Links & reflections for a lovely spring weekend

Y'all. It was so beautiful outside today! Yes, that is y'all worthy, even though I should technically be saying youins, yinz or youse guys, considering that I now live in Pennsylvania :-) Regardless, when you have dealt with snow and chilling temps for months, you can't help but be thrilled with gentle spring days. It's a happy feeling you can't understand unless you just faced a winter season in every sense of the phrase. This happy-spring feeling is also touching deeper parts inside me, and colliding with a certain hope that even though nothing is in full bloom (in nature or our circumstances), we see God on the move, small changes happening, and light shining in previously dark places. It's something worth celebrating! Add to that the fact that Easter + our anniversary were this month, and we've got quite a bit to celebrate...{smile} That's okay with me, as I've always been a fan of prolonged celebrations - what would Jesus do, right? But it would be only half the truth if I didn't admit it was a hard week with difficult news in our personal life that brought me to my knees. So thankful for a Father's love that woos, comforts, and satisfies me when nothing else can. The mixed blessing of pain is the joy that follows close behind! He knows exactly what each of us need and sends glimpses of love and hope at just the right time.

Here are some sweet joys around the web that have been an encouragement to me lately:

Make your own kefir (easy way to start fermenting at home - we're loving it!)

Emily Freeman on 3 Ways to Determine Success (not what you think)

Interstellar trailer - I'm not the sci-fi fan in our home (big surprise)... However, this movie has a very interesting storyline and subtle redemptive themes...see what you think?

Music - I Am Not Alone (Kari Jobe) and You Make Me Brave (Amanda Cook and Bethel Music)

Nine Natural Cleaning Recipes - Mama And Baby Love (ingredients needed are vinegar + baking soda + castile soap + essential oils - side bonus - cleaning is much more enjoyable without the nasty fumes)

Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study on What Happens When Women Walk in Faith  (Lysa TerKeurst) - Having a great time with this, and learning so much...

Strawberries - been devouring these lately (with kefir above) - some good reasons why you should too...


Warm Kale Salad - new recipe for our Easter dinner - and friends... I. am. in. love!

Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Quinoa Power Bowl - a bit more time-consuming than the kale salad, but really worth it! (Husband-approved)

Young Living Valor oil - apply to feet or diffuse at night for sleep aid - one of the many essential oils I've been enjoying lately (thanks, Lydia!)

May the Spirit of God fill you with hope, joy & peace as you rest in Him!

Springtime Adventures

The weather is just gorgeous down here, and we've had friends and family in, doing all sorts of exploring....so I've been AWOL from my online world, sorry. :(  Just having fun making memories and sharing life together.  Dear friends from PA, my aunt and family, and then time with Paul have kept me busy for the last two weeks or so....and there are more visitors to come!  I guess that is one of the positives of living in Florida--everyone wants to visit :)  So feel free to look us up if you are in the area, and we will show you around :)

Orchid gift from the Ladies' Tea I helped to host--thanks Meghan!

Trying to keep these tasty herbs growing is fun!

Pancakes made on the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant,  DeLeon Springs

In case you want to put in your order....

Interesting antiques inside the restaurant

Aunt Ruth, Uncle Dave and a 'portion' of their family--believe it!

The springs are beautiful and great for wading and swimming

The outside of the Sugar Mill Restaurant--was in use years ago

Beautiful New Smyrna Beach

This little guy was having a ton of fun!

I just love wading in the shallow water

'Nothing like reading and relaxing on the beach!

Time for a hike at Wekiva Springs State Park, Longwood, FL

The palmettos are a common plant in Florida

We hiked in the hot sun for a while--it reflects beautifully off the palmettos

Paul, my fearless leader.  What a great guy.

Our one-year anniversary is coming up next week, and we have all sorts of fun things planned--starting this weekend and continuing into next.  So I'll be sure to post more pics.  I just have to say briefly however, I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and all the special memories we have had together so far.  God is so good to us, in the good times and bad.

