far cry from the “justice” regularly presented in our popular entertainment and in the day-to-day news cycle. What do you think? Does your Christian concept of justice ever conflict with your instincts, and if so, how do you resolve that tension?

Originally published at Gospel.com. Reprinted with permission

The above statement if not original with me. My wife Ruth has been saying it often since she heard it. In fact, I got tired of hearing it and asked her to stop saying it. However, the more I think of it, the truer I realize it is. While we tend to think of our lives in terms of years, each year is lived day by day. Not only that, but I think God designed our lives to be lived daily.

The Scriptures are full of admonitions for us to do just that—to live in the now, to live today rather than tomorrow. Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Jesus himself admonished us not to be concerned about our tomorrows in Matthew 6 25. James adds to this in James 4:13-14.

Jesus gave His disciples some basic principles of prayer in Luke 11:2-4. It is most interesting to note that His instructions were to ask for our “daily bread” not tomorrow’s bread. Just as the Israelites had to trust God for their daily “manna” (Ex. 16:13-19), He has asked us to do the same.

I might add that Jesus’ instruction started with “When you pray” and included with “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Lk.11:4). God’s forgiveness is linked to our own forgiveness of others (Matt. 6:14-15).

Yes, life is so daily, and the challenge is for us to live it that way. The older I get the more I realize the truth of a acronym by the great football coach Lou Holtz: the key to winning is deciding What’s Important Now.

To use the WIN principle, it seems logical that in our daily now we concentrate on seeking first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33) and laying up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:20). In so doing, we will have less time to be concerned about our tomorrows or to worry about them, and we can trust fully in Romans 8:28.

John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com

Visitors to North Dakota have a diverse range of expectations when it comes to their vacation, but one thing everyone agrees on is that there are fewer places on the map where you’ll receive a warmer, friendlier welcome. It’s fitting, then, that “Dakota” is the Sioux word for “friend.”

Starting this one tank trip in Medora, you’ll discover a few interesting tidbits about this area. Founded by a French nobleman in the late 1800s, Medora was a thriving boomtown for many years. A few years later, Theodore Roosevelt arrived on the scene, originally to hunt buffalo. He fell in love with the area and built two cattle ranches within easy range of Medora. As a result, Medora serves as the entrance to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Among the many spectacular features to be found here is the Coal Vein Trail, which takes you through an area where a fire burned for nearly 30 years, thereby giving the rocks an unearthly purple color. A fantastic way to enjoy this area is with a horseback ride down the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which runs nearly 100 miles through the park and connects the north and south sides. This ride offers us a mix of scenery, from rolling grasslands to majestic buttes, and runs parallel to the Missouri River. While in Medora, you can enjoy a tour through the Cowboy Hall of Fame, or maybe you’d like to knock a few golf balls around at the award-winning Bully Pulpit Golf Course. Click on the link below to find North Dakota camping options in Medora.

Drive east on the I-94 for 15 miles until you come to the northbound US-85, which takes you through 66 miles of incredibly attractive scenery before you come to the ranching community of Watford City. Give your legs a good stretch with a walk around the paved trail that envelops the city, then cool down with a trip to the Wild West Water Park, or set up camp by the banks of the Yellowstone River. Get a taste of exploration by heading up the Lewis and Clark Trail, or rent a boat and enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Sakakawea. Anyone who enjoys being outdoors will want to return to Watford City again and again.

Back on the road, cruise east on the ND-23 for 30 miles, then take the southbound ND-22 for 65 miles into the town of Dickinson, home to – among other things – the Dakota Dinosaur Museum. This fascinating facility offers us a rare, up-close look at various prehistoric fossils, several full-size dinosaur displays, and a genuine triceratops skeleton. Another exhibit showcases meteorites, including some that were originally part of Mars, as well as from our own moon.

Sometimes, the journey can be just as interesting as arriving at one’s destination. A good example of this philosophy is the Enchanted Highway, which connects Dickinson with the town of Regent. Leaving Dickinson by way of the eastbound I-94, you’ll come to the exit for the southbound Enchanted Highway in about 10 miles. As you cruise down this unique stretch of road, you’ll be treated to a series of metal sculptures that are the incredible work of one very talented artist. Flocks of geese, gigantic grasshoppers, a 75-foot tall buck jumping over a fence, and even Teddy Roosevelt himself, are among the many displays presented in sculpted metal. There’s nothing quite like it.

