Flying High...

I hardly know where to start, how to begin....the past three days has been a whirlwind of work and good news. I had to take a moment amongst the cathedral of trees standing sentinel all round me, their towering limbs hovering low over as if protecting us from the sun... I took that moment to close my eyes and breathe in the life giving oxygen coming from the Goliaths and smaller growth native to the area up so high in the mountain. Opening my eyes once more, I gaze out on the Bulkley Valley Village of Smithers and the mountains beyond. It was a show stopping sight, unquestionably among the prettiest and most scenic of towns. With reluctance I once again joined the crew as we made our trek back down to civilization. The trails around Smithers are not for the faint of heart...calves burn straight along with the lungs, quads quiver in oh-so slight agony, sweat dribbles down the face and other strategic places...and yet...I couldn't be happier...this is where I find a piece of joy and a joyous peace, fighting off swarms of mosquitos just salivating over the blood coursing through your veins...working with my hands and my brain, good people to keep me company and a uplifting boss who believes in training women to be independent, strong and capable...

Being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone and straight into confidence.

It isn't an overnight thing dear hearts...not even for a second think that I have arrived...end game...a goal post run of triumph....no...sometimes I miss the downs and lose the ball to the opposing team, allowing fear to bubble up and choke me..by allowing despair and self-doubt to crawl back on their bellies to my mind...but oh my friends, it is getting easier...slowly, inch by incremental inch...yard by excruciating yard....pain and sorrow reside still and only by releasing as much as I can, will I attain the medal, the touchdown, the war won and put to rest for good.

I look forward to those days....I envision better times, of witnessing the realization of dreams and aspirations...and, I'm on my way.

You can be too, lost and confused hearts...survivors walking amongst us all, hiding the pricking pain...hiding the heartbreak and humongous heartache so large the body psychically aches...hiding the constant and consistent self-doubt, asking themselves 'did they make the right choice, turn the correct corner...' Fighting to believe in themselves when confidence and self-assurance that was as much a part of them as breathing, has been stolen from them...beaten out of them...broken down piece by piece, bit by bit....

it is a road filled to overflowing with pitfalls, slips and trips, with dark places where no light shines...however, it is also filled with a sense of wonder and hope...a sense of stepping out on a grand adventure, come what may.

“Second star to the right, and straight on till morning” . Literally and happily crossing those gorgeous mountains, walking the deep silence of the forest....

God is good....He watches over us...aches for us, cries for us....Loves us...always and forever, with an everlasting love that stretches to every horizon...

Walk with God dear hearts and know your worth...know your unique place in this world.

Grab onto that, then hang on for all you have...hide it deep inside and hold it close.

You are needed and necessary...you are indisputably loved...undeniably cherished....

God keep you this week...may you know His love for you and His presence.