Day 37 - Staying active
After the weekend camping trip, I made a resolve to daily find something I liked to do that including moving around, outside. Monday, after work, I drove to a beach on the Columbia River and hiked along the shore, wading through the summer warmed water. I loved watching the kite-boarders carve their paths through the chopping, wind tossed water. The waves, kicked up by the wind, broke in soft green blue curls on the beach, their edges flecked with white foam. A beautiful, red-tinged sunset, kissed the water, bathing everything in a warm glow. It was a short trip worth taking.

Yesterday, the bikes were dusted off, fixed and we drove to a lake after work. Often on Hwy 30 between Oregon and the coast I had noticed this lake with what looked like a bike trail. I decided yesterday to explore it. After a ride in my truck, a Ford F-150, we arrived at the old Trojan nuclear plant grounds. There several small lakes have been made into a park.
The bike trail turned out to be a wonderful surprise, winding approximately 2.3 miles around the lake. We found picnic shelters with water and electricity, baseball fields, horseshoe pits, and inter-crossing trails. Above all else the hundreds of trees throughout the property are truly amazing. Placed here and there throughout the acres of park are benches to sit and enjoy the view of water, trees and birds.
The bike trail is paved, a little bumpy but we were the only bikers. There are places to explore down other paths but we decided to make the main loop. After two rounds, twilight was setting and we eat our picnic lunch of tuna sandwiches.
We stopped at another park in Rainier, Oregon right on the Columbia River and took our bikes out for a spin on their newly paved walking/bike trails.
Tired, but feeling pretty happy about my exercise we finally left to go home.
Each day, as I choose to eat healthy and move more, I experience my body getting stronger, and leaner. Spirtually I continue to read my devotionals and Bible daily. This morning, Psalm 46 was part of my reading. One verse stood out to me as I read in early pre-dawn, "And He (God) shall help her just at the break of dawn." I wondered, what could God do for me at the break of my dawn? I thought about that on the long drive to work and came to the conclusion, God could do anything. It is my expectations and realizations of his inherent goodness and kindness that perhaps is too limited. I heard a sermon once, "How Big Is Your God?" For me at this time of my life, I need to count my blessings daily, and remember God is good, and His plans for me are good. Daring to believe there is a future hope and future blessings will do much to contribute to an expectancy that believes all things are possible.
Today, in your life, dare to believe, God loves you and has a plan and purpose for your life that is good. Pray, seek His face and ask for wisdom for taking the next right step on your path. He will not let you down.
Have a blessed day.

Day 36- Look for me in the mountains

I'm awake this Sunday morning, sitting at the sturdy, wooden picnic table at the Eagle Creek campground in the Columbia Gorge. I'm drinking my morning coffee and enjoying the sight of the sun coming through the trees, casting leafy shadows on the forest floor. Yesterday, I hiked over six miles on the mountain trails. It was a warm, late summer day and my body protested as I pushed it harder and harder to keep going, to not turn around but to reach my goal.

It was a mile hike from the campground to the head of the Eagle Creek trail. A beautiful wooded trail it wound through the woods in gentle switch-backs until we reached the creek. There we followed the small road along the creek to the trail head. I must admit, I was excited! Memories of hikes past filled my mind and I looked forward to reaching the familiar bends, turns and vistas. Several hundred yards up the trail, the beauty of the creek below, white rocks, cystal clear mountain water, drew my attention. I tripped on a rock protruding in the trail and stumbled, almost taking a fall down the steep cliff. My hiking companion noted my stumble and cautioned me I'd better be more careful. It was a wake up call for me, for sure, as I mentally imagined what my obituary would say, "She died pursuing something she loved, hiking in the mountains."

The rocks in the trail became in many parts, pure trail of rocks, and I was thankful for the large, lace-up, suvivor boots. So on and on we traveled. The trail was busy, so many hikers out exploring the mountains. The first mile or so was fine, I breathed in the deep smells of the forest, my eyes greedily taking in the breath-taking views around every bend. It was a perfect day, warm, not too hot, gentle breeze blowing through the hills. After the second mile, I began to notice different pains in my body, sore ankles, leg pains, and strangely a few back twinges. Being with a younger hiker, I tested their patience as I took breaks to find a rock, or tree to rest against to thirstily drink my water, and gather strength for the next leg of the journey. And so it went.

