Lately,  I have been a little obsessed with the clouds.  I snapped this picture the other morning while out on a run.  I loved the contrast between the two.  These little clouds all jumbled together can represent how we sometimes view our hardships.  It can sometimes feel like we keep getting hit with hard things one right after another.  Or, we can sometimes feel like there is this big, giant, dark cloud following us around.

Well, I went to scripture to see what God’s word has to say about clouds and I found this verse. Psalm 105:39 NIV  “He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give them light at night.”

What if we looked at the clouds in a our life a little differently.  What if we look for the blessing instead.  What if we change our perspective.  Hardships can produce something in us for a purpose. Right?  Is it not in the process, the breaking down and rebuilding that we grow the most?  During the process of hard times, what if God is giving us clouds as a covering.  Protection.

Clouds can also produce rain.  What if God is bringing in a little rain to water our battered and tired souls.  Water is essential for growth.  Slowing down our pace a little to receive what only He can give.

Resource:  Zondervan NIV Study Bible 2008 Update

Running is a great way to quiet your soul.   I started this running journey a little over 2 years ago.

On March 5, 2016 I was able to complete my first marathon.  On November 5, 2016, I completed my second marathon. All God’s glory. Now, I can say with all honesty.  It is not easy.  It took complete commitment and a lot of dedicated training hours.

The goal was just to finish. And by the way,  I am not fast.  The week before the first race, I became so fearful that I could not finish that I almost dropped out! I thank God for a friend that does a lot of running. She answered  all my questions, gave me advice and encouraged me to run the race.  She had total confidence that I could do it.   It was me who had a hard time believing that I could do it.

The following Saturday, I found my self on the start line.  God allowed me this amazing opportunity in order to teach me how to over come fear and adversity. And how to apply what I learned  into business.  He reminded me that He has given us everything we need to overcome fear.   Fear and doubt can paralysis you and can keep you from growing.  It is only in struggle there is progress.  I have learned so much through running and have grown a lot personally because of it.

Running is a great way to get away. Clear your head and spend quiet time with the Lord.  Don’t quit and don’t give up on your goals and dreams!

Philippians 4:13