Strengthening the Soul

Today was another gorgeous Sunday morning in Pittsburgh, and while I was tempted to spend all day in my air conditioned apartment watching the Olympics, I decided to head over to Frick Park for a much needed breath of fresh air.

The Braddock Trail in Frick Park

I've come to realize that it is not just my body that I get in shape when I go out for a walk/jog along the trials but I revitalize my spirit as well; a strengthening of my soul. As I walk among the trees and flowers I listen to a mix of worship songs and take in the beauty of God's creation around me. When I am feeling frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed and don't know what to say to God, a song will come on through my mix of music that will directly express what I am trying to say.

A bench along the creek; a place to sit and relax in God's glory

Recently I have been feeling restless and impatient; tired of waiting for God to fulfill the desires of my heart. As I was walking among the gorgeous trees and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face the song "You'll Come" by Hillsong United came on that completely nailed what I was feeling and gave me the re-assurance that God will come and meet my needs and desires. The chorus goes.

 You'll come let you glory fall

As you respond to us

Spirit Rain, flood into our thirsty hearts again

You'll come

I need to be patient and try not to look at the big things I don't have yet or I will miss out on all the wonderful small things around me right now. If I try to rush and just get to the end of the trail then I'll miss the wildflowers growing along the path, and try as I might I can't help but smile at the sight of wildflowers.

So as I go about my week I need to remember that while I am waiting for God to answer some big questions, and He will come and  answer them, I need to praise and rejoice in the small blessings that He gives me everyday, even something as small as a yellow flower I see along the side of a path.

Flowers Along The Trail

Wild daisies

It has been unbearably hot in Pittsburgh this summer with average temperatures in the 90's. Last Saturday there was a nice little reprieve from the heat which I took advantage of by going on a nice long walk along the trails in Frick Park.

View along the trail.

 During my walk I took notice of all the wild flowers growing along the paths. In any garden these flowers would be looked upon as weeds; unwanted disruptions to a carefully laid out design. But out in the middle of the woods they fit perfectly; little pops of color that bring a smile to my face as I walk by. God continues to surprise me with these small creations of his that can bring unexpected joy. This is probably why no matter how I feel when I start a walk through the woods I always leave feel refreshed and at peace.

Black Eyed Susans

Small yellow bell shaped flower. 

 I looked all over the internet to find out what type of flower this is but I couldn't find any matches. If anyone knows what it is please post below.

Tiger Lily. 

Tiger lillies are one of my favorite flowers and I was very tempted to pick one of the many blooms growing along the path. I decided to leave them be so that everyone would be able to enjoy as they went along.

Purple Wildflowers

Hopefully you can outside and notice some of small wonders hidden among your usual path.  Continue to discover what God has placed you around you and take some pictures and post them for others to enjoy.

Snow Covered Trails

So winter has finally settled in Pittsburgh the last few days with snow coming down every few hours. I decided to go walk the trails in Frick Park in order to document the beautiful change in season. Although there wasn't any green at all, the park still looked beautiful with snow covered branches and iced over streams. This was my first time walking these trails in the winter and it is amazing to see how things change but are oddly the same when all you see are the exposed bones of the park. I encourage everyone to bundle up and head outside to take part in seeing the wonderful beauty in a winter park.

Bridge over a small stream

Trees arching over the trail

The water froze coming over the rocks

I love how this tree is just hanging out in the middle of space

Exposed roots

Frozen tree branch in the pond

Some plant life was still flourishing

Right after I took this picture a deer jumped across the trial 10 feet in front of me.

Twisted steps leading the way out of the park