Follow the Red Blaze

Before Easter weekend, winter's grip was released on a lovely sunny day. With just a few fluffy clouds on a backdrop of blue, I laced on my running shoes to nab a few miles and capture sunshine on my shoulders. "Siri" led me to the south of Murfreesboro (outside of Nashville), Tennessee. Off I-24 is a great little part-suburban park known as Barfield Crescent Park which seems to have two sections: Community ball and Frisbee parks and the hiking & picnic area. For the nature lover, there are roughly 7 miles of trails -some paved and unpaved- from the Volunteer Road parking lot.

At the Wilderness Station, I inquired of the 3 mile loop. A complimentary map was given with the instruction to "Follow the Red Blaze" marking my route. Easy enough. Off I went for my trail run over rocks and roots and foot bridges, up and down to the river, traversing my way along an old rock fence and past chattering families enjoying the trails. 

It did not occur to me until I saw the photos from my trek as to the spiritual symbolism of my instruction to "Follow the Red Blaze." C'mon, work with me...I can make most anything a teaching point for God!

Jesus willingly laid down His life and shed His life's blood on the cross as a blaze marking my way of redemption to God! He rose to life taking the keys of sickness and the grave and hell with Him. Death couldn't hold Him! He said that I could have a life free of bondage and have eternal life with God the Father when I ask Him to forgive my sins and choose to live my life loving and following His instructions...and you can, too! Just "Follow the Red Blaze."

For God so loved the World 

that He gave His only Son.

Whoever believes in Him will not die,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart

that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God

and it is by openly declaring your faith

that you are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Romans 10:13