Today is a sad day. I’ve had a long time with my grandmother, more than most. I grew up living next door to her, when we moved to Arizona, we lived a few blocks away. Later in life she lived next door to us again. I’m blessed to have been able to share her with my own daughter. She was a permanent fixture in our lives. We spent almost every Christmas with her. She passed today, she will be missed.

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"Scrubby"

"Scrubby"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

Here in Arizona, on I-17 north of Phoenix to Flagstaff, just beyond the Sunset Point Rest Stop, there is a scrawny little cedar tree that grows between the northbound and southbound lanes. Each year a Christmas time, someone goes out there and decorates it, as a secret gift to all who passes by. The true spirit of giving. This has been going on for nearly 30 years, so obviously the tradition has been passed on to the next generation of whomever are the perpetrators. Thank you, whomever you are, for this little ray of hope to humanity. Your message is huge! I thought that it was time for someone to write a folk song about it, so I have penned one. I also gave the little tree a name..."Scrubby"! I hope to have a recording of it soon. In the meantime, here are the lyrics. Enjoy and use as you wish. Hopefully, i can post the full song shortly.

"SCRUBBY"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

OUT IN ARIZONA THERE'S A LEGEND TO BE TOLD

OF "SCRUBBY", THE MYSTERY CHRISTMAS TREE, THAT GROWS BESIDE THE ROAD

I-17 TO FLAGSTAFF, FROM THE DESERT DOWN BELOW

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS BY SOME SECRET CARING SOUL

,

(2)

EACH CHRISTMAS SOMEONE SNEAKS OUT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

AND DECORATES OL' "SCRUBBY" WITH CHRISTMAS BALLS SO BRIGHT.

IT BRINGS A SMILE TO EVERY FACE THAT PASSES BY THAT SIGHT.

"SCRUBBY'S" NOW A ROCK STAR, AND FOR HIM THIS SONG

I WRITE.

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY, IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL' SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(3)

NOW, THE MYSTERY OF "SCRUBBY TREE" HAS LIVED FOR 30 YEARS.

WE PEEL AN EYE AS WE PASS BY, WHEN CHRISTMAS TIME DRAWS NEAR

LIKE CHILDREN PLAY OF SANTA'S SLEIGH, AND THE SOUND OF EIGHT REINDEER

EACH YEAR WE WAIT AND ANTICIPATE FOR SCRUBBY TO APPEAR

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL' SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(4)

NOW, HOPEFULLY, THE MYSTERY OF "SCRUBBY' WILL NEVER BE SOLVED

LET'S LET IT BE, THE IDENTITY, OF WHOMEVER IS INVOLVED.

FOR IT SHOWS THE JOY OF GIVING, IN A PURE AND SELFLESS WAY.

LIKE THE BABY JESUS GAVE TO US, ON THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY.

Dolan Ellis, BMI, Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul

John Muir

Had a great couple of days to just slow down and relax. We have a lot going on, it’s been very stressful, so a slow trip down a dirt road was needed. #desertlife #overlandbound #ob1699 #desertliving

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After a Thanksgiving storm that lasted almost three days, our local mountain received between 12-14” of snow! Nice! It’s a brisk day in the desert today, but very thankful for the rain and snow. #overlandbound #optoutside #desertlife #ob1699 #lifeisgood

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Finally got some decent rain!!! In fact it rained for two days. The desert is alive once again. #ob1699 #desertlife #dirtroads #overlandbound

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It has been a day. In fact it’s been a week. I’m exhausted. Since my day started at 4am and work doesn’t end till 10pm... I took this shot around 6 or 7 this morning and just getting around to posting it! That’s enough complaining, have a great rest of the day! #rambling #wonderlust #desertlife

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Our daughters college campaign

ABOUT HER CAMPAIGN
The Lord is such a chain-breaking God, over the past few years, I’ve witnessed the hurt and pain unhealthy churches & leadership have caused believers and unbelievers in the same. Tainting the view of not only the church, but tainted the view of Christ. It broke my heart to realize that others are carrying those chains of hurt into new coming generations.  A passion for the church has been placed in my heart. A passion for people. A desire to serve by helping grow leaders and missionaries to spread the simple gospel. A truth that many haven’t heard. The gospel that leaders and missionaries go tell, not only to the nations but to start with their families and their churches. To see lives radically changed and to see chains radically fall. 
After realizing this I made the choice to start being that change.
I said yes to this new odyssey, I was bombarded with uncertainty and trials on how this mission would even be feasible to fund. To be completely transparent first instinct was fear and doubt. I’ve heard stories of men and women of faith having their boat completely rocked by a sudden call on their life, never thinking that would be me. I stand here as a testament, God has quite a sense of humor. After many heart-to-hearts with God, there is confidence when I say He’s a WAYMAKER.  
Words could not form, to express how grateful and thankful I am to every person who entrusts me with their generosity. Thank you, truly from the bottom of my heart. For helping equip me to serve people.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

She is selling T-shirts and hoodies that she designed on Bonfire. They start at $23 and also gives the ability to add an additional donation. We really appreciate and help with this campaign.