My Wyeth
17 years ago you joined our lives! But your story started way before that. It was as if you were the baby we were to have. From my miscarriage before, to 3 years trying to get pregnant and then my first month on bed rest, to August 9, 1994!
I still remember the weekend before your birth. Driving up from VA and going to camp in Maryland, NY. Meeting my new doctor on August 9. Running errands for Grandpa and then heading back to camp. Miss Bette always cooked wonderful things for camp and I was a fam of a chicken dish she did. That Monday she had made it and I was so happy. I went to thank her and then said, "I can have this baby now." Little did I know that in a few short hours, my water would break!
I sat in the R.V. and timed my contractions. Your dad had a call into my doctor and Tierney kept bring youth to see me in labor. Finally we headed out to Oneonta, to get ready to bring you into this world.
I was the only one in labor and had all the attention of the nurses. We had a t.v. in our room and as the hours passed we watched and talked. Grandma and Grandpa came by to visit and Grandpa was a little concerned when this strange guy came in dressed like a janitor and eating an ice cream cone . It was my doctor, so he felt better.
As my labor continued I thought "Hey, this is my last baby. The pains are right on top of each other. Could I have something to ease the pain, a little?" But it turns out I was too far along and got nothing. I chanted "The joy of the Lord is my strength" during every contraction. Finally the time came and you were here! The joy of holding you in my arms and nursing you the first time, was just as precious as the first time I held Tierney and Bethany.
Fast forward to 2011. You have grown into an amazing young woman. While you do not have it all right, your desire is to be the best you can. I love your commitment to our Lord and your willingness to serve at church. Several older ladies love how freely you hug and love on them.
I love the times we would sit and watch old movies and eat junk food. And your loving Lars and accepting him into our family. Our memories together I will cherish the rest of my life.
As you get ready to graduate next year and move on to the next chapter of your life, my prayer is that I taught, encouraged and prepared you for life as an adult. And while some young adults drift in the their relationship with Jesus, my continuing prayer is that you will stay close to Him and stay involved in church. That your close friends and free time would be ones that would honor Him.
I love you! Thanks for blessing me with your life. And I thank God for entrusting me with you.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
It Is Just One of Those Days!
Have you ever had the day where everything and anything was a struggle? A huge effort to even think about what needs to be done? All that you can think of is crawling back into bed, bury yourself under the covers and wake up when it is another day? Another week? Another month or even another year?
Since returning from New York on Tuesday, I have been having one of those days for the past 2 days! Now I know there are many factors for this feeling. Not having bounced back from the flight. The awful night spent at Newark Airport. The intense heat and humidity back east.
But the question that keeps going through my mind is ‘When will this be over?' I have a great deal on my plate for the next 2 months, starting with tonight. True to my nature, I over book and over plan. There was a time in my life when I thrived on all the challenges and things to do. I am finding though that as I get older, that kind of life style does not appeal to me anymore.
Now don't get me wrong. I love working with youth and most days, I love my job. I enjoy my home life with Lars and Wyeth, even though it could be a little more organized and cleaner for me! I guess I feel that life has to be more simpler. Maybe all the things on my plate overwhelm me and I just want to forget about them, even for a minute. Is it possible that once my life slows down and becomes more simple, more organized and less stressful, I won't be having these days?
I am reminded of what Jesus says:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11: 28 - 30
Lord, I need that rest so much. I need to be able to do what you have called me to do and have your energy and your peace as I met the demands of my day. Thank you for reminding me of your rest that you freely give.
So as I finish my day at a Christmas in July scrapbook party working on a Christmas present for my Bethany, I am going to use that time to refresh and re-charge. And make it a point as I start my day tomorrow to start it with God. Doing things that refresh me such as devotional time, reading, scrap booking, or even a nice work out will help keep those days to a minium. And knowing that God is with me always is reason to keep on going.
Since returning from New York on Tuesday, I have been having one of those days for the past 2 days! Now I know there are many factors for this feeling. Not having bounced back from the flight. The awful night spent at Newark Airport. The intense heat and humidity back east.