As your tour through the land of enchantment comes to an end in Regent, drop in to the sculptor’s office and get a glimpse at what projects are in the works, or pick up a souvenir of this offbeat leg of your trip in the Enchanted Highway gift shop. Then, head west on the ND-21 for 14 miles before angling north on Highway 22, which you’ll stay on for 9 more miles until you reach the city limits of New England. This aptly named town has the charm of a New England village, while possessing a personality and appeal all its own. This is a quiet, peaceful region, where you can pull your rig over and escape into nature, with plenty of hunting and fishing and North Dakota camping opportunities available.

Continuing west for 16 miles on the ND-21 brings you to the northbound US-85, which you’ll take for a little over 20 miles into Belfield. This community is positioned on the banks of the Heart River, which means you’ll find a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as strolling down the walking trail that runs through town, or hiking up to Belfield Dam.

Medora’s just a short hop away, a mere 15 miles further west on the I-94, but since Belfield is extremely RV-friendly, maybe you’d rather just pull over and go with the local flow for a while on this last one tank trip stop.

See a list of Woodall’s Recommended North Dakota RV Campgrounds.

Though you will receive a notice, if you have a Fleetwood Encounter or Storm or a Coachmen Catalina travel trailer, check with the dealer to see if your unit is affected. You should get this recall fixed immediately. See this release for more information.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

reprinted with permission

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it will continue to waive day use and camping fees for active service military personnel and DoD civilians who are on mid- or post-deployment leave from duty involving deployments in support of overseas contingency operations.

The Corps began waiving recreation fees for active service personnel on temporary leave from duty in Iraq in 2003. In August 2008, the Corps expanded the waiver to cover DoD civilians and active service military personnel on mid or post leave from deployments.

“Our intent is to recognize the selfless service of these men and women to our nation and the world,” said Steve Stockton, the Corps director of civil works. “The more than 2,200 Corps-operated recreation sites nationwide provide excellent opportunities to find renewal, solace, and to reconnect with families and friends.”

Active service military personnel and DoD civilians on leave will be required to show identification and leave orders/forms upon arrival to the recreation sites to obtain the waiver. The waiver will also apply to all immediate family members accompanying them on their visit. The waiver will be applied to day use and camping fees.

Fees will be waived on a walk-up and space available basis, as well as for reservations made through the National Recreation Reservation Service call center at 1-877-444-6777. However, fees will not be waived for on-line reservations made through Recreation.gov.

In addition, state, local and other managing entities of recreation areas located on Corps lands are encouraged, but not required, to comply with this waiver of fees in the areas they manage.

The Corps is the nation’s largest federal provider of outdoor recreation, managing more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states and hosting more than 350 million visitors per year. The Corps estimates that nearly 89 percent of its recreation projects are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas and provide a diverse range of outdoor activities to people of all ages.

For more information, visit www.CorpsLakes.us

SOURCE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers press release

No, it is not a recipe for a new mixed drink.  They are three of the most important items for any camper to have with them – any means those with tents to big motor homes.

I’ll start with the green alcohol.

All RV’s have sewage holding tanks that eventually need to be emptied.  Tent campers often carry porta- potties that also need emptying.  The amount of harmful fecal bacteria present in the effluent is overwhelming.  There is enough stuff in one of those tanks to infect the entire population of my home town and still have some left over.

I am appalled at the number of people I see dumping their sewage tanks with bare hands and no apparent method of disinfecting themselves.  Some use heavy canvas work gloves or rubber gloves.  But, unless they are disinfected all they do is spread the bacteria to their container and even the person using them. Disposable vinyl or latex gloves should always be used.  Disinfecting is also necessary, but many campers ignore this important step because they do not know what to use.

Years ago I used a solution of bleach and water mixed together in a spray bottle as a disinfectant.  But, if any bleach happened to get on my clothes they were ruined.  I also found the smell unpleasant and it was not good for my skin.   I switched to Lysol in an aerosol can, but it could get kinda expensive.  Then, one day when I had to take Oscar to the veterinarian, I was introduced to wintergreen isopropyl alcohol as a disinfectant.