Pl unch Bowl Falls

Reaching our destination, Punch Bowl Falls, we rested for a bit, ate our bagels and carrots and just enjoyed the coolness coming from the water. I love rocks and saw many I'd like to take home with me, but realized just getting my own self down the mountain had better be my priority. The two dogs had done well faithfully hiking besides us, drinking water at stops, and trying not to notice a dozen other dogs passing us on the trail in tow of their young masters.

My companion, a relative, wanted to hike further. A year before we had hiked up another 2-3 miles and found a couple of high bridges that he liked. Unfortunately for him, I had to decline, "Maybe tomorrow," I told him. "Today, I think this will be enough for me."

We readied ourselves for the long walk back. My feet and ankles bruised by the rocks and lace up boots, yearned for comfort and thoughtfully my young friend had packed a pair of my tennis shoes. I switched them out and hung the large boots from my shoulders. Well going back, involved going up and going down, and around, and down. It was a long walk in the early evening but so pretty. I truly believe of all the people I met on the trail I was nearly the oldest hiker. That made me feel good for some reason, as if I had not given up the fight to stay with the forest.

 Finally at the base of the trail we began our trek along the bottom of the creek. The heat of the day was gone, the sun was shining from the deep afternoon sky. Across the creek, a movement caught our eye. A small, spotted fawn was coming to get it's evening drink. Another rustle and it's mother and a twin brother came into view. So sweet, so precious a sight.




 This morning, reading my Bible, the Psalm of the day was Psalm 42. The first verse made me think of yesterday, and what a picture it truly was of this truth, " As a deer longs for streams of water. God, I long for you in the same way." Psalm 42:1 For me this is a picture of my heart. As I follow this desire, and search and pray it is as if I am being renewed day by day. My delight in nature is a gift being given back to me by my Creator.

My life has been, "a tapestry of rich and royal hues". The stress of things outside of my control, the challenges of dealing with people caught in their addictions 24-7, has taken a toll on my spirit. There was a song in my era, You've got a Friend. In that song was a line, "They'll steal your soul if you let them, so don't you let them." For me my life has been like that, either following a side trail of my own making or dodging the fallout from someone elses' journey that got lost. Now, becoming more seasoned in my faith, I am coming into an experience where the storms don't shake me as deeply, and the anchor of my soul holds me fast.

The campground here is coming alive as people wake up, start their campfires and begin their days. An errant crow caw, caws, waiting to see if someone will leave a scrap or two. The day beckons and I am caught up with the desire to explore. Who knew that at 62 I would be blessed with so much life? The Columbia Gorge streches before me, I have so many options for this day I feel as if I am the wealthiest person on earth.

I think of you all sitting at home, or work reading this blog. I only know who a few of you are but I want to wish each and every one of you all the best. Life can become an adventure, at any age, only more than anything else, having the Guide of your life become your friend paves the trail or the trial with happiness. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Today, may your trial or your trail be filled with the knowledge that there is a God who hears and answers prayers. Believe you are never alone and as you seek, God will meet you with open arms, guiding you all the way home. Be blessed and have a wonderful day.

-Day 35- at the Campsite

Well, we drove from our home for about an hour and a half through the thinning gray haze of fall. We were going camping and we were so ready for it. The mountains had called our name and we were lonesome for it's beauty. The roads were busy, so many people, going so many places. Finally we reached I-84 and headed up in to the Columbia Gorge Scenic area. Oh, what beauty! The river, truly majestic, the rich, differening shades of green blanketing the hills, now turning into sharper, higher peaks defining the course of the river through time. I love this drive. So many times in my life when I've faced difficult times, taking a drive up the Gorge has soothed my troubled soul.

Today, not troubled, the amazing scenic beauty still thrills me. A few turns in the road, a few waterfalls past, we finally reach the Bonniville Dam exit. Last trip through we stopped and explored the exhibits at the dam. Huge tanks with all sizes and shapes of fish greet you with a window into an underground, watery world. It's truly worth the stop both North and South sides have things to do and explore. This trip however, we are anxious to get to the campgrounds. On weekends like this, beautiful, clear and hot, the campgrounds fill up fast. I prayed, "God please let there be a site open, please."

As we exited the Eagle Creek exit, the rich 1930's era stonework lines the road, speaking of a time where craftmanship was treasured. Thousands of men in the United States without work, worked in the CCC. (Civilian Conservation Corps). Thousands of US campgrounds and scenic roads throughout had these men build mile after mile of handplaced rock guardrails, picturesque rest stops, and wayside shelters. The Oregon coast highway has many remaining streches of this beautiful work. Here at the campgroup, there are still monuments to the past scattered here and there.

