As I turned up the inclined road, it seemed my car was sweeping me into the gray cloud-filled sky. A hint of pink tinged the sky’s corner and raindrops fell slowly against my windshield. The essence of fall was invading my senses as the desert landscape cooled its summer pace to a gentle breath of all that is autumn. The weather whispered cool breezes through open windows while visions of chicken noodle soup cooking on the stove drifted through … Continue reading →
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV God has done some amazing work behind the scenes in my life this week and in my family. To Him be all glory and power and praise forever more! … Continue reading →
We had looked forward to this time for months. With our son having left for boot camp only two weeks prior, we knew that a few-day visit from our friends would be the perfect pick-me-up for our droopy spirits. But as the time approached, I felt myself sinking into a deep pit. Son had not called or written–my heart breaking while other Moms reported glorious words from their offspring. Energy levels plummeted with the mood. I looked around the … Continue reading →
He is my Rock in turbulent waters “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV A few months ago it would have been difficult for me to see the truth of God’s promise here even though it has been underlined in my Bible for probably years. I was so caught in the grip of fear and anxiety that I allowed it to take over God’s promises in His … Continue reading →
Bridal Veil Falls “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;” Psalm 42:7a NIV At the foot of the waterfalls, the grandeur and power of God roar down the cliffs of Yosemite, and I am awed by His glorious creation. The water pounding against the rocks echoes my heartbeats reaching up in praise to the Almighty. I am captivated by His strength and calmed by the rhythm of the unending flow of water like the unending … Continue reading →
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.: Isaiah 32:18 NIV By God’s special blessing, we were tucked under his pine trees breathing peace-scented air mingled with cypress at this charming bed and breakfast in Northern California. The Lord knew we thirsted for a rest after such an anxious half year so he gathered us together with our close friends up in the Sierra Nevada mountains–far from the pressure of … Continue reading →
Flower of a prickly pear plant “Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;” Psalm 98:4 NIV As I look around me, the desert seems to be bursting forth in song to the Lord, God its creator. Prickly pear cactus shout in brilliant yellow, while giant saguaros trumpet forth in white bursts that carefully quiet within at night. Strawberry hedgehogs and scraggly chollas display splashes of God’s pallete in … Continue reading →
Along the hiking path The airplane ticket had been purchased during the long weeks of silence and wondering. I knew that I would need to escape the walls that closed in around me every weekend. A full week of Spring Break would either provide rest or more turmoil. I wondered, though, if distance, a change of environment, and time spent with my best friend could really grant me the peace I sought from the thoughts that assailed me. Hiking … Continue reading →
On a mild December afternoon, a sparkle in the yard caught my eye. It seemed to come from the orange tree. And although I knew it was too early for blossoms on the tree, I tip-toed out to the tree with curiosity. No blossoms greeted me, but the tree had green, golf-ball sized oranges perched on scattered limbs. I was stunned. I had never seen a blossom in the spring after our frigid winter that nearly killed the fruit … Continue reading →
Dwelling in His presence, there is strength for today and hope for tomorrow. While resting in Him, I couldn’t help but notice the glorious creation He had painted here in the desert. Equipped with only my meager, inexpensive cell phone camera, I snapped away at His majesty as I looked up. AUTUMN IN ARIZONA “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm … Continue reading →
