Hello, again! We're back from the great state of MN to the mountain..of laundry, having left our family after celebrating birthdays, marriages, and weddings, as well as a bon voyage for our son on his way to Denmark. A most happy and eventful week was spent in MN. Our home here in Mesa, and Max, our Pomeranian, were glad to see us as we were them. And I'm back to journaling on a regular basis.

So, today, when reading Isaiah, I stumbled along the road to the Holy Places. While reading Chapter 35, verses 8 through 10, I bumped into these most joyous words: "There will be a highway called the Holy Road...Only the redeemed will walk on it. The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night."

What an incredible gift to be on a special hike with God's people! And no one else! Will we recognize those we know? I hope so! Ah, the joy of it and the privilege! You can't get lost on this road, so the scripture says, nor may you be rude or rebellious. No danger or nothing threatening is allowed. There will be spring water and cool oases, the lame will leap, the dumb sing and all wrongs will be righted. What a privilege! What a joy divine!

Thank you, Lord God, for the beauty of it. In advance, we thank you for our Salvation, even until the end! We ask that all things may become clear and explained, Lord. May we by faith and work become the stepping stone for others to know you. And on this road, Lord, may we meet the friends and family--and perhaps even strangers--that have met you through knowing us. And this would be for me the greatest miracle gift!

Praise you, God...Almighty Lord.......of All!

It's nice to be back.

Your friend, Jo