Baby, it's cold outside...but Spring is just around the corner!

I purchased a pot of hyacinth bulbs today at the grocery store. Instead of selecting a plant that was already in full bloom, I chose one that looks like the one pictured directly below. This way, I get to enjoy watching each flower unfold and bloom, and allow their vibrant aroma to slowly fill our house. Hyacinths are my FAVORITE flowers - next to roses out of Dad's garden - and I am always so excited and pleased to see them in early spring!

The plants in full-bloom will look like this:

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Spring colors are skipping their way into my wardrobe, as well as my house.
I just purchased the Madras Scarf in Rosamunde and Navy Cropped-Sleeve Cardigan...

You can find both these items at my place of business, your local Gap store, or at Gap.com

Shed a little light

I walk by faith, and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

But sometimes, I still need my life's path to be illuminated so that I don't miss the blessings meant for me. When the going gets rough and storm waters kick up in my life, my gut inclination is to batten down the hatches, tuck myself in my snail shell, and not come out until the safe calm comes again. By closing myself off during these vulnerable times, I prevent myself from receiving God's blessings and messages. Some of the best spiritual growth occurs when our defenses are stripped away, leaving us only with our faith and our God to lean upon.

A few weeks ago, we found out our next duty station. And it's not considered a desirable one. Instead of immediately looking for the blessings hidden amongst the crawdads and humidity, I went into freak-out mode and only focused on the negatives. When others expressed their sympathy for us, I didn't bother correcting their viewpoint and emphasizing the potential for grand life experiences in an unknown place. Simply put: I wallowed. A LOT.

But I am done wallowing. Instead, I am vowing to focus on the blessings that will come with this new move, new town, new phase in life. Both Chip and I have opportunities for spiritual growth, personal growth, and growth as a couple, and God's plan is greater than ours, and perfect.

Pray for us as we seek to do the will of one who is greater and wiser, and as we search, eyes peeled, for the clearly-illuminated path.

Shed a little light, oh Lord, so that we can see... :)