Running Early

This morning I was running a few minutes early in my morning routine. What a spontaneous luxury! On my way to school, I decided to treat myself to a mini photo-shoot of the daffodils growing in the Center for Arts parking lot...

Rains

Wow, the air conditioning is unusually noisy, I thought, as I stepped out of the meeting room into the hallway. Or am I hearing heavy rain? Strolling down the hall toward the front entrance of the church, I couldn’t distinguish the source of the “white noise.” Nearing the door, I saw several girls dart inside, drenched.

A downpour! I got giddy with excitement.

This semester I’ve been attending a weekly women’s Bible study by Beth Moore, about the book of James. It’s been a rich and very meaningful study so far. I appreciate how Beth opens the Scriptures for us women. This evening we listened to her message on DVD, titled “Between the Rains,” based on James 5. “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See [how] the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (vv. 7-8). Beth emphasized the theme of the rains, as well as that time between the rains. She explained that this recurring theme in Scripture is always tied to God’s faithfulness. She shared that the times between rains are part of the laws of harvest. In our own lives, like in the farmer’s field, when it’s dry and we don’t see anything happening, we need to be mindful that God hasn’t moved to other ground—He’s working underground. She quoted Hosea 6:3, which promises that as surely as the sun rises every morning, our rains will come.

Having been living “between the rains” for a long time now, I was deeply encouraged by Beth’s insightful message. And then to have the message validated by such a timely rainstorm at the end of the study. Wow!

Yes, Lord. You are faithful. My rains are coming!

Third Day of Spring

On this lovely third day of Spring, here are some of the sights I enjoyed as I strolled through the Dow Gardens this afternoon. . .

Butterfly exhibit in the Dow Gardens Conservatory

Welcome Spring!

Welcome Spring! Here in Midland, we have been enjoying a most gorgeous first week of Spring! The unseasonably warm, sunny weather has coaxed the flowers to bloom weeks earlier than normal. I'm lovin' it! Here are a few glimpses of the spring beauty I noticed around the neighborhood this afternoon.

Beginning to Bloom

Although Spring doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, it's Spring to me whenever I first notice forsythia and daffodils beginning to bloom. =)

Sprouting Tulips

Tulips are some of my favorite flowers. Here these tulip sprouts peeking above the soil remind me of the challenge the Apostle Paul gives in Philippians 3:12-14. The imagery associated with this famous passage is often one of an athlete straining toward the finish line. Today, however, with signs of early spring budding around me, I appreciate the illustration offered by these tulip shoots. Forgetting the cold, lifeless days of winter; and reaching for the warm, life-giving sunshine; the delicate leaves press above the compost to grow taller and stronger each day. The tulips haven’t “attained” yet, but before long, we’ll be admiring their vibrant blooms basking in the sun.

Marvelous Mid-March

This week we're enjoying unusually warm spring weather. According to the Weather Channel, temperatures are 20-35 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year. Technically although it's still winter, today feels much more like early May than mid-March. Marvelous, if you ask me! How can I resist enjoying the outdoors on such a day as this?! On my way home from school, I swung by the Dow Gardens for my first time this season. I made sure to stop by the Conservatory, to see the butterflies on exhibit. When I came home, Dad had our bikes already waiting in the driveway, for a father-daughter bike ride to the Nature Center.  =)

The first crocuses of spring make me so happy!

How fun to watch the butterflies in the conservatory!

What a delightful surprise when this beauty landed on my hand!

First Crocuses

Yesterday I spied my first crocuses blooming, here in Midland. Oh, I love crocuses! Splashes of vibrant color against the drab grays and browns of lifeless winter. Soldiers braving the lingering snow, standing valiant in all types of weather. Symbols of spring and new life.

Crocuses are one of those first signs of spring that I eagerly wait to notice each year. To me, they illustrate a glimpse of the beautiful promise God gives in I Peter 5:10. "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you." During winter when everything appears dead, when days are cold and nights are long, it's encouraging to know that this dreary season is only for a while. Before long, bright green sprouts. Yellow and purple burst forth, beginning the triumphant transformation.

In my own life, I'm eagerly waiting for crocuses, heralding a new season. In the meantime, though, I must trust the God of all grace. He knows what He is doing, even when I can't see it or make sense of it. As surely as the flowers bloom each spring after winter, He promises to bring me through my season of suffering, to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle me. He has called me to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, and He will do it!

Roses and Thorns

Reading Corner: Fresh Flower Arranging

It's obvious here my blog that I love flowers. As many of my posts showcase, I'm very fond taking pictures of flowers growing in nature. Alongside my mom, I've also grown up enjoying arranging flowers. Even though we have only basic-level skills, there's a lot that both Mom and I enjoy about designing delightful fresh flower arrangements to display in our home and to give to friends. Here are several of my favorite books about fresh flower arranging, that are excellent resources for amateurs. Each of these books contain helpful information and creative, accessible ideas for beginning enthusiasts. =)

Fresh Flower Arranging
by Mark Welford and Stephen Wicks

Flowers: Chic and Cheap by Carlos Mota

Fast Flowers (paperback version, 2000)
and Fast Flower Arranging (hardbook version, 1998)
by Jane Packer

Wedding Flowers by Sharon Naylor

Blooming Flowers Beckon

When life is full of frustrations, I find that taking a few moments to intentionally enjoy the beauty and order in nature helps direct my focus back to my Wonderful Creator and Sustainer. Blooming flowers beckon me to join with their grateful praise that He holds all life in His wise, powerful, tender, faithful hands. Needing that reminder again this afternoon, I took a study break from my grad research papers to go on a brief photo-shoot at the Dow Gardens. Here are my favorite pictures from today. . . .

In the Land of the Living

I love how the Psalmist expresses his life experiences and his faith in God, in Psalm 27. Today I feel like I can definitely relate to him when he said, "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13). Like the Psalmist, I've learned that when life doesn't seem to make sense, I need to search all the more determinedly and intentionally for God's beauty.

One of the best ways I cope with frustration, confusion, and disappointment is grabbing my camera for a photo-shoot—"Do not worry about your life. . . . Why are you anxious? . . . Consider the lilies . . ." Jesus woos (Luke 12:22-31). These pictures were taken this afternoon "in the land of the living"—specifically, at the Dow Gardens in Midland.