We drove up the hill to the campground and slowly went through the camp sites. . Every site was filled, until we rounded the curve and saw a vacant site, we hopped out ran to pay our fee and got settled. We are delighted by the fact the campsite is huge, enough room for 6 or 7 tents. Some of the trees on the site are 16 or more feet in diameter. Huge! Through the vail of trees glimpses of the brillant, blue Columbia River shines, glistening in the sun. On this trip, I take it easy as I let another family member set up camp. The workout for me will come later, on the first hike. The name of the boots I'll be wearing is Survivors, kind of a funny commentary of me hiking the trail. I'll try to put in a picture so you can see them.

A few more minutes and we will load up water, carrots, grapes, and a couple bagels and cream cheese. We've brought the dogs with us and they lay comfortably in their cages, doors open, enjoying the fresh mountain air they are unaware of the trek before them.

Now that I understand there are people from all over this world reading the blog I realize that your outdoor experiences may be very different from mine. You may live in high dessert, or in a tropical climate. Where-ever you are, nature is around you waiting to be explored. For those of you in Iraq, well it might be a little hot right now, but when you get a breather from the heat, even the desserts are alive.

Well, my camping partner is loading up the gear to hit the trail. There's a challenge of a Scrabble game in the air and I realize I need to leave you my online friends and live in the now. How fortunate I am that I'm here, it's beautiful, and I'm still strong enough to enjoy it! God is good and I have a little more time to enjoy the beauty of this earth. I'll let you know tomorrow how the hike goes. It will be tomorrow until I find a wi-fi spot to send this out; up here in the mountains there is no signal. But even with the delay I want you all to know, I wish you the very best.

Today, if your spirit faints in the face of the adversities you face; remember God is still there and prayer changes things. He may not remove the fire in your life, but He will equip you to go through it without being destroyed. Be blessed and have a wonderful day, knowing there is a God who loves you and wants to strengthen you; every single day.

Day 34 - In The Morning

It is early here, the daylight just beginning to chase away the darkness. A few birds begin their tentative chirping waiting for the fullness of dawn to truly begin their song. I love mornings. I wake up with a sense of wondering what the day will bring.
I use my first moments of the day to draw closer to my source of comfort, wisdom and hope. If I miss that quiet time for some reason, my day is all out of kilter, I feel all out of sorts. I read my daily devotionals and sift through the wisdom others have gleaned from their walk with God. Daily devotionals are books that have a short talk for every day of the year. They have ones for AA/NA, Christian, self-help, positive thinking almost every kind of "help" you can think of. For me, having several Christian devotional books helps keep me centered, focused and connects me with other believers insights.
I also read my Bible daily, I need too. My self-will is so strong, (Star Wars, "the force is strong is this one") that without my daily spiritual vitamins of Bible reading I can so easily become self-seeking, stubborn and anything but a model of Christian love. For me, it is as if I'm am taking in the words, praying for insight and then trusting that those seeds will grow in my inner nature and gradually, over time, I will become more Godly. I like the expression, "By the grace of God, I'm not who I was, and by His grace tomorrow I will become better than I am today."
And so the journey goes. Today, I am so fortunate that I get to go to the mountains. My inner self is  dancing with joy! The plan is to drive to one our favorite spots in the world, Eagle Creek in the Columbia Gorge. There the woods are strong and tall, the creek, cold, pure and sparkling. We will hike as far into the hills as I can go, being limited by my strength and endurace. We will find spots along the way to sit, drink in the smells of the woods and earth and just enjoy seeing the expanse of wilderness. I can hardly wait to get started with the day.
I like in the Bible where it talks about Jesus taking time out of his life to go to the sea, and the hills. The Bible gives us a picture of Him as acknowledging that we need times of rest and refreshing. The fact he liked that outdoors makes me feel a kind of kindred spirit with Him. Although I can't walk the same pathways he walked, or sit on the same shores as he did, each time I go on a trek I sense the overwhelming awareness of being in a sacred place, very close to my Creator.
Being a tree hugger of sorts, I love the smell of the woods, I plan on drinking in the sight of everything I can and recharging my spiritual batteries for what lays ahead. How fortunate I am that at this late stage of my life, 62, I still am able to hike. I am truly blessed. So I will hurry off to get ready, pack the car, get my gear it is going to be a beautiful day! 
Today, in your life, if possible take time to refresh and renew, spiritually and physically. Go outside and find a place to drink in the beauty of nature; to experience the wonder of creation. Make a way to find your own mountan experience. To each of you have a wonderful, blessed day, and keep on looking up!