But the question that keeps going through my mind is ‘When will this be over?' I have a great deal on my plate for the next 2 months, starting with tonight. True to my nature, I over book and over plan. There was a time in my life when I thrived on all the challenges and things to do. I am finding though that as I get older, that kind of life style does not appeal to me anymore.
Now don't get me wrong. I love working with youth and most days, I love my job. I enjoy my home life with Lars and Wyeth, even though it could be a little more organized and cleaner for me! I guess I feel that life has to be more simpler. Maybe all the things on my plate overwhelm me and I just want to forget about them, even for a minute. Is it possible that once my life slows down and becomes more simple, more organized and less stressful, I won't be having these days?
I am reminded of what Jesus says:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11: 28 - 30
Lord, I need that rest so much. I need to be able to do what you have called me to do and have your energy and your peace as I met the demands of my day. Thank you for reminding me of your rest that you freely give.
So as I finish my day at a Christmas in July scrapbook party working on a Christmas present for my Bethany, I am going to use that time to refresh and re-charge. And make it a point as I start my day tomorrow to start it with God. Doing things that refresh me such as devotional time, reading, scrap booking, or even a nice work out will help keep those days to a minium. And knowing that God is with me always is reason to keep on going.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Joys of Reading
I picked up the July/August copy of "Bliss Victoria", one of my favorite magazines. As I started reading I noticed The Reader to Reader column. The question posed to them was "Is there a certain book that played a significant role in your life?"
As I read the responses, I started thinking of all the books that I have read over the years. First and foremost, reading is my favorite of all hobbies. I devour books. Whether it was trips to the library every week as a child, to spending hours at Barnes and Noble or Borders looking for old favorites and new authors to read now as an adult.
Of course books like Charlotte's Web, The Boxcar Children and the Betsy series were favorites as a young girl. In 3rd grade I read Gone With The Wind for the first time, armed with a dictionary! Then it was the Little House series. Reading about the adventures of Laura and her family made me want a simpler time. Even today as an adult, I re-read those books. I also was a fan of Nancy Drew Mysteries. How cool Nancy was with her blue convertible, fashionable wardrobe and her ability to solve mysteries!
My most favorite book is Little Women. I have read that book so many times. The troubles and joys the March sisters had always stirred my heart. And when I read it again after becoming a Christian, I understood more and more of the values and life principles Louisa May Alcott wove into the story.
I also have fond memories of The All of a Kind Family series. Stories about a big Jewish family in NYC during the 1900's. And who could forgot the Double Date, Double Wedding series. Or a Date for Diane and Tojours Diane. I could spend hours recalling my favorite childhood and teen year books. In fact I have slowly been buying them for my own library. I shared all my favorites with my daughters as I read to them and even my oldest now has her own Betsy series.
As I got older I discovered new authors like Brock and Bodie Thoene, Anya Seyton ( love her books Katherine and Green Darkness) Stephen King, Nora Roberts and so many others. I have read my North and South Trilogy so many times the books are falling apart. Then Steve Berry, James Patterson, Ken Foeltt. I could spend days sharing about my favorite writes and books that touched me in some way.
I am saddened how reading has become a thing of the past for so many people today. I have been to so many places, so many different eras and have so many friends in the books I have read. My friend La Homa got me a night shirt for Christmas that says "So many books, so little time" with a stack of books underneath. That is so true!
Then I think about all the wisdom and joy I get from reading my Bible. And the Christian writers for both fiction and non fiction. Rick Warren's - A Purpose Driven Life! The Left Behind series by Tim La Haye and Jerry Jenkins. Even with this group of books I could go on forever.
I am thankful my girls share my love of reading. That love was passed down to me by my mother. And I hope my children will pass that love to my grandchildren. I feel sorry for those of you who claim to hate reading. You have no idea of how reading can enrich your lives. I encourage you to pick up a book. Try something that interests you. There are so many genres and so many topics.
Happy Reading!
As I read the responses, I started thinking of all the books that I have read over the years. First and foremost, reading is my favorite of all hobbies. I devour books. Whether it was trips to the library every week as a child, to spending hours at Barnes and Noble or Borders looking for old favorites and new authors to read now as an adult.
