Lessons from an 11 Mile Hike

I woke up Saturday morning to my husband inviting me to join him by the fire to enjoy the sunrise. My first impulse was to hide inside my sleeping bag and go back to sleep pretending it was not cold. On second thought I decided to go try this sunrise thing. Soon our dear children straggled out of the tent and joined us for hot cocoa and poptarts and a gorgeous view of the mountains. Our friends joined us and helped us pick up camp. A half hour later, our family and our friends who are a family of 5 were beginning an 11 mile hike towards Sawtooth River. Here are the lessons that I learned.
1. At the beginning of the hike, it is a good thing not to think of how long the journey will be but to focus on the steps right in front of you. In life, we often are concerned about what is coming ahead that it is hard to enjoy the moment. I am glad that N and I are enjoying the journey each step of the way. The next few months are unknown but we can take the next step forward know that God will lead the way.
2. Sometimes facing your fear is the only way you can truly see God's beauty. Along the hike, we had some creeks and water that could only be traversed by going over logs and rocks. All I could see were opportunities for me to fall and reinjure my fingers. My husband patiently helped me across each one and after each one my confidence seemed to grow. At the top when I put my feet in the ice cold water, I knew by turning back I would have missed a brillant piece of God's handiwork. I was able to face my fear with God and N's help and because of renewed confidence I have increased the mobility of my right hand. Sometimes in relationships we have creeks to cross. We have been hurt in the past and don't know if we want to chance falling in and getting wet. What blessings we miss when we don't put our faith in someone especially God to help us across. As I was crossing the water, I remembered Isaiah 43:2 which says, " When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you." Whether I cross wet or dry, God is with me.
3. Each person has their own part to play. N did a good job of leading the way there. He kept our eyes on getting to the goal. Our friend D made sure there were no stragglers. And I even lead the way back determined to finish what we had started. God has given each of us a part in this life. A part that no one else can play. I plan to do that part the best that I can.
4. God has blessed us with good friends who will go on long hikes with us and put up with us.
God gives us the friends when need when we need them. He will always be with us and will never forsake us but also sends others to walk along side of us.

Dear God, Help us learn from you everyday in the simple things of life. Thank you for your faithfulness in all things. Amen

Healing Stones

On my way to Idaho, I read a book recommended to me by my college roommate. While reading the first few pages I thought "I don't like this book" because I became convicted of its message. Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn tells the story of a woman caught in adultery and her journey to find forgiveness and healing. Some of the characters were ready to throw stones and others brought grace and healing. I questioned which one would I be. Do I extend grace to those who are hurting even if the hurt is due to their own bad decisions? Do I pick up a stone or point them towards a Savior who offers forgiveness? Do I remember that it is only by God's grace that I am not in the same situation? Do I love even when life gets messy? Truthfully I don't know the answer to all those questions. I am trying to show more grace towards my family and friendsm especially my kids. I am by no means perfect but I am a child of a Father who is not finished with me yet.

Dear God of Mercy, I praise you. Thank you for your grace and healing. Thank you that you never give up on us. Give us the wisdom and strength to love even when life gets messy. May we see your redemption of many people during our time. Amen

Healing

Three weeks ago, I injured two of my fingers requiring a trip to the emergency room and surgery. I knew the fingers would hurt for a few days but had not anticipated that it would still be an issue now. I have since learned that fingers are one of the most sensitive places on your body and that is why I still feel pain. Each day as my husband changes the bandages it looks a little better and I do have less pain and more movement in my hand. We all know physical healing takes time but we often forget this point when it comes to emotional and spiritual healing. If you hurt someone emotionally and then ask for forgiveness, you might expect them to forgive and forget immediately. But their emotional wound may take as long or longer to heal as a physical one would.

I have realized with my hand that God's presence is comforting and his mercies are new every morning. He takes my tears, my fears, and my frustrations and covers them with his love. I have also seen this happen with emotional and spiritual healing. God is near to all who seek him. I wish I could have miraculous, instanteous healing but then I would have missed the special times of seeking God and seeing his provision. With spiritual or emotional healing, it is sometimes harder to see why the healing can't happen immediately. I am reminded that I need to give people time to heal and to cover them with prayer whether it is marriage problems, depression, or another issue. I must not grow weary of serving the people God sends my way.

To the Master Physician, We come asking for your perfect healing. Some of us are hurting physically. Others are hurting emotionally or spiritually. May we daily seek You as You continue your good work in us. May we support those people you send our way and not be fearful of allowing others to support us on our journey. In your Son's name, Amen

Fourth of July

While growing up, one of the highlights of my summer was my small town's July 4th celebration. This year my family was able to celebrate it with me. It is a time with family and friends and fun memories. The fun started with my kids getting their bikes ready for the children's parade. My daughter dressed as a clown riding a bike. My son rode a big tricycle and pulled a wagon full of stuffed animals. The kids had fun riding around the town park many times. The next morning the parade was full of old cars and tractors, floats, horses, and candy thrown to the kids. The park was the setting for bounce houses, a rock wall and other kid stuff. The afternoon was spent at mom's with family getting caught up and enjoying some outdoor games. The two grandmas were undefeated as a team. The kids along with dad and N went back to town for more fun. The evening ended with a fireworks display. Exhausted I went to bed with both old and new memories.