"Sunshine is delicious,  rain is refreshing,  wind braces us up,  snow is exhilarating;  there is really no such thing  as bad weather,  only different kinds  of good weather" ~ John Ruskin

This second start to the day wasn't slow moving but a jump to my feet. I opened the curtains and blinds and let the sunshine stream in. The warmth on my face, exhilarating. I've missed the day starting like this. It is wonderful. As I looked out our bedroom window, shock shaped my face. I couldn't believe how high the snow is on the deck, nearly to the top of our rails. Wow! I grabbed my camera to take pictures of the sunshine and snow.

Something that amazes me daily is how it's impossible to capture God's beauty with a camera.

For God, who said,"Let light shine out of darkness,"
made his light shine in our hearts 
to give us the light of the knowledge
of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

Do you measure Spring by the date on a calendar or the reality of the weather outside?

Yesterday as I poured out my heart to my parents about the hurt and grief I feel for children with severe and life threatening diseases, my sweet teen came in the room with an attitude about her "busy schedule" this week. I didn't say anything but my father's words of wisdom humbled and reminded me...there was a time we prayed for normal and busy.

What are you thankful for today?

One thing I ask of the LORD,  this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house  of the LORD  all the days of my life,  to gaze upon the beauty  of the LORD  and to seek him  in his temple." Psalm 27:4

Some of my best journaling, editing, and writing happen when relaxed right in my back yard. My husband laughs because you’ll almost always find me under the safety of my table umbrella or in a chair near the house to remain in the shade. As much as I love being on the deck, the sun and I aren’t great friends. I enjoy the warm, breeze, and view…not the sun rays. I’ve been known to bring the fan outside so as to create a cool breeze so I can stay outside longer.

And at night, I bring the fan out to blow the mosquitos away so I can write into the evening. With the exception of an occasional car, jogger, or cyclist…nothing but the birds serenade my thoughts.

God uses nature to inspire me. While summer is my favorite, I still enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or sunset in the winter. The softness of pastels illuminated on the white snow or as a backdrop to the brown tree trunks and branches is breath taking. One reason I try to have my camera and a notepad with me when traveling, even if it’s to work or the grocery store.

Share at least one 
person, place, or thing 
(so a noun, lol) 
that INSPIRES YOU? 
GO…

It reminds me of reading the Bible. Have you ever read a portion of the Bible a dozen times and then one day you read this same, and familiar verse, and have this major “I never saw that before” moment? I know I have. To read this devotional is one of these moments.

As we slow down, we are able to reflect and focus on God and His plan for our life. We’re all designed differently and God’s unique and intrikit creation, you, is more wonderful than you might even realize. Take time each day as we journey to the cross to reflect on the reason for this season. How are you gifted? Where do your talents shine? What attributes do you have that leave people saying, “You are so good at “x”, you should…” This might be the way God plans to use you to share Him and the Hope of Eternity with the people you meet.

Do you have a favorite devotional for Lent or do you do a different reading plan each year?

Someone reading this today might be looking for their first or a new devotional and your thoughts might start them on a journey to the cross that will change their lives in ways only God can imagine. 

“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

I was raised with the knowledge that God was the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but it wasn’t until my adult life that I understood Jesus died for ME. I know it was taught in our CCD religious education classes and different Scriptures were read during the weekly masses but it took a child to drive the important and vital part of this death on a cross home. Jesus died for me. Jesus died for you.

What, if any, traditions or routines 
do you participate or practice at the start 
of and during the course of Lent,
in preparation for Easter?

Or do you hide from the Morning Person or people you live with?

Where do you fall on the spectrum? 
Morning Person or Non-Morning Person?
Or somewhere in the middle?

My sister Heidi, our Gram, and K.C. on his birthday. He turned twenty-five this week.

I understand many who follow the blog are not on Social Media. As I typed that I thought, you might not even know what "social media" is. Social Media are the online (Internet) social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so many others.  I do have Facebook - click here to visit the Where's Heidi? or One Sister's Journey pages. I'm on Twitter too, click here. I believe I even have Vine and Instagram accounts too, thanks to my sweet teen.

Do you participate in TBT? Why or Why not?
What is your favorite part of TBT?

To know and trust is the first step...
What trouble can you give to God today?

You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes." 
–American Adage, Source Unknown

"Life’s challenges confront us all.  
Many amongst us courageously carry a burden
while also carrying on with life.  
We cannot know whether the person seated 
next to us has shoes lined in velvet or nails.  
We cannot know.  Nor do we need to know. 

Especially today, in our sometimes topsy-turvy world, 
leading with compassion and acceptance 
can change the course of human encounter.  
It's not necessary for us to know a life story 
before we offer a warm smile and a kind word or gesture."
Quote taken from an article on www.everydaysuccess.com 
https://www.everydaysuccess.com/everyday-life/single/a-mile-in-their-shoes

Do you find it easy or difficult to put 
yourself in someone else's shoes? 
What helps you maintain this perspective?