Of course books like Charlotte's Web, The Boxcar Children and the Betsy series were favorites as a young girl. In 3rd grade I read Gone With The Wind for the first time, armed with a dictionary! Then it was the Little House series. Reading about the adventures of Laura and her family made me want a simpler time. Even today as an adult, I re-read those books. I also was a fan of Nancy Drew Mysteries. How cool Nancy was with her blue convertible, fashionable wardrobe and her ability to solve mysteries!
My most favorite book is Little Women. I have read that book so many times. The troubles and joys the March sisters had always stirred my heart. And when I read it again after becoming a Christian, I understood more and more of the values and life principles Louisa May Alcott wove into the story.
I also have fond memories of The All of a Kind Family series. Stories about a big Jewish family in NYC during the 1900's. And who could forgot the Double Date, Double Wedding series. Or a Date for Diane and Tojours Diane. I could spend hours recalling my favorite childhood and teen year books. In fact I have slowly been buying them for my own library. I shared all my favorites with my daughters as I read to them and even my oldest now has her own Betsy series.
As I got older I discovered new authors like Brock and Bodie Thoene, Anya Seyton ( love her books Katherine and Green Darkness) Stephen King, Nora Roberts and so many others. I have read my North and South Trilogy so many times the books are falling apart. Then Steve Berry, James Patterson, Ken Foeltt. I could spend days sharing about my favorite writes and books that touched me in some way.
I am saddened how reading has become a thing of the past for so many people today. I have been to so many places, so many different eras and have so many friends in the books I have read. My friend La Homa got me a night shirt for Christmas that says "So many books, so little time" with a stack of books underneath. That is so true!
Then I think about all the wisdom and joy I get from reading my Bible. And the Christian writers for both fiction and non fiction. Rick Warren's - A Purpose Driven Life! The Left Behind series by Tim La Haye and Jerry Jenkins. Even with this group of books I could go on forever.
I am thankful my girls share my love of reading. That love was passed down to me by my mother. And I hope my children will pass that love to my grandchildren. I feel sorry for those of you who claim to hate reading. You have no idea of how reading can enrich your lives. I encourage you to pick up a book. Try something that interests you. There are so many genres and so many topics.
Happy Reading!
Friday, June 24, 2011
"Respect"
As I am getting ready to finish out a week of Vacation Bible School, I have come to the conclusion that respect is a lost character trait among the children and youth of this generation. I went to dictionary.com and found that respect is to hold in esteem or honor. The behavior I have been seeing shows that no one is being held in esteem or honor. From parents, to teachers, to our pastor, to each other - the art of being respectful has slowly faded away.
The Bible has plenty to say about respect and honor as well. Exodus 20:12 says "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Ephesians 6:1-3 says "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. 'Honor your father and your mother' - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." And lastly Romans 13: 1 - 2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so bring judgement on themselves."
I believe teachers fall into the latter verse. They have been given authority either by a church or a school to teach and lead children and youth. When these teachers are disrespected, ignored, talked back to - that shows to me an utter lack of respect. The norm used to be one or two bad apples in the bunch, but when you end up with 4 or 5 in a group of eight children, something is wrong!
There can be several reasons for this behavior. The children could be in an environment where respect is not taught or caught. Or they could be in a place where the parents will not let anyone correct or discipline their children. And of course there is always that child that no matter what will treat people whatever way they want.
Having worked with children and youth for almost 30 years I am finding it harder and harder to maintain order in my classes. I spend most of my time correcting disruptive behavior, chasing kids, breaking up fights, refusing to participate instead of listening and participating in what is going on.
My breaking point came last night. I was watching my co-teacher try to get the application of the lesson and nothing would move these kids to listen. And when called on to stop - the comments that were given, the attitude, the temper tantrums. It is easy to deal with one, but when you have 4 acting in that manner your hands become tied. My co - teacher just broke down. I had to step in and take charge and move from teacher to police warden, a role that I hate and one that I should not have to use. Then the excuses start. It was so and so's fault, I don't have to listen to you, my dad said I could do it. And in some cases all that is true. Parents. do you not realize the damage you are doing to your children by not teaching them how to respect adults and especially those in charge? If they don't learn now, how are they going to act when they start a job or join the military? Tell their boss or leader off? Run away and scream?
