Swinging into Spring

This was Thursday. Friday was even warmer and sunnier. Saturday was unbelievably gorgeous. So, if rain is on the way (and the weatherman says it is) oh well, the sun will come out...again...one of these tomorrows.

A miracle happens every year. These daffodils come up, then they turn into tulips, then the tulips become dahlias.

I know -- it astounds me too!

Rise and Shine

Tom and I went for a sunrise walk on Easter morning. Here's proof...well okay, the sun was already up pretty much before we got going. That's simply because one of us isn't an early riser!

It was a gorgeous morning. Church was fabulous. We only had the company of one of our sons, but hey, we had the company of one of our sons. (Adam gets extra points in the quest toward the favorite son award. I find pitting the boys against each other works nicely for me. Kidding. I'm just kidding. I AM NOT THAT KIND OF MOTHER. Am I? Oooh, I hope not!)

Later in the day we took a walk to the daffodil field with Adam and Alicia and Alicia's mom, Wendie, who we met for the first time. It was a nice walk with good company, but alas, no daffodils. It's alright though, we have plenty in the yard. Beautiful, lovely gifts, each and everyone.

"Every good and perfect gift is from the Father above." James 1:17

Sorrow and Love

Tom sang a hymn called "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts at the Good Friday Service at church today. He did a beautiful job, and I was deeply touched by these words.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

AMEN.

Never did such love and sorrow meet... We (everyone of us who accepts the gift of salvation) were bought with a price. I'm ashamed to say I rarely think about that price; it's much too sad. The cost of my salvation, free to me, was pain and shame for God's son. A good and righteous God/Man endured suffering and laid down His life for my sin. That's an amazing kind of love. Thank you Jesus.

Love, Betsy

April Fool

Five inches of snow, that was the prediction, but I hoped they were wrong. Yesterday's newspaper said, "Big Storm Coming? Say it Ain't Snow!" But yes indeed, it is snow. I'm comforted by the Bible verse that says to everything there is a season. That assures me that this season will pass. But, hey, wait a minute, it's spring. I'm supposed to be seeing daffodils and green grass. Mother nature has her seasons all mixed up, or perhaps this is just an April Fool's joke.

My friend Beth said they have snow in North Carolina. And Tom's sister said they were expecting snow in Georgia. What's going on? I think it's a part of global warming that is beyond my comprehension.

In an effort to give thanks in all circumstances I'll say this about the snow: it's white, it's bright, it's pure, it's pretty. And best of all, this is probably the absolute, positive, last snow of all. I mean, the last snow before October or November. My forecast is, it'll be warmer by June.

Scratchy Throat

I've been fighting a cold for a few days now. I thought I was winning, until I woke up this morning with a pounding headache and sore throat. So I stayed home and took it easy all day long. I drank a half gallon of orange juice, swallowed vitamin C's, gargled with salt water, ran the humidifier, and rubbed Vicks on my chest and feet. Feet? Yeah, I read that somewhere. Put Vicks on your feet and then wear socks to bed. You can laugh if you want, but old wives' tales rarely let me down.

Tomorrow I plan to be back in the swing of things, Lord willing!

We've joined the modern world with higher speed internet, not to be confused with high speed, but definitely higher. I can watch You Tubes now and I can listen to sermons. Even now I have my son Aaron preaching at me. And it's a good message on friendship, if you'd like to listen just click here. So...I'm signing off so I can pay attention.