Forecast: Spring!

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...

"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...” 

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Ahhh, Spring is well on her way, drawing closer every day.

The blossoms of the Cleveland Pear tree have awakened right on schedule.

The Mountain Snow Pieris blooms are practicing their bows for her arrival.

Our blueberry blooms are anticipating the warmth of Spring...

The birds have commenced their spring celebration with songs and courtship.  Some are already preparing their nests.  Pretty flowers are resting in pots on my deck, waiting for their place in my new flower garden.  Bags of soil and compost are stacked in a corner of my back yard.  I can hardly wait to get started!  I'm ready to play in the dirt ;)

I hope the signs of the Spring season come soon for those of you in the north and northeast who've had a harsh winter.  The winter storms have been relentless for you this year and I know you must be ready for some sunshine and warmth.  May the season of renewal pour her blessings upon you!

I wish you all a good beginning to this week...

Where the Roses Bloom

Roses...I love them.  

Their velvety softness.  Delicate layers of satin petals.  Beautifully blended colors.  

Perfection.

Though silent, the rose can say what our voice sometimes can't...

I love you,

I miss you,

Congratulations! or

In deepest sympathy.

It is said that there is a garden in every childhood...

an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer,

and the morning more fragrant than ever again.

The gardens of my childhood are faded and gone...

but I am wise enough to appreciate the beauty that grows before me now-

real roses and flowers that can be seen, smelled and touched.

"Heaven and paradise are in the present moment

right where you are now

if you just look around with that thought in mind"

Hope Through the Hard Times

Sometimes life's difficulties overwhelm us, and we give in to negative thoughts and anxiety.  Our joyfulness is consumed, little by little, until all that remains is misery and regret.  When we focus on all the bad situations in our life, we leave the door wide open for even more negative feelings to creep in.

I felt that way yesterday- overwhelmed by life's struggles.  Anger and bitterness crept in, invading my mind and spirit, creating in me a hostile attitude.  I was grumpy and harsh, and projected those negative feelings onto others.  Then on top of the misery I already felt, there was guilt to cope with- guilt for being ugly towards the ones I love.  

After a few silent tears, I escaped to my sanctuary, the place where I find peace and serenity- the corner of my front porch.  

I thought about how insignificant my problems are in comparison to what others are struggling with right now. I considered all the things I have to be grateful for.  I reflected on the joy I have felt being surrounded by the beauty of God's creations.  I remembered that, as a human being, I am sometimes weak and imperfect, defected by my sinful nature.

After a few moments of silence and reflection, peace was restored within my soul.  The presence of God's love soothed my spirit and freed my mind.  Hope will carry me through the hard times, as it always has...

"Grace is the face that love wears when it meets imperfection" ~ Joseph R. Cooke