The thing that scares me the most is that this generation will be making decisions for me when I am old! Not a pleasant thought.
But a word of encouragement to those who teach your children manners, respect and how to behave, don't grow weary in doing good! Keep it up. The world may teach that character and values and respect are old fashioned and not needed in today's world. God says they are!
One of my favorite shows to watch is "19 Kids and Counting." I know, I know. Think of this though, when their oldest Josh was little they found a home school program that emphasized character and values. From the beginning to the end these values are taught. What a legacy to leave to your children. What a way to show the world that we believe this way is right.
Well I guess I am done with my soapbox. And if you see my daughter acting up, call her on it! She was raised to know better!
The Bible has plenty to say about respect and honor as well. Exodus 20:12 says "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Ephesians 6:1-3 says "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. 'Honor your father and your mother' - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." And lastly Romans 13: 1 - 2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so bring judgement on themselves."
I believe teachers fall into the latter verse. They have been given authority either by a church or a school to teach and lead children and youth. When these teachers are disrespected, ignored, talked back to - that shows to me an utter lack of respect. The norm used to be one or two bad apples in the bunch, but when you end up with 4 or 5 in a group of eight children, something is wrong!
There can be several reasons for this behavior. The children could be in an environment where respect is not taught or caught. Or they could be in a place where the parents will not let anyone correct or discipline their children. And of course there is always that child that no matter what will treat people whatever way they want.
Having worked with children and youth for almost 30 years I am finding it harder and harder to maintain order in my classes. I spend most of my time correcting disruptive behavior, chasing kids, breaking up fights, refusing to participate instead of listening and participating in what is going on.
My breaking point came last night. I was watching my co-teacher try to get the application of the lesson and nothing would move these kids to listen. And when called on to stop - the comments that were given, the attitude, the temper tantrums. It is easy to deal with one, but when you have 4 acting in that manner your hands become tied. My co - teacher just broke down. I had to step in and take charge and move from teacher to police warden, a role that I hate and one that I should not have to use. Then the excuses start. It was so and so's fault, I don't have to listen to you, my dad said I could do it. And in some cases all that is true. Parents. do you not realize the damage you are doing to your children by not teaching them how to respect adults and especially those in charge? If they don't learn now, how are they going to act when they start a job or join the military? Tell their boss or leader off? Run away and scream?
The thing that scares me the most is that this generation will be making decisions for me when I am old! Not a pleasant thought.
But a word of encouragement to those who teach your children manners, respect and how to behave, don't grow weary in doing good! Keep it up. The world may teach that character and values and respect are old fashioned and not needed in today's world. God says they are!
One of my favorite shows to watch is "19 Kids and Counting." I know, I know. Think of this though, when their oldest Josh was little they found a home school program that emphasized character and values. From the beginning to the end these values are taught. What a legacy to leave to your children. What a way to show the world that we believe this way is right.
Well I guess I am done with my soapbox. And if you see my daughter acting up, call her on it! She was raised to know better!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Working With Youth
When I tell people that I work with teenagers I get so many responses. Are you crazy? They could not pay me enough to work with teenagers. Are you a glutton for punishment? The list goes on.
Over recent months I have had a lot of things disrupt and discourage me in my ministry to youth. Parents who expect me to be a miracle worker and want their youth changed immediately, parents who think my job is to baby sit their youth (i.e. take to and from church, feed them) or parents that think that being controlling is the way to be.
Thankfully, I have some awesome parents as well. One mom sent me a Facebook message thanking me for all that I do for her youth. I have another mom who is always ready to step in and help when I need it. I am so thankful for these parents. It is these parents who make me feel I am making a difference in their teenager's lives.
One thing I do not like is when any one complains about my youth or accuses them of things they do not do. Just as if they are my own children, I will fight for them, defend them and give them the best I can. They eat my food, trash my house, drive me crazy but God has entrusted them to me. My job is to lead them to a relationship with Jesus, teach them how to live out their faith in a world that is getting harder and harder to stay strong in. I take that responsibility seriously. Sometimes I am a parent to them because they need that from me.
