You will need to mute my play list at bottom of blog to watch video.

Mark 6:31 “And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”
Last Friday my husband came home from work and said, “Honey, if you feel up to it, let’s take a drive to Prescott tomorrow and I will show you the lake where Travis and I went fishing this summer.” I thought for a minute, trying to think how I could get out of this trip without hurting Jim’s feelings. Then suddenly as though someone else was speaking for me, I blurted out, “that sounds wonderful!” The next morning I kept delaying, and then finally Jim said, “If we are going to go for our drive we need to leave soon.” So at 11:30 a.m. we got into the car and drove an hour and half to Lynx Lake in Prescott, AZ. (picture above)
The drive was so delightful! As we drove, the dry, hot, desert landscaping was becoming green vegetation with rolling hills turning into the beautiful majestic Bradshaw Mountains lined with tall robust ponderosa pines. I gazed up to see the stunning azure blue sky with a few puffy white clouds. As we entered the Prescott National Forest Jim and I rolled down our windows to feel the warm breeze on our faces and smell the beautiful scent of the ponderosa pines. At 5,530 feet it was already 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. As we arrived at the 55 acre fish stocked lake my mind immediately went back to my youth in Pennsylvania when we would go to the mountains and swim at the spring fed lakes. Jim and I both mentioned at the same time how this lake reminded us of the lake in Eagle’s Mere, PA. My husband wheeled me to the picnic area where families were enjoying their lunches. We sat quietly under the shade of a trees taking in all the activity around us. There were fathers fishing with their children on the side of the lake; people rowing their boats across the lake; families hiking the gorgeous trails along the shore; and family of wild ducks swim accross to get a morsel of bread from children.
As Jim and I sat holding hands, my mind began to wander as I started to take in God’s marvelous creation. Psalms 111:3 proclaims, “Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.” Then the song, “You Are My Hiding Place” came to my lips. I felt an overwhelming peace come over me. I thought about Psalm 32:7, “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” What calm assurance came over me as God’s Word embraced me; to know that His righteousness will never fail me, He is my ever present help at all times. God is and always will be 'in control' of my life. For the will of God won't lead me, where the grace of God can't keep me.
After about an hour and half, I looked into my husband’s eyes and said, “Thank you so much for bringing me here today. I needed this.” Jim squeezed my hand and said, “Are you ready to go home now?”
It was a lovely day to “ourselves” to rest in God’s Hiding Place.
To participate in Word Filled Wednesday click here

19 comments:
How beautiful! I'm glad you went and were refreshed.
When we were in New Mexico this summer I was so amazed at the beauty of the mountains. Your entry made me think of our trip home.
How beautiful! I'm glad you went and were refreshed.
When we were in New Mexico this summer I was so amazed at the beauty of the mountains. Your entry made me think of our trip home.
Absolutely beautiful my friend. Praise God for blessing you with a time of refreshment, love you.
What a wonderful outing! I'm so glad you were able to go and get away. You know how the love of the mountains is to our family...it's in our DNA!
Mike and I have been so busy - working all day and then in the evening we're at the new learning center until 8 or 9. Even though we live in the mountains, I miss our random trips to the top of the mountain to watch the sunset, or going all the way to the other side of the mountain for a hot dog 'dinner' by the waterfalls.
Great video, too, BTW.
Love you, sis.
What a powerful post of God as our refuge in times when we just want to hybernate. I love the song. I definitely feel like resting in the mountains. Hope God will give us that treat someday. :)
Your post reminded me of WFW. I just posted mine. Thanks again, dear Michele.;)
I feel I need a hiding place lately...from all the changes, the raw emotions, even the joys of itall. I am glad you and your honey got away. Thanks for your visit and all your prayers. That was a beautiful song and video.
That sounds like a heavenly day. Thanks for sharing it w/ all of us! Blessing to you.
I love days like that when we can just bask in God's glory.
I think I'm ready for an outing myself. Thanks for the insipration!
So lovely and so peaceful. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Amazing how refreshing the mountains are. I always feel cleansed and relaxed after a day in the mountains.
Visiting from WFW,
SmallWorld
Oh that is awesome. I remember that song as being a favorite of mine years ago...I haven't heard it nor thought of it in a long time...this was JUST what I needed this afternoon! I love this!
Your devotional post is perfect!
Blessings Michele...this is so be..
autiful...I'm so glad that you were coaxed into taking a break from the heat! At first, I thought you were talking about Prescott, Wisconsin and you brought back memories for me and made me feel homesick again...but I've heard this is absolutely breath taking.
Great photo and scripture verses!
I loved the video of As the deer pants my so very favorite with You are my Hiding Place...Perfect!God has His way of calling us away to
Rest in Him. Enjoy a Wonderful Wednesday! Thanks for your visit or I would not have known about you & your beeeees.....
How fun. Sounds like a great day. Thanks for sharing!
Happy WFW!
Cheryl
Fresh air does a soul much good! I am glad you went out.
(Lady of Value)
What a gorgeous blog! I love it! I now have the song 'You are my Hiding Place' in my head - fantastic! :) Happy WFW!
Great reminder. I know sometimes when I have agreed to do something (that I really didn't want to do...), God will often bless me extraordinarily as if to say...see?! Seeing His glory through nature is one of the greatest stress-buster of all time! ; )
Blessings,
Tracy
This is so beautiful! So glad you managed to go with your husband and have had such a refreshing time enjoying God's creations and His love. It is so comforting to remember that God is in control of our life, He is our Hiding Place and our ever present help and the will of God will not lead us where the grace of God cannot keep us. Thank you for sharing this very encouraging post with us. Take care and God bless you always!
Beautiful!
Thank you for your prayers for me and my family. We have felt the difference and are blessed.
Post a Comment