I’ve been trying to figure out what to write about for blog number three, but honestly I just haven’t been inspired. The holidays were such a whirlwind and I was ready for life to calm back down. This past weekend I took time to do just that. Unplug. Escape. Submerge myself in nature. My friend, Ash, and I (& her pup Ranger) planned as little as possible and escaped. I turned my phone off and experienced quality time with a dear friend and explored some of the best scenery Arkansas has to offer. I feel closest to God when I am submerged in his creation. He took time to create every tree, hill, rock, waterfall and He saw that it was good. That makes my heart swell and my eyes tear up. If he looked at all of it and saw that it was good I want to look out and appreciate the beauty of it.
While sitting on the ledge of Whitaker point and looking off into the seemingly endless Ozark Forest, Romans 8 came to my mind.
Romans 8:18-21
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
Creation even waits for Christ’s return. The Earth yearns to be restored to its full Glory. It is by God’s grace that we still have the ability to appreciate the beauty of humans and nature even when we are corrupted and live under the weight of sin. I think one of my strengths is seeking the beauty in everything (If you know me, you know I am in awe of every sunset. every. single. one. But I am partial to Kansas skies), so to think that creation will get BETTER once Jesus comes back is mind-boggling and exciting and literally can bring me to tears. I can’t wait for that day.
That’s one of the first reasons I was drawn to the World Race. Seeing 4 very different parts of the world and being able to appreciate the beauty in the people and scenery I will come in contact with is so incredibly exciting to me. The mountains of Southeast Asia, the wildlife of Southern Africa, the caves and waterfalls of Eastern Europe, and everything in between. Adventure is calling my name.
In other news, it is 2018 which means it is RACE YEAR. It’s getting closer and feels more and more surreal. It’s time to kick it into gear and prepare myself physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. I’m continuing to surrender all of those things over to God and allow him to grow me in the ways He sees fit. It’s scary at times but I also have so much peace about my journey and know that CHRIST ALONE will provide and meet every need. Thank you for being here and remaining a part of my journey! I have a fundraising goal to meet coming up in May so stay tuned for some fundraisers in the next few months!
