Arizona: Exploring Payson

Nestled within the heart of Arizona’s picturesque “Rim Country,” the down- to- earth town of Payson offers a break from Phoenix’s relentless heat. With a population of 16,761, Payson exudes a small town western charm that draws both residents and visitors alike. Payson proudly  boasts the legacy of  the  World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo, which began in 1884, it also hosts the annual Old Time Fiddlers Festival accompanied by the Payson Food Truck Festival.

Where to Stay in Payson, AZ

Payson Campground RV Resort is a meticulously maintained campground. This campground provides a range of amenities, including full hook-ups, spacious and level spaces, a serene pool area with a sun deck, along with restrooms, showers, and laundry. Notably, it is a Good Sam park. 

Across the street from the campground is Culver's. I tried their custard for the first time and I was hooked, it was tasty. 

Things to Do in Payson, AZ

While there is plenty to do in Payson such as visiting the Rim Country Museum, Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery, Green Valley Park, and Mazatzal Wilderness Area, we spent most of our time visiting Roosevelt, AZ.

Roosevelt, AZ is about a 50 minute drive from Payson. Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake in Arizona, a fact I just recently learned. It is a beautiful lake where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We were there on a beautiful, sunny, summer day and it felt like we had the whole lake to ourselves. This lake is known for its excellent bass fishing, with some anglers pulling in largemouth bass over ten pounds!

Make sure to make your way over to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. There is a short, paved trail to walk down to a viewing point. This 110 year old dam is full of history, bringing water to the desert and making economic growth possible. 

While visiting Roosevelt, make sure to visit Roosevelt Lake Visitors Center. This center offers information about the region, its wildlife, and artifacts from the Salado culture. It also has a beautiful view of the lake.

My favorite part of our trip was visiting Tonto National Monument. We parked at the visitor center and walked the path up to the Salado-style lower cliff dwelling. The path was short but very steep, so it was a bit of a challenge. We got there early, which was a blessing because the trail shut down in the afternoon, due to the heat. 

The steep walk was made more bearable by the incredible views and facts on the way up.

As we reached the summit, a seasoned archaeologist welcomed us with enthusiasm, as fate had it that the park ranger had called in sick that very day. We stood amidst the breathtaking ruins, conjuring vivid images of the lives led by those who once inhabited this place. We explored their chambers, kitchens, and open-air living areas in awe. 

It's truly remarkable how multiple families coexisted within this confined space, and equally astonishing to ponder how women scaled the steep hill daily to fetch water. I wonder, did they choose this cliff dwelling for its serene vistas or for a strategic vantage point to monitor arrivals? My guess leans towards the latter. This visit was a profound and motivating experience, one that leaves me yearning to return and explore the Upper dwelling in the future.

My son had to answer a tough question in social studies last week.“ Do you think the colonization of the New World was good or bad? Give reasons to support your answer.”

His answer: "I think it was good because everything happens for a reason. We live in a sinful world so bad stuff is going to happen like diseases, wars, death and many other bad things, but God has a plan and his plans are always good.”

Bible Verse of the Day

Psalm 33:11

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purpose of his heart through all generations.

Reflection

• To nurture a genuine and loving connection with God, He bestowed upon us the precious gift of free will.

• Unfortunately, the outcomes of this liberty, as we frequently gravitate towards comfort, convenience, pleasure, greed, selfishness, and envy, have given rise to a world characterized by injustice, suffering, and anguish.

• Our God personifies justice, peace, and love, endeavoring to draw our focus by allowing us to experience the consequences of our earthly choices, without resorting to coercion.

• He is a benevolent God who transforms adversity into blessings, ultimately motivating us to embrace the path of eternal life alongside Him because He loves us so much.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I praise you for your love, steadfastness, and unchanging faithfulness. You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you for loving us so much that you offer strength when we are weak and a way out when we suffer in this broken world. Thank you for Jesus and our free gift of salvation. I pray for all those who are suffering injustice today, that you will bring good out of their suffering, and offer them a solution, relief, and comfort.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

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