Season of Hope

 Spring - the season of hope!

It begins slowly and gives us a foretaste of what is to come.  The patience that comes in the wait is what builds the muscles of  hope.

Cold blustery days leave for a bit and then they return keeping us still looking for the time when the ground warms and the flowers begin to bloom.

 

Sunny moments that come briefly begin to visit more often.

They start to lengthen and our hearts once again begin to hope.

So it is in life friends...we all face cold and blustery moments but just like when the sun starts to shine and the flowers begin to bloom - we find that much needed dose of Hope!

God Bless and may each of you find a Season of Hope.

Hugs

Debbie

"the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."  Psalm 147:11 (NIV)

Tomorrow

 It will be official tomorrow.  Spring arrives.

This little robin knows it is coming.  He has been back for at least two weeks.

The budding branches testify that it is about time.

The swing under the old peach tree has been more than ready for someone to come sit a spell.

Even these two friends sense the change in the air.

Lastly this yellow daffodil couldn't wait.  He decided to bloom before tomorrow.

Happy Spring to each of you.  May tomorrow bring renewed hope in your heart.

Hugs Debbie

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Matt:6:34 a (NIV)

 

Teaser

 The month of March can be such a teaser.   One day is sunny and warm - the next cold and blustery.  

This coming week sounds like we are having the latter.  Perhaps it may be a good time to catch up on my list of books to read before spring chores begin.

I have been reading Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.  She starred in the movie "War Room" and is a wonderful Christian speaker.  She shares how her grandmother wrote her prayers down in a notebook.  When Priscilla asked her why she practiced this...her simple answer was "so I won't forget." 

For anyone wanting to read a book on prayer - highly recommend this one. 

 

    

The other book is by Kate Morton called "The Lake House".  It is a suspense novel that spans 70 years.  Have always enjoyed something written that pulls the past into the present.   

Last but not least is another novel by Hallie Ephron "Never Tell a Lie".  The last two that I read by her kept me turning the page...don't think I will be disappointed by this one either.

Well with all that reading, must not forget my sketchbook.

Hope everyone has a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Hugs

Debbie 

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.  In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me."  Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)   

Lovely March Day

 It was such a lovely March Day to be outdoors.   Who can resist sunshine and blue skies?  

  Spotted this blue squill blooming amidst last year's garden debris.  It made me smile.  Such a tiny flower but in no time the entire garden will be bursting with little spring bulbs. 

Speaking of gardening - these seed packets called to me from their rack at our local store.  Yes, it is a bit soon to start planting outdoors.  Not so, though for getting a head start inside.  I will find a sunny window and plant a few seeds.  Hope that will help the wait :)!!

Thought this rosy sky made a great end to a lovely March day. 

Have a blessed week!  

Hugs

Debbie

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."  Romans 8:25 (NIV)

Touch of Spring

I am seeing a touch of spring.  The pussy willows are in bloom.

They generally are one of the first harbingers to let us know warmer days are on their way.

To celebrate their arrival thought this  old song by Gordon Lightfoot "Pussy Willows, Cattails" would be fitting.

Hope you enjoy friends!  Have a wonderful week.

Hugs

Debbie

"Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."  Song of Songs 2:12

Unusual

Because our weather has been so unusual this February it doesn't feel like winter.

There was a bit of chill in the air but it seems more like March than February.

Even though there is no snow - still enjoy a warm cozy meal of old-fashioned bean soup and cornbread with a bit of honey.  Makes a great Sunday lunch.                                                 

I have featured this old shed in my posts quite often.  Amazing how it has withstood blustery winds and wild storms but continues to stand firm.  Hubby has repaired and painted it quite often over the years.  There is not much stored inside but am sure it would be missed by all the little creatures that find refuge underneath.  Last thing that I saw living there was a bunny...perhaps more than one:)!

Certainly makes a wonderful spot for the dogs to sniff around. 

Still working on sketchbook project for the year.  Due to being busy at work and on kitchen renovation had fallen behind.  Did some catching up this afternoon.

Schindler kept me company.  He always looks for a soft spot to rest.  Who says he isn't spoiled!

Well other than the weather being unusual most everything else seems ordinary.

Have a blessed week.

Hugs

Debbie

P.S.  Thank you all for your sweet comments on my previous post.

"Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail," Job:38:22 (NIV)

Eleven Years

It was eleven years ago on a Sunday, February 12, 2012 that this blog began.

I can remember being a bit apprehensive hitting that publish button for the first time. 

Bet lots of you felt that way too when you wrote your first post.

There is something exciting as well as scary putting yourself out there for strangers to read your thoughts and make comments.

What is wonderful though, is those strangers become your friends.

       

They share their lives...their creative ideas...

their hopes and dreams.  They visit you and fill your life with encouragement.

Reflecting back over the past eleven years I can say my life is so much richer for having pushed that first publish button.  If I had not, I would not have all of you for friends and that would make me poor indeed.

Kelsey  at almost 9 months

 Thank you for your faithful visits and taking time to share your journey in this life with me.

God Bless

Debbie

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13 (NIV)