August 20, 2026 
The Pond Panorama…
Hi Friends.
Today I managed to bring my walking speed back up to 3.5 mph. My knee felt really good throughout the walk, which I’m incredibly thankful for, although my eyes were certainly letting me know that 3.5 mph is quite a pace for me! 😂 Still, it felt great to be moving more confidently again, and I’m genuinely encouraged by how my knee is responding. After everything I’ve been through with it, being able to get back out here, walk at a speedy pace and enjoy the trail feels like a real blessing. And, of course, I had to stop and take another panorama of the pond…
One thing I particularly like about this panorama is that I managed to capture the path on both sides of the pond in the same photograph. Those of you who have been following my trail walks will know this is the very path I walk along from left to right before stopping to take my pond photograph.
‘Liz’s Super Speedway” Panorama…
And then we come to another familiar part of my route, which I’ve affectionately named ‘Liz’s Super Speedway’. If you’ve been following my walks for a while, you’ll know exactly why I call it that! This is the long, straight section of trail where I can really get into my stride, and today, reaching 3.5 mph made it feel rather appropriate to give the place another panoramic outing. I love how this particular view shows the trail disappearing into the woodland, with the trees and vegetation creating what almost feels like a natural tunnel. It’s a completely different atmosphere from the open clearing around the pond, but it’s just as much a part of what makes this trail special to me.
Scripture snack…
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Give thanks…🙏
How might you pause to give thanks today? Perhaps it’s saying a simple prayer, reflecting on a Bible verse that speaks to your heart, listening to a worship song, enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, catching up with a favourite blog from your WordPress family, or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence. However you choose to spend the moment, may your heart be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
Motivational quote…
Today I’m thankful for so much: for our wonderful trip to Derby, for family and friends, for the encouragement of my WordPress family, and for the simple blessing of being back on the trail. I’m thankful that today I could pick up the pace to 3.5 mph, that the weather finally gave my eyes a break from being burned out by the heat and glare, and that my knee held strong every step of the way. Above all, I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and for the people He places around us to encourage, teach and walk alongside us. 😀
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
iChristian 
Hey Steve! Reading this made my day! 3.5 mph is fantastic, especially after all your knee’s been through, that’s such a good sign of healing. Love that you got both sides of the path in the pond photo, and “Liz’s Super Speedway” gave me a proper chuckle. So glad the weather eased off for your eyes.
That verse from Thessalonians really landed for me too, “give thanks in all circumstances” is easy to say but so much harder to live out, and you’re clearly walking it out, literally! It’s a real testimony to see someone thank God right in the middle of the healing, not just after it’s done. Praying your knee keeps holding strong, and that you keep feeling His faithfulness on every step. Blessings 🙂
Amen.
Steve, continue to enjoy the simple joys of each day, one step at a time! Blessings~
Hooray for your knee feeling better and for your pace on the trail. I like the looks of that path into the woods. What a great photo of you and Sarah…although the cautious mother in me is a little concerned how close to the edge it looks like you are standing! 🙂
I’m thankful to the Lord that he holds me fast. Thankful for his love and care for our married children and our Grands. Thankful for the peace I have with God because of Jesus Christ. So much to be thankful for.
Have a great evening!