winter is not forever... & four favorites.
A steady veil of raindrops pours down from the sky this evening. Today was a rainy Sunday, and in the morning when I glanced out my window, I saw this -
My mason jar vase full of the brightest yellow daffodils smiling against a rain-stained window and a dreary sky. To me, it was like a small picture of hope. And in it's small and beautiful way, my simple yellow spring flowers reminded me that even though today it may be dreary and a bit dark, winter is not forever. Spring is coming! And just as the flowers happily and hopefully raise their heads, standing brightly and smilingly regardless of their surroundings, I too want to be one who keeps my head held high, trusting in God's plan unquestioningly. It made me think - do we ever, for a moment, agonize over the thought - "Oh noo, I'm afraid spring won't come ....or summer!! What will we do???" No, the thought will never cross our minds. Because, just as the sun rises and sets in silent and faithful regularity, we are confident in the fact that seasons change. Yet, we question God's timing. I wonder if His plan really is best. I worry, I'm anxious and I (honestly) sometimes doubt Him in my heart when things don't look the way I want them to, when life isn't going just how I planned.
My dear friends, will you join me this week in renewing our hope and trust in the Lord?
In remembering that He who calls the stars by name each night knows our names, our fears, our worries? He who rules the entire Universe is in control of our lives, our stories? He who causes the sun to rise each new morning has ordained our days?
An old song I used to love as a teenager has been on repeat for me lately.
Some of the lyrics state,
I choose to put my confidence and my trust in my God this week. Will you too?
...happy things, like my 4 favorite things from the past week.
{Coffee dates and good conversation with old friends}
Erin
oh...and the photo drop - 2 days late and a dollar short, but here ya go -
My mason jar vase full of the brightest yellow daffodils smiling against a rain-stained window and a dreary sky. To me, it was like a small picture of hope. And in it's small and beautiful way, my simple yellow spring flowers reminded me that even though today it may be dreary and a bit dark, winter is not forever. Spring is coming! And just as the flowers happily and hopefully raise their heads, standing brightly and smilingly regardless of their surroundings, I too want to be one who keeps my head held high, trusting in God's plan unquestioningly. It made me think - do we ever, for a moment, agonize over the thought - "Oh noo, I'm afraid spring won't come ....or summer!! What will we do???" No, the thought will never cross our minds. Because, just as the sun rises and sets in silent and faithful regularity, we are confident in the fact that seasons change. Yet, we question God's timing. I wonder if His plan really is best. I worry, I'm anxious and I (honestly) sometimes doubt Him in my heart when things don't look the way I want them to, when life isn't going just how I planned.
My dear friends, will you join me this week in renewing our hope and trust in the Lord?
In remembering that He who calls the stars by name each night knows our names, our fears, our worries? He who rules the entire Universe is in control of our lives, our stories? He who causes the sun to rise each new morning has ordained our days?
"All the days ordained for me
were written in Your book
before one of them came to be."
-Psalm 139:16
An old song I used to love as a teenager has been on repeat for me lately.
Some of the lyrics state,
"Though I cannot see you,
I can't explain why -
Such a deep, deep reassurance You've placed in my life.
We cannot separate, 'cause you're part of me.
And though You're invisible, I'll trust the unseen.
I'll hold tight to what I know -
You're here. And I'm never alone."
I choose to put my confidence and my trust in my God this week. Will you too?
"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in Him."
-Jeremiah 17:7
And as we trust, may we enjoy the little things along the way, even in the midst of hardship.
{I love sandals and shorts-wearing, flowery days}
funny