Blessings be on your day,

Ruth

When You Have to Pinch Yourself Because You're So Blessed

The weekend was like a photo, beautifully framed with love, sincerity, and blessings from above.  And then I read this morning from Mark 14, the story of the woman with the alabaster jar poured on Christ--do you know it?  It hit home.  I'm finding that pouring love on another only splashes back on my hungry soul.  Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.  Nothing special done on my part, except some gifts of a favorite soda, a special meal, and lots of kisses.  I remember the missions trips I took in college--how I always returned home feeling as if I had been given more than I had given.  And here I am again, but on a different mission--to love my one husband, in this one life, as beautifully as is possible with Christ-love.

[source]  --  Gemini Springs Park

I offer my thanks to the One who makes it possible:

~beautiful mild weather for a hike in God's creation
~Mom's famous chicken and dumplings--almost like Mom's?
~peach pie made with love
~clean and creative rental--the movie Hugo points us to live with purpose
~a new favorite Mexican restaurant
~the celebration of baptism with the little one of dear friends
~chances to express and receive love
~long walks and long talks
~learning guitar together
~help with dishes....every night....with no complaints!
~learning to lean in, and listen to his heart
~watching him, helping him, find his way in this crazy world
~time with old friends, so dear, gift from above

Wishing you a week filled with the delights of a thankful heart (it can be yours too!)

Ruth

Multitude Mondays

Oma is looking pretty in pink at 93

 Hello online friends!  I am coming off of a great weekend with family!  I've included some photos for your perusal.  Perhaps you will see some family resemblances.  There's nothing like home-cooked food (Mom, aunts and uncle were here) and good fellowship.  We got to see lots of fun places and caught up on many important topics.  I trust you had a wonderful weekend as well.

Blue Springs Park

Aunts Christa, Ruth, and Ortrude

Uncle Werner and Mom

The crew in front of the historic Thursby house

Enjoying authentic German food at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe

But on to the rest of today's post:  here at RL I'd like to join up with Ann Voskamp's Multitude Mondays hosted on her site, A Holy Experience, as it is a great endeavor.  I hope you are keeping your list of gratitude in your own way....whether with a journal public or private, online or old-fashioned.  There is even an app to help you in this joy journey.

I find that whenever I make the choice to turn my mind to gratitude, my spirits lift, my God is honored, and out of my heart flows words, actions that are more in line with what God calls us to in His Word.  Now, I am not suggesting that any 'formula' can guarantee Christ-like behavior, far from it...but I believe that God's word also teaches that a heart of thanksgiving leads to much joy.  More on that here.

All that being said, here are highlights from my gratitude list for this beautiful Monday.  (It was in the mid-70s down here in FL today and will be all week...visitors are welcome :)

~chance to connect with Mom and her siblings
~Saturday afternoon at the beach
~time to think and reflect, apart and together
~times of closeness
~being cared for by my love, my family
~rest being offered by my Father God
~beautiful Florida weather
~tutoring jobs are popping up--God is faithful!
~home remedies to bring renewed health and hope
~special moments caring for my love, who is not feeling well

Setting Sail with the Wind of the Spirit

"The Senator" in Big Tree Park, Longwood, FL

It was a beautiful, balmy day and we had set out to enjoy nature for the afternoon.  This included a very large, very old tree, and a walk by the marina, watching the boats float in the deep blue water.  So nice to get out and get a new perspective on the day.  We had things to 'discuss'...eh-hem....you understand, right? So a beautiful view was in order to make that go a little more smoothly.  It has been a good first few months together, but we're thinking through our vision for the future, and having different expectations on things can make that a little tricky at times.

