Those Daffodils

I have been thinking about my Dad today…

But why, I ask?

 It has been 16 years since he has been around.

Well, I believe it was those yellow daffodils

 I picked this morning on this dreary first day of spring

Every year on my Dad’s birthday, April 4^th,

 My mother would make him a hickory nut cake for his birthday,

And then she would look for those first daffodils, so she could decorate the cake with them. 

And then today, as I was sitting across the table from my son,

 I saw my Dad’s blue eyes…

Lord, I said,

Why all these memories today on this 5^th day of the flu for me.

And as I asked Him,

I knew…

I knew that these memories of my Dad were stirring up so many more memories of him.

Memories of things I had never sat down and appreciated, been grateful for…in the moment.

But now…as I look back…I see the bigger picture…and I am so grateful.

I am so grateful for his faith, his prayers, that he imparted to me.

I am thankful for the moment by moment teaching and example lessons, as I watched his life

His life of faithfulness, steadfastness and his virtues of perseverance, hard work and honesty.

I am thankful for his love for my mother,

 I remember him talking so highly of her

 And after a long day of work in the fields, taking her in his arms and telling her she was beautiful.

Oh, as usual, not everything was great…

But it really doesn’t matter anymore…

Because when I look back with gratitude,

 And see again the love that my father poured into his family and all those around him…

The difficult times can’t be seen!

It is good to look back and remember…and see the bigger picture.

Someday, I will look back on my circumstances of today

And be overwhelmed with the picture I see,

The picture of a faithful, loving God who is always kind,

Always working all things for my good…

Thank you Lord for the memories,

For the brilliant color of daffodils that brought these memories today,

Reminding me of Your faithfulness and goodness!                                                                                                                                                 

Bursting Forth

"Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom...blossom profusely and rejoice with rejoicing and shouts of
 joy." Isaiah 35:2

All at once that purple crocus burst forth from the ground outside my front door.
It burst through the hard brown cold dirt and revealed this brilliant color.
It burst through and revealed its glory, the treasure that was hidden from my eyes all winter long...
It burst forth with purpose.
Purpose that was placed there by the Father as He gave it life.
This purpose was hidden for months...
But suddenly, without warning, that bulb burst forth this beautiful flower,
And the purpose intended for this created flower was fulfilled
As I picked it this morning and displayed it in my bathroom
Delighted with the promise of spring, of flowers, of beauty, of new life, 
Delighted with the return of the joy of the garden again...

Just like this little crocus,
God's plans and purposes will very surely burst through...
Even though it is not visible to my eyes... at this moment...
All His promises are true,
And He who has begun a good work...
Will bring it to pass.
And yes...joy will resound
As the glory of the Lord, His resurrection power, His restoration and return...
Are experienced and observed.

Eyes of Faith

Eyes of faith focus in Jesus name.
I need eyes of faith to see what You are doing in this circumstance,
I need eyes of faith to override all my emotions,
I need eyes of faith to remember what is TRUTH.

I need eyes of faith to lead me to Your eyes Jesus
Your eyes of love that melt my heart
Until I can feel Your arms of love that have always been wrapped around me...

Thank you Lord for restoring my eyes of faith....
And for giving me eyes of faith that allow me to see You leading me forward...
In victory...with my hand in Yours!

Hope Returns

My friend,
Are you finding it hard to hope today...

After all...
The news that looms in front of you is not comforting,
Or maybe the nighttime was a nightmare of insomnia again...
Or the demands ahead of you today appear so overwhelming...

Precious one,
The unfailing love of the Lord has not ended...
His mercies are FRESH for you today!

Look into the eyes of this One who loves you completely,
And be encouraged...
He has goodness for you today.
Quietly believe...and allow Him to fill you with His strength for the day,
His vision of the circumstance...

Let His peace invade your heart...

After all,
He is big enough, strong enough, wise enough
To defeat that mountain of despair...that mountain that looms so accusingly before you.

His heart is full of abundant love for you...

Open your mouth, dear one,
And sing...
Sing His praises
And you will see your hope return as you look to Him!!!