Spring, Glorious Spring!

I know I've mentioned before how much I enjoy living where I can enjoy each of the four seasons, but it truly is something that makes me happy. Don't get me wrong, each one has its unique downsides, but I just think it is so awesome to see the various changes and God's handiwork in each one. And spring...oh, spring!

Peach blossoms

Glorious, wonderful spring! The color. The life. The beauty. The atmosphere just seems to be filled with expectation. I wonder if it will be spring all the time in Heaven. Just 50 times better I suppose. *smile*

I love the blooms on this bush even though I have no clue what it is.

Spring makes me a bit giddy. The fresh air blowing through my windows. The warm sun kissing my face. I just can't help but be happy. I even skipped in the yard the other day. By myself. I felt a little foolish, but I just couldn't contain it anymore! Spring unlocks something in me.

Some of my daffodils standing proud.

I love laying in the vibrant, green grass barefoot. Looking up at the clear, blue sky. Watching the animals busy at work. I feel at rest. At peace. Connected to God.

Red Bud

And my yard becomes a wondrous place to me. I almost feel like each set of flowers has its own personality and greets me in its own way. It is God's special gift to me. His hope and promises seem so magnified when I look around.

I adore my carpet of violets under our fruit trees.

And I feel spoiled by it all. That God would see fit to put on such a show for me. In my very own backyard. I almost feel like it's part of His love letter to me. A sweet secret that we share.

I can't help but think of hula skirts when I look at this picture.

And no matter what life is dishing out, I can't help but feel that all is well when I look around and see His hand in it. I am saddened for the people who are blind to it. Who don't know our Maker and can't share in the miracle of it all.

A beautiful sight!

Standing in a shower of petals raining from apple trees. Enjoying fresh bouquets of flowers hand picked by my boys. Sharing in the joy of it with others. Seeing, touching, smelling, listening, and living in God's magnificent creation. What a pleasure, what a gift!

One of the many finer things in life! You can see The Finer Things others have been enjoying here.

Bow-tiful Baby

Hello. My name is Jo Ann and I am a bow mommy.


I cannot get enough of these things.


Of course, I can't get enough of this little girl either.


Bows and Abigail, they belong together.


Just like the joy that she always wears.

Somebody help me, I'm in deep.

Shhhh...Don't Tell My Hips

I have a little confession.

I cooked some bacon the other night to add to a dish and then...I licked my fingers.

And I enjoyed every minute of it.

But I won't confess how I made cookies last week and ate half of them by myself...in three days. Nope, I won't tell you. Never.

A Torrent of Thoughts

It's been so long since I've stopped here, that I don't even know where exactly to start again. I'm brewing. Or rather I have much brewing within me. We'll see where it leads this next week and if I have it in me to put any of it into words, but for now, let's put our hair down and get a little random shall we. Don't be bashful, I know you've missed my wild side. * grin*

• I am fully resolved to do the "Easter season" big next year. And I mean big. It seems to me that Easter should be bigger than Christmas. I know that we wouldn't have Easter without Jesus' birth, but the balance (or lack thereof) in celebration just doesn't seem right. So next year I have grand plans, I can't wait to share.
• For those sports minded individuals, Richie's team is 10-0 right now. They have to work hard for their wins, but the boys are getting it done. He thinks he has some of the best attitudes that he's ever had, which is a huge blessing!
  
• Do you ever stop when you're in a large group of people (church, grocery store, etc.) and look at people? I mean really look at them. God really is a most wonderful Creator. I love to see His handiwork. I always feel so honored to be in a group of believers and see His tapestry of love. On the flip side, I have to be prepared to see and feel the sadness over the lost, the wounded. I look for the days when He tells me to reach out then and there in a major way, not just a smile or small token of encouragement. But to see the lame walk and the blind see, right in the middle of...anywhere. How glorious it is to see His redeeming work!
  
• I...I...I have love handles. There I said it. I came to accept this fact last week. I handled it with more grace and strength than I thought I possessed. For that I am thankful. *smile*
  
• I have really withdrawn myself from cyberland. Some of it voluntary, some of it not. Gone days without checking e-mail. It's felt good. If you haven't heard from me, I'm sorry and I'm back. I think.
  
• Sometimes I wonder if my sense of humor is too dry. I love me some laughs, but sometimes I forget to make sure people around me know that I was joking. Just in case you didn't know, I have a habit of not taking myself too seriously.
  
• Do you think making friends is harder as a kid or an adult?
  
• The other day someone cut me off in a parking lot and I made a mad face at them. I was sincerely embarrassed at that moment that I was a representative of Christ.
  
• I have a hard time believing anyone chooses to read my ramblings and nonsense, but your sweet thoughts and words encourage me. I am thankful you're in my life.