Desert Storms Desert diary from Sunday, October 26, 2003 Desert storms… they’re few and far between in this part of God’s land. As I arise this very early Sunday morning under a most surprising covered sky, my heart is quickly drawn to the weather. I love a desert rain. My heart and soul long for it. A real desert downpour… A drenching that soaks deep down into this dry, dusty soil. A watering upon this desert green that so invigorates these poor wetless plants so that I can almost heart their gasping, gurgling, relief after so long a dry spell; shouting “thank yous” of praise to the One who refreshes. The Good Gardner knows just how long they can go without and so He replies to their cries. I relate. I too desire a filling not unlike that. Lord, you know how I need your deep waters. I find myself desperate for a deeper, purifying cleansing. I’m talking an inner soul-drenching, mind-cleansing, lightning-eye-opening transformation of a storm. Perhaps I tire of my sins and frailties too easily, yes I’m sure I do; many that I own. And along with my own “washing” I long to see the transformation of this city called Chaparral, from vagrancy of heart to vibrancy, like the colors after a rain. From poverty of spirit to trusting in the Holy Spirit’s leading as when the darkened night sky is illuminated with a brilliant flash of lightening and night momentarily becomes daylight and then suddenly, you “get it”. Yes, Lord. Open my eyes like a desert shower opens the way to desert growth. Go deep to my roots and help me grow from within where water has not yet touched. And go, Lord, to the hearts in the city where dryness of soul is the “soup d’jour.” Yes, today under this cloud canopy stretch out your hand on eyes, hand on ears, hand on hearts and water us with Your refreshing rain today, this day of new beginnings. I just love a desert rainstorm. It is He, He who comes and is coming. Sister Linda