Sky & Flowers

Sky & Flowers
Originally uploaded by smedina221

I found this fun tool on the internet where you can make your own collages from your digital photos. Here is my first creation.

First Spring Blooms!  February 26, 2009

Every year I anxiously wait for the first signs of spring.  I have learned over the past few years that at the end of February, right around AJ's birthday, I can expect to see my tulips, daffodils and crocus' beginning to make their spring debut.  My favorite day of the entire year is when I take a few extra minutes at the end of a hectic day to sweep back all the dirt and leaves the winter has left behind and reveal all the little surprises hiding underneath.  It's like unwrapping a present, it's so exciting!  I love the smell and the feel of the dirt on my hands.  I love the anticipation of what I will find.  It never ceases to amaze me how anything can survive the cold wet winters but I am never disappointed and the excitement I experience when I see everything that survived another winter is exhilarating!  I will never get tired of this simple little spring ritual and I look forward to it every year.  This little ritual has also given me some deep spiritual insights over the years. 

Lesson 1: It reminds me that we get the opportunity to witness God's miracles every day.  From the flowers blooming in the spring to babies being born.  All too often we excuse these little miracles as insignificant or ordinary ways of life.  I wish we could see Gods creations through His eyes.  He has carefully crafted everything we see and His love for us is displayed for us abundantly in nature!    

Lesson 2:  Not only do the flowers & trees go through seasons but so do our lives.  I am comforted knowing that no matter how hard of a season we may be going through, I know that God is with us every step of the way shaping, molding and preparing us.  Sometimes he allows  us to go through uncomfortable or painful situations in order to prepare us or teach us a specific lesson.  His love is a perfecting love, not a pampering love and he is more concerned with our spiritual growth than he is our comfort.  Sometimes the only way he can get our attention is by allowing trials into our life.  We need to to learn to "give thanks in all circumstances" 1 Thes 5:18  

Lesson 3:  Just like the flowers blooming in the snow, God often shows up in unexpected places and situations.  God is always working in our lives and we need to learn to trust him completely no matter what season our life is in.  Who knows, he may me working a miracle in our life, we just need to be patient to recognize it. 

I am so thankful for gifts I have been given.  Not only the ones I can see in nature but the overflowing of blessing in my life (Luke 6:38).  I am honored to be called a child of God and proudly serve Him daily.  

On Thursday, AJ celebrated his 15th birthday by going to the DMV to take his learners permit test.  HE PASSED!  For the past 3-4 months, Adam has been on KSL every day looking for a good deal on an older vehicle that him & the boys can work on together and that AJ can use when he turns 16 and inherit when he graduates high school.  On Saturday, Adam & I went & looked at (and bought) an '88 Jeep Wrangler.  It's in good condition and runs great.  Now AJ just needs to get a job so he can spend his own money customizing it.  I'm sure he will not be shy about asking for money when the holiday's roll around over the next few years.  It will definitely make gift giving easy for everyone!

Earlier this month we took the kids out of school for a week and went on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Encenada.  Michael celebrated his 12th birthday while on the cruise.  We had a birthday cake delivered to our table and everyone sang Happy Birthday to both AJ & Mike.  Some of the highlights of our trip were:  Seeing whales, dolphins and seals in the wild.  Spending a day at an exclusive resort in Cabo.  Taking a back country tour through Encenada in a Jeep and eating as much food and ice cream possible while on the cruise.  Breathtaking sunrise, sunsets and rainbows over the ocean.  Cute towel animals in our stateroom every night.  Being waited on hand & foot for 5 days!  Needless to say... we cant wait for our next cruise!