So why work with youth? First and foremost that is the calling God has put on my life. Secondly, I love teenagers! Sure I get lots of drama, anger, mood swings but when a Bible study runs over because they are asking questions that makes up for it. When I have youth that have moved on to young adults and still call me for advice, that makes up for it. And when I watch the joy of a youth accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour, well you can imagine the depth of my feelings.
I have been working with youth for over 25 years and I always joke that my time will soon be over. But I have this feeling God is going to keep where I am for many years to come!
From my first ever group of teenagers I worked with (Peggy, Mimi, Esther, Judy, Ronda, Julie, La Verne and Bobby) to my current group of crazies (Ashley S, Ashley K, Tiana, Wyeth, Elena, Joshua, Tyus, Quentin, Anthony and Sean), I am so thankful for you. You are the reason I plot and plan and pray to reach you and your friends. You are what keeps me up at night, praying and worrying about the things you are going through. You are the reason a 48 year old woman stays up all night at lock ins, plays laser tag, goes to six Flags (and I don't like big rides anymore!). You are the reason I push you to be more than you are because God has an awesome plan for you. I want to make sure you are as ready as you can be to step out,
Thank you, God, for giving me the joy and honor for working with a group that most people don't even like to be around! This is why I work with youth! And this is why I will continue to, no matter what people say or what Satan does to discourage me.
"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" - Philippans 4:13
Over recent months I have had a lot of things disrupt and discourage me in my ministry to youth. Parents who expect me to be a miracle worker and want their youth changed immediately, parents who think my job is to baby sit their youth (i.e. take to and from church, feed them) or parents that think that being controlling is the way to be.
Thankfully, I have some awesome parents as well. One mom sent me a Facebook message thanking me for all that I do for her youth. I have another mom who is always ready to step in and help when I need it. I am so thankful for these parents. It is these parents who make me feel I am making a difference in their teenager's lives.
One thing I do not like is when any one complains about my youth or accuses them of things they do not do. Just as if they are my own children, I will fight for them, defend them and give them the best I can. They eat my food, trash my house, drive me crazy but God has entrusted them to me. My job is to lead them to a relationship with Jesus, teach them how to live out their faith in a world that is getting harder and harder to stay strong in. I take that responsibility seriously. Sometimes I am a parent to them because they need that from me.
So why work with youth? First and foremost that is the calling God has put on my life. Secondly, I love teenagers! Sure I get lots of drama, anger, mood swings but when a Bible study runs over because they are asking questions that makes up for it. When I have youth that have moved on to young adults and still call me for advice, that makes up for it. And when I watch the joy of a youth accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour, well you can imagine the depth of my feelings.
I have been working with youth for over 25 years and I always joke that my time will soon be over. But I have this feeling God is going to keep where I am for many years to come!
From my first ever group of teenagers I worked with (Peggy, Mimi, Esther, Judy, Ronda, Julie, La Verne and Bobby) to my current group of crazies (Ashley S, Ashley K, Tiana, Wyeth, Elena, Joshua, Tyus, Quentin, Anthony and Sean), I am so thankful for you. You are the reason I plot and plan and pray to reach you and your friends. You are what keeps me up at night, praying and worrying about the things you are going through. You are the reason a 48 year old woman stays up all night at lock ins, plays laser tag, goes to six Flags (and I don't like big rides anymore!). You are the reason I push you to be more than you are because God has an awesome plan for you. I want to make sure you are as ready as you can be to step out,
Thank you, God, for giving me the joy and honor for working with a group that most people don't even like to be around! This is why I work with youth! And this is why I will continue to, no matter what people say or what Satan does to discourage me.
"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" - Philippans 4:13
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
How do you do a to do list, when you wear so many different hats?
Lately, as I have reading my Facebook posts by various friends and pages I follow, I am reminded again how important a to do list is. You should have one, you need to have this and this on it or you need to carry it with you at all times. Makes my head spin all the ways you can have a list.
