Quite the morning!

I had the most glorious adventure this morning.....truly one of the most wonderful times with the Lord that I've had in a while. I decided to ride my bike from the old waverly house to our new one, since I conveniently forgot about packing my bike over when we were moving. I set off on my adventure fully stocked with the all essentials: water and tunes. It was a strange feeling as I was peddling my way up mountain for probably the last time. All those memories of running up and down that street, criss-crossing through the neighborhoods and running off some steam came back to me. I am leaving all those times behind and pressing forward to new adventures (however this time, I've graduated to the wheels!). Once I hit Limberlost and mountain, the expanse of the mountains was opened up as I came upon that farm area to the side. What a glorious sight!

The path converged onto the river walk parkway and I was pleasantly mosey-ing my way down the path towards the new house. One of the things I absolutely love about doing stuff outdoors is that generally, people are so friendly and always turn to the passerbys and offer a warm smile or a friendly "Goodmorning." Every kind person I passed did this, even though I clearly had my headphones on. that make my heart happy.

The path itself is quite lovely in that along the way, I encountered bright popping flower bushes (of who knows what variety) and the plentiful creosote that I love so dearly, as well as some nice little dirt cliffs. I nearly ran myself off the path a few times because I was distracted by either the flowering happy plants, or the grandiose mountainscape to my left.

The thing that really made this trip though came towards the end. I was so contentedly singing along with Caedmon's call (good group) as I approached an outdoor park area that had some sprinklers going and a huge soccer field of grass. Mercy Me's song "Spoken For" popped onto my MP3 as i shifted my glance towards my left.....There was this little girl of about 3 yrs standing in the grass field with a bright teal bathing suit on, giggling away. Her older brother was right in front of her posed in the position of a track runner, just taunting her that he was gonna come get her. The little girl took off, moving her itty bitty legs as fast as they could go as the brother gave her a head start, then he took off himself. he chased this giggling little girl all the way down the field and finally caught her at the end, hoisted her up above his head then came crashing down to the grass, both just laughing hysterically. now I know this doesn't seem that great, but there was just something about that picture of those two that struck me. They had such freedom and joy running freely through the grass fields .....I can't put it into words, but as I saw that split second picture, then glanced up at the looming majestic Catalina's, I knew that God was (and is) in control, and that "It was for freedom that Christ set us free..." (gal 5:1)

Even in the midst of all the ways I try to complicate this life and worry about so many things I have no control over, I am grateful for the times God speaks to my heart and I actually listen, knowing that He is my hope, He is my Lord, and He is good....all the time. If only I could truly have that childlike faith all the time--to walk by faith and not by sight, to know that freedom of resting in my gracious Lord's arms.....someday, when we are in His presence.....till then, I will keep doing my best to seek Him with all my heart, and try to block out my own selfish thoughts and concerns.
and try to take more bike rides..... :)



Take this world from me
I don't need it anymore
I am finally free
My heart is spoken for
Oh and I praise you
Oh and I worship you

Covered by your love divine
Child of the risen Lord
To hear you say "This one's mine"
My heart is spoken for

Now I have a peace
I've never known before
I find myself complete
My heart is spoken for

the power of the cross
You've taken what was lost
And made it fully yours
And I have been redeemed
By you that spoke to me
Now I am spoken for

Take this world from me Don't need it anymore...