Day 34- In the morning
It is early here, the daylight just beginning to chase away the darkness. A few birds begin their tentative chirping waiting for the fullness of dawn to truly begin their song. I love mornings. I wake up with a sense of wondering what the day will bring.
I use my first moments of the day to draw closer to my source of comfort, wisdom and hope. If I miss that quiet time for some reason, my day is all out of kilter, I feel all out of sorts. I read my daily devotionals and sift through the wisdom others have gleaned from their walk with God. Daily devotionals are books that have a short talk for every day of the year. They have ones for AA/NA, Christian, self-help, positive thinking almost every kind of "help" you can think of. For me, having several Christian devotional books helps keep me centered, focused and connects me with other believers insights.
I also read my Bible daily, I need too. My self-will is so strong, (Star Wars, "the force is strong is this one") that without my daily spiritual vitamins of Bible reading I can so easily become self-seeking, stubborn and anything but a model of Christian love. For me, it is as if I'm am taking in the words, praying for insight and then trusting that those seeds will grow in my inner nature and gradually, over time, I will become more Godly. I like the expression, "By the grace of God, I'm not who I was, and by His grace tomorrow I will become better than I am today."
And so the journey goes. Today, I am so fortunate that I get to go to the mountains. My inner self is dancing with joy! The plan is to drive to one our favorite spots in the world, Eagle Creek in the Columbia Gorge. There the woods are strong and tall, the creek, cold, pure and sparkling. We will hike as far into the hills as I can go, being limited by my strength and endurace. We will find spots along the way to sit, drink in the smells of the woods and earth and just enjoy seeing the expanse of wilderness. I can hardly wait to get started with the day.
I like in the Bible where it talks about Jesus taking time out of his life to go to the sea, and the hills. The Bible gives us a picture of Him as acknowledging that we need times of rest and refreshing. The fact he liked that outdoors makes me feel a kind of kindred spirit with Him. Although I can't walk the same pathways he walked, or sit on the same shores as he did, each time I go on a trek I sense the overwhelming awareness of being in a sacred place, very close to my Creator.
Being a tree hugger of sorts, I love the smell of the woods, I plan on drinking in the sight of everything I can and recharging my spiritual batteries for what lays ahead. How fortunate I am that at this late stage of my life, 62, I still am able to hike. I am truly blessed. So I will hurry off to get ready, pack the car, get my gear it is going to be a beautiful day!
Today, in your life, if possible take time to refresh and renew, spiritually and physically. Go outside and find a place to drink in the beauty of nature; to experience the wonder of creation. Make a way to find your own mountan experience. To each of you have a wonderful, blessed day, and keep on looking up!

Day 33 Lunch with Robin

Hello, to all my readers. {the following is a list of where people are reading this blog F.Y.I.

United States, Russia, Iraq, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, South African, Belgium, Algeria, Georgia, Viet Nam, India, Greece, Egypt, Canada, South Korea, Ireland }.

Right this minute, I am up here in Central Northwest Washington, in a Safeway parking lot eating my lunch. The sun is hot, there is a cool breeze blowing through the car and my lunch of grapes, almonds, and carrots taste sweet and good. Over a month ago I started this blog to tell the story of my journey of getting fit. Like all journeys, there have been a few side trips. For me there's been a lot of going down memory lane and remembering situations from my past that have helped me become the person I am today.

During this time, I have joined a weight loss support group; I've stepped up my physical activity and I've eaten much healthier. I feel great! I have a long way to go but I feel so much more like getting up and doing things. It's fun for me to attend my meetings and get to hear from other people who are dedicated to giving up junk food, TV remotes, and shopping in the "big" section. No offense Walmart but who thought Faded Glory was an attractive name for larger women's clothes? Or Sears, with their Sag Harbor? Are you kidding me? Politically incorrect clothing lines aside, I feel encouraged about this journey. I get that encouragement from so many sources; co-workers, people at my weight loss meetings, mirrors, and clothes that are no longer too snug. It's nice to know that I am getting stronger, and fitter all the time. It's as if I know I'm climbing a tall hill but I know at the end of that climb there is a wonderful, refreshing waterfall.

