A Profusion of Blessings
August in the monsoon desert brings a mixture of blessings and stifling heat. I search for godsends round the corner, gasping at the purple profusion of blossoms dripping from roof-high bushes. A gasp that draws in the hot, thick, humid breath fills my lungs. The beauty washes the August air with a refreshing breeze.
Swiftly, ominous desert clouds smother the sun-soaked sky, rolling gray clouds cross the horizon. Temperatures drop, humidity rises, hope for rain abounds.
Camera strap clutched in hand, I hop in the car. Sky’s dew drops fall gentle against my windshield as I edge my car up the road to a friend’s house. Tonight, I know I will chase a sunset.
My friend and I sit on her patio, chatting about writing as the breeze brushes against our skin. I glance at her perfectly trimmed yard, and I hear, then see the summer shower. Raindrops slow at first increase in steadiness. We stand to feel the wonder and are awestruck by God’s full promise–the rainbow arched across the eastern sky. Cameras grabbed, voices enthralled exclaim, “It’s a double rainbow.”
We rejoice as eyewitnesses to a miracle shared. The moment passes, our spirits lifted. We say our good-byes and step into the August desert ten degrees cooler. The blessing of a summer shower.
Leaving her house my eyes are filled with the western sky. Sandals scurry down the street as I run to the sunset across the desert road. I feel akin to the storm chasers who crazily follow tornadoes, adrenaline rising. I chase sunsets, adrenaline racing to catch the pinnacle of the Artist’s glory. There I worship.
Standing on the side of the road, cars ride hard, and I feel their wind’s push against me as I steady the camera. With a cautious flick of my head to ensure my safety, I secure my position, eyes fixed on the glory revealed before me. With smoothness and grace, the colors roll across the sky. Golden yellow drifts into magenta, cooling into pastel pink on the horizon.
Exhilarated and breathless from touching Him in His glorious creation, I carefully turn and cross the street,
feet plodding through puddles left from the summer shower.
Giving thanks today
151) for the wonder of Rainbows shared with friends
152) for summer showers that cool down the desert
153) for monsoon sunsets that reveal the glory of God
154) for purple profusion that bless the weary summer desert dweller
155) for a new job helping teach a special needs child
156) for Your deliverance, Lord, from the pit
157) for our family celebrating my new job
158) for Hubby helping with pictures for my blog
159) for You, Lord, drawing my heart to the little children I see at the musem each week
160) for Your grace, Lord, that forgives my selfishness in our marriage
161) for friends who edit my work
162) for friends who write letters of reference for me
163) for the many small blessings that I still need eyes to see more clearly
“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory on [or above] the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 Amplified Bible
What do you count as blessings when your world seems hot and humid, causing you to gasp for breath?

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Lovely words and pictures bringing them to life! Thank you for sharing with the rest of us. Blessings to you!
Look at your photos! Stunning. What is the name of your purple flower?
Yes, mine was a Crepe Myrtle, taken about a week ago on my walk. They are plentiful in our town, and planted along every gravel road at our historical cemetery. This time of year they are breath-taking, and their scent is like a light perfume in the air.
Enjoyed stopping by…
Janis,
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. Your pictures are absolutely stunning! Really!
I join you in gratitude for these beautiful flowers and the beauty of an amazing sunset.
And, for grace…ah sweet grace and mercy that we need in our marriages and our lives!
blessings
~a
I was given a head’s up to the beautiful post by Sharon at Sharon Sharing God. My goodness, do I appreciate her for doing so!!
You have captured God’s awesome creativity in both words and pictures with a tremendous gift.
I feel blessed to be able to to peek at your worship.
Beautiful!
And can I just share an AMEN for your gratitude number 156?
Stephanie~the purple flower grows on the Texas Ranger bushes here in ARizona
Annesta~So nice to see you again. Thank you for gracious comments. Definitely grateful for the sweet grace and mercy in our marriages.
Debbie~So glad you came by. Thank Sharon for me. #156 is a major blessing in my life, and I agree with your Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh my WORD – those photos? Just amazing!!!
Hi Lisa-Jo,
Thanks for stopping by my place. Hope you had a chance to put your feet up and rest awhile. I was amazed at what the Lord had created in the sky that evening. His work is awesome, just as He is.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Wow!!!! What incredible pictures!!!! Definitely the “handy work” of our Creator and God!! What a gift that you got to see Him at work first hand.
Love you lots!
~Ceal~