Sunday, November 19, 2023: Whispers of Winter in the Desert

As I sit to write today, the wind is a playful companion, rustling through the spindly arms of Saguaro and Ocotillo while sweeping across the vast canvas of the desert. It carries with it the promise of winter—cool, crisp, and invigorating.

"Cool in the desert?" you might question with a raised brow. Indeed, it's a little-known secret that our arid home has its own gentle version of autumn. It's one of the most cherished times for us desert dwellers. Gone is the relentless heat, replaced by an airy chill that invigorates the soul and invites adventure.

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Psalm 104:10-12: "He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches."

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After our gentle rains yesterday, this passage comes to my mind and beautifully captures the essence of God's provision and the natural beauty of the world, much like the refreshing change in weather and the renewed spirit it brings.

...The desert, often misconceived as a relentless furnace, now breathes with a kind of softness that beckons even the most reclusive into its expansive embrace. It reminds me of Psalm 104:10-12, where the Lord's creation is depicted in its full glory, with springs and mountains, birds singing in the branches, and all creatures finding sustenance and life. Just as these verses depict a world teeming with life and nourished by God's hand, our desert too transforms under His watchful eyes. Evidence that the Lord consistently provides for all who trust in Him and look to Him.

The air is not just cooler; it's alive with possibility. It's the kind of day where the horizon seems to call out, urging you to explore His simple and precious gifts. Whether hiking down the dusty trails that wind through the diverse Arizona landscape, or pedaling along the winding paths as the cool air challenges the warmth of your spirit to come alive.

This is the time when the sun, usually a blazing sovereign from the sky, becomes a gentler ruler. Its rays still kiss the earth, but with a milder, softer touch that paints everything in a rich golden hue, minus the fierce heat.

For those who have never experienced November in the desert, it's a phenomenon that might seem as elusive as rain here. But for us, it's a brief, magical period where every breath feels like a fresh start, and every gust of wind carries away the old, anticipating the new.

So, to all my cherished readers, I extend this invitation: Step outside, feel the mischievous wind nudge you along, and take in the subtle beauty of your landscape. Be it vibrantly clothed in autumn colored leaves or a peaceful desert of sage and succulents that is finally cooling down from summer heat, preparing for a peaceful winter rest. Let's embrace this wind of change together and enjoy the unique pleasures of our beloved earthly home. A truly wonderful blessing from our loving Heavenly Father. ❤️