The Vet used it in the bottle it came in and just screwed on a spray top.  After one animal was examined, they would spray down the tables with the green alcohol and then wipe them off with a paper towel.  I thought this was a great idea!  Wintergreen 70% isopropyl alcohol is available at Wal-Mart for about a buck and a half a bottle.  The wintergreen has a nice scent.  Once I have dumped my holding tanks,  I spray down my gloves, peel them off into a trash can and then spray down my hands with enough alcohol to disinfect the spray bottle handle as well.  Next I spray all the dump levers and caps.  Lastly, I spray down the soles of my shoes before climbing into our truck.  An application of a little hand lotion once in the truck helps to prevent any dryness the alcohol may cause on my hands.

For tent campers green alcohol is great for spraying down your hands after using a porta-potty. You can recycle or purchase small spray bottles that hold a couple of ounces and fit in your pocket.  These small bottles of green alcohol are beneficial as a disinfectant for public porta-jons or restrooms.  If you check the ingredients of a small hand sanitizer bottle you will discover that it is isopropyl alcohol.  Buying it in a pint bottle is much less expensive.  It is great stuff and no camper should be without it!

Duct Tape was first used in WWII as a sealing tape for ammo boxes.

Silver duct tape is also called Hurricane Tape, Racer Tape and now Camper Tape

At the time it was called Duck Tape (as in quack-quack).  Truthfully, it is not a good tape for sealing heating or air conditioning ducts.  Its adhesive is a natural rubber compound that dries out and releases its adhesion after a few months.  But, for temporary or emergency repairs to a RV or tent it is unsurpassed by other tapes.

I keep a big roll of 3M duct tape in the RV all the time.  Rarely do we set up camp that I do not use duct tape for something.  There are many other brands of quality duct tape such as Scotch, Duck and Nashua.  Unfortunately, some brands are of inferior grade.  Sticking with a brand you know is good is the best way to go – it does not have to be 3M if you know the quality of the brand.  Another brand of duct tape that has recently come on the market is Gorilla Tape.  It is thicker than regular duct tape and its adhesive is awesome.

Pop-Up Camper with canvas/vinyl material completely recovered with silver duct tape.

I have used duct tape to fix torn awnings, rips in rubber roofs, torn aluminum camper siding, rips in  tents, lawn chair repairs, tarp tabs, leaking pipes and hoses, and I have even twisted it into a rope for tying items down.  I have friends that have used it to hold in broken

Director's Chair completely recovered with silver duct tape - a new life for camping furniture!

windows, hold a compartment door closed that had a broken latch, seal where gaskets are missing around slide-outs, repair a broken fender on a golf cart, patch a leaking air mattress and even patch a crack in a camper grey water holding tank.

I have seen wallets, jackets, pants, boats, tents, door mats, and drinking cups made entirely of duct tape.
I used a piece of duct tape today to make a tie to hold one of my tomato plants to a post.  Without a doubt is it the most useful tape a camper can have with him.  The only downside is that one must understand that the tape is a temporary repair.  While it is extremely strong, has a really sticky adhesive and is somewhat water proof, it will deteriorate when exposed to the elements and the adhesive will dry out and release over a period of several months.

Now, duct tape is being used as a “fix” for a reception problem on the new Apple Iphone 4– who would have ever thought……… ?

The TV show Myth Busters recently did two episodes on duct tape that included putting a car back together that Carrie totally cut apart, making a black powder cannon from the stuff and even a suspension bridge that Jamie and Adam walked across.  In summary, don’t leave home without at least one roll of duct tape.  The stuff is amazing and its use is only limited by your imagination.

Last but definitely not least is WD-40

This amazing liquid in an aerosol container can make anything you have not secured with duct tape move.  I have used it on my camper’s screw jacks, as a fire starting fluid, to clean chewing gum off of the carpet, as a cleaner for bugs splattered all over the front of the camper, waterproofing for shoes, a cleaner to remove road tar from both the truck and camper.  It is useful as a cleaner and rust preventer for tools that are exposed to salt air or high humidity.  It also works well to remove the gooey residue left after removing duct tape from a smooth surface.  Having spent the past two weeks at the ocean-front I have used up a full can on my golf cart, lawn furniture, beach umbrella, tools, beach cart wheels and even the snap on Oscar’s leash which filled with sand and salt water.  A light spray on the polished aluminum wheels of our truck that is wiped down with paper towels leaves a clean, shiny surface that easily repels brake dust and road grime.  It is great for removing paint, grease and dirt from your hands.

