Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... "Though April showers may come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May.  So if it's raining, have no regrets; it isn't raining rain you know, it's raining violets."  My mom used to sing this song whenever it was a rainy day in April.  I have found myself singing this song almost everyday this month!  And again today, it is raining!  Usually I don't mind the rain.  I rather enjoy everything greening up.  But I could sure use some more sunshine and blue skies soon.

I'm grateful for... this Easter season that culminated in the celebration of Christ's resurrection yesterday.  A couple of months ago we decided as a family that this year we would all sing in the seasonal Easter choir at our church. My husband and I have been a part of this group for several years, but this is the first time that all four of us have participated together.  As we were practicing during the last week, there was one line in one of the songs that really resonated with me.  "What a sacrifice that saved my life."  As I began to meditate on these words, I experienced a fresh revelation of just how Christ's sacrifice has saved my life. Not only did He take away my sin and give me eternal life, but He has also brought healing to my mind and body. The ultrasound that revealed the complete absence of a mass that once was there. The safe delivery of my first-born following numerous difficulties that threatened both of our lives. The restoration of hope and joy during a  debilitating episode of depression. Incredible peace during moments of overwhelming grief.  Having my daily needs met in both ordinary and miraculous ways.  That sacrifice that saved my life will never lose it's power!

One of my favorite things...  is going for a drive and looking at the countryside.  When I was growing up we would often go for a drive in the evening or on a weekend afternoon.  Usually it was just a short loop out in the country.  My dad was an insurance salesman and many of the local farmers were his customers.  So we would drive around and see what kind of progress the crops were making.  Occasionally we would go for a longer drive and take along a picnic. 

Although there was much to be done at home, I really wanted to go on a little day trip adventure, so last Saturday we took a drive out to the Thousand Springs area.  It is one of my favorite places to visit.  I love looking at all of the little springs coming out of the side of the canyon.  The waterflows are higher than normal right now because the hydroelectric plant there is under repair and not currently diverting water.  It was a beautiful afternoon.

This week I'm reading... or maybe I should say re-reading Gardening in Idaho by John Cretti. It is a month-by-month guide that I revisit often throughout the year. I'm thinking about experimenting with some new things in my vegetable garden this year and this book is a great resource. I was looking in my garden journal last week and realized that everything in my yard is about 10 days behind where it was at this time last year. I'm not sure how it happened, but I have officially turned into a gardening geek!

I'm looking forward to... my birthday at the end of this week. Only 5 more shopping days! "A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip." ~Author Unknown I'm also excited about Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on Friday. Yup, I'm one of those royal watchers.  I got up in the middle of the night to watch the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana 30 years ago, so I think it's only fitting that I do the same for their son. 

Simple life tip for the week... "The three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~ Albert Einstein Instead of complaining about that situation in your life, seek to find simplicity, harmony, and opportunity.

Good Friday~ Amazing Love

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken,

I’m accepted, You were condemned.

I am alive and well, Your spirit is within me,

Because You died and rose again.

Amazing love,

How can it be

That You, my King, should die for me?

Amazing love,

I know it’s true.

It’s my joy to honor You,

In all I do, I honor You.

~Chris Tomlin

Word-filled Wednesday

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." ~John 10:10 

Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... cloudy and 59 degrees.  It's been a bit of a wild weather ride for the past few days.  Rain, snow, sunshine, more snow, wind... but the daffodils are blooming, in spite of it all!

"In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours." ~Mark Twain  So have I, Mr. Twain, so have I!

One of my favorite things...  is cooking.  New recipes, old tried-and-true recipes, or just making it up as I go... I enjoy my time in the kitchen.  And I really enjoy cooking with my daughters.  Each of them has a unique approach and they teach me as much as I teach them. 

This week I'm reading...  



The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean.  April is my month to choose what book we read for book club.  This one appealed to me because it involves family relationships and vintage clothing.  Should be interesting!  I hope the rest of the book club enjoys my pick.

I'm looking forward to... completing a couple of organization projects that I have been working on, and going to the Moms Bible study group that I lead on Thursday mornings.  This week we are saying goodbye to one of our ladies who is moving out of state.  She has been so faithful to our group; her candor and the way she seeks God inspires me.  We will miss her. 

