Desert oasis…

I was going to title this post a visit to the sun — but truth be told, after a week in the dry desert of Arizona, I feel strangely refreshed. I have been feeling burnout something awful for the last few months and I needed a break from just about everything.

A few weeks ago I decided I would take a trip. It’s something I used to do every year. Just pack my bags, pick a place and go. My husband who gets me better than anyone understands when I’ve reached my limit and has always supported me in doing this.

So, I took a look at where I could go and not spend a fortune…Arizona is always on sale in the summer. Of course it is. Who goes where it’s 110 degrees to explore?

Having lived in Arizona for nearly 10 years in the early to late 90’s, I knew what I was getting into. But I also know the beauty of the desert, and the quiet and peacefulness it offers, especially when there are less people there. School is out, the snowbirds are gone for the season, the resorts are at maybe 50% capacity…it was a perfect solution.

Right after making my decision, I was sharing my trip with my friends at church and Becky, one of the gals, piped up and said, “take me with you.”

I’m sure she was half joking in the moment, but I considered it quickly and decided that it would be fun to have her along, so I said, “why don’t you come with?”

And here we are…

Becky has graciously been sharing her home with her daughter, son-in-law and grandkids for a few months while they prepared to buy a new home. And as much love as there is in that house, there’s also a little more noise and chaos than normal. Becky needed a little breathing room as well. So off we flew to the desert…and it has been a blast.

We’ve explored Sedona with my good friend Rachel, experienced an incredible day at the spa, and had pool time. We’ve shared meals, laughter, and our deep faith.

Becky doesn’t see herself. Not like I see her, not like others who know her do. Becky is full of wisdom. She speaks her mind, and has never met a stranger. I have observed her this week and the way she is bold with her faith. Every person we have come into contact with has been embraced by her kind words, her laughter, and her testimony of God.

I want to be more like Becky.

She hasn’t monopolized her conversations. She hasn’t beaten anyone over the head with a Bible. She simply meets her new friends with a smile, offers a sweet greeting with her lovely southern drawl, and before they part ways, she has talked about how God has blessed her, or them, based on what comes up in the conversation.

I want to say she is bold with her faith, but it’s not spoken in a way that is off-putting. It’s just a natural part of who she is and what she talks about. And no one has stepped back from her. It’s been beautiful to watch in action.

On that note, I have started a new Bible study — The Bible Recap. It’s a free Bible plan that takes the books of the Bible in chronological order rather than from Genesis to Revelation. I’ve heard of doing it this way, I’ve just never explored it before.

I found the plan in the You Bible app and started last Saturday. The woman who wrote the materials that supplement the reading plan uses the English Standard Version (“ESV”) of the Bible. It’s a word-for-word translation rather than a phrase-for-phrase approach as in the NIV or NLT (both of which I love). So, I ordered a new ESV Bible to go along with the plan. So far, I am actually enjoying reading this version. I was afraid that wouldn’t be the case.

I’m also trying a fresh approach to reading the Word. I have always read for application. “How does this apply to ME?” “What would God have me understand about my life through His Word?”

Often times I’ve come away without answers to those questions even when I read, and meditate and pray over the words.

I’m coming to understand that the reason that is the case is probably because that wasn’t the intent of the gift of His Word.

I don’t think His intention was that I get to know myself better through His Word, but that I come to know Him better through it.

And that is the focus I’m using in my studies this time.

Where do I see God’s hand. What attribute have I discovered about Him through my reading. How can I draw closer to Him now that I have read this verse, passage, book?

And you know what? It’s made a HUGE difference in my hunger for reading. I am excited to approach the Word in a way I haven’t really felt since the first time I opened my Bible back in 2013.

Come to think of it, I was desperately seeking him back then, too.

I am so glad I listened to my restless mind and booked this trip, and I’m glad I shared it with my friend. Today should be a bit cooler (only reaching a high of 100). We are going to have an adventure today by taking a Waymo to Old Town Scottsdale for a little retail therapy. My friend Jennifer who works for the company assures me it will be a safe and fun experience.

Can’t wait.