chapter 7

today i visited my city's REI outdoor school. i first heard about them through grace luna's instagram page. i've been following her account for over a year now and i am inspired by her willingness to try something new & become part of the outdoors community: a group of people that are intentional about living a full life that appreciates and protects the earth we've been given.

i like that.

today i went to my first outdoors class where we talked about the basics of hiking. the, "where are you going? what are you going to do once you get there? who are you going with?" questions that you have to reflect on as you're planning a hike. our leader taught us about proper gear (i.e clothing, backpack, etc.), places to visit and of course, the ten essentialsif you want to go anywhere, you have to follow them; they're basic, practical and potentially life saving.

some cool people were met, stickers passed out and a kindling into the outdoors took life.

one thing i've noticed is that Jesus liked to be outdoors; He was always sharing the message outside, gathering by rivers, under the shade of a tree and on a hill. so many Psalms use the outdoors to describe Him and the christian life.
*seen at REI's community room*

i like that too.

i remember when i was younger believing that when the wind blew and rustled the leaves, God was speaking to me. i don't remember what set that thought beating, but i remember being sure of it.

i want Him to speak to me. i want this year to be about abiding in Him, trusting His love for me & listening to His voice.

i hope the wind blows a lot this year. i hope the leaves rustle. i hope i'll be listening.

i don't know where this 'outdoors' venture will bring, where it will take me & how far. but, i'm not ignoring the things that excite me anymore. i'm listening to the leaves this time.

Psalm 65


Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.

You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.

When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.

Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
of your holy temple.


You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy.
  
You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain,
for so you have ordained it.
You drench its furrows and level its ridges;
you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
You crown the year with your bounty,
and your carts overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;
the hills are clothed with gladness.
The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing.



*seen at REI's community room*

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