PAUL ROUSE: Reflections on contrasts

PAUL ROUSE: Reflecting upon contrasts
April 20, 2026

By Paul Rouse

Our ride today took us 50 miles from Cedartown, GA to Anniston, AL.  It was very cold this morning, 40 degrees overnight and about 45 when we got on our bikes.  But it was sunny and there was no wind.  It was not long before I had to start taking off layers of my biking “kit” – first my jacket, then my long pants and heavy socks.  This was contrast number one, cold morning to a beautiful sunny afternoon.

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Day off in Joshua Tree National Park

Day off in Joshua Tree National Park
March 8, 2026

By Paul Rouse

God’s creation is so beautiful, but sometimes you have to look closely to see it. 

In the desert where Joshua Tree National Park is located, there are mountain ranges and huge collections of rocks and boulders and lots of sand and dry dirt.  There are many plants growing in these harsh conditions, such as the Joshua Tree, Mountain Juniper, and various cacti. 

These are not the most attractive flora, but they are what you would expect to find in the desert.  Yet if you look closely, there are many beautiful small plants and flowers growing amidst the larger plants.  I saw many blue, white, purple, and red flowers.  I don’t know any of their names, but they are a beautiful contrast to their surroundings. 

All of this, the mountains, the rocks, the Joshua Tree, the cacti, and especially the tiny flowers flourishing in the desert, were all created by God for our enjoyment.