I was having a rather stressful day....complaining and overwhelmed with health and financial issues - and going through momentous transitional changes in our lives.  After the recent death of our very young nephew, my heart was tearing up while running in to the bank to deposit what little pocket change I could to cover the bills.  My arms and legs were aching from the connective tissue "mystery" disease they tell me I have.  I had left my hubby at home as he was battling a dark cloud of depression.  "God, when do I not have to be strong?"  I asked while about to spring my own leak in the midst of what should have been a mundane errand.  

My car came to a stop in the one available parking place - farthest from the bank's entrance.  I pulled the key from the ignition only to find that the metal part of the key had separated from the plastic handle.  (Note to self...."gotta get that fixed).  I leaned down to pick the broken piece off the floor and literally re-bound it with the rubber band that had held it, and while wiping a new tear away, got out of the car.  The air was biting cold and slightly icy rain relentlessly hit me in the face.  It only seemed to mock the sadness and despair I was feeling.  

"I have to come up with something to make for dinner...but what kind of soup could I make with the left-overs from yesterday and a chicken breast in the freezer?  Maybe I should stop by the store?  No.....I'll stretch it another day,"  I resolved.

I walked into the bank and took a place in line.  My mind went wandering back home where my 30 year old daughter sat on the couch with a broken leg.  She had also been dealing with chronic and undiagnosed pain in her side and stomach for almost two years.  "Lord, if You would just heal her?  And while You're at it, could You bring my hubby a new job?"  And, "God, I know You are aware of our circumstances...please help us soon." The whole scene sounds rather pitiful, I know.  (I have a feeling that even God understands the days when our humanity just needs to feel sorry for itself.)

All those problems?  They still have yet to be resolved - but here's what happened on that day - after my meltdown at the bank.  I made my deposit (both with money and with my cries to my Father in heaven) and walked outside, still sniffing and hoping no one had noticed my water-works.  I looked up at a shrub by the door just in time to see a tiny bird that had landed only inches from my face.  It sat and belted out a song that was twice the volume of its size!  I was fascinated that it didn't seem to be afraid of me - I was close enough to reach out and touch it!  Suddenly a realization hit me like a burst of light:  "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?  And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?"   Matthew 6:26-27

And there I stood, face to face with that bright little bird - in the rain - who, regardless of the circumstances, was heartily sharing a brilliant melody...so small...so unconcerned...so joyful...so full of a song!  

It would seem to me that it takes more faith to believe there is no God!

Abi, my youngest daughter

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...to comfort all who mourn...to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.  So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."  Isaiah 61:1-3

Sometimes in the face of life's difficulties, we need a new perspective.  Sometimes we feel kicked, bruised, injured and unloved.  Sometimes it seems friends are far and foes are many.  It is during those "sometimes" that we simply need to stop and realize what is truth.  The world offers a view of ourselves that is filled with accusation, blame, guilt, and shame.  The source of those lies is none other than Satan himself.  

Though our earthly flesh is in fact impure and in need of redemption, God offers forgiveness and salvation needed to become pure through the work of Jesus Christ.  Accepting Him as Lord immediately offers us a "robe of righteousness" that covers our sin and allows God to see us blameless and spotless!  

What a joy to see beyond the ashes of our humanity and into the eyes of a loving Father who reaches down with the oil of gladness.   Accept the garland He offers and allow Him to encourage you forward as an oak of righteousness!

Ah...tulips.  A sure sign of coming warmth and new life.  Colorful.  Bright.  Joyful.  These flowers live to extend upward - heads focused and arms reaching towards the Source of their short, but glorious life.  

Lord, make me a tulip!  :)

"May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering."  

Psalm 141:2

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.  Psalm 145:5

Sensations of Spring

The wind sweeps up the valley floor

And brings with it the smell of spring

The scent of grasses, flowers and life

That signal Earth’s awakening

A rich aroma fills the air

And rides the breeze that rises high

To reach the hilltop where I sit

My sanctuary in the sky

The valley stretches far below

Green velvet laced with dancing streams

Here and there lie newborn calves

Curled near their mothers, lost in dreams

Bright meadowlarks sing long and clear

While swallows swoop and dive and sail

And chase cloud shadows 'cross the fields

As they race over hill and dale

Alone, I sit and contemplate

The beauty of God's offering

The gifts that He so freely gives

The sights and sounds and smells of spring

By:  Jerry Richards

This beautiful poem was written by a good friend who owns a cattle farm not far from the small town where I grew up.  I wish I had the perfect photo of the farm as he describes it here.  However, as I read his words, I am also taken back to my grandparent's farm where I spent much time also experiencing some of these sights and sounds.  The photo of the barn here was my playground many a Sunday afternoon.  

A couple of summers ago, I had the privilege of visiting Jerry and his wife, Carla at their farm.  I was mesmerized by the familiar country surroundings as we rode in a little 4-wheeler across the very green velvet fields he describes above.   What a joy it was to be in their company surrounded by sheer country charm and beauty.  I will ever have a soft spot for life in its God-designed palette.  There is no sweeter music than that of "spring peepers" in tune with a squeaky back porch rocking chair, on a cool star-studded evening.  Thanks for keeping it alive, Jerry & Carla! 

Architecture.  I so enjoy creative craftsmanship and interesting structures.  Perhaps that is why I live in a Victorian home built in the late 1800's!  There is something about sturdy and beautifully detailed buildings that tell something of their integrity and charm.  In earlier days, it seems that builders took much pride in artistry and particulars of homes and buildings where they lived and worked.  I so admire the imagination and fine skill that went into those stately buildings.  

A really marvelous thing is that our "structures" are also wonderfully made.  Our great Craft-Master had a beautifully detailed plan for each individual He created!  Everything about you and me was designed for the purpose of His delight and pleasure!  There are things about each of us that are entirely unique and represent a small brilliant portion of the character of our Maker!  We were given talents, personalities, gifts and features that display His amazing handiwork and reflect His love and light.  

Sometimes I look at a building that might have one specific detail and I realize that it is that very addition that makes it so charming!  Some of us have what seems like endless talents to share.  Others may have that one small detail that is a very life-giving portion to other individuals.  Maybe you don't even know what it is that you can offer.  I can tell you now that if you allow His life to be your portion and joy, then His charm will awake others to the reality of His beauty and saving grace.

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.  I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:13, 14.

"Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:14