Category: spring

Blessings of J O Y!

Ventured out today to inspect the blueberry crop.  A few days ago, they were full of blooms.

Several nights of cold temps in 30’s and some frost – but always sun came up and warmed up early.  So surely, they made it????

Blueberries before frost

Sad to report just few blossoms survived.  If these make it through tonight’s 30’s, we will have a few blueberries to pick in June.

Blueberries after frost

This verse and song came to my mind:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  God keeps reminding me – JOY.

Bible study this am via Zoom with our BSB (Bible Study Buddies) gals, studying Philippians – theme JOY.  Many shared about how they have found joy in life during our current situation of sheltering in place.  Here are some –

  • Laughter
  • Appreciating nature
  • Praise music
  • Making a thankful list

So, I’m thankful:

  1. that my tulips are mostly standing and more to come hopefully. 
  2. Sunshine and trees budding
  3. Few blueberry blossoms survived
  4. Got to visit with BSB gals today
  5. Warm house in this cold weather
  6. Internet to keep in touch with family and friends
  7. Neighbors being considerate in shopping for us
  8. Amazon!!!
  9. House decluttering

That’s good for now – how about you make your thankful list and don’t forget to stay in touch with those who don’t have anyone in their shelter place.  One of our BSB’s shared today about a lady from church calling her to check on her and other friend delivering groceries.  What a blessing!

Along with Habakkuk scripture the song also comes to mind!  You knew I’d have a song!  So here is 70’s scripture song that comes to my mind. 

Then found this where Don Moen reads the scripture but different song – but so good.

I will sing by Don Moen

Duty Calls

          

“The bobcat does not have an emergency brake.  Can you walk up to the barn and put blocks behind the back wheels?”  my husband called from his trip into town.
So my morning devotions were interrupted –I  dressed quickly and walked to the barn.  I found some blocks small enough to pick up and put them behind the back wheel of the bobcat, then walked back to the house.
However, my
duty was turned into delight. 
Hearing a humming sound from the electric transformer caused me to tune in on other sounds of early morning.  The happy chirping of birds, the clicking of a woodpecker, and the moisture dripping off trees and shrubs had  a refreshing feel.
 
 
  Azaleas and irises 
lapped up the moisture and stood up a little taller and blackberries strutted their stuff in full bloom.
 It is “blackberry winter” after all.  The last few cool rainy days washed everything and made the woods so lush.
  Even my snap peas in side garden joined in the celebration. 
Then a song burst from my heart as I sang to the Lord and all the creatures in the woods to hear – 
 
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, new every morning – great is thy faithfulness of Lord, great is thy faithfulness.”
What a refreshing interruption to my morning routine and a
 
duty turned into delight.