Prescott Weekend:

We enjoyed a nice relaxing time in Prescott this past weekend with some old and new friends. You'll see a post from Linda about the trip too.

We've known Randy & Linda for about 30 years and they are some of our most comfortable friends. We can be ourselves with them...we laugh and cry, share, encourage, process and dream with them. We enjoyed that this weekend. We've only known Marshall & Cathy for about a year, but we already know that they are a precious couple with kindred spirits. It was so much fun to have some extended time together to get to know them better. We are looking forward to more time with them all.
For any who haven't visited there, Prescott is a town with a character all it's own. The area is busting at the seams with development, but the roots go deep into Arizona history where cowboys and miners once roamed. The cowboy with his dog and the old fashioned lampposts are just a few snapshots of the personality you'll find there. The Tiffany style lamp sits in the lobby of the Hassayampa Inn, established in 1927. We relaxed on their patio and listened to the sound of the fountain (pictured above too).
On Saturday, we walked a few trails at Lynx Lake and although we didn't have a tripod, Marshall and Linda found ways to get group photos.

This amazing bed was at Van Gogh's Ear Gallery... a strange name, but an awesome place. We saw some gorgeous pieces of art! I was trying to figure out a way to get the bed to our backyard. Can't you just imagine laying out under the stars on a cool evening in the comfort of your own dreamy bed. Ahhhh...what treat that would be.

On Monday we had a chance to take Terry's mom to lunch and a movie too which was wonderful.

We really enjoyed our time up there...so many special memories.

Quick Post:

Isn't this a fun picture? My friend, Julie took it when we were on a weekend trip last year...or was it earlier this year...

I like the pop of red.

Today we're going to see Terry's mom to celebrate her birthday (a little late). We're going to Prescott. Highs are only in the 70's, and we're hoping to see a little Fall color somewhere around, although that's not the best place in AZ for it.

I'm taking my camera so I'm sure I'll post about the trip.

We're looking forward to a great day with Amy, Andrew and mom.

Prescott Sanctuary
This weekend we were able to get away from the heat and enjoy a relaxing and refreshing time with friends in Prescott. Check out Linda's blog for more pics and talk about the trip as well.

Although 80+ degrees may not seem too cool for those of you who live outside of Arizona, Prescott temperatures run about 10 to 20 degrees cooler (or more) than Phoenix in the summer. And though its September, which feels like the beginning of fall in most places, we're still definitely in summer. I think today was probably one of the first days below 100 degrees in a long long time.

Needless to say, it felt good to enjoy the cool breezes, gorgeous sunsets, night skies filled with stars, and even a light rainstorm in the mountains. Several times I found myself standing still, closing my eyes, and just drinking in God's awesome beauty that was all around me. The smells, sounds, sights and touch of the cool breezes were just incredible! Not that I hadn't been there before, but just that I had not realized how much I missed it.

Weekends like this are so revitalizing to me. I'm so thankful for the chances we have to get away and enjoy God's creation.

There were other gifts this weekend as well. Getting reacquainted with old friends is always such a blessing...good food, good company, stories, laughter, smiles, and even comfortable silence.

The cabin we were staying at also had a peaceful Prayer Garden on the shady hillside to enjoy. There were several sitting areas with stones engraved with places in the world to remember in prayer...China, Bosnia, Ephesus and others. Our hosts are involved in missions and this was a great reminder that even if we aren't able to go to other parts of the world, we can still pray for them and those who do go.

And the last treat I'll share about was the pile of guest books that were at the cabin, filled with names of visitors that have been there since they bought the cabin in 1979 and started entertaining angels. This cabin has been such a blessing and retreat for so many folks. What a gift that our hosts have been to the weary in their world.

It was so fun to look back and find an entry when Terry and I had visited in January of 1982, which would have been early in our marriage before Amy & Kevin were born. In fact I was pregnant with Amy at the time! Wow! It's hard to even imagine that they weren't part of our lives at one time.

So, there's more stories to tell of this precious weekend, but they'll have to wait for another day...