Unique Environments

After spending the previous sunset at Glacier Point watching over the valley, we decided to stay down in the valley for this one. A coupe of wild deer came closer and closer to us as the sun went down on Half Dome.
After spending the previous sunset at Glacier Point watching over the valley, we decided to stay down in the valley for this one.
A coupe of wild deer came closer and closer to us as the sun went down on Half Dome.

An excerpt from Earth Psalms, available October 4:

From the depths of the sea to the far reaches of space are countless blessings the Lord offers you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, ears, and heart to receive what God has for you.

We all live in unique places. I am fortunate enough to be a native of California. I’ve lived in northern and Southern California and spent a portion of many summers on my grandmother’s central California farm. Every place has its special beauty.

The area I live in now has apple orchards, fewer by the year as vast grape vineyards are taking over and the wine industry flourishes. We have redwoods all around Santa Rosa and along Highway 101. It’s only a couple of hours north to the Avenue of the Giants. Rick took Norwegian visitors up to see them. They stood in wonder, gaping at the circumference and height. Four adults and Rick with outstretched arms couldn’t embrace one tree that had probably been a seedling when Jesus walked the earth.

The Pacific Coast is forty minutes west. The drive out River Road to Jenner, across the Russian River bridge and down to Bodega Bay and back in to Santa Rosa through Sebastopol is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in our state. Rick and I have done it many times. Along the way, you can enjoy the pastures, farms, and redwood groves, while meandering alongside the Russian River. You’ll find beaches and coast walks one after another.

When I was a child and traveled with my brother and our parents, we went all over the country. My parents loved camping in national parks. They wanted us to see as many as possible. Every park we visited was unique and beautiful: from mountains to prairies, deserts to coastland, giant caves to grand canyons, wind-shaped stone arches and rock cathedrals carved by God. And the colors and scents you never forget.

It doesn’t matter where you live or if you’ve only gone to the edge of your hometown. God offers us a wonderland when we look for it. Sometimes it’s in our own backyard.

What’s unique about your area?