Monday's Marvels

Perhaps my alliteration will be different every week. Is there enough M words? We shall see, we shall see.
I took this picture at work last Friday. I truly marvel at how creative God is within His creation. I feel so honored to be able to experience it in such a way. Being in a nursery and seeing the new cultivars and varieties that are constantly coming out is fascinating.

I mentioned before that I had been reading in Psalms, primarily the praises. I have been so blessed, especially the last several years. In the mighty blogosphere, I read of so many who have such incredible needs and hurts. I am encouraged by their commitment to find their strength in the Lord and let Him lead them through their particular valley. I know it will be my turn someday. I'm not a doomsday-er or trying to find troubles, but I know I will have my own valleys and deserts to traverse. I've sampled them in the past. In the meantime, I am having sublime pleasure in basking in my Lord's goodness. I almost feel guilty in light of the troubles of others, but rest assured, I am sending prayers their way.

I am having such a sweet filling of the Spirit. This Easter was such a special time for me and I long to surround myself with more. I have been praying that this would happen for me for a while, and though it hasn't happened suddenly, it has been a good continual filling. I hunger and thirst for His word, I brought out all my books that I want to read to spur me on and challenge my walk, and I love spending the day talking to my Father.

Being able to participate in the goodness of God is so important. Good times can so often cause me to believe that I am doing things well, when in fact, it is God who is giving me peace. In being able to praise Him, the good times are not just good they are infinitely exquisite! The snow falling while the sun was shining on the enormous flakes with blue sky overhead was surreal, and I took it as a gift of humor this morning! Most of my local friends were thoroughly frustrated and annoyed by the snow since it's supposed to be melting. I love that God and I could have a little laugh about it! It was like a giant snowglobe.

Then I cleaned my closet. I must backup just a couple days ago and share that I had a huge desire to buy a new Easter dress. I wanted a cute new dress that had a full skirt and a wide belt: sort-of 50's style. I love hats and was determined that I would wear one of mine. The dress would have to work with it, or worst case scenerio, I could buy another one (though I don't think my options here are too great). I was reminded that I had just had buyer's remorse from a shirt I had just bought that I thought was cheaper than it was, but I was too embarrased to tell the cashier to take it back. I decided my punishment would be to forgo the dress this year. Instead I went up to my "summer" clothes in storage and began to rummage. I hadn't looked through these clothes for almost 2 years as our last summer was unusually chilly. I discovered several dresses and cute skirts that I had mostly forgotten about. I will admit that a couple of these are not in the current style, but they weren't too old. I felt like God was telling me that I don't have to worry. Consider the lilies...! I felt so humbled. I also felt so loved. I almost cried. I wore one of my dresses with my hat. I won't say that I didn't still have moments of slight envy when I saw some of the super-cute dresses. I'm not perfect. So today, I cleaned out the clothes that I no longer wore and saw how full my closet is. I have to say, that I also tried on a pair of jeans that I thought didn't fit anymore, and they fit! That really made my day - I can surely see my Lord rolling His eyes!

I hope I can always see the Lord's blessings when times are good. I hope I can always thank Him for all the loveliness He puts in my path.

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together." "O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:1-3, 8