Hiking in the Forest above the Desert

I heart you, gigantic trees 

I adore hiking, especially in the fall when the air is a little chilly, and especially in a gorgeous and unexpected location like Palm Springs.  Yup.  I took this picture hiking through the San Jacinto forest, on the mountain top above smoking hot, cactus-and-sand-filled Palm Springs.

It's one of my favorite places to hike because it's so completely different from the climate a mere 10 minutes down the mountain.  It was (gasp) 45 degrees up here--there was even snow on the ground.  Then after the fun revolving tram ride and the quick drive back to our rental house, we were laying out at the pool in 92 degree heat.

Anyway, back to these awesome trees.  This picture doesn't do them justice.  These suckers were HUGE.  And yet, in spite of their size, they put me at peace.

It struck me that God is bigger than any of my problems, and that no matter what I face, he's always there, giving me peace.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

We May Have Overpacked a Teensy Bit

Just 40 ladies (make that 4) packing for a
month-long vacation (kidding-just a weekend).

The lovely ladies of my small group traveled to Palm Springs this weekend for our first annual Fall Retreat.  We booked this little escape months ago and had such a fun time planning our itinerary:  morning devotionals, hiking in the chilly (and snowy!) San Jacinto forest, laying by the pool, a Ryan Gosling/Channing Tatum film fest, making chocolate chip cookie dough (miraculously, we baked a few), and most importantly, just hanging out.  In short, the perfect girls weekend.

Four of us decided to carpool together to save money on gas, access the coveted carpool lane (a must in Southern California, especially on a Friday afternoon), and entertain each other on the long ride. It ended up being one of the funniest trips ever.  

The hilarity started when we arrived at Becca's house, and surveyed the enormous amount of crap we all brought.  Suitcases, duffel bags, and beach totes chock full of clothes, shoes, books, food, and other nonsense. We burst into giggles as we tried to cram every last piece into the thankfully giant trunk of Becca's car.

While we stuffed--rather efficiently, I might add--a tremendous amount of stuff into her car, we were a bit worried how Becca would see out of her back window.  I said a little prayer on the spot. Later I found a great verse that I thought was so fitting for this, or any trip.  (By the way, I'm not advocating stuffing your car beyond belief and then hitting the road; for the record, Becca is a very safe and cautious driver). 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV