When Belief Was Strengthened by Beauty

I packed my stuff and headed into the New Zealand. When I stepped into the unknown beauty of the land, I asked God, with a heart full of gratitude, for the opportunity to travel again. My heart was warmed knowing that I was about to see His creation and be thankful for even the smallest pieces of beauty. I thank Him with everything I have, and I don’t regret stepping out of my comfort zone into a land where God was present, hovering over it.

When I arrived in there, I saw the hills, the scenery of the land, the greenery, and the rivers; things I had never seen before. I closed my eyes for a moment, repeating again and again, telling God, “Who am I that I can see Your beauty with these carnal eyes?” I praised God within, and a sense of joy and happiness, both inside and outside of me, began to rise. I said, “I am exactly where I need to be; right next to my Creator, where I can see the wonders of His power.”

I saw countless stars in the clear night, heard the birds singing during the day and night, and watched the rivers dance with such beauty and power. I was there, touching my skin in the crystal-clear waters of the mountains. I had a sip of fresh mountain spring water. My problems grew smaller and smaller as I took in the vastness and detail of nature. Who am I to complain about anything?

I couldn’t ask for more. Tell me why? I was travelling with such an amazing group of people. When I returned to my room, I paused to wipe my tears over what I had witnessed; a joy I could hardly contain; and I fell to my knees, thanking God and dreaming again.

A little bit more purpose, a little bit of freedom and joy injected in me.

I could not ask for more. My dream had come true, and I was deeply in love with my God.

That, at the end of my days, I may be more thankful and grateful. And when I return to my normal daily routine, I remember that God is so beautiful and great. I was journaling with my heart and capturing moments with my eyes; and, of course, with my new DJI Action 5 Pro camera; but none of those things could truly explain what I was seeing.

As I watched the mountains, I said quietly within, “How can they not see You, God?” Just by being here in this moment, I could see Your power and Your Spirit.

I was in a bath of cleanness. God was cleansing my heart; removing the things that were not pure, the things not from Him. He was washing me slowly during this week of travel in New Zealand. How needy I am. I needed God to move in me more. I did not want to be stuck in the cycle of life. Why didn’t I come here before? This land is not far from me, yet it seems my journey was not accidental. For everything God has done in my life, He had reason and wisdom; my response was to be here and to love Him more.

I took advantage of every opportunity to swim in the wild rivers. I wanted to be immersed in my Creator’s nature over and over again. I completed the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Blue Lake, the volcanic scenery, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu. Reaching the end of the track gave me renewed strength. I felt refreshed and truly happy. Beauty and joy washed over me.

If I had wings, I would have flown to the highest place with excitement.

I believe everyone who walked that path was healed, even if only briefly, from worldly troubles. God was calling out in the wilderness.

The Spirit was teaching me to believe, even in the middle of the unknown, to trust that everything happens for a reason for those who believe, and that joy will come in the morning.

The eight days of my travel were eight days of life-changing moments; filled with fun, beauty, and friendship.

I’m changed!

My heart is full!

I hold this in my heart forever!

Let’s enjoy some of the beauty; I am still in awe!