my walk with YOU..: From the Highest of Mountains to the Depths of the Sea.

I learned to love hiking in Japan. Perhaps because the beaches there are nothing compared to the beauty of our beaches here in Negros.

Before I left, I was more of a beach person. Staring out at the waves, hearing it crash to the shore. Taking in all that salty air. A trickle of salt on my lips. Yes, the beach instantly calms me.

It's as if for a moment there, you just get reminded that everything is in place. Everything is just right.

Yesterday, I planned with some church friends to go hiking. Days before the said hike, we realized due to work and some personal reasons, almost all of us couldn't make it.

So I prayed and asked a few close friends to help me pray for favor. 'Coz after spending time with a ton of people and the busyness of life, I just need to get away and breathe.

A few hours before the said hike, I found out I could go!

They say when you hike, you have to hike either by yourself or a friend for it to be effective. 'Coz the purpose of the hike is to regain your sense of things. To be one with nature.

Now how can you do that if you go on a hike with someone that you'd fight with as you try reaching the top? Someone that would discourage you from reaching your goal? Someone who would drive you nuts you'd like to push them over the edge when you get there?

So here are some things I've learned from that 6.6km hike:

1. Hike with the right people.

2. It's always better to be with someone. Life is not meant to be traveled alone.

3. Pace yourself. Baby steps. It's okay if you go slow. Just keep moving.

4. Appreciate the person who will look for you when you're trailing behind and guide you.

5. Say thank you when someone calls to check if everything is okay. It means they care. You are not forgotten.

6. Appreciate life when you find a person that will link arms with you and remind you of the beautiful view up there.

7. There is a time to share and there is a time to listen. 6.6kms will help you realize that.

8. Friends are an extension of God's love and grace toward us.

9. It is great to break bread together to share in laughter.

10. Time. Time is the best gift you can give to anyone and to yourself.

11. Glory. God's glory is around you. Even when you think otherwise.

12. Finish what you started.

13. Rejoice with those who rejoice with you.

14. Share each other's burden.

15. The pain is all worth it in the end. God has something beautiful in store for you if only you persevere.

The list could go on but then I wouldn't have a reason to write again now would I?

Oh and of course, we always go back to our first loves.. We went to Dauin on a whim. Wahoo BEACH!

Again, all is well with my soul.

"For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders." Job 37:14

"How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small." Psalm 104:24-25

Here are some photos of those who taught me these things and many more: