Desert Snow in Phoenix Arizona?
My brother-in-law was 22 years old when he decided to take his own life. It was a terrible time for our family. At the funeral I shared a story I wrote which people who attended said really helped them deal with the loss and confusion. I began to write more poems and stories for those who lost a loved one. Then I went to Phoenix Arizona with a video camera and prayed, "Dear Lord, please help me to find a picture of a cactus with snow on top." It was February, and every so often I had seen examples in pictures of snow in the desert. I drove all over Arizona and took videos of various places. Then one day I drove east of Phoenix and was caught in a blizzard. I pulled my car over to the side of the road and began filming. I had to cover the top of the camera with a towel because giant flakes of snow were covering everything. It was all very surreal.
I realized that God had answered my prayer in a big way! And I also realized that life can be like a dry, barren desert - but God's presence and comfort is everywhere in difficult situations. I used this analogy in two different gatherings at our church and this helped people deal with their losses in ways I can't explain.
This Thanksgiving, please listen to the song "DesertSnow" and ponder the lyrics. I pray that "The peace of God which goes way beyond human understanding will fill your heart and your mind." Have you prayed a simple prayer and asked Jesus Christ to come into your life? He is the "Prince of Peace." You can invite Him in simply by saying, "Please forgive me of what I have done wrong, and live in my heart forever."
"If anyone loves me (that means anyone - no matter who you are) they will keep my Words (dear to their heart) and My Father (God) will love them, and We will come to them and make their heart (life) our home." From John chapter 14 (New Testament in the Bible).
Randy Stahla
