Thank you

I have been struggling....not so much within myself but for someone, someone very dear and close to my heart. I have often been through spiritual struggles for me, and others. This one is different...it's closer to home. I have cried out to the Lord for guidance, and grace , and wisdom. I have pleaded with him to reveal himself to this person, knowing that he will, but will this person listen, or see him? I was reminded by someone that no matter what this person does, or choses, God will never stop pursuing. He LOVES us so much that he will never stop!!!! I know this to be true because of how he never gave up on me. We as humans can only go so far, and our energy runs out, our hopes dwindle, our tears run dry. BUT My Lord will never run out of energy, or lose hope, or ever stop shedding tears for us...and with HIM, I can have the strength to endure. It is so true that out of our most difficult experiences, God will bring forth beauty, if we let him. Thank you Lord Jesus.

New Life!!!!

It is -2 degrees outside, snow every where, but I can't help but dream about the spring and planting a garden. Every year I have grand plans of vegetables, herbs and gorgeous flowers...but every year there seems to be something that hinders those grand plans, whether it be pregnancy, new baby, illness, extreme heat, and busyness. Last year I think I accomplished the most and really cleaned out my perennial bed, did some transplants, and grew some herbs. I love to garden, I love the smell of the dirt, the satisfaction of putting something in the ground, caring for it, and seeing the result. Fresh flowers in the house, pungent herbs spicing up our food, bees and butterfly's galore...aaaahhhhh!
Growing up in the southwest Spring was very different than it is in the Midwest. Often the winter felt like spring with 50-60 degree weather, plants that don't die completely, and grass that stays kinda green all year long. While all of that is not bad, I don't think I truly learned to appreciate the Spring until I moved to the Midwest. When everything is covered with snow for up to 5 months, and the ground is frozen and nothing is green, Spring brings a whole new life. One of my absolute favorite things is to see the tiny little crocus' sprouting up from the ground, sometimes even before the snow is all gone! Then you start to see the tulips, and the perennials start their ascent. Oh how I love Spring!!!
I am amazed at how incredible our world is. God reminds us of his power, his gentleness, his unfailing love, and his glorious gift of new life through his creation. So while I am sitting here wrapped up to keep from being  cold, I can dream about the garden I will plant, and thank my Heavenly Father for his amazing creation!!

Snow days!!

We are on our third day of snow days here. For my son, who takes some classes at the High School it is a good thing. The girls on the other hand asked me last night if they could have a snow day too...being homeschooled it does not matter what the weather is outside....school goes on!! They want to play outside....but it is 1 degree out, so I am thinking NO! I think I may lighten their load today, and maybe we can snuggle up and watch a movie together....I suppose they can have a little bit of a snow day too:)