God's Glory

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

We are able to make it through the trials of this life because we have seen the glory of Jesus, who lived among us and now comforts and guides us on our journey.

God sends wonderful friends and family our way to surround us with care and compassion and to lift us up when we need their support.

Here are some of my hiking buddies and prayer warriors.

I am grateful for these women of faith and many more who keep me covered with God's love and remind me of His grace daily.

God's Faithfulness

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. — Psalm 57:9-10

God is faithful. His love reaches up to the heavens and down to me here on the earth.

I am surrounded by His goodness and care. I love singing His praises.

This is one of the views we had in Peñasquitos Canyon a few weeks ago.

We did a prayer walk in silence for ten minutes on our way back to our cars. I am reminded to praise God wherever I am, not just when I'm hiking.

God is faithful no matter where I go, no matter how bad my attitude, no matter how long I've ignored Him. Very humbling.

I will praise you, Lord!

Confidence Through Christ

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Corinthians 3:3-5

On Saturday evening at our women's retreat, I spoke about hiking boots.

They are designed to support, equip, and protect our feet to travel over rocky roads and hills and valleys.

At times the boots become dusty and get beaten up on the outside, but they are durable, rugged, and sturdy.

When we reach the moutain peak, we may arrive exhausted or exhilarated. We may be worn out or rejuvenated.

We need a chance to slow down, take in the vistas, and hear our Lord's voice that says to us,
Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

We each have a story to share of mountains we've climbed. And whether or not you realize it, you are a messenger, running or walking alongside those you meet each day.

As a sisterhood of believers, we learn how to do this by modeling the actions of those around us. By getting deep into God's Word for reflection and insight and by talking to God in prayer throughout the day, asking Him to guide our words and actions.

I am thankful for those saints who have gone before us, leading the way. For my mom, Joyce Turner; my mother-in-law, Rita Rogers; my grandfather, Carrol Morong; and friends such as Mildred Marksbury, Penny Wilson, Myron and Pauline Tweed, Edith Odle, and many more.

Our competence comes from God.