A Path Less Travelled

I take sweet delight in finding hidden gems in nature that are truly “Off the Beaten Path”.  In new cities I will often avoid the “touristy” things, in order to really discern what the city is like for the locals. 

If you want to know more try asking any of the 24 that I took to Israel for 16 days!  :)  I even kyboshed the touristy spot at the Jordan River to go to a most authentic part.  Some of these events including a TRUE local Synagogue service were absolute highlights!!

Nonetheless, it often takes a lot more risk, bravery and creativity to step out into some of these unknowns.

My family has fully embraced this part of me though it can often be after a little pretend “reluctance”.  In their hearts they are game, especially in natural wilderness pursuits. 

Recently, I found a hike that was talked about outside Portland, Oregon by locals that I thought sounded interesting and so my family, with cheerful attitudes embraced!!

Needless to say, I had no idea what we were in for as we trekked down this “no signage” passageway along a river.  But that’s part of the fun.   We continue on to a huge pile of logs that need intense concentration to avoid slippage and to promote essential balance.  As we persevere I wondered if it might be too much, especially for Daniel and yet HE was over the top enthusiastic and so we press on!

                                                     Umm.... Carrie.... Are you serious??

Up and over, down and under, constantly trying to avoid the freezing cold river water. 

                                                                  Oh For the Sisterhood...

Stepping stones through the river of this wall gorged area; one can’t help but marvel standing small between such huge sheets of rocks.

                                                                     Daniel in AWE

We then realize the water was getting deeper and the stones were dissipating.  By this point Daniel was fully emerged, soaked and all loving it! He was encouraging the rest of us to get wet but it was so cold and we were fully clothed with runners and socks.   We opted to remove our shoes and continue bare foot, deeper and DEEPER.  We started to get so cold and we couldn’t see the end.   We wondered if we should go back, but our MEN declared, “NO way!  We’re going to the end!!!”  Lol  (Oh boy what I’d gotten myself into?! )

As we continued on, we all needed each other’s help at some point or another.  From holding each other’s belongings to avoid getting them wet (including a bible, which Daniel literally brought in hopes we could do one of our bible studies.  We still laugh about this!!)  to rock climb one area.  I’m trying to be so bold, literally scaling this natural rock wall, only to get stuck half way through.   My loving husband can see I could potentially kill myself, and so positioned himself in the deepest part of the water to catch me.  Yes… he caught me saving me from many scrapes.   

Nonetheless… soaked and FREEZING water past our chests…  we indeed made it to the end!!!!  All of us committed to finishing while helping each other out. 

At the end was this beautiful waterfall and you see the BEAM of light to the left that shone through to us at that moment; such a sense of the presence and awesomeness of God.  It was powerful for all of us!! 

                                                                          Boo-YAH!!

Could you just photo shop that background behind us?  Sure… BUT you will never have what each one of us carries now in our hearts forever; the incredible memory and experience.

God often uses the physical He uses to teach us of the spiritual.  This was no exception.

For the past 9 months God has given me many verses but one in particular for us as a family to hold to.  Isaiah 42:16
”I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” 

I have held to that verse even through the unknown with our family situation.  I even wrote it out and put it on a sticky note by the fridge so the whole family would have it seared in their hearts as a reminder. 

We held to His promise and He has been with us the whole time and now has opened a HUGE new door for us together. 

It’s exciting times!!!  Much like how the hike first started, I don’t know what’s all to expect and yet I KNOW … the goodness of the waterfall, His beauty, and the glory of HIS sunshine presence will yet be held by our family. 

Will it be hard work, scary, unknown, and cold?  Perhaps.  But with that shall also come the fun, rewards, excitement and exhilaration that come when we love God through obedience.

So… can I ask... Are you living for the “photo shopped” picture or does your family gush with LIFE when they look upon your pictures?  Be real with them, get wet, get dirty, step out a bit, don’t be afraid. 

Share with them what God teaches you.  Don’t try to make something up that sounds good, just share your fears, your heartaches.  But with that, share how you give them to God.   And as you do HE will make smooth your path, if you fully trust and obey.  Then tell them that too!  Boast about your great God!!   How the Spirit will unite your family in ways you wouldn’t have dreamt!! He is a show off… AND I LOVE IT!!! THERE IS NO OTHER GOD LIKE HIM.

                                                                    One of our pics :)