Ocotillo on the left, Saguaro on the right does not have arms yet

    
     The Ocotillo and Saguaro stand like sentinels at the gate to Springtime in the Desert. However, as anyone knows, these desert dwellers do not invite an up-close and personal experience. Their needles could draw a profuse amount of blood if one would become entangled in these cacti, especially the Ocotillo.When we first moved here 17 years ago, our landscaper recommended against putting one in our backyard where children would be playing. It would be too dangerous for a child to easily run into the Ocotillo with its beautiful red plumes.
     In Proverbs, the Lord warns us against being lured in by something that looks beautiful but could ensnare our lives. It doesn’t have to be related to lust. It could be something as ordinary as eating that extra piece of chocolate cake. Looks beautiful, tastes great, but harms the body.

     “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12 NIV 

     Giving thanks this week for:
     611) friends who pray for you and share wisdom from God’s heart
     612) laughter among friends that eases tension and relieves stress
     613) comments from caring writers
     614) cousins who love
     615) plants that need to be watered
     616) a reorganized computer desk
     617) a caring church body that reaches out in love and comfort to those in need
     618) Holly Gerth’s devotional book, Rain on Me
     619) the Father who never gives up on us
     620) the principle of abandoning our plans and wills to the Lord (I will be relearning that one every day)

May your week be filled with beauty that draws you closer to the Lord.