The Calm AFTER the storm

We have had a DOWNPOUR of rain the last few days here in Arizona. Some towns had to even go into a state of emergency because the flooding was so bad; and there were power outages all across the state. However, the desert just absolutely SOAKED up the rain and loved every single minute of it! And it shows.

Bella and I needed some quality time together, it had been a while. She and I took a nice jaunt around the North Mountain preserve. I knew we would be in for a treat so I brought my camera along with me. She's nothin special, but it will give you a little idea of the beauty we beheld!

I love the red in the spikes!

I guess it can be the mountains or desert, she's just happy to be in the outdoors!

It was so incredible to see the young new growth that blanketed the desert floor with green

I love when the clouds are like this, so dramatic!

Cruisin' Clips

Blogging is sort of one of those things for me that is added to the list, but somehow gets shuffled down to the bottom repeatedly, until I find myself in that perfect place to sit down, quiet my mind, and write. I think it is a good practice for me, so I will press on and continue to make it...somewhat...of a priority, but it is a little but more work than pleasure.


With that said, I have to blog about the wonderful experience of going on a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera two weeks ago! I approached the cruise with a few apprehensive thoughts, especially since the WHOLE family would be going. Family dynamics are an interesting animal, and I wasn't so sure I was up for the management of it this time around.



Fortunately, God was so gracious to me and the rest of the family in giving us a really wonderful time together! A fabulous waitstaff served us every single evening in the dining hall, beautiful cabins for each of us (balconies overlooking the ocean) were both turned down for us at night and made up the next morning, gorgeous weather, and a new shared experience.

Some highlights:
A week on a HUGE ship with no responsibilities
GOOOOD food
A beautiful workout facility-working out with Mom on the treadmills
Rockclimbing with David every day on deck 14 of the ship
Ping Pong with Dad
Blackjack with the siblings one night in my room
Admiring the rock formations at Cabo San Lucas, dipping in the ocean with Dad
Waking up early and seeing the sun rise on Mazatlan
Watching dolphins jump out of the water and whales spray water into the air!
Heading up into the hills at Puerto Vallarta and doing 13 ziplines with David and Dad (at one point 400ft in the air, going 1800ft across a canyon, hanging upside down, and going backwards!)
Amazing times spent with just me and God.



I consciously made the effort while on the cruise to spend at least an hour of time with the Lord while I had the opportunity to do so. There was no excuse not to! It was a really amazing time. I spent each day reading a chapter in a book by Ruth Haley Barton called, "Invitation to Solitude and Silence". At the end of the chapter is a practice focusing on sitting in silence and concentrating on what the Lord might have to teach you that day. Lots of reflection and lots of time listening in silence. SO GOOD!