Skip to main content

Sanctuary in the Mountains







Spring is a lovely time to visit Flagstaff, AZ.  The air is still cool and the snow capped San Francisco Peaks shimmer in the bright sun.  As I drove to this wonderful city for a few-days' retreat, I prayed for clear direction for my life.  I treasure these heavenly times in a mountain sanctuary far from everyday routine.









These daffodils know what direction they should lean.  I guess it helps to have a strong morning breeze lead the way! The teachings in God’s Word lead me and I heard some powerful messages. 

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105









I never tire of pine trees.  Rows and rows of them speak strength and faithfulness to me.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.  Psalm 91: 1, 2


I’m thankful to be refreshed and ready to engage again.  The neat thing about being with Jesus – He always whispers encouragement and love and offers rest for the weary! 

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 3:29 AM

    A beautiful reminder of the faithfulness of our God's presence, Mary! The beauty of His creation is a reminder of His strength...especially in the mountains! Thank you so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NancyApril 4, 2013 at 6:49 AM

    Mary, I am so glad that you were able to get away with the Father and let His renewing hand rest upon you...It sounds like a wonderful retreat.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. DeniseApril 4, 2013 at 1:02 PM

    Lovely reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeeApril 4, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    The Lord loves for us to search out a quiet place to be alone with him...he blesses it with His peace and clear thinking. I am so happy for you to have experience this.♥

    ReplyDelete
  5. RCUBEsApril 4, 2013 at 7:26 PM

    How often I talk...talk...as I pray...asking for what I want...what I need...Thank you for the reminder of the importance to be still in His presence and to "listen" instead of what He wants to say in my heart...I know the refreshment from Him is "not of this place..." God bless and protect you sister Mary.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Memorial Day Reflection

  Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls.  Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts  run through my mind.  The journey of loss takes on various emotions.  The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness.  In a split second, I would forget he departed forever.  I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home.  My mind is realistic now.  He's not coming back.  There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars.  He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day!  And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...
23 comments
Read more

It's Not Always About the Tomatoes

I like to travel with buddies and rename them.  I vacationed in Costa Rica with Lupe who loves margaritas   and gets a little loopy.   I don’t drink but I’m a fun gal.  Just ask my co-worker, Frank.  I nicknamed him Jellyfish.  I packed my underwater camera.  Jellyfish can hold his breath really long.  He modeled for my underwater photo shoot in the colossal pool at the resort our company chose for us. I am fascinated with rain forests so my favorite thing to do in Costa Rica is to take walks in them.  I signed up for the tour of an organic cacao working farm.  Lupe chose it too.  A group of us piled into tractors to view crops of watermelon, mango, rice and cattle while we chewed on natural sugar cane, their largest product.  We observed monkeys, Toucans, and sloths. The best part of the tour for me taught about climate change and harvest time as we walked single file among papaya trees, cacao trees, as we...
38 comments
Read more

Deceived!

Bonnie told me she needed a break in life during an interview for a receptionist position.  Her impressive resume’ stated that she hoped to be able to work her way up in the company.  Her references checked out.  I hired this enthusiastic, creative girl resolving to help her reach a higher goal. Unfortunately, she fell from grace. Immediately, I noticed a desire to please.  Bonnie not only caught on quickly, but offered wise suggestions.  She proved herself time and again and I trusted her in my office not just to water my plants or grab a good book from the shelf but to read my notes, bone up on my customers’ files and step in and help me manage the office.  She designed personal stationery for me and a business card that rocked.  I told my boss this time I found a winner and having this confident single mom on board would boost our team to the top. With the economy on our side, business was good!  Sales were up and I got the compa...
35 comments
Read more