Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday #20! Here in Midland, the weather has been a delightful preview of summer. I've been savoring every moment outdoors I possibly can. This week I've been enjoying . . .

1. bike riding to the Nature Center almost every day.
2. lounging and reading a novel in a sunny corner of our backyard (and getting an early start on my tan this year!).
3. jogging for the first time this season.
4. wearing flip-flops for the first time this season.
5. taking pictures of the first flowers of spring.

Thank you, Lord, for such beautiful weather this week!

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!

Swimwear

I've been happy to find a selection of chic cleavage-covering, one-piece swimsuits this season. Hooray! Check out my favorites online at JCrew, Talbots, LimeRicki, Shabby Apple, JenClothing, and DivinitaSole. I've also noticed several cute, higher-neckline tankini tops at JCPenney online. As always, Land's End is a great place to find swim shorts, skirts and skorts. Whether you're looking forward to enjoying the pool or the beach, here's to being cute, covered, and confident!

Signs of Spring

Here are some of the first signs of spring sprouting around my neighborhood. =)

Raindrops suspending from the tiny buds.

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!

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday #19! Last week I neglected to post—not because there was nothing to list, but because I just didn't take the time or devote the energy. Hmmm, Kristina. God's goodness is so abundant in your life. Don't let life's daily demands or your own discontent distract you from the life-giving discipline of recounting His goodness. . .

Last weekend my brother Peter and I drove to Indianapolis for an Alumni weekend at Verity. What a special weekend we had with lots of old friends! It was a time of celebrating traditions, rekindling friendships, and making new memories.  There are so many things to be thankful for . . .

1. Safe travels. On Friday as we were driving to Indy, there were multiple tornado systems tearing through the Midwest. We drove through some heavy rain and lots of strong winds. Then, on Sunday as we were driving home, we hit snow showers with treacherous road conditions, including miles of black ice. At one point our vehicle skidded out of control on the highway, as Peter maneuvered to avoid a collision. Every safe trip is a blessing, but when the conditions are dangerous, I become all the more aware of God's protection. =)

2. Singing with friends. One of the alumni, who directed the Verity chorale when he was a student, organized an alumni choir. Most of us had sung together in the chorale, and rehearsing again last weekend was Déjà vu, in such a fun way. =) 

Verity alumni choir, photo courtesy of Micah Williams

photo courtesy of Micah Williams

Peter and I also enjoyed joining two of our friends in a string quartet.
Photo courtesy of Micah Williams.

3. Friends who are living for God. How special it was to reunite with old friends and see how each of us are loving the Lord and seeking to live for Him, all over the world and in in all sorts of vocations.

4. Renewing fond memories. It was fun to recall our mutual Verity experiences in light of God's faithfulness.

5. The chance to affirm and continue special relationships in my life.

My friend Kristina Blum and me.
Not only do we share the same name,
we discovered that we also share the same shoe size!
She let me borrow her darling white heels to complete my outfit
for the alumni concert. How fun is that?!!