Choosing Joy and Life over darkness...

The winter winds have returned with swirling white flakes to glisten the damp ground, flower gardens and freshly planted vegetables.  Instead of t-shirts and bike rides we are forced to layer ourselves in sweatshirts and winter coats.  I find this to be an example of God's sense of humor.  It's April 21st and most upstate New Yorkers are craving sunshine and warmth for their Easter egg hunts and festivities.  Not so...but think about it as Good Friday approaches tomorrow.  Were the disciples and Jesus celebrating and planning their gardens today and tomorrow?  No...it was a dark and sad day.

Easter is only a few days away and the smell of a fresh spring breeze circling throughout my house is desired yet if I must suffer through a few more days of darkness and cold, I CAN do it.  Jesus was preparing for the suffering and seperation He would experience tomorrow...do you believe this?  I encourage you to continue planning, preparing and celebrating with visiting family yet instead of grumbling about the cold and wind - pause and think about the discomfort our Savior experienced on our behalf this weekend.

I know Sunday is coming so I've placed a lilac and lavendar scentsy on to circulate the aroma of spring and joy.  The blinds and curtains were opened and dusted off so the sunlight could radiate (and highlight the silk webs of our non-paying tenants of the winter) on the walls, carpeting (dogs are loving it) and the furntire.  There wasn't a lot of sunlight but enough to know something better is coming.  In addition to some lilac and lavendar...homemade cin. rolls and coffee with a friend yesterday reminded me of God's provision in life.  I'm never alone!

Each day we have a choice to live with joy and hope or be overcome with the trials and tribulations of life.  True confession now:  As the weekend started I prayed and asked God how I would be able to write anything worth reading this week.  I was struggling to come up with words of hope or inspiration for you.  I enjoyed rummaging through the photo albums with my Dad yet I couldn't formulate the words to accompany them.  I prayed again.  Lord, you created this website so I could reach more people and share of your love, hope and strength yet I'm not sure I have the strength this week.  Help me.  Amen.  No sooner than saying the word, Amen...God answered.

The Lord reminded me that prior to blogging and working on my book revisions I have written many journal entries, in response to different events and simply to write.  "Use these..."  It only took a moment and I found a few to share so you could see how my heart has healed and my faith has grown over the past few years.  One of my friends commented on my writing too.  I didn't know what to write but God reminded me, I already had it.  I pray you've enjoyed them and found some encouragement.

More pictures, memories and hope to come through the weekend.  Today's photo shows Heidi sleeping in MY bed...hmm...what was wrong with her's?  I couldn't keep her out of my room, as with most sisters.  Today...I am thankful for memories of "sharing" my bedroom and youth with Heidi.  I continue to pray Heidi will be found and closure in the case will be brought to the forefront.  Heidi deserves peace and justice!

Don't let the reappearance of winter get you down...Sunday's coming!