So, what are your expectations for your New Year?  How do you handle the switch from one year to the next?  Is it as uneventful as a sneeze, or does it come in like a bang, fireworks and all?  Perhaps for many of you, it is something in between....you take inventory...make a few small changes...and by the middle of February, it's back to normal, just the daily grind, trying to get through the week with as little grief as possible.  On the other hand, this may be a year where you are SO determined to do things differently, that you have come up with a three-volume set of resolutions that is sure to set you up for success.  I've been there.  Ask my sisters about the year a Brio article revolutionized my life and I had to make my very own list of resolutions.  This wasn't your average list....it was divided into categories of my life that 'needed work', be it exercise, relationships, my faith, diet...you name it, I had a resolution for it.  And I took that list with me throughout the year, referring to it almost as much as I did my Bible.

Sanford Marina -- photo credit

Now, don't hear me wrongly, I think resolutions are wonderful with the right heart attitude.  But for that one year back in high school, I was so into my own goals and my own efforts, that I had lost sight of Christ, and what HE might have in store for my year, rather than my sails being filled by the Holy Spirit, to make progress in any of those areas.   Since then, I've come to see that I have a radically good Father and Savior, and HIS power to change me is much greater than anything I could muster up on my own.  (My over-achieving goals and resolutions only lasted for that one year, by the way...)

All that being said, I still do like to take inventory, ask the Lord to work in my life in new ways, and give myself fully to the new things God might want to do in and through me.  To that end, there are some new things on my heart and you'll see a few changes around here in the coming weeks.

~Who I Am in Christ series:  I hope to go through this list of Bible passages that has been an encouragement to me over the years, and that I have found myself gravitating back to again in the last few weeks.  I thought perhaps you would enjoy hearing my journey through those meditations.
~Focus on Joy and Contentment:  I have been working to cultivate these two virtues, and I'd like to have a greater focus on them here, and what God has been teaching me.  This blog may look a little different, or it might stay the same, I haven't decided for sure, but I'm hoping to incorporate those things somehow.
~My business/affiliate programs: I have a new health & wellness business that I've started since coming down to FL and I have mentioned it at the very bottom of the page. You can take a look at that if you are interested.  I also plan to become an affiliate for a couple of companies I like, to review and recommend things that I've benefitted from and that may bless your home as well.  I don't want to get into doing a lot of ads, rest assured...but if adding some of the aforementioned things in an occasional post, sidebar, or banner would make this blog less of a blessing to you, please let me know as I will take that into consideration.  Disclaimer:  if you buy an item from the links I provide, I would receive a small portion of the sale, but you can consider that a chance to support our new family!  :)
~Guest posting: I've been wanting to get some guest bloggers on here, to spice things up, and also for your personal enjoyment, so if you would enjoy doing that, or know someone who would, stay tuned for more info. coming on that.
~Aesthetic changes:  I have some design changes in mind, but just consider that my need for some newlywed nesting, and this is my online home.  I hope you like how things will look when I'm done!  Shabby Blogs has some fun designs I'd like to experiment with.

That's all from sunny Florida, and I pray your New Year is both blessed, and a blessing to others!  I'll leave you with my Bible passage theme for the upcoming year....and challenge you to find a passage to focus your upcoming year as well!  Ruth

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
   and streams in the wasteland.

Christmas: Embracing the True Beauty

The Rose Garden at Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL

This IS possible in sunny FL, in December!

Soft and sweet

There are so many strikingly beautiful things about the Christmas season....more superficial things like the holiday lights, Christmas decorations, lovely wrapped presents, and softly fallen snow.  However, I'm thinking of the hearts of those that have brought Christmas memories to me over the years, friends and family with their hearts to honor the Lord....like my sweet husband has done for me this holiday....and even more, the players in the Holy Story.  Mary, with her desire to give herself to exactly what God had in mind, Joseph, with his courageous choice to remain betrothed to Mary and protect the unborn child, and of course, our Lord and Savior, who humbled Himself to come into our world and be born into a life of struggle and grief....for our sakes alone.

This Christmas, Paul and I have enjoyed our Advent readings and making weekend memories that will last a lifetime.  While I may be scarce the next few days, I do hope for all of us that during this time we are able to embrace the True beauty of the season, found in Jesus Christ alone.

