Spring is Finally Here!

I am so thrilled that spring is finally here. Actually the last couple of days have felt more like summer. I don't know that I'm ready for that, but I won't complain. I was growing weary of the winter. Living in the country makes spring come alive in a very tangible way. The many trees that surround us are budding; our first tulips that we've planted at our new house are starting to bloom; the frogs are waking from their winter's nap; the birds are singing their chorus; the fields are turning green with winter wheat; everywhere you turn you see the evidence of God's beautiful creation coming to life once again. This spring, more so than any other in a long while, has been very welcome. The winter seemed long both literally as well as at an emotional level. The days and nights seemed long and cold and grief was a constant companion at times. As you know, death and illness visited our family and perhaps we are maybe starting to emerge from the shadows that it cast. Never to be forgotten of course. Just putting one foot in front of the other and trying to follow God's leading so that we may see Him and our loved ones face to face some sweet day.

Speaking of loved ones, my husband and daughter are visiting the great state of Texas this weekend. Courtney was privileged to join her friends in Euless in attending the Holiday Youth Convention (HYC) in Lufkin. Charles took her down there and is enjoying a visit with his mother while Courtney is away. I had to miss this trip because I work for a CPA firm and as you all know it's tax season. There is no rest for me yet... after April 15 though I'm going to celebrate!!

I'm trying to take advantage of the quiet time to reflect on my life and my blessings. I have to say I get a tad bit lonely when my little family is away from me. So I really have to try and focus on the good things and blessings in my life. One of those blessings is my sister. I'm so happy to have her in my life. We're going to spend a little sister time together tomorrow night and I know that will be just what the doctor ordered for both of us. No one can make me laugh like she can. We're hoping to get little Gentry ready for Easter too. I was just realizing that this will be the first Easter I've not spent with Courtney. She will be traveling home on Easter. But it makes me think of all the other ones we've shared. Buying the new dresses/shoes; making her sleep in curlers, dying Easter eggs, PaPa and Uncle Jared hiding Easter eggs around the house because she didn't want to take part in the church Easter egg hunt [laughs and rolls eyes]. :) So many beautiful memories. And of course the best part about Easter is that we celebrate the fact that our Lord is risen! He didn't stay in that tomb! He lives in our hearts!!

I hope you all are well. I promise to catch up on all your blogs after tax season is over. I feel like I'm disconnected from my friends when I can't keep up with your thoughts and happenings. Be blessed!!