Blog Update
07/04/2012
Moments with Elohim
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the
result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” Isaiah 32:17
“Never look for righteousness in the other person, but never
cease to be righteous yourself.” My
Utmost for His Highest (My Best for His Glory)
It has been a God filled summer! Before I continue though,
I’d like to clarify… many people think I mean how much time I’ve spent at
church or that Christian fellowship impacts the amount of presence He resides
in your life. I have not been to a church service since April and not talked to
another believer except over the phone for a few minutes. I have not witnessed someone being born again
or shared my testimony with anyone. So before you jump to conclusions let me
tell you how the Lord has filled me up!
I spend a lot of time on my own. I work without much
communication with anyone, I drive alone, I work out alone, I sit on the beach
alone and I go about my day by myself. There are times when my uncle and I hang
out, I talk to people at the gym, I meet strangers on the beach and listen to
co-workers complain about their lives on our breaks. I have learned that there
is a time and a place when people are very much a part of our lives and a time
when God provides solitude.
I enjoy being deep in my thoughts all day. My mind races
when I’m with others or not and I take this opportunity to observe. I talk to
God all day, discuss situations; watch His hands be at work around me. He told
me exactly when my last chance was to end a relationship and if I missed that
chance one last time, I’d be blind and ignorant forever. He showed me someone’s
true colors, made me watch them wander far from who they were with Him to be whom
they wanted to be. He’s made me hear about lives fall apart when all the wrong
choices were made and how only He saves those that admit defeat.
I feel like I’ve lived out a million different scenarios, but
saved from all of them. It is a constant battle to always honor Him. Every day
brings about a new challenge that our natural instincts would make for a losing
fight. I’ve seen my mistakes, I’ve been misunderstood and I’ve felt like a
coward. No matter when we’re weak, confused, or misguided He is always there.
It’s been comforting to spend all day each day this summer with God. He
justifies you if you aren’t looking for the justice.
I greatly appreciate every moment I’ve had with someone and
anyone. Each person has a beautiful soul, whether it’s on the surface or buried
in the filth of this world, it’s a gift we each have. By the people we meet, the friends knew and
the loved ones we’ve lost, we learn how to have a more wholesome respect each
other, a more passionate love that grows deeper, and an appreciation for what
we have today. With each new face you see, that’s a new opportunity to see Elohim
(Hebrew name for God) at work in this world.
I’m sorry to hear about the wildfires in Colorado. It’s a
strange feeling to see your hometown burning when you’re so far from it. Of all
the summers I spent at Gold Camp, Manitou Springs, Rampart Range, the Punch
Bowls and Garden of the Gods, I have to be 2,300 miles away and hear of my
favorite places being destroyed or threatened. I know there wouldn’t have much
I could do if I was there, but volunteering something is better than nothing.
I have reflected on the elements quite a lot. I am so
fortunate to have grown accustomed to the weather of Colorado and be in Florida
for the bugs and heat all to better prepare for a 7,300 mile hiking journey.
My activities this summer are as such:
1)
Work, work, work. I work 6 days a week, soon to
have more 7 day weeks. It can be fun and frustrating all at the same time.
2)
Gym. I keep pushing myself to run further and
harder in preparation for hiking long days for weeks at a time. I’ve gained
quite a bit of muscle mass; should make it easier to carry that backpack.
3)
Explore. I like to drive around the city. Find
different places to go, see strange parts of town. I could do a whole blog that
would barely scratch the oddities of the culture down here.
4)
Auto work. My car has made been through quite a
lot and I plan on keeping it a lot longer. It has a new bumper, new headlights,
exhaust repair and is about to undergo full bodywork and heavy engine maintenance.
Time to get rid of those stickers.
I have yet to find time off long enough for a Florida
camping trip. I found a few places to go and I’m ready as soon as I have a
couple free days.
The biggest lesson I have learned this summer is that Elohim
shouts loud when you’re ready to listen.
Update 07/12/12 I want to give a big shout out to my sister,
Melanie, and her boyfriend, Blake. They are working their way down the Pacific
Coast on a bicycle and moped. I’m so proud of you two for making your dream
into an adventure! Keep sending me pictures!!
Lauren Martinez… I love you and miss you very much!! ;)
Update 07/27/12
I will be heading to the first trailhead of the Appalachian
Trail in north Georgia in September. I had a lot circumstances push the start
date off. With missing the summer weather, I’m looking at a month long trip for
now. Stay posted more updates on the new scheduling…
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