Phoenix Desert in Bloom

With the increased rain we've had this year, the Phoenix desert is in bloom!

I love this time of year when it's warm but not too warm. It's the perfect time to go outside for a bike ride or a long walk. I always try to remember to grab my camera so I can take some photos to share. That's the life of a blogger, right?

Since it's Thankful Thursday, I thought I'd share a few reasons why I'm so glad to live in Phoenix. I'm not originally from the west. In fact, I was born and raised in New York. My hometown was Lindenhurst which is on Long Island. My house was across the street from the boat docks where the clam diggers took off early each morning.

The desert environment was new for me when I moved here 25 years ago.  I even had nosebleeds from the dryness at first. But I learned that water is essential to living in a desert like Phoenix.

I'm so thankful that God created a world of variety. I've been blessed to do much traveling in my life. I enjoy visiting new places and experiencing foods that are special to the locals.  Greg has often talked about living for three months in different areas of the world. Lately, that sounds pretty good to me too.  At least, we can take our laptops with us.

I can just picture myself:

• Walking along the beach in California
• Cozying up in front of a burning fireplace in Vail
• Riding horseback in Oregon
• Sipping coffee in the rain in Seattle
• Salmon fishing in Alaska

Can you tell that I'm a daydreamer?

But for now, I'm thankful for a roof over my head and fruit trees in my backyard.  I've never been able to go outside and pick my breakfast.

I continue to study Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God".  As I pray to God as Adonay, I remember that He is so powerful and uses His power on my behalf. Ann reminds us that we will meet resistance in our lives.  Read what she wrote on this:

Now is not the time to give up or give in.  Remember whose servant you are.  Fight in his strength for your children, your marriage, your church.  Do whatever it takes for however long it takes, knowing the Lord is with you.

How thankful I am that I don't have to depend on my own strength. 

When I rest in Him ...I am strong.





Lynn of Spiritually Unequal Marriage is our host for Thankful Thursday this month.  You can join in and link up there or visit other thankful bloggers.

Blessings and love,