Will You Trust Me?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all you ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Yowza! Trust was a big issue in our rock climbing experience around St. George, Utah. As a family we stepped out of our comfort zones and together we let the guys from Paragon Adventures lead us up and down the rock canyons. Carly is shown here clinging to the rock and climbing to the top. She did a fantastic job of overcoming her fears that day.

On the right, Ellie is headed up the rock and stops to smile for the camera. Smiling was reserved for these brief camera moments and after conquering the challenge. During the climb it was mostly focus and concentration that was seen during our journey up the rock. We were constantly encouraged to trust in our guides, the ropes and the bolts that were anchored in the rocks above. Hmmm? Why did we have such a struggle in the beginning with this trust?

I think the same is true of our faith journey. Our God is constantly encouraging us to trust in Him and yet we live lives that reflect the opposite of trust. Many times our lives reflect doubt and unbelief. The question God is asking of our family today is: Will you trust me? Is he asking you the same question? Are you listening and responding with a resounding YES Lord, or is your response conditional?

Winds of Change

Have you ever felt led by or stirred by a wind of change? John talks to Nicodemas about the Holy Spirit in the life of a follower in John 3:8. Here is what he says; You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.”

This verse contains a wordplay which cannot be adequately expressed in English. The Greek word pneuma means both wind and Spirit. The work of the Spirit (pneuma) is invisible and mysterious like the blowing of the wind (pneuma). Man controls neither.
On a recent trip to Southwestern Utah, we sensed the winds of change blowing through our family. Please pray for us as we, Ellie, Carly, Vic and Monique , discern what God is telling us in this wind.

We are "born of the Spirit" and He speaks to us. We want to listen attentively. More to come as we listen. Stay tuned.

Bloomsday Run - Family Fun

On May 4th we joined the Couser family, daughter Erin and friends, on a run through the streets of Spokane, WA. The run is called Bloomsday. Monique and I had run it years ago and were challenged to run it again by our friends the Cousers. It was fantastic reunion of families.

The goal of running Bloomsday, 7.4 miles kept Monique and I motivated to run through the winter. Ellie and Carly caught the vision for the run in April and did a little jogging to in preparation for the big day. We were so proud of them for hanging in there and finishing.

There were about 45,000 folks who took to the streets on a beautiful sunny spring day in Spokane. Erin was the family winner, finishing in 1 hour - 15 minutes. I managed to push through the 6th mile wall and finish 3 minutes behind her. Way to go Erin!

Here are the Woodward gals, Monique, Erin, Carly and Ellie with friends Allison and Craig.