Spring is coming!

          This has seemed like such a long winter! I have been ready for the flowers to start poking their heads out of the ground and for the trees to start budding. And it seemed like it was on its’ way… until last Sunday!

        We got pummeled with a snowstorm that left us with over 8 inches of snow. Ugh. I felt like we had definitely taken a step in the wrong direction. Instead of joyfully decorating for Easter, I felt like I should be putting on my favorite Christmas dvd, “White Christmas” and decorating in red and green plaids.

        All thoughts of spring and Easter and new life were put on hold as I put on warm sweaters and made some soup. My bright yellow daffodils and cute little ducks looked sadly out of place.

        But - it has been interesting to watch spring come to life as the week has passed. On Sunday all you could see was white flakes descending and piling up quickly. Monday was cloudy and people were clearing out their driveways (some rather early in the morning!!). Tuesday was cloudy but a bit warmer which caused little spots of lawn to start showing. By yesterday the spots were much larger. And this morning it is bright and sunny. The snow is continuing to disappear, I’m seeing more grass, and the flowers are a little more visible. YAY!!  

        I can sense the hope welling up inside me at this truth: Spring is coming!!

What a difference a day makes

        Little did I know when I woke up 29 years ago that my life was about to change. I went through my morning routine as normal. I went to classes and chapel and sat by someone I considered a close friend, someone on their way to best friend status.

        I had an errand to run and, since I didn’t have a car, asked this friend if they were free to give me a ride to the store later in the day. There was a moment of hesitancy and then came this question:

        “I’d be happy to take you to the store, but how about if we go out to lunch first?”

        And that is the true story of the beginning of a great love story. J I have to put that in print, because Tim and I have a teasing disagreement regarding the date of our first date. My official calendar said it was March 20^th – the first day of spring. Tim claims it was on his father’s birthday (March 21^st). But since this morning he told me happy 29^th anniversary, I think he really agrees with me.

        I am SO thankful for this man who loves me and truly is my best friend. We have gone through typical ups and downs, times of hurts and joys, growth and standing still. We have been blessed with four children who are precious to us – who make us laugh til the tears run down our faces and swell our chests with pride as they live out their faith.

        We are close to the empty nest stage in our life. (Kimberly graduates in just a couple of months. Wow… that seems unbelievable.) I know a lot of couples really struggle at this point in their marriage. Sure, I miss what it was like to have all four kids home and the crazy schedule we had. I get that this change isn’t an easy one.

        But I am also looking forward to being “just us”. We have a lot of years ahead of us until we make that 75^th wedding anniversary we promised each other on our wedding day and I am excited to see what all God has in store for us! It has been an incredible adventure so far so I can only imagine what is next.

        Wahoo… here we go!

The Comforter

        For the first time in the almost 28 years we’ve been married, Tim and I forgot to set the clocks ahead for day-light savings time. We intended to be up and to the 8:00 service we’ve been attending, but instead got there for the one at 9:30.

        Glad we got there, though! It was an excellent service from start to finish. The music was full of incredible reminders of God’s loving ability and desire to heal our hurts. 

        The sermon was very good, too - a wrap up to the series on planning, emphasizing the need for accountability as we make and implement plans.

        But mostly I needed to hear about the healing hand of God. That has been a huge topic on my mind this week. And something I’ve been asking God to do in my heart.

        Earlier in the week I read about the Holy Spirit’s job description – counselor, intercessor, teacher, guide, Spirit of truth, revealer of the Father, One who convicts us of sin. That is a huge list full of big jobs!

        But there is another name – a tender, compassionate name for all those of us who are hurting – He is the Comforter, given to be with us forever. 

        Which is just another way God proves His love and grace and faithfulness through His name Emmanuel – God with us.