Today was a wonderful warm sunny day here in South East Minnesota. The temperatures were in the upper 50s and I could see and hear all the signs of spring.
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| Anne and Abby had visitors on Saturday morning. |
Abby and Will went outside this morning to play with their younger cousin Eric whom they really adore. While watching the children play, I sat drawing chalk figures of Veggie Tales characters on the cement; I was reminded that only two weeks before I was scooping snow off this same driveway. How seasons change so quickly here in the Northland and how wonderful it is that they do.
Today I noticed that we had our first flowers budding and when looking up I could see the woods were filled with birds calling to one another. They were excited I imagine, about being back from the southern United States and Mexico. Nest building is number one on their agenda right now. I can just feel their enthusiasm the moment I step outside when hearing them talking to each other. It makes me realize that with spring, it brings a new hope and vigor that has its origin from a long winter’s sleep. Everything from worms to butterflies are moving or (crawling) about, preparing for the next few months of living in the warmth of summer and all that this new season has in store for them. It also reminds me that in about a month, our little friends the hummingbirds will arrive and will be looking for nectar that the spring flowers are waiting to give to them.
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| Making the most of the Mississippi's flood, fishing in the park. |
Just sitting and viewing all that is coming to light around me, I see a wonderful design that God has made for nature. It reminds me of the plans that he has in store for his children as well. Jeremiah 29:11-12 says, “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
So it becomes evident to me that God has individual plans for each of us. It might not seem like it when we are going through times of turmoil and unrest, but God does have a plan in all that is taking place. As God says in Jeremiah, we need to come and pray to him and seek him with all our hearts. When we have close personal friends, we want to get to know them, all about their lives, their thoughts and their hopes and desires. These friendships did not take place instantly; they grew over time and commitment to each other. Our relationship with Jesus can be the same as well if we desire to put in the time to get to know him by reading his word, spending time in prayer and by listening to God speak to us by his Holy Spirit.
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| When floods enter our lives, God can help us find another way. |
God cares for you and he does want to have a personal relationship with you. He cares about all our trials and concerns that we have as well. In Psalms 55:17 David says: “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” And again in Psalms 55:22 God lets us know that we can cast our cares on him and he promises us that he will sustain us and he will never let the righteous fall. Let us take time today to pray and get to know our Lord better. Share your concerns and cares as well; he will listen, as does a good friend. God has the power to help, support and nurture you and your family. He is standing at the door knocking right now, open up your heart to him and he will come in.
Augie
