Perseverance

<sup>A tree growing in the wild does so through perseverance.  It must have solid roots, reaching deep for sustaining moisture.  It stretches with it branches toward the sky to pull in the life giving rays of the son, and it must be firmly rooted to withstand the wind, and rain.   It stands firm storing up in times of plenty, and it stands firm surviving upon it stores in times of little.  It is my prayer today that I would store up the word of God in my heart and grow my roots deep in the faith that only God can give. 

 James 1:2-7</sup>
 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Cleft of the Rock

I was recently on a business trip in southern Utah and found with the daylight hours extending until 9PM, I had time to explore some of the many state and national parks after work.  During a hike though Snow Canyon I found the unique rock outcropping pictured above.  It reminded me of the story of Moses being hidden in the cleft of the rock as God passed by.   As I peered out through the opening I was in awe of the beauty before me.  It is hard to visit such a place and not pause to marvel at just how creative God is.  His sculptures, design, and colors can not be matched by any artist.  I am simply blow away by his creation.  

Exodus 33:21-23New International Version

²¹ Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

 Carved by wind and water

Feeling small and in Awe in Zion