ugly space

For all the joking we do about how bad our weather is, this area of Ohio is absolutely beautiful. A couple of my friends were saying today they could not live somewhere that stayed hot most of the year and I completely agree. I love our seasons. With all of our wooded areas, beautiful hills and valleys there is an abundance of wildlife and plenty of room for all the creatures to live.

This leads me to ask, why would any bird choose to live in this empty, ugly space in my wall when they could live in a gorgeous tree or bush? They had to tear through the covered area to even gain access...I have no idea how they even knew it was there. The mess they made below their new home was evidence of how hard they had been working.

AGAIN I ask, how could anyone not believe in intelligent design by an imaginative, creative, meticulous, perfect creator? The detail of God's nature is so magnificent I will never stop watching in awe of Him as I see all of His creatures preparing for spring. Very cool!

anticipation

Wednesday is a day I have been looking forward to. I was blown away as I stepped from my door and saw a beautiful new blanket of snow. The difference this time was birds were singing at the top of their lungs (do birds have lungs?) and there was a sense of change in the air - anticipation. Hope for spring - and a promise from God's birds that it is not far away!

The anticipation (or dread) for our staff will end today as well! We are doing a staff 'late' valentine exchange/valentine box competition today at Crossroads. Although the planning team has endured quite a bit of teasing because of how corny this event is, today I watched as all the staff walked around looking at everyone's boxes as they dropped valentines into each box.

So... surrounded by criticism we pushed on...we now have turned the corner and the notes describing what they appreciate about one another will soon be opened during lunch together.

Sometimes it takes a corny, relaxed setting to bring out thankfulness and fun! (the last picture shows the homemade frames leftover from the Children's ministry - that will frame the smiling faces of our amazing staff by each place setting!)

Have you done anything at your place of business that ended up being a powerful or fun event for everyone? I would love new ideas!

my day off

If any of you live in an area like Ohio, then you too have an appreciation for the signs of spring.

Last night was horrible with a nasty mixture of rain and snow blowing sideways! Today, sunshine. So with this inspiration I moved my closet around - burying turtlenecks deep into the recesses of my closet and moving summer shirts forward. I pulled out sandals and packed away boots. Perhaps premature, but there is always hope right?

God gives me a personal gift when I get to enjoy beautiful weather, you've heard me talk before about how much I love to be outdoors. The newness of spring is so exciting to me!

Somehow today my sister and I began talking about forgiveness. Forgiveness if it's genuine can definitely be a new beginning, much like spring.

To remain in a state of bitterness and not to forgive hurts and scars deeply. The thing we were discussing is 'who does it hurt more?' Toss up. To be denied forgiveness is brutal, to not offer forgiveness is cruel. What right do we have to withhold either when we have been forgiven so much by our Father? How we must hurt Him. I thanked Him today for second chances and forgiveness.

God used a beautiful Spring day off to remind me again how many new beginnings He has given me, and how grateful I am!