My favorite place to be is in the quiet of God's creation, soaking up the wonders of nature, away from the busyness of "life". Sometimes I wish I could stay there forever. God is constantly knocking on my heart waiting patiently for me to listen. When I open the door or "unplug" myself from everything distracting, God begins to teach me. He shows me His never ending love, His wonder. This is my getaway, my special place with God. The crazy thing is it's all around me and God never leaves but it's me who needs to take the time to listen. When I do, God lifts my heart, I'm overcome with wonder. This is the most amazing experience! Take the time to listen, be still, be quiet. "Be still and know I am God." -Psalm 46:10a
As an outdoorsy person it's no surprise that I am super excited about a week long backpacking/hiking trip I'm taking soon. But am I excited? Being out in nature with plenty of time to think and listen to God makes me overwhelmed with the amount that God will teach me during a week of pure listening. Sometimes I wonder what more can God teach me. Plenty! I like to be independent and I have a hard time with trusting. So on a previous hike it was no surprise that multiple times God reminded that I need to trust Him. One instance, a flooded river created a problem of crossing as the trail showed. One of the adults crossed first and stood on one of the rocks in the middle. He held out his hand for each of us to grab as we jumped across. I looked down at the raging river that I was to jump over with a 30lb backpack on my back. My heart started beating and I began to doubt that I could make it. I could hear God telling me, "Trust me! I won't let you fall. I love you, you just need to trust me." I took that leap of faith and safely crossed. After safely making it to the other river bank, I looked back and saw the distance I jumped. It seemed so small. How could such a small distance cause so much fear? When everything around you tells you it is impossible, take that leap of faith and trust God. TRUST! God, our Heavenly Father has his hand there, if we keep our eyes on him he won't let us fall.
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." - Matthew 14: 28-33
As an outdoorsy person it's no surprise that I am super excited about a week long backpacking/hiking trip I'm taking soon. But am I excited? Being out in nature with plenty of time to think and listen to God makes me overwhelmed with the amount that God will teach me during a week of pure listening. Sometimes I wonder what more can God teach me. Plenty! I like to be independent and I have a hard time with trusting. So on a previous hike it was no surprise that multiple times God reminded that I need to trust Him. One instance, a flooded river created a problem of crossing as the trail showed. One of the adults crossed first and stood on one of the rocks in the middle. He held out his hand for each of us to grab as we jumped across. I looked down at the raging river that I was to jump over with a 30lb backpack on my back. My heart started beating and I began to doubt that I could make it. I could hear God telling me, "Trust me! I won't let you fall. I love you, you just need to trust me." I took that leap of faith and safely crossed. After safely making it to the other river bank, I looked back and saw the distance I jumped. It seemed so small. How could such a small distance cause so much fear? When everything around you tells you it is impossible, take that leap of faith and trust God. TRUST! God, our Heavenly Father has his hand there, if we keep our eyes on him he won't let us fall.
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." - Matthew 14: 28-33
