The Path of Life

"You lead me in the path of LIFE.  You will fill me with abundant JOY in Your presence, with the sweetness of VICTORY at Your right hand."  ~Psalm 16:11

Dearest Friends and Family,

Happy 7-7!! ❤  My surgery was exactly one month ago, and I am grateful for every bit of kindness, love, and support I have received from those who care about me.  Physically, I am grateful to say I’m recovering well and my incisions are almost fully healed.  I’m beginning to strength train and preparing to start Half-Marathon training a couple weeks from now!

Mentally and spiritually, my recovery is just beginning.  Honestly, I should have been wise enough to expect the storm of spiritual warfare that hit just when I was most vulnerable post-op.  But in the same way I tend to be oblivious to checking the Weather app until a torrential downpour hits, I did not armor-up or prepare myself well for the enemy's attacks in this season.  I am smart and driven and intentional, and I'm not crazy or unwilling to put in effort... but I have been struck by paralyzing fear along with sincere confusion about how to move forward.  And even as I write that, I am hearing 2 Timothy 1:7 in my mind - that God in His goodness has not given me a spirit of fear, but of POWER, and of LOVE, and a SOUND (clear and peaceful) MIND.  This fear and confusion and instability are not rooted in Him.

I have authority over the enemy, and I can separate the light from the darkness.  I have a God who leads me forward "in the path of life."  Who brings me abundant joy in His presence.  And who holds the sweetness of victory and peace in His right hand.  Staying close to Him is essential.

On this one-month mark, I've been thinking purposefully about the path ahead of me.  And praying over it on my silent “mindfulness walk" tonight.  Then discussing it with my attentive and caring friend, Chet, who called to check in with accountability and encouragement.

God’s path of life starts with me breaking agreements and taking back my God-given authority... embracing the courage it took to start this whole journey, and thanking God for the solid foundation that upholds a safe refuge where I can withstand this storm (Mt. 7:24-25). ❤

Moving forward with better boundaries, I am committing to drop the sword of suspicion and trust and follow the medical advice:  To lead with protein, incorporate more vegetables and fiber, and be very intentional about making wise food choices over the six months ahead!  I am removing the mental "finish line" of hitting a certain weight number and then being "done."  My game plan is to persevere with the doctor-recommended nutrition advice for the next six months while paying close attention to physical hunger and fullness cues… then in the new year (if it continues to align with God's will), I will revisit the book I just read and thoughtfully move into an intuitive eating approach with food, which seems like the best path forward for long-term mental and physical health!  I'm also committing to a 10-minute "vision-walk" or 10 minutes of journaling every morning where I will pray over these things and set my focus for the day ahead of me, a valuable and relatively simple habit that I've started this week with Launch... which continues to be an exceptional and well-timed tool for me!! ❤

This = a pic after our family dinner at Clark Crew BBQ tonight!

The boys all messing with each other whilst Rach and Kyndal smile normally. lol

It's been a really fun long weekend, which I will recap more tomorrow!

Song for Today = Trust in God by Elevation Worship

This is song #1 on the "Intention Setting" Peloton walk, and I adore it now... Elevation worship music feels especially anointed to me!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.

He's been my fourth man in the fire time after time...

Perfect submission, all is at rest.

I know the Author of tomorrow has ordered my steps...

I sought the Lord, and He heard, and He answered.

Month #1 has been humbling and surprisingly hard and messy at times... focused mostly on physical recovery + regaining my footing mentally and spiritually.  I was knocked down and disoriented, and the struggle to get back up and stand firm has been real - I feel afraid even now, but more aware of the warfare behind that fear, and more empowered to fight back.

Month #2 will be about reclaiming authority in Christ + prioritizing protein + rebuilding strength in mind, body, and spirit!  I am pressing into my support system and the stability and strength that are mine in Christ.  Together, we really can do hard things!

God alone holds the key to the path of life and the sweetness of victory.

And I believe He is helping me to write a beautiful new chapter, even if the first draft looks a bit messy!

“I trust in God my Savior, the One who will never fail.” ❤

With Love and Hope,

Lindsey Claire