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Happy New Year

I love going for a run and spending time with God. I see Him in nature, sense His presence as well as visualize the Christian journey with Him while I put one foot in front of the other. One mile at a time. Often times I can see the path in front of me, I don't always know the terrain or unexpected turns ahead or even where it might take me. But I trust God is with me every step of the way. And not that He needs to but He has proven Himself faithful at every turn. 

We recently discovered the woods behind our house. It's such a great run. The tall trees, smell of pine and the stillness is just so peaceful. Occasionally we will see a deer or hear other wildlife. Never did I expect Texas to have the kind of woods I experienced in Boston. I see that as such a little blessing. I loved the woods that surrounded us there. What a treat to have that here also!  




Of course it being a  New Year, I got a little emotional on the run while reflecting on the past year. Who would have thought I'd be living in Texas?  My phone photos, Instagram best nine and other memories of 2016 reminded me of what an incredible year it truly was. Yes, there was some tough terrain we didn't see coming, a few unexpected turns on the journey. And the painful moments I shared with friends and family as they hit some rough terrain and rugged turns along  their own journey. 

But there were also some really, very great moments. Moments I'm so thankful for.  Rough terrain I'm glad I didn't see coming because I know me and I would have done my best to avoid it. I would have taken a different route. A short cut maybe. I believe this is one of the reasons God doesn't reveal the entire course to us ahead of time. There are things along the way that He has in store for us to reveal Himself to us. Those are the best moments ever. When the terrain gets rough and the unexpected comes out of left field, God is right there and proves Himself faithful yet again. He only asks that we trust Him along the way. 

There is great purpose in the rough terrain and unexpected turns. But I am finding more and more that it is just simply to draw us closer to Him because He loves us. He also holds the future and sees the entire course He has us on. Who knows, maybe that rough terrain and unexpected turn was to protect us from something bigger. Maybe it was to teach us a lesson that only He knows we need in order to make us into who He wants us to be. 

As I look back grateful for the past year I also look forward to the New Year. There is excitement in a fresh start, a clean calendar that isn't over loaded with stuff to do but with many blank spaces for new possibilities and opportunities for more growth. 

-Pressing On

“he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his nameʼs sake.”
Psalm 23:3 NIV

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7 NIV

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 

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