Simple life tip for the week... "i thank you God for most this amazing day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes." ~e.e. cummings  Take a walk this week and really focus on everything that is happening in nature.  You just might find that creative spark you're in need of and that moment of refreshing you've been craving.

Gentle Whispers in My Ear

I had to take my dog to the vet yesterday.  He had a sebaceous cyst removed a couple of weeks ago and it was time for the staples that held the wound closed while it healed to be removed. 

As we pulled into the parking lot of the vet's office, Baxter started to act pretty nervous.  He became even more anxious as we entered the waiting room, and by the time we made it into the examination room, he was on the brink of a full-blown panic attack!  He began pacing and panting quite heavily.  As soon as I sat down, he jumped up into my lap and began to shiver.  Soon he was whimpering in a most pathetic manner. 

But when I looked into his eyes, I could see that he was really afraid.  I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him in close to me so that he would feel secure and protected.  As he began to snuggle into my shoulder, I put my mouth close to his ear and began to whisper comforting words.  "It's okay, Baxter.  I'm here.  You're safe.  I've got you.  Just relax."  He was just starting to calm down, when all of a sudden there was a loud noise in the other room.  His behavior quickly escalated back to its original level. I was able to calm him down a little more quickly this time, only to have him overreact again to another noise.  Baxter and I continued through this exhausting cycle of behavior for what seemed like an eternity.  In real time it was probably only about 10 minutes. 

The doctor finally came in and performed the exam.  Baxter didn't even flinch as the staples were being pulled out.  The fear and anxiety Baxter experienced in this situation brought about much more discomfort than the actual procedure. When he was finished, the vet patted Baxter on the back and told him he was a "good boy."  Baxter let out a short low bark as if to say, "Thanks."  And then we were on our way.

As I was comforting my dog, it occurred to me that I often react in much the same way as Baxter whenever I'm afraid.  I get antsy and have trouble sitting still; sometimes I even pace.  I start to take quick, shallow breaths and I find that I am more sensitive to the environment that I am in.  And then I begin to whimper and whine.  Occasionally the whining can get pretty loud and obnoxious. 

As my anxiety begins to escalate, I'm sure that my Father can see the fear in my eyes.  And so He invites me to climb into His lap.  He wraps His strong arms of protection around me and begins to whisper words of comfort into my ear.  "It's okay, Laurel.  I'm here.  You're safe.  I've got you.  I'll never leave you.  Just relax.  Trust Me.  I love you."  Depending on the circumstance, we might cycle through this together several times before I truly calm down.  And, just like Baxter, I usually discover that the fear and worry I have been experiencing is actually more uncomfortable than the outcome of the situation.

In my human-ness I will never be able to completely avoid fear.  But I can live my life in such a way that I am not controlled by fear.  I have come to the point in my life where I refuse to let fear and anxiety steal my joy and prevent me from fully embracing the life that I have been given.  I would much rather live in peace.  Wouldn't you? 

So when those moments come, when you first begin to feel those twinges of fear or worry, drop everything and climb into the Father's lap.  Listen as He gently whispers words of love and encouragement in your ear. Rest in His arms of grace and mercy.  There you will find peace. 


"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to Me.  Get away with Me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with Me and work with Me- watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  Matthew 11:28-30  (Msg)

Guest Blogger- No Foolin'

In honor of April being National Poetry Month, I have invited my daughter Brianna to share some of her poetry here.  She absolutely loves to write and will be doing some more guest blogging for me in the future.  Enjoy!

Dreams

I've been told I'm a performer, an artist, you see.

It's not something many aspire to be.

There's athletes, and doctors; there's lawyers, it's true.

But, dancers and actors? The truly talented are few.

 

Not many would think performing is realistic to dream.

Yet, the stage is my chance to shine like a sunbeam.

It may not be stable, but, give me a chance!

For I love to sing, to act, and to dance.

My wish for stardom may seem a fairytale,

And many will tell me that I'm bound to fail.

But, passion is power, and I'll always think,

As long as I know this, I'm sure on the brink!

Broadway, who knows? All I want is a shot,

To prove to all that doubt is for not.

Those who try to clip my wings, look out! Here I come!

For I'm bound to soar, and I'll never be glum!

Even if a new dream I find in the future,

I'll still be a success, and never a moocher.

So, dream on! And may all dreams come true.

Not only for me, but also for you.