Peace be with you.

Timbermill, the Downslink, Worthing Road, Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square

I always find that walking brings me such a sense of peace.  It slows me down, reminds me that my body has its limits and enables me to notice the beauty that's always around me.

Jesus says that in this world there will be trials and tribulations, distress and frustration.  But he also says that he has overcome the world and that in him we have perfect peace.

Sometimes we need to slow down or stop to step outside our perceived reality.  I pray that those who are struggling to find peace, will be able to stop or slow down for a bit, that they may notice the beauty around them and somehow be open to the Almighty Creator who holds all things in his hands and has a plan to prosper us all.  May they know the truth of a loving God who sent us his Son to show us the way to perfect peace.

Fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139

Station Road, Lintot Square, Pevensey Road, Timbermill, Worthing Road and Southwater Country Park

This week's weather has certainly made walking interesting.  It's been very hot and sunny but with humidity and threats of thunder storms.  At the beginning of the week it was bright with a cool breeze and today it's humid and cloudy.  I have had to be prepared with cardigan, sunglasses and umbrella most days and walking hasn't always felt comfortable.  However I am still reminded that whatever the circumstances we can carry on, make progress and keep a steady pace.  As someone who can get carried away running ahead of myself with enthusiasm or overwhelmed to the point of coming to a full stop, it amazes me how much God can teach me as I walk.

God knows me inside out.  He knows that I am made up of heart, soul and strength and need balance in all these areas.  He has made me and all creation so wonderfully that each part of us is connected and connects us to each other.  By taking time out to walk steadily I find my thoughts begin to order themselves, my emotions regulate and my heart and muscles are strengthened.

I thank God at we are fearfully and wonderfully made and pray that in whatever we are doing we recognise that and value ourselves, others and our environment.

You'll never walk alone

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

I've been walking a lot this week but mainly in Cornwall with friends rather than in Southwater.

What strikes me today is that sticking to the same route can sometimes have you going round in circles and not getting very far.  I love walking around Southwater and stopping to have conversations with people I know and saying hello to those I don't but it's rare for me to find a path that will show me something completely unexpected or challenge me.  

In Cornwall I did the most challenging walk I have ever done.  I have never walked for a whole day or climbed up and down so many hills.  To be honest, I would never have done it now if my friend hadn't wanted company as she fulfilled one of her ambitions.  And I'm so glad I did.  Sharing our journeys, our dreams, our highs and lows can lead us to do unexpected things and to grow in friendship and self-awareness.  Jesus rarely travelled alone and all who travelled with him learnt new things, were sometimes challenged and out of their comfort zone but they were never alone.

God promises that he is close.  He goes before us, he walks beside us and he leads the way.  I pray that all will know Jesus as their travelling companion, teacher, comforter and encourager.