emily ward

A couple of days ago I was sharing some things with a good friend of mine, and was telling him about how I had been in a rough place the last couple of weeks and how I felt like satan was attacking. (FYI...satan is very real) and how it kinda freaked me out. He began reciting Psalm 23 to me, which I'm familiar with, but this time it was different:

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me." 

I will not fear. I don't have to be afraid. HE is with me. 
I haven't been able to stop thinking about Psalm 23.
It's been in my mind and in my heart.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside quiet waters, 
He refreshes my soul
He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake"

So after having a really rough couple of weeks, I needed a day of just being.
A day of beauty.
A day of nature.
A day of quiet.
My friend Sarah had asked me to go hiking with her.
Perfect.
After a few detours & lots of driving...we ended up at Pedernales Falls State Park. It was absolutely beautiful.
We hiked.
We did some "rock climbing".
We sat and read. Journaled.
But mostly just stopped.

There is something truly beautiful and amazing about sitting in nature and having God's creation all around you crying out His glory because of its beauty. You can't help but worship.

We sat on this rock that was right next to a small waterfall. I loved the sound. To me, it was the sound of quiet waters. It was so peaceful. I laid back on the rock and closed my eyes letting the sound take my mind to places of green pastures.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside quiet waters, 
He refreshes my soul"

Refreshes indeed.

We hiked and climbed up rocks trying to find our way to another area. Except we weren't sure how to get there. There were bushes and branches cutting up our arms (well...Sarah's arms) and huge rocks & cliffs were preventing us from getting to where we wanted to be.
Finally we came across a path. The path led us to where we needed to be and it led us back out.  A path.
"He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."
I felt like this day was just what I needed. I love how God kept reminding me of His faithfulness. Showing me His word. Letting me see His goodness. He is beautiful.
Here are some more fun pics I took: