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.