Where could I go (run) but to the LORD?

   I enjoy running.[those of you who know me well probably just nodded your head in agreement =] I'm NOT a long distance runner, but when I'm going somewhere it's usually well you guessed it, I'm running. Which I am so thankful that God in His goodness allowed me the gift of being able to run again! The other week one of the guests here told me, that she & her husband called me "the runner". That brought a smile to my face & my heart.

   Lately though I've been running inside. Running from things & people. Running because that's what I've been doing ever since I was a little girl to escape the things I don't know how to face. Running from pain. Running from loss. Just running. Running because I'm scared to take off my masks and let people see who I really am. Usually I find myself running to GOD & clinging desperately to Him, but as good as that is I'm realizing that sometimes I need to stop running. Or at least stop running away & start running with Him, [..they shall run and not grow weary Isaiah 41:30] because running away is exhausting. It leaves me gasping for air, longing for strength, and drains the very life out of me. It leaves me wanting, and it leaves me confused. Part of me longs for surrender to just give in, and the other part of me is scared of what that might look like. Can I trust GOD enough to take care of the pieces of my heart that I'm going to lose? Will I trust Him enough to stop running from the pain, allow Jesus to touch it and exchange my deepest pain for His greatest joy?

Here is on of my favorite Corrie Ten Boom quotes: because well, it's been such a part of the story God has written for me.

  "Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.”

   I've realized that in my running I've been trying to deny the pain. In my running I can't rest. Yet when I remember the truth that I can't outrun GOD's arms of love, it makes me want to stop running and just be. Just be His. When I know & believe that NOTHING can take His love away, and that I am righteous because He made me so, it's NOTHING short of amazing! His grace is enough, even for me "the runner". 

      So go ahead put on your running shoes =) [or maybe if you're like me you need to take them off] & may the only place you run be into HIS arms to experience more of who HE is. In HIM you are free!

       Switching gears: I can hardly fathom that it's June [ALREADY!] So I'll leave you with a few pictures to give you a glimpse of that last few months of my life. =)
   
                                                      *one, two, three, ACTION!*

GOD keeps His promises. 

[rainbow in Sandy Lake]

*sometimes dreams come true*

With Sarah, my co-back seat rider & friend! :)

I like flying. A LOT! 

In Round Lake I learned how to fillet walleye. [fun stuff =]

I have yet to catch one.

My last Youth Retreat has come & gone ;'(

Proof that we were all together :) May was definitely a memorable month!

The Heavens declare YOU are GOD.

I'll close with a picture of my "favorite" lake. 

til next time, God's Rhonda