Spring

There are signs of spring all around.

The tulips are blooming along with masses of azalea bushes.

I've seen tiny crocus poking through new spring mulch.

It has been 6 years since I've seen spring rains bring forth this kind of tender beauty!

It is delightful!

And the most stunning of all...the magnolia trees.  The japanese varieties are in full bloom right now.
I have always loved magnolias.  I believe the larger southern varieties will burst forth a bit later and I am in full anticipation!  They are a fixture in southern landscapes and I'm happy to be surrounded by them this time of year.

In shades of pink, lavender, and creamy white they are beautiful to behold indeed.  Large protected buds through the winter, they awaken and burst open with amazing beauty and aroma with the warm spring air.

Here is another prayer I've been meditating on in the Valley of Vision this spring. . .

The beauty in this season and the many visible signs of new life certainly awaken in me a longing for God as He reveals himself in and through his glorious creation which sings his praises and demonstrates his glory!

REGENERATION

O God of the highest heaven,

occupy the throne of my heart,

take full possession and reign supreme,

lay low every rebel lust,

let no vile passion resist thy holy war;

manifest thy mighty power,

and make me thine forever.

Thou art worthy to be praised with my every breath,

loved with my every faculty of soul,

served with my every act of life.

Thou hast loved me, espoused me, received me,

purchased me, washed, favoured, clothed, adorned me,

when I was worthless, vile, soiled, polluted.

I was dead in iniquities,

having eyes to see thee,

no ears to hear thee,

no taste to relish thy joys,

no intelligence to know thee;

But thy spirit has quickened me,

has brought me into a new world as a new creature,

has given me a spiritual perception,

has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy.

Thy presence is to me a treasure of unending peace;

No provocation can part me from thy sympathy,

for thou hast drawn me with cords of Love,

and dost forgive me daily, hourly.

O help me then to walk worthy of thy love,

of my hopes, and my vocation.

Keep me, for I cannot keep myself'

Protect me that no evil befall me;

Let me lay aside every sin admired of many;

Help me to walk by thy side,

lean on thy arm,

hold converse with thee,

That henceforth I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

I desire, today, to walk as a woman, wife, mother, helper, sister, daughter who is

loved, espoused, received, purchased, washed, favoured, clothed & adorned!

How about YOU!?