When we go to our place in Colorado, this is our view out the back door. I know this doesn't look like much. This was early spring of this year and things had not greened up yet.

When we are up there we love to go hiking. One of our favorite destinations is on top of that hill you see. It doesn't look like much. And it doesn't look hard. But looks can be deceiving.

The first time my husband insisted I needed to climb this thing was almost two years ago and I was much heavier than I am now and I was very out of shape. And we were starting at an elevation of 8,000 feet. We live at 3200 so this was a big change in elevation for us.

We started out in this meadow and walked on the left of the picture, then started up. It was so hard and I had to make several stops to catch my breath and rest. My husband is great at getting around and knowing exactly where he is so I was following him. Now myself, I have NO sense of direction. If I were up there alone with no compass or GPS I would be lost. There are mountains and trees all around and you can't see the big picture. All you see is what is right there in front of you. KInd of like this next picture. Trees and rocks.

This is the point where you have to stop, look around and follow your guide a different way. Sometimes you have to do some climbing. Sometimes the walking is fairly easy. Other times you have to stop and rest a few minutes.

But you keep going. You know that even the journey is tough, and it is tiring when you get on top the view will be great. And the sense of accomplishment is even greater.

Along the way you will some beautiful things. Up this high the trees get some fierce wind and lightning damage. There are some beautiful formations.

Then along with some of the beauty in front of you, there are some mountains, snow capped of course, that you can begin to see.

But there is still more climbing and hiking to get to the good stuff.

The first time Billy took me up there I wanted to quit so many times. I even prayed that if God would let me get back down safely I promised I wouldn't beat my husband with my walking stick. God did, so I kept my promise. We kept going.

Now let me say this. Before we leave for any hike we are prepared. We take water, snacks, compass, GPS, flagging tape, first aid supplies, pistol, etc. We are prepared. We know what this country can be like. We know it is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous.

The world is like that also. It can beautiful, but also dangerous. We are on a journey in this life time and God is our guide. We follow Him. He knows the terrain. He knows where we are going. He orders our steps.

I have been using a devotional book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. The July 14 devotion really spoke to me and reminded me of our hikes in the mountains and made me also think of our journey in life. In the devotion for that day she speaks of walking along the path with God. This is the passage I really liked: "I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not my way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is ardous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance light-footed on the high peaks; but for now your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction."

This is what our hikes are like. Arduous at times, but together we forge a path. We keep going. After a while we make it to the top. And the reward is great!

 The view is fabulous!

Don't give up on your life's journey. Hold onto God's hand and let him guide you. He has GREAT things in store for you. Just keep going!!!