Bright Angel Trail

I was too tired today to figure out how to put these pictures in order so they have ended up in no order at all. I will do my best to explain where and when they were taken. The picture of Sarah and me at the trail head is actually the "after" picture. It was taken when we reached the top of the South Rim again after hiking all day. The 2nd picture of us at the trail head was taken before the hike. We hike to Indian Gardens, which is half way down into the canyon. It was a 12 mile hike round trip.
This is the lookout point from Plateau Point, where we ate our lunch and then turned around to hike back to the top of the rim.

These two pics were taken at Indian Garden. It is amazing the difference water makes. Everywhere during the hike all we saw were cacti and shrubs. Then suddenly we heard the trickle of water the closer we got to Indian Garden. Once there, we had to walk through reeds, grass and trees. It was absolutely amazing, and the shade was a welcome luxury.

I took this on a water break on the way back up. It made me think of when Moses asked to see God, and God put him in a crevasse of a rock and covered him with his hand as he passed by.


If you look to the bottom right of this picture you can see a little trail on the plateau. That was the trail we hiked after we reached Indian Gardens and went to Plateau Point.
Sarah and her cactus.


A small update on the toes: Even three weeks after this hike, they are still turning deeper shades of purple and black.

Ugly Toes

I'm sure you really wanted to see my feet. (Especially Sigi.) These toes are the result of two things. The first being the Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Pictures are soon to follow. It was a 12 mile hike round trip, and it only took us half way down into the canyon. It was absolutely amazing. My mistake, however, was that I did not trim my toenails, so going downhill really took its toll on my toes. It has been about a week and a half since the hike, and I am still feeling the effects in my body.
As painful as my toes are, especially after a full day of taking care of the boys, I am almost thankful for the bruising because they remind me that I really was at the Grand Canyon. And because I don't get to hike or be as active as I would like, bruised and blistered toes make me feel tough. :-)

The second reason for these toes is William. The bruising was already in place on my left foot due to the hike. A few evenings ago, however, Will threw a fit, which included stomping his feet. One of his heels fell full force against my toe. The deep discoloration, the extent of the bruising (and a few swallowed tears) are thanks to him.

So there you go. Now you know the reasons for my ugly toes.

Sunrise, Sunset

From the rising of the sun...

... to the going down of the same...

...the Lord's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3

Returning from a Journey

Light of the full moon

reflected off the tops of clouds

creates a sea of silver mist

And I sail across this ocean

of floating water far above terra

hardly knowing up from down

I'm somewhere between adventure and home

wishing they would collide

This journey has taken me

from the inner depths of canyons

to the heights of planet's orb

from the dryness of a parched soul

to the saturation of grace overflowing

It has left me in awe of Creator Savior

and I have found rest

The Orange Dish

"I want some dry cereal for breakfast while I watch some cartoons," Max said.

As usual I went to the closet to get the orange bowl for him. I was about to pour the cereal when I heard his voice calling out from the living room, "I want the orange bowl, Mom!"

For a second I was a little annoyed. The same thing happens every morning. If he eats cereal, he wants the orange bowl. If he eats eggs, he wants the orange plate. In my mind I thought, "Why doesn't he get that I know what he wants. He doesn't have to ask for the orange dish. I already know he wants it."

As soon as I thought the words "I already know," my mind went to Jesus' words.

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." (Mt. 6:30-32)

I don't think Jesus is saying that we shouldn't ask. I think he is saying don't frantically try to acquire what we need (even want). Don't worry about it. We don't have to try to remind God. God knows.

And instead of God being annoyed with me asking him over and over again for the things we need, he gently reminds me that he loves me so much more than the birds and the flowers. (I know for a fact that the birds are well taken care of because they are becoming rather plump in my back yard as they eat seeds and fallen pecans.)

Just like I know Max desires the orange dish, God often provides what I need even before I ask him for it. He is a good parent.

I don't know what you need today.

But don't forget:

God knows.