Celebrating in His Majestic Creation
We stepped onto the small wooden deck extending from our cozy room and gazed in amazement at the scene before us. Autumn trees bursting with colors of burnt orange and golden yellow bordered the glassy creek stretching toward the red rock mountain. Like a bridal aisle bids the beloved, the creek drew our eyes slowly toward the majestic red rock mountain framing the scene with God’s majestic glory.
The beginning of a new day, a new year for me stretched before us and I could almost hear the Lord saying:
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV
Just two short days to dance along the tenderfoot trails or balance on rocks as we crossed the West Fork of the creek. Glorious, breathless days surrounded by the rich red rock of Sedona, Arizona. Climbing high above the valley we braced ourselves against the wind, feet planted on layered red rock. We marveled at rocks resembling courthouses and gigantic bells. We tucked ourselves between granite walls in the Oak Creek Canyon and carefully navigated the creek crossings.
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| Courthouse Rock |
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| Bell Rock |
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| West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon |
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| Crossing Oak Creek Canyon |
As the sun peeked over the red rock, iridescent green-headed mallards and their partners quacked their morning song below our room at the Inn. Poised by the creek, we watched them as they watched back. Waiting for crumbs.
Surrounded by spires, and strata, and yellow cacti fruit with swirls of red, and yellow, and burnt orange leaves, I saw the majesty of God and was filled with His joy and peace.
The Lord’s creation speaks of His majesty. When you gaze upon the mountains’ grandeur or the crashing of the rhythmic, rolling sea. When your heart soars at Autumn robed in vibrant colors or observe the birds in flight, you have witnessed the hand of God and know He exists.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV
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| Chapel of the Holy Cross |
May your week be filled with the joys of family and friends gathered around to give Thanks for all of the Lord’s blessings.
Linking with:
Scripture and a Snapshot
Spritiual Sundays
Sunday Community
Sunday Stillness
Weekend Brew
Playdates with God
Monday Musings
Tell Me a True Story
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Janis – Once again, these are truly spectacular photos!!! Each one boasts of a beauty and of a Creator! Thank you for sharing these with everyone!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Joanne
Janis, beautiful photos! Sedona is one of the favorite places we’ve visited. Your photos make me want to return again soon. Such beauty He created.
Nice to connect on Twitter too this week! My husband has begun his deployment…in mobilization stage right now so I will see him one last time next week before he begins his journey overseas.
Wishing you a blessed Sunday.
Love,
Beth
Dear Janis
Oh, this takes my breath away. One cannot help but burst into praises and worship to the Creator of such beauty. And He created it all as a gift to us, His children. Janis, even though nature is majestic and beautiful, it is still not the crown of Pappa’s creation. Only we as humans have been created as spiritual beings with the ability to be His temples through which He can live His life to His glory alone. That makes you and me pretty special in His sight, don’t you think. But this humbles me so much. Great photos, dear friend.
Blessings XX
Mia
I love your photos of Sedona! What a great place to celebrate your birthday. I’ve spent much time hiking in the places you mentioned. I love the chapel photo. It’s a great place to visit.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Oh Janis, I love Sedona and the Oak Creek Canyon area. The views are just breathtaking. Your photos captured the beauty! As a side note, Charlotte from Spiritual Sundays has a linky button, and it features the Chapel of the Holy Cross. I’ve seen it from afar, but never been inside. I loved your photo – what a glorious view!
The Lord has created such a beautiful and majestic world – and even in its flawed condition, we can clearly see His hand. I am finally beginning to appreciate these mountains where He’s placed me.
Glad that you had an opportunity to enjoy some *outside* time. I’m sure it refreshed your soul!
Wishing you and your family a truly blessed Thanksgiving!
GOD BLESS!
Breathtakingly beautiful! I have only been there once myself but was in awe of the beauty too. There’s nothing like that here in Indiana! Lovely post and scriptures today. Blessings! ♥
Hi Janis! I love Sedona! Seeing all that red really brought me back to my Tucson days. Especially the chapel. As I was paging down, I wondered if you made it to the top to see it.
I hope your eyes are doing better, and you were able to enjoy the sites. Your husband looks like such a nice guy, you make a nice pair!
The photo of the three different colors of trees was so beautiful! I love that. I’ve only seen one other photo like it. Nice capture!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, my friend. Blessings to you and yours.
Ceil
I love these pictures! Thank you for sharing the beauty of God’s creation in
Arizona with us!
Absolutely beautiful!
I’m a very “Rocky” person… many photos in our country, and piles and piles of rocks in my yard and in my house. Can’t NOT enjoy rocks, with their texture and colors and style. Oh, makes me so happy.
Thank you for making me smile…… YIPPEE!!
Your photos are spectacular and I can’t chose a favorite. I did especially like the rock formations. The trees with the varied colors are so beautiful. Thank you for allowing us to visit with you on your trip and we enjoy your posts here at “tell Me a Story.”