Sometimes, I admit, the smell of fast food calls my name, "Robin, come back. Don't you remember how good I taste?" Or the ooey, gooey free goodies in the workroom smile with a knowing grin. But all in all these weeks have seen me making better choices, healthier choices and that makes me feel good.

I've been reading every morning from Psalms, Proverbs, and The Gospel of John. A chapter a day from each of them. I'm praying that increasingly my inner self will continue to be renewed. That I will become wiser, kinder, and more motivated to help others. I'm choosing to increase my spiritual food and decrease my earthly food.

Well, the clock is ticking away and I must return to the treatment center to work. It is Friday, and so many dreams come to mind of things to do tomorrow. How thankful I am that I am healthy and strong at this time of my life. God is faithful and has continued to strengthen and encourage me.

Today, if you have plans and goals that you've put on the shelf; take them down, dust them off. Pray and ask God to give you a renewed sense of purpose, a refined vision of His plan for your life. And as always, be happy, and be blessed. Robin

Day 32 - Making a house a home - where the heart is

Recently I visited a nearby county fair. It was a warm, sunshine-filled evening and the drive there was filled with pleasant views of the Columbia River, acres of grazing pasture and hills filled with the sweet essence of summer leaves and evergreens boughs, sap warmed by the sun. Once at the fair, the cinamon spice scent of elephant ears, pungent ordor of bar-b-qued chicken, and earthy smells of farm animals filled the air. A brillant mix of carnival rides, rodeo sounds, and western wear met my senses.The sky just beginning to be tinged with the impending golds of a summer sunset, the carnival rides glowed with their colorful array of lights. County fairs are rich in the textures of Americana, you can almost drink it in from every pore.

 The animals displayed by 4-H groups filled several buildings. As I looked at each exhibit, the bunnies, chickens, calves, and sheep all appeared well-groomed and happy. They had been fed and groomed and pampered by their young owners care. Next to each stall were pictures of these pleasant children's faces, eager with thougths and hopes of blue-ribbons dancing in their heads.

The craft hall was a delight. Rich vibrant colors and textures of quilts of all sizes and shapes awaited me. The complexity, the artistic skills made each it's own work of art. Nearby, other craft exhibits bore testimony of small fingers, making their first fair entries. All in all, county fairs celebrate a life where community, family and hard work are virtures that are celebrated and esteemed.

Ideally, a home should be like that. A place where it's members can find solace, comfort and beauty. A place where "family" is celebrated, cherished and esteemed. Creating that environment, maintaining that haven requires a lot of dedication and comittment. It requires people joined in a common purpose and function to provide the nuture needed to face a life filled with stress and challenge.

As a single mom, I have often longed for wide expanses of time to more effectively work on creating "home." I hear stories of quilts made, cookies baked, redecorating and realize working impacts my ability to provide as much love as I'd like to my home. Proverbs 31 is written depicting a woman of that day who loved her family, and her home. For many years, I'd skim through the chapter and think, "Well sure, she can do all that, she doesn't work." Recently I reread this chapter and realized it was full of references to her working; making belts to sell; buying land and planting it; sewing clothes for her family. Maybe I was missing something here.

If you have to work and it's not an option where does the balance lay between keeping the home of your dream and at least maintaining a house that's livable? It's a challenge. I like the verse in Proverbs where it says, " A wise woman builds her house, the foolish one tears it down with her hands." Defining what my standards are for my home as a working mom will require looking at how I spend my time. Am I spending too much time watching HGTV programs about how to make a beautiful home? Should that time be spent making sure the home I'm is beautiful? Probably somewhere in the middle is true. I love my family, I love my home. In this life of constantly trying to be better as a parent and home-maker I think a review now and again couldn't hurt. Today, with God's help, I will go home after work and spend time making my house more of a warm, loving home. I will accept what limits I have on time, energy and money and do the best with what I have. I will begin again to make my house a home - where the heart is.

Today, whoever, where-ever you are with God's help do what you can to make your house a better home. Accept what you have, be greatful and share the love in your heart with those you live with. God says He is making us a heavenly home if we accept Jesus as our personal Savior. Someday we as Christians will have a heavenly home, let's do what we can now to have a heaven on earth in our homes.