All are Different--June 25-28

During the days of June 25 through June 28, we traveled through MO, OK, TX, NM and into AZ.

Each day brought new sights and wonders as made our way across I-40 to AZ. It was amazing to me how the landscape changed when we left one state and entered another one.
MO-  It had the beautiful Ozark Mountains, lush and green with trees and shrubs. With the trees and bushes, it was not too hot or windy.

OK-the came Oklahoma. Mile after mile after mile of red clay!  And you think Georgia has red clay. You haven't seen anything yet.  It was also very flat.  We did run into one bad rainstorm in Oklahoma. It was raining so hard, it was raining to the side and we were riding to the side. We were thankful we had stopped to put on rainsuits.  Finally, we saw a convenience store, gas station and pulled in out of it. We sat in there for over an hour drinking sodas and coffee and eating snacks.

Texas came next. Talk about flat. It was as flat as a pancake. Because of being so flat, it too was very windy. I had to hold the strap of my helmet down to keep my helmet from pulling on my head.  I was happy we only went through the top portion of Texas.  One thing you saw were bunches and bunches of cows.

Next, was New Mexico. There were lots of mountains with NO trees. This state had red clay and lots of places to stop to purchase Native American crafts.

Late Saturday afternoon we moved into Arizona. Still more mountains, but this time with some trees and bushes, although they were not lush like the ones in MO.

Seemed like once we left MO, all the green, green trees and bushes vanished! I guess the desert area starts in Oklahoma.

Each state had its own "unique" landscape.  It was as there was a wall dividing each state and when you passed that wall, you saw new landscape features specific to that state.

I Corinthians 12:20 says, "as it, there are many parts, but one body! We, as Christians, are part of the body of believers. Just like the states have unique features and are a part of the whole USA, we, too, each have difference gifts and abilities.
Rom 12:6 says "having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, use them"

And I Cor 12:4 says, there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit and there are varieties of service but the same Lord.

All are to be used so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

In addition to the features of the states, the ecosystems were made that fit that area. Animals and plants alike need whatever it is that particular state has to offer.  It is amazing how God worked to plan each state and all  that is in them.  Psalms 139:13-16 says. For you created me in your inmost being; you knit me together in my  mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

I truly believe the same can be said about the states and their unique qualities. God made them all. He is to be praised and worshipped.  Enjoy the scenery and the gifts and abilities God has given you.