I remember my grandfather polishing his big black DeSoto sedan with a can of kerosene and a rag.  The kerosene would leave a brilliant shine, remove dirt and make it easier to get the next round of tar and bugs off of the paint.  Today, WD-40 has replaced kerosene as the preferred petroleum based polish and cleaner for the fiberglass front cap on many trailers and can make sun aged plastic parts look new again.  It also helps to preserve and protect these parts.  WD-40 should NOT be used on your rubber camper roof.

You can scroll through a list of other uses for WD-40 by downloading the PDF at

http://www.wd40.com/files/pdf/wd-40_2042538679.pdf ^[6]

When combined as a three-pack, green alcohol, duct tape and WD-40 are indispensable items for any camper.

Yes, I would trust Him for my salvation, but the storms of life are raging all around me. I like Peter had reached out my hand to receive His gift of eternal life and was striving to follow Him. However, now the sea of life was raging with a tempest I had not known before.

I had been forced to close my business and with little other income been forced to go through bankruptcy. This was not what I had expected when I came back to my faith. I owned nothing, as it was all in the hands of the trustee.

My lovely wife Ruth was being drug along on this journey with me. It was highly probable that we would lose our home that she treasured so much. Where would we go? We had learned we could not rent an apartment until all this was over, some 18 months from now. She did not deserve this after 57 years together. I was embarrassed and humiliated. I was full of doubt, unbelief and stress.

Then I cried out, “Lord, if you are in this with us, save us.” I seemed to hear His words, “You of little faith, why have you doubted my words?” (Matt. 14: 22-32). As I reached out my hand, He took it and led me to the green pastures of His Word.

There I was reminded that I still had more than He ever had (Matt. 8:20); that what He had given me was of more value than any earthly possession (Matt. 6:19-21); that He would continue to supply my needs (Matt. 6: 25-34); and that I could take none of this stuff that now seemed so important with me upon leaving this world (I Tim. 6:7).

However, I must really believe Him rather than just read these words. Yes, He was willing to go with us through this storm if we invited Him to do so. He had promised “surely I am with you always” (Matt. 28: 20).

Finally, I called our mortgage company directly to discuss our dilemma. Now Jesus was in our boat and the storm was about to subside (Matt. 14:32). Although they would not send a statement or take the payment from our bank account, if we would mail the payments they would accept them and we could keep our house.

If you are in the middle of a storm in your life, I encourage you to take the hand of Jesus. Invite Him to go with you through your storm, climb into your boat, and calm the waves.

John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com

You’ll find a coffee shop on virtually every corner, and there’s always a poetry reading or live music going on somewhere. Take a walk through Stanley Park, which sprawls over several acres and allows you to lose yourself among the trees as you follow the winding trails. Be on the lookout for the dark brown ground squirrels, which are only too happy to block your way and demand food for allowing you to pass through their turf.

The aquarium at Stanley Park features many exhibits of fresh and salt water fish, some of which are rare or endangered. Traverse further through the park and you’ll find yourself transported to the Amazon rain forest and will come face-to-face with several types of wildlife from that region, including the dreaded anaconda.

Up in North Vancouver, you can traverse the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is touted as being the number one tourist attraction in Vancouver. The swaying boards take you across a 200-foot chasm that provides you with a world-class view, and the surrounding park is filled with restaurants, shops, and activities guaranteed to make this an experience to remember.

What makes this area great for one tank trips and vacations is that you’ve got every type of terrain available to you within a short driving distance. Beaches, snow-covered mountains, marshland, even desert, are all easily accessible, and waiting for your exploration at this South British Columbia camping destination.

Heading north out of Vancouver via the PR-1A, take it for 12 miles until you come to the PR-1. Along the way, you’ll see signs for the Sea to Sky Highway, which runs alongside a steep fjord that offers up unparalleled views between the West Vancouver and Squamish areas. Take the PR-1 for 7 miles, then head north on the PR-99 for just under 30 miles until you pull into the Squamish/Britannia Beach area. This area is considered to be the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada, with more opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, or watching wildlife than just about any other part of the province. In the fall, avian enthusiasts from all around gather to get lingering looks at the rarely-sighted bald eagles, which return to Squamish every year and make it their winter home. In nearby Britannia Beach, the BC Museum of Mining provides a change of pace, and gives visitors a comprehensive look at the mining operations at work in the Vancouver area, dating back to the earliest prospecting days.

