Spring is Here!

Stepping outside on the porch and taking a deep breath of crisp fresh air, reminds me that spring has arrived! Even though the thermometer says 47 degrees, there is a look and feel that winter has lost its grip in our area of the world.

The purple and white crocus have been showing their colors along with the cheery daffodils.

The birds are chirping in the trees which are pushing their buds. On my walk yesterday, I saw Mr and Mrs Mallard leisurely paddling in our little stream.

In spite of the corona virus trying to take front and center stage, the creation is showing forth the praises of their creator. They are a reminder to us about trusting in the Lord. Last evening before going to sleep, I read this from Matthew 6:25-34.

 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 

 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31

 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 

 For those who don’t know God, run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Take the Opportunity

What a beautiful day on the 18th of February!!  The sun is shining, there is a slight breeze and the temps are in the high 60’s.  The weather beckons me to come outside and soak up the sun.  Since I am babysitting my sweet one year old grandson, the ideal thing to do is, put him in the stroller and take a walk.  While I am smiling and deciding how far down the road to walk, I am oblivious to the cookies baking in the oven!  My focus had completely shifted and we were going on a walk.  I set my destination, the telephone pole up ahead.  My grandson fell asleep and my mind was free of distractions. When I arrived back in my kitchen, even the smell of burnt cookies could not displace these welcome thoughts of spring!  More chocolate chip cookies can be baked but beautiful days in February are not readily available.

The cookies were crispy and dark but still edible!

Opportunities cannot always be planned.  They seem unexpected and sometimes disturb the present realities.  Last August, there was a request for a Bible study by someone who had not previously been interested in seeking God or reading the Bible.  Inside of me I knew this was a priority.  Yes, it was another evening of the week to be occupied but it is a season in which we can share what has been given to us. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required;  Luke 12:48b

The blessing has been to be able to experience this evening with my husband, my friend and her family almost every week.  We read the Bible together and ask questions.  Our prayer time brings the sweetness and closeness of the Lord.  We are so glad we didn’t miss this opportunity!

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.                    Colossians 4:5-6