Now I am not putting down lists. I used to list all the time. The problem is with all the hats I wear I end up with several different lists! I have tried to merge them all together and end up with chaos. My working on filing can get interrupted with my pastor needed my opinion on something. I could be in the middle of a work out, when a friend calls and needs a shoulder to cry on. I could be headed out the door on a date with my husband and one of Wyeth's friends has a problem and she needs my advice A.S.A.P!
What does one do when their roles or hats change through out the day? I am a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, ministry assistant, youth director, church member, choir member and the list can go on and on. While doing one task something else more important shows up and I have to decide how to fit it in.
Tonight I thought I would make a to do list and it included several of the hats I wear. And guess what? My list will not be completed. I can carry over to tomorrow or start a new list or just give up.
Am I alone in this? Should we have a group that stands for "I Hate Lists!" But I guess not because I am headed over to a meeting at church which will give me more things to put on my list tomorrow.
Now I am not putting down lists. I used to list all the time. The problem is with all the hats I wear I end up with several different lists! I have tried to merge them all together and end up with chaos. My working on filing can get interrupted with my pastor needed my opinion on something. I could be in the middle of a work out, when a friend calls and needs a shoulder to cry on. I could be headed out the door on a date with my husband and one of Wyeth's friends has a problem and she needs my advice A.S.A.P!
What does one do when their roles or hats change through out the day? I am a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, friend, ministry assistant, youth director, church member, choir member and the list can go on and on. While doing one task something else more important shows up and I have to decide how to fit it in.
Tonight I thought I would make a to do list and it included several of the hats I wear. And guess what? My list will not be completed. I can carry over to tomorrow or start a new list or just give up.
Am I alone in this? Should we have a group that stands for "I Hate Lists!" But I guess not because I am headed over to a meeting at church which will give me more things to put on my list tomorrow.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Spring! Spring! Spring!
While the calendar has been saying spring is already here, for us in southern California it has been in hiding. At least, until today!
Today was the first day I felt as soon as I woke up that it was spring. When spring comes, I usually wake up refreshed and energized! Today was no different. I was wide awake at 7:15 a.m. After some coffee and time on the computer I was ready to start my day. It was like a surge of energy took over! Starting with my shower, taking Hank for a walk outside in the already warm area truly refreshed me even more.
I moved on to wash, cleaning our bedroom and organizing my book shelves. (which takes a long time because I like mine to be in alphabetical order!). Then to errands with Lars. After a break for lunch we will be headed out to run some more. Then to do work outside in the beautiful sunshine. It is like God had saved this special day just for me.
There is a lot to be said about the refreshing one feels after the long winter. How birds chirping and the sun shining can change your perspective on what you are doing! If only we treated our personal relationship with Jesus like that. When it seems like we have been in the dread of winter, not getting out, withdrawing into our shells - we need to ask God to give us that refreshing. That renewal in our spirits to move forward and grow. As new plants need sun, water and food - we need to be feeding on what He gives us to grow. To show us what His plans are for us as we move forward from spring to summer.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not tho harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
May you enjoy spring where you are today.
Today was the first day I felt as soon as I woke up that it was spring. When spring comes, I usually wake up refreshed and energized! Today was no different. I was wide awake at 7:15 a.m. After some coffee and time on the computer I was ready to start my day. It was like a surge of energy took over! Starting with my shower, taking Hank for a walk outside in the already warm area truly refreshed me even more.
I moved on to wash, cleaning our bedroom and organizing my book shelves. (which takes a long time because I like mine to be in alphabetical order!). Then to errands with Lars. After a break for lunch we will be headed out to run some more. Then to do work outside in the beautiful sunshine. It is like God had saved this special day just for me.
There is a lot to be said about the refreshing one feels after the long winter. How birds chirping and the sun shining can change your perspective on what you are doing! If only we treated our personal relationship with Jesus like that. When it seems like we have been in the dread of winter, not getting out, withdrawing into our shells - we need to ask God to give us that refreshing. That renewal in our spirits to move forward and grow. As new plants need sun, water and food - we need to be feeding on what He gives us to grow. To show us what His plans are for us as we move forward from spring to summer.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not tho harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
May you enjoy spring where you are today.
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