We are back! After a 7-day excursion to Gilbert, Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, and the Grand Canyon, we arrived safely home last night…a 1/2 hour early and ahead of the storm (that didn’t come until around 2:00 a.m.). I suspect you may be expecting a “book” from me about all the stops and shopping and sights…but words fail me. Surprise! Surprise!
Thanks to the graciousness of a friend and his very longsuffering wife, 🙂 Jo and I had the vacation many people dream of. Having the freedom of a car at our disposal allowed us the ability to just come and go. I had a chance on Thursday to meet a long time blogging friend, Floyd, in Scottsdale where Jo and I were treated to lunch (against my protests). We had some of the best pulled pork I have ever tasted, as well as some of the best BBQ sauce, along with the added enjoyment of meeting Dave and Susan’s family and extended family. We spent two nights in Sedona where the stories of the vortex and the center of the hippie/New Age Movement was/is focused. I stayed away from the psychics, etc. 🙂 We took a 5 hour round trip to the Grand Canyon where I felt like I was going to be blown away by a very chilly 20 mph wind and with the grandeur of God’s creation on display. The only words I could think of were “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” (Ps.19:1) “When I look at the night and see the work of Your fingers-the moon and stars you set in place-what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Ps. 8:3-4) But it wasn’t just the Grand Canyon! Camelback Mountain. “Snoopy Rock.” Tea Pot Rock. Red Rock City. So much more.
You know what I’m praying? That the wonder doesn’t go away. May I be ever mindful of the wonder of God’s creation, the joy of new things, and the value of friendships that will last well into eternity, even when separated by thousands of miles in distance.
Thank you Dave and Susan for the gift of your friendship and the once in a lifetime trip. And “Thank You, Father, for the incredible display of your creative genius.”
{Note: All Scripture from the New Living Translation}
Sounds like an amazing trip. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, but it is on my list. I love the artwork God has provided through nature. Glad you are home safe and sound.
Ryan
If on your bucket list, I would say complete it. It was amazing to see. I’m glad I can at least say i was there and took pictures.
Welcome back Bill, I am glad you and Jo had a great time. God’s creation is always on display, but looking at the grand canyon, mountains, sedona, those just put you in awe of how artistic, creative, and what a wonderful painter Our Father is. I pray too, that we never lose that wonder, and that we always remain in awe and gratitude of all the things the Father does, from the smallest to the largest. When we praise the Lord, may we go on and on, with unending love, thankfulness, and a heart ready to follow and obey Him.
Thanks Gail. I know it seems sort of silly to think the wonder will always stay there, but I can pray the wonder of God never leaves. I can see why you enjoyed your times there.
So glad to know that you’re back home safely, Bill! It does sound like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The memories will always stay with you. And may we never cease to behold God’s creation with awe and inspiration.
Blessings!
It was Martha and there are very few times I say I would like to go back. Alaska was one. This was another. Never stop wondering.
Good to know that Floyd is still with us. I miss his blog!
Sounds like quite a vacation! Glad you were able to getaway!
I miss it also Ed, but certainly understand given his schedule. It was a great time away.