Encouraging Deep Roots

It took a long time, but the snow has melted from my front lawn. The temperatures have been warm and wonderful the past week and I've been able to get back out at our local Audubon center and walk a few times during the week. The sun has been shining and my energy levels are up. It's been great! My activities have ramped up over the past few weeks as well. This is always a busy time of the year and it seems as if everything is happening all at once this year. I'm leading a leadership webinar next month so am working on that. I'm working on a program for this Friday night, prayer stations for our Good Friday service and getting ready for our district women's conference next month. I have a couple of articles to write. Whew! These are all enjoyable activities, but I also am taking time each day to sit and reflect, to get outside and do the things I love such as walking, hiking and photography. I have been trying to take time to do fun activities so that I'm not ju...

I awoke at 2 a.m. and lay there unable to go back to sleep. There was no good reason for being awake. I hadn't eaten anything different, I didn't fall asleep watching television, and I didn't have caffeine. But I was wide awake! So after tossing and turning for a bit, I used it as an opportunity to pray. I prayed for safety for a few different friends I have that are stuck in the Middle East at the moment and unable to get home.  I prayed for my family, immediate and extended. I prayed for wisdom as I'm juggling many things. I prayed about a webinar I will be leading next month and a conference I am putting together.  At times, I wonder if God really hears my small requests when there are bigger and harder things in the world. I mean my little problems really pale in comparison with the big picture. And our finite minds really cannot comprehend how God can hear all of the prayers of everyone at the same time. However, I had a revelation about this yesterday morning. I w...

  I've been able to get out and hike the past few days and that has made my heart sing. March came in like a lion with more snow and colder temperatures, but there are signs that spring is on the way.  One of the main signs is that animals are starting to make an appearance.  When it does snow it is quick to melt and there is a different feel to the sun.  The rythm of the seasons is a good reminder that no matter what we are going through and how bleak a situation may feel, we will come out the other side. The sun will shine again and we will emerge stronger. It's easy to forget that when we are bogged down in moment. I am thankful for tangible reminders of those truths. There is still some winter to get through, but spring is on the way.  I am thankful.