Walking in the quiet of the woods.

I spent the day with those sweet 9 month old babies on my nanny job.  I was a bit of a long day since, for some unknown reason, they suddenly don't want to sleep.  Even at night (the mom and dad are pretty exhausted).  So after a long morning, I finally took them on a walk around their neighborhood in the late morning, trying to hold off lunch. Now this is not your typical suburban area.  It is an unincorporated wooded area that is surrounded by a Forest Preserve.

This was my view during that walk.  Lots of trees.....and bugs!  It was actually very warm today and sunny.  I walked for around an hour and I was sweating by the time we returned home.  The kids never slept in the stroller - which they usually do.  So I expected that they would sleep well for their afternoon nap.  Boy was I wrong.  After a LONG few hours, when neither baby would sleep, I finally decided that another walk was in order.  

Thankfully, both babies fell asleep within 5 minutes of setting out.  So I walked for ANOTHER hour!  I told Ken that at least it was a "full body workout" since I spent most of the walk waving my arms to swat away the bugs!  So, this was a very long day.  I am tired!

There is something to be said for walking in nature, on a warm, blue-sky day.  Although the calendar says that it is fall, today felt like summer.  The birds were chirping, the squirrels were running around, and the flowers were blooming.  And I had lots of time to just worship and pray as I walked.  It was really quiet on those tree lined streets.  I hardly saw any cars pass at all.  It gave me plenty of time to remember all that I am thankful for.  It was a long list.  And it gave me time to just be grateful for who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.  

Today Yom Kippur begins at sundown - the Day of Atonement.  Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.  At the end of this all, they can't really be sure that they have done enough to be free of their sin.  I am so thankful for my Savior and knowing that because of His sacrifice, I am forgiven.  I spent some of my walk today, praying that during this day of reflection and seeking God, that many Jewish people would have an encounter with Jesus.  

I just loved this "I hear His whisper today" from The Passion Translation....

"Rest in Me, O carrier of My glory. I have longed to pour out upon you even more of My love and power. Can't you see that I have designed you as a carrier of My glory? Come before Me this day and empty out your heart; pour it out at My feet, and I will fill you with such delight and joy you will not be able to contain it. For I am building My church through the glory of My presence. Stand in My presence until you know that I am your Strength. Even ...as the powers of darkness are around you on every side, you can be strong, for I have wrapped My Glory-Robe upon your soul and nothing will be able to harm you. Gates of darkness will not prevail when I am near you. The days of heaven on earth are at hand. The days of the mighty moving of My Spirit will soon be seen by all. My powerful wind will blow away the clouds of doubt that have been over your mind and your heart. My Glory-Wind will make your enemies scatter and you will stand complete and secure. You will not be overcome by the fear that has overwhelmed many in this day, for I have made you an overcomer, a carrier of My glory. Trust Me and watch Me fight for you. Lean into My heart and watch My love win every battle. Don't be disturbed by those who stumble, for they stumble in the darkness. I have become your Light and your Salvation and you will have no fear and My love will keep you from stumbling. I have gone before you and made sure that your way is clear and your pathway secure, for I am your Father. My plans for your life extend beyond your view, beyond your understanding of My ways. You see only what is in front of you today, but I have gone into your future and I know the good things that will unfold before you. Never doubt that your days are in My hands; rest in Me, O carrier of My glory, and watch Me fill you, protect you, and make you strong."

Lord, direct me throughout my journey, so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you. Escort me along the way, take me by the hand and teach me, for you are the God of my increasing salvation. I have wrapped my heart into yours. Psalm 25:4-5 TPT

I loved the line..."I have wrapped My Glory-Robe upon your soul...".  During my walk, I was thinking about that line.  What an amazing comfort we have when we believe in Jesus.  We are forgiven and so much more.  Including that amazing glory robe!  I loved thinking about the Father's plan for my life extending beyond my view, especially as I looked at the end of the road into those woods.  Yes, it was a great day for thankfulness, prayer and peace.   

I'm tired tonight, but it is a good tired.  I feel free and secure in the love of Jesus.  And filled with peace.  

Jesus, thank you for today and time with those sweet babies.   Give them (and their mom and dad) wonderful sleep tonight.  Holy Spirit, touch all of those Jewish people as they seek God in their Yom Kippur celebrations.  Draw them to Jesus.  Thank you for The Passion Translation and the words that touch our souls.  Thank you Jesus for trees, for sunshine and for peace.  Amen