Get Out of the 'Burbs

I went for a walk at Radnor Lake today. My body said,"No, wait...let's talk about this." But, my spirit said,"Go!" I'm so glad I listened. Just driving into the park, to me, is like entering another world - a world of quiet beauty that surrounds you. As I drove along the road I saw this enormous owl fly right over my car. I was thrilled. I can't remember the last time I saw an owl. Sad, huh?

So, I take the Lake Trail that winds up, up, up and then gradually descends. Everything is so peaceful and beautiful - red bud and dogwood trees just popping out. But, there's still enough bareness to really see the beauty coming through. Ahhh....

Then, breaking the tranquility is this loud, "Who-hoo-hoo-hoo" (you get the idea). My friend, Mr. Owl, who greeted me upon entering the park was very close by. I felt like he was saying,"Welcome to my world. Let my eerie call replace the monotonous noise of your world, and why don't you relax a little?" So, as I continued on my way Mr. Owl flew right in front of my path to the other side of the lake, who-hooing as he reached the other side. Then, to my further delight, a red-headed woodpecker was perched on the side of a tree pecking away, oblivious to my approach. So, I stood and just watched him for the longest time - amazed. They are really beautiful birds.

My walk ended as I came out by the lake, peeking through the gray twigs and the redbuds and dogwood. I am so amazed at God's incredible creation. And, to think, it's all around us. Of course, Radnor, with its quiet peacefulness, forces you to focus solely on that amazing beauty and delight in it.

I'm definitely getting out of the 'burbs more often!

So Ready for Spring...

I know, it's been awhile....I think I went into hibernation right after my last post. The weather has been drab and cold - or, rainy, drab and cold - or just plain drab. But, today it is almost 70*F and glorious. So, time to come out and smell the roses or look at the daffodils. And, they are gorgeous. That bit of snow last week didn't even seem to faze them. They just lifted their pretty golden faces and laughed right in Old Man Winter's face. Rebels - I love them!

So many sights and sounds to take in today...budding forsythia, these cute little birds that I've been watching build their nests under our patio overhang, robins with their red breasts hopping around, green grass- finally and, of course, the daffodils. I wish I could capture them all to look back on because I feel sure we'll have at least one more cold spell, but I hope not drab and cold... I'm tired of drab. I'm ready for Spring...

A Prayer in Spring

-Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleaure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Happy Valentine's Day

I've always loved Valentine's Day...even before I had a boyfriend. There was always something so sweet and innocent about giving and receiving the tiny cards with just the person's name scribbled on it. They didn't even need to write a personal note. And, candy attached was nice, too. Ahhh, the innocence of youth. Everything seemed much simpler then.

As an adult, I find myself still desiring that sweetness and, okay - honestly, I have the attitude of show me the love. I want it to be about me. But, that's not what true love is. Love is putting others before yourself. In true love, there should be joy in the giving as well as the receiving. And, I'm talking about more than little cards here - or candy!

1 John 4:19 says: We love because He first loved us. (From the paraphrase in my Bible: God's love is the source of all human love, and it spreads like fire. In loving his children, God kindles a flame in their hearts. In turn, they love others, who are warmed by God's love through them.) And, what love! To save us from our sins through Christ! It doesn't get any better than that.

I pray everyone has a blessed day today and that the message of true love will be an everyday realization for all of us!

Endearing and Enduring Friendship...

Old and dear friends of ours just left after visiting with us for 3 days. We actually spent much of that time with friends who live here also - a ratio of 6 adults to 9 kids. I am reminded whenever we get together of just how precious friendship is - especially with those who know you, listen to you (blah, blah, blah...), and still accept you for who and what you are. We spent much time reliving the past, looking toward the future and trying to figure out our present. I love it when laughter (and tears) abound, along with good food and fun! They always remind me that, though this life is hard ( a phrase I know I use way too often) - it also is sweet and filled with constant reminders of God's love and redeeming grace.

I think we need to visit way more often....

A New Year!

A new year and so many ideas are whirling around in my brain. I finally cleaned out the garage (major clutter) and thankfully have a more organized workroom - you know, to work in. So, I can't wait to hit the table and get to work on new creations. Please check back often to see what I'm whipping out. I can't wait to show you!