HOPE

The robins have spoken.  Well, actually they have chirped.  They are sitting in our tree in the front yard, taunting Miley (the kitty) with their repetitive announcement... "Spring is coming... Spring is coming... Its, COMING!!!"

Miley is not amused, in case you couldn't tell from the picture.  She either doesn't believe them, or is giving them a look of warning in which to say "Sing while you can, silly birdies!"

In any case, we have thoroughly been enjoying the beautiful respite that we have been receiving from winter.  Colorado is kind like that, you know.  Just when you think you can't take another cold, wet day, the sun peeks out to remind you that she is just taking a nap and hasn't forgotten you.  She showers you with rays of warmth with promises of more to come.

I have been meditating on "HOPE" this week. 

T

The verse Isaiah 40:31 has been the catalyst

for my thoughts. 

From the Message version of the Bible, the verse goes like this.

"But those who wait upon (hope) God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don't get tired,

they walk and don't lag behind."

HOPE - it's like a vitamin when taken correctly; like gas in an empty tank; like fuel on a flameless fire; like energy for my tired soul. 

 There are days when that is all it takes for me to change my perspective, a little HOPE. 

HOPE that practice makes perfect.

HOPE that I will reap what I am sowing.

HOPE that the end justifies the means.

and so on and so on....

The weekend is ahead of us and it is mostly unplanned.  

On the agenda is 

a game of golf for Patrick and me, 

a bit of sleeping in for all of us, 

a little bit of sunshine, 

some rest and relaxation

and

a whole lot of putting our HOPE in the belief
 that

GREAT things

are

ahead!!!

Brave

Every once in a while, if you are a Bible studyin' girl, a study comes along that just fits with the place you're at in life. The one that has come to me at just the right time is "Brave" by Angela Thomas. The format is easy, the content so applicable, the truths so easy to grasp, and the fellowship with the other women I'm in a group with has been very refreshing. I am so happy to have the chance to listen to Angela Thomas teach and to study the concepts of being a BRAVE woman. For those circumstances that are unpredictable, I need courage; for those wounds that are only half-scabbed over, I need courage; for all of the days that the coward in me wants to run and hide, I need courage. This study of bravery is the study I need right now. I read an insightful quote about courage.

"Courage is tiny pieces of fear all glued together."

~Terri Guillemets~

To that I say, here's to the pieces! Use them, Lord!

All love

 I love

• smelling the beautiful roses that arrived for me with a card expressing my hubby's love
• each one of my kiddos even more this Valentines Day than last years
• that Michael packed up all of his baby books to give to his little baby friend
• the delicious lunch and encouraging conversation I had with a lifelong friend
• that all 4 of my kiddies walked the entire 2 miles of the hike that we took yesterday
• the listening ear of my sweet mother
• that Patrick has been home for 2 weeks
• that Meredith is excited to do research on Theodore Roosevelt
• hearing Marky give advice to Maddie only to hear Maddie say "thanks"
• that I was blessed enough to hold a 4 month old baby today
• how warm the weather was and is predicted to be for the next few days
• that God's grace never runs out,  that He loved me first and that His love doesn't depend on me

Happy Valentines Day!