Take a drive through 40 miles of breathtaking greenery via the PR-99 and before you know it you’ll find yourself in Whistler, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Walk in the steps of some of the world’s greatest athletes and try your luck with the downhill ski courses, or maybe just sip a hot toddy by a warm fire in any one of the numerous ski lodges in the area. In the summertime, you’ll have your pick of such fair weather activities as golf, tennis, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing, and renting an ATV for some off-road adventure. Go whitewater rafting down the Elaho-Squamish River, or ride the gondolas to the top of a 6,000 foot mountain peak and work up an appetite by hiking back down. Add to this a myriad of shopping and fine dining opportunities, and you’ll see why Whistler is considered one of the most treasured jewels in British Columbia’s crown of tourist destinations and the perfect spot for ending South BC one tank trips when possible.

When you experience this area for yourself, you’ll see that British Columbia camping blends elegance and ruggedness, relaxation and adventure, like no other area in the world can.

America currently stands in a very dangerous position, said renowned pastor and author Dr. Charles Stanley. Today more than ever, the country is turning away from God and moving closer toward socialism, he warned.

And the consequences will be grave.”We know the truth, we know the principles of God. In spite of all that, we find ourselves as a nation violating the laws of God, heading in a direction that is going to be disastrous for us, for our children and the generations that are to come unless there is a change,” he said.

Speaking to thousands at First Baptist Church of Atlanta and to a live Web audience on Friday, Stanley delivered a sobering 4th of July message about a dangerous spiritual tide that is engulfing the country and the crucial need for prayer.

“There is a tide that has touched the shores of our land and reached the heart of our nation,” he said against the backdrop of the U.S. flag. “It is a tide that is bringing with it ideas and philosophies, actions and attitudes that will ultimately destroy the way of life that you and I have.”

The influential pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries listed 12 things involved in the tide. Among them are the financial crisis and the move toward socialism.

With the national debt rising by the billions every day and increasing taxation, future generations will likely be left with a debt so heavy that they’ll never be able to spend most of what they make, he said.

Addressing the idea of spreading the wealth, Stanley emphasized, “It is not the government’s responsibility to take care of us. It is to protect us.

“We’re responsible for taking care of ourselves.”

Socialism, he pointed out, is opposed primarily to Christianity and Judaism.

“In Christianity, we’re taught to do our best because we’ve been gifted by God. So there’s motivation, willingness and we cooperate,” he explained. “We use our spiritual gifts for the good of everyone.”

But under a socialist society, in which the government controls all means of production and distribution, there is no motivation for diligence and creativity is stifled, he said.

When there is less reward, there is less to give. And as evidenced in the recent downturn, what suffers first is supporting missionary work.

“You see, it affects every single aspect of society,” Stanley warned.

He added, “Naturally, when the government takes control, do you think that freedom of speech is always going to be there?”

“The tide is bringing in a control that will indeed attempt to silence the truth and will attempt to squash the religious devotion and worship of the people of God.”

That tide began creeping in many years ago, he noted, when the government and the courts began banning prayer at schools and removing references to Jesus, God and the Ten Commandments from the public square, Stanley noted.

“It is an attempt to destroy the Christian spirit in America,” he said.

“There is a war going on against Jesus,” he declared. “It’s part of the strategy. The primary reason for this war against Him is He is interfering with the plan to make this a socialist nation. Mark it down. It is the truth.”

Among the other elements of the dangerous tide are: terrorism, turning our backs on Israel, the announcement that the United States is not a Christian nation, increasing national disasters, a departure from the biblical view of marriage, and support for killing the unborn, Stanley listed.

“Mark this down for socialism because these three groups of people who do not contribute to the state … are of no value: unborn babies, the elderly and those who are disabled,” said the Atlanta pastor.

With the tide moving fast, Stanley issued a charge to Christians to turn it around.

He called believers to join him in 140 days of humbling themselves, repenting of sins and praying to God.

“The Bible says judgment begins at the house of God. We’re not expecting lost people to do all this because this is the work of the people of God; it is our responsibility,” he stressed. “A lot of where we are is because of our apathy. We haven’t prayed for these men who are making decisions.”

“Do you want this nation to keep going where it’s going or do you want us to get back on track?” he posed.

Prayer, he said, is the one thing he knows that works.

“Do you believe God answers prayer?” he asked. “Pray for God to change the direction of this tide.”

He added that those prayers have to be backed up with righteousness and a godly life if they are to be effective and nation-altering.

“There has never been a nation like these United States. We do not want it to fail or to fall.”

To join Stanley in 140 days of prayer, visit: http://intouch.org/