Spring Sunshine Arrives!

Spring sunshine has arrived - oh glory! After a long wet winter - what joy it is to have days in a row of sunshine! Springtime birds are arriving, and we can hear the sound of robins singing, while rain drips from the rooftops - signifying Spring's arrival. Even though it is muddy and rainy this time of year, we know that March and April showers bring May flowers, and for that, we rejoice! 

Our area has little marshes that fill up with water in the springtime,
and there is always a variety of ducks enjoying the water! This is a male mallard drake enjoying the muddy spring waters! 

Just a few days ago - this was our backyard scene. A snowstorm came through with about 5" of snow overnight - and it was 12 degrees the next morning! 

The fir trees were blanketed with snow, creating the illusion of snow-covered fingers!

The sun was high in the sky with brilliant blue skies - a perfect day to romp around in our forest with Riley - I knew the snow wouldn't last - and we were out enjoying it while we could! 

That evening, a glorious sunset filled the skies, and the snow reflected the pink-raptured tones. 

A dear member of our community many years ago erected a cross on this rock outcropping next to a major highway in our area.  Vandals have destroyed it several times. 

They used to have a light shining on it at night, but the vandals destroyed and took everything. So for several months, there was no cross and it saddened us all.  Finally, the decision was made to erect one again, and this time, security cameras were placed facing the cross, and it is tied down very securely.  It is a sad thing to have this kind of vandalism in our neighborhood! 


With the bright sunshine, I drove out to see the cross.  It now stands in the shining sunlight overlooking the river. It was a glorious sight to see! 

The rock outcropping, where the cross is placed, provides a scenic view of the Pend Oreille River, a glorious scene to behold any day of the year! 

I wanted to soak up all the sunshine I could.  Winter was drawing to a close, and it was a magnificent day to enjoy the remnants of Winter. So,  I drove by our little mountain lake, and it was still covered in solid ice! 

The absence of ice fishermen can be attributed to the recent string of warm days. The entire lake was still completely frozen solid, but I did not test it out! 

I enjoyed the view from the dock. It was just beautiful - and the eagles were off in the distance - I could hear them calling to each other, but they never got close enough for me to photograph them. 

Leaving the lake, driving through the forest - it was as if Winter was speaking to my heart,  "See how beautiful I am! You're going to miss me!"  I agreed --- but I argued back... "Winter, you've had your day, you know I love you but ... now it is time for Spring!"  

Just between you and me - I really love Winter - and scenes like this make my heart so happy. 
But I am ready to see some green now too...! 

This is my newest video - and you will recognize the cross picture :) The music is piano instrumental, and so inspirational to listen to as we are focused on the Easter/Passover/Lent season. 

The cross's power and the impact it has had on our lives since that day over 2000+ years ago cannot be denied, no matter how people may try to destroy it. Calvary's cross was a pivotal point in time - the death of Christ dates our calendars.  The life of Christ has transformed and changed our world. You can try to take the cross down, or deny that Christ ever lived - but it won't change the fact that the Power of the Cross still lives on today through the redemption offered to each and every one of us through the blood of Jesus Christ and His triumphant resurrection defeating death, hell and the grave. His Spirit was sent to live with us on the Day of Pentecost, and now He lives in our hearts. What a joy it is to know the power of the cross in our lives! 

If you have not experienced Jesus Christ in your life and would like to know more, please message me - I would love to talk to you!  

Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus, 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now the God of peace 

that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

 that great shepherd of the sheep through the blood 

of the everlasting covenant, 

make you perfect in every good work to do his will, 

working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, 

through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory 

forever and ever, Amen." 

Today we held our monthly Community Prayer Meeting.  Among the many things we prayed for, one of the most important was for people's hearts to find encouragement in the Lord.  

Many people feel discouraged about the future and are wondering what the days ahead may hold. While none of us knows what the future holds, we can rest assured in the promise that God does. So we lift all these needs to the Lord who knows that no matter how desperate the world scene is - how political systems are in turmoil, how so many evil things cause the deaths of innocent people that we love - no matter how traumatized things may get - we are held in the palm of the Lord's hands, and He will take good care of us! 

Be encouraged, take heart - God is with us :) 



Psalm 91:1-2 
He that dwelleth in the
secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

God bless each of you, I love you all dearly, and pray for you every day!