I have always loved to walk. I dont know why; but it has been that way since I wa s very young.

The silence and the rhythm of my movement seems to keep me calm an d clear my head. In this new healthy lifestyle I have been on, I had forgotten, for a while, how much I loved to walk. When I was in college I once walked from my dads house in south Tempe and hours later found myself in North Phoenix. I was so far from where I started I had to call my dad and tell him what the street s igns said because I was so utterly lost. I was amazed I traveled so far and so q uickly. If we are focused on Gods will, we will be astounded how far we will have come and the time will seem so quick. Our lives are lived at such a frenetic pa ce today. We have our children in so many programs, we are involved in so many a reas that we often forget to just enjoy time with the Lord. I used to be such a busy body and I often had trouble just slowing down for a few moments. One day, I realized, life isnt about the attainment of goals, achievements, money and mat erialism. Having nice things are..nice; but you cant take them with you when you die. Do you know what you can? ..your relationship with the Lord. Here is a simple fact. We were created in Gods image(Genesis 1:27). So, we are His creations. As H is creations we are to bring glory to Him(John 17:1-5). If Jesus, our greatest e xample of how to live our lives, found it important to glorify the Father, then guess what, we are to do that as well. Nothing is more sweet that a personal rel ationship with Jesus. I have tried everything to fill that void in my life; and after many years of falling down, finally I now enjoy the peace of talking with a Living Savior who loved me first. If you feel frazzled and hope seems to be a fleeting memory, consider slowing down and spending a lot more time with the Lo rd in prayer. You will be rewarded with the peace of knowing a God that cant wai t to talk with you about your day. I have never heard anyone say to me I sure wis h I wouldnt have spent all that time with the Lord . You know why? Peace is addict ing. People have been trying to get it for thousands of years; but there is only one kind that satisfies: Gods perfect peace. And, that only comes from spending time alone with Him. Make it a point this week to slow down and journey with th e Lord awhile. Here is a verse I love to meditate on while I am walking and tal king with Jesus: Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I l ift up my soul to You. Enjoy the poem about being thankful for Gods creation and spending time with Him in the cool of the morning. God bless you all and please strive to spend more time with your Savior, The Great Plains Poet, a creation of the Holy God A Journey With The Lord By Chris T. Fresh sprinkle of morning rain Early I rise to explore Smell of water,vapor in the air The feel of Gods blessing on my skin My feet beat the path All in rhythm, all in time Passing houses, trees and plants I let my Lord choose my course A still, soothing silence grips my town As it still sleeps and it still slumbers Carrying my body just one more block Gentle winds sway the maples branch to and fro My mind is clear, my heart is content Walking my route, talking with my God And I am not one to miss the gift

Of creations splendor and the one who made it Puffs of breath escape my lungs each one having completed its job To gather in the portion I need Relying on faith in someone greater than myself I round the corner towards my favorite park So many childrens cries still echo from yesterdays play I am thankful for Gods continuation of life And the changes each parent faces Hydrangea, tulip and pine scents the air Wondering if my prayers have the same fragrance in heaven Smile gets wider knowing they are heard and received Legs still churn, and progress is still made Home stretch is now seen and now cars start to amass Are there other people sharing their morning with the Lord If only they could have traveled this small journey with me They would have seen beauty, creation and hope And known the peace that comes from a journey with the Lord