Today's Victory ...

Oh how I love the lessons I learn on these delightful walks!  Today is Memorial Day so, since I have the day off I thought I would get a head start reaching my step goal for the day!  What better place to do that then head to my favorite place ... a place where I can be alone with the Lord, figuring out my thoughts, singing, yelling, talking out loud ... it doesn't matter because (usually) I don't see anyone else (except that time that I had been singing out loud and then spotted someone ~ yikes).

So I walked the mile to the park ... not really too hot and I was excited to get to my favorite part ... the trails in the woods where I could enjoy the beautiful majestic masterpiece that lay before me.

As I got to the entrance I quickly recalled that when I came early the last time there was still dew all over the ground and the same was true today.  Soon I was walking along with only the sounds of the birds chirping "Good Morning", a few rustles in the bushes ... and the water sloshing in my soaked sneakers.  Within moments I saw "critter" run into the safety of the woods.  In my mind I saw black with a lot of white.  Haha, walking in the woods is always a boost to your prayer life as I quickly said, "Lord, please don't let it be a skunk!"  As I got closer, I realized my "skunk" was simply a scared little bunny.

With a heart full of thanksgiving, I continued down the pathway, seeing other little bunnies and hearing some other noises that I kept telling myself were bunnies.  :)  Meanwhile, I continued to sort my thoughts, talk to God and began texting my BFF, telling her about my delightful walk.  Suddenly, I heard a noise and looked up and spotted him.  Sporting that huge body that looked like he could knock me over with one bump (when in reality I would probably keel over if he took another step towards me) I quickly sent her a text "Wild hog .. turn around?  Try to pass?  Run?  Scream?  Remain frozen?"  Well, she didn't know either and I really wanted to keep walking so I bravely reminded myself (and the Lord) that I knew what He could do with lions so surely a little piggy would be no problem.  

I am so glad I overcame that fear and continued walking.  I was in awe of the beauty I saw ... 

...amazed by thoughts and ideas that He gave me as I walked and the small victories I felt with each new goal. 

I finally reached a point on the trail where I could go straight or to the right or left.  Already trying to keep in mind where each fork in the road was and knowing I would have to walk all the way back I decided to turn around. 

Going for a family walk

           

It was incredible how God designed these creatures to know just what to do when some potentially crazy lady approaches them and tries to reassure them that I have no intention of hurting their babies.  I again prayed for protection as the daddy hung back to try to get behind me to rush in and save the day, having me surrounded...then heading towards me.

 

Hopes and dreams revived as I saw Him working and with each new revelation I could see satan being stomped down.  That was pretty exciting.  

This is the point where I know I have 15 minutes until I am back out of the woods.

  I head back to the park area ... before I even got there my fitbit alerted me that I had made my goal.  That was pretty exciting!  With my new improved attitude & outlook and armed with fun new ideas for my (ongoing) latest project I started on my mile trek back home.  Haha, wait for it ....

how appropriate that the name of my street is Victory!  What a beautiful beginning to my day ... and this life's journey the Lord has me on.  He is writing a beautiful story and I am thrilled for those exciting adventures He writes in ... all to teach me a lesson or to remind me that He wants the best for me and He is all things to me (my Defender, my Protector, my Provider, my Everything).

Until next time ... enjoy the adventures and lessons and don't forget to look at the beauty in each day!