There's something especially lovely about an arrangement of flowers fresh picked from one's own garden. . . .

Thanks to Mom, for planting her retired Easter lily in our backyard. =)

Sparrows at Springtime

What a delight it has been this spring to observe a little family of birds, nestled in the geraniums in the window box just outside our kitchen window.

I marvel at the complexity and precision of God’s design in these little birds. The more I learn about nature, the more in awe I become of God’s immense power and detailed attention manifest throughout His creation. How do the father and mother bird know what size to make their nest—something small enough to provide warmth for the eggs, but big enough to hold four rapidly-growing young? Amazing how fast those tiny babies grow! In a matter of days, they transform from eggs to scrawny fuzz balls to full-size feathered birds ready to fly on their own. I took this picture on June 3, just two days before the young birds left the nest. 

I miss peeking at them through the geranium leaves, since they flew away last week. Watching them grow over the course of the past few weeks daily encouraged my faith. This spring I needed their tangible reminder of God’s precise design and intricate care in my own life. Luke 12:6-7 puts it well. “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Swimsuit Shopping

As I've been doing some swimsuit shopping online, I just have to say that I am very pleased by the current selection at JCPenney. Check out the Liz Claiborne tankinis and the St. John's Bay Mix and Match separates. I don't recall ever having so many high-neckline tankini tops to choose from! Most of the separates are under $27. I am also impressed to see the St. John's Bay high-waist swim skirt, which gives complete midriff coverage. Cheers for JCPenney, for providing a great selection of affordable, modest swimwear this season. =)

Back to Blogging

My, how the time flies! Amazing how a day turns into three, then a week, and before I know it two months have gone by. . . . This spring I've been trying to develop a personal routine that includes more cooking, more cleaning, and more sleeping—which has come at the expense of blogging. After such a long unintended hiatus, I have amassed quite a back-log of pictures, book reviews, etc., that I hope to eventually get around to posting. . . .

In the meantime, I'll start with photos I took today along my daily neighborhood stroll. . . .

Backyard Blooms

Check out what's blooming in our backyard! In the three years that we've lived in our current home, my mom, especially, has put a lot of effort into making a small, unattractive backyard as beautiful as possible. It makes all of us so happy to sit on our back patio and see these flowers blooming around the yard.