And here, just for your perusal, I've included some of the beautiful creation we enjoyed this past weekend at Leu Gardens.

May God make all your Christmas moments truly beautiful, in Him.

Christmas Blessings,
Ruth

This rare variety, also known as my husband, is a keeper!

I chose style over comfort, and paid for it!  Still enjoyed myself, however...

The REAL Charlie Brown Christmas tree :)

Even for the Rain, We Say Thanks...

My daisies made the trek from PA.

This morning Paul and I were greeted by the rain in the middle of our morning walk....we got a shower before our showers!  That was fun, and reminded us of our cross-country running days, and races in the rain (believe me, we needed to hoof it back today to avoid getting completely soaked!)  So....I thought I would capture some photos of the rain off of my front porch for you.  I am thanking the Lord for a day off (not thankful that my students are sick however) but thankful for a chance to catch up at home and get a little more settled in.  We still have boxes to unpack and sorting, 'nesting' to do....okay, I guess that I am the one that needs (?) to do the nesting....Paul, the more organized one, is happy with each new box that gets unpacked.  But I have a very patient husband.  Thankful for that too.

For my morning time with Jesus I was reflecting on what the men and women of prayer at St. Andrews often do... prayer through the Scriptures...and I thought I would try that as well.  Beth Moore's books first introduced me to doing this, and though I have gotten away from it, the reminder during services and prayer times has been helpful.  I love praying God's words back to Him, as a way to honor Him and direct my thoughts.  This morning it was Psalm 23:

Yea! for trees so close.

Thank you, Lord, for being my good Shepherd!  There truly is nothing I lack.  Forgive me for my discontent.  Thank you for the green pastures you have given me today, that I can rest in You.  Thank you for the quiet waters--how you have calmed the turbulent seas of my soul!  You truly do renew my life and restore all the brokenness in me.  You lead me on right paths--help me to be willing to follow on this narrow road, for Your name's sake alone.  Though there will be dark valleys, you are with me and I can fear no danger.  Your protective and disciplining rod comfort me, help my soul to rest.  What an amazing table of delights you prepare for me while my enemies watch!  You pour over me the oil of your precious Holy Spirit--I am overflowing with joy.  Goodness and faithful love follow after me, even pursue me when I wander, every day that you have planned for me!  What a joy and delight to dwell in your house forever, Abba Father!  Amen.

I trust you are finding joy on your path with the Shepherd today as well, be it rain, sun or even snow...

Ruth

The Ocean Speaks

Beach shot over Labor Day weekend....

I love reflecting on messages from the ocean, what they tell me about life, about God.  I remember reading about this topic a few years ago on a trip to the lovely Sunshine State (long before I knew we'd move here!), in a classic beach book, A Gift from the Sea.  Read more on that here...

The power of the ocean is something that cannot be duplicated.  At least not well (I remember those water-park wave pools, don't you?  They pale in comparison...)  The raw, rugged, and yet also gentle and calming presence of the waves speak volumes to me.  It calms my mind and drowns out my anxieties...  Its power threatens to take me over, and at the same time, smooths out my rough edges and provides a sound track to my lazy-day activities, beach-side.

I am so thankful to be close to the waves, and look forward to many days relaxing and recharging near the seas.  What part of nature draws you to Christ?  What does creation speak to you?  Are you taking the time to rest and relax in the nature that is just outside your door?  It may be grand trees, croaking frogs, graceful birds....so many parts of nature that God created simply for our enjoyment.  Take time this weekend to step out of your current landscape, and sneak a peek at the scenery that was painted simply for you....for me...to find joy and peace, as our minds are turned upward to our Great God.  I remember a dear friend's husband, who always connected with the evening sky, and how it was a reminder of God's love to him...

Please post some of the fun nature adventures you find yourself in this weekend!  May it all be a reflection of His love for you, dear friend...

Ruth