Surprising Myself

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:7-8). 

Today my husband, mother-in-law, and I landscaped the yard.  I usually strongly dislike anything that deals with wet dirt and the possibility of spiders, bugs, snakes/reptiles, etc.   I was surprised at how much I enjoyed planting.  There is something about being in nature that touches the soul.  I still do not love the spiders, bugs, or reptiles, especially the possibilities of snakes, but I do love the way our house has been transformed and I love admiring all of God's beautiful work.

Before 

After

I do believe it will be wonderful to watch all of these beautiful plants grow.  I only screamed twice while we were planting.  Once because I saw something I believed was a spider (it wasn't) and once because I saw a salamander.  I am such a chicken! I do want to take time to admire all of God's work.  In all the busyness of planting I admit I forgot to thank our Heavenly Father for all His blessings. I have since thanked Him, but I do hope I will begin to thank God for each moment as they occur.  What a Mighty God!  I am extremely thankful today for a Savior and forgiveness. 

Psalm 32

Of David. A maskil.

 ¹ Blessed is the one
   whose transgressions are forgiven,
   whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one
   whose sin the LORD does not count against them
   and in whose spirit is no deceit.
 ³ When I kept silent,
   my bones wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
   your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
   as in the heat of summer.^[b]
 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin.
 ⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
   while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
   will not reach them.
⁷ You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble
   and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule,
   which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
   or they will not come to you.
¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked,
   but the LORD’s unfailing love
   surrounds the one who trusts in him.
 ¹¹ Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
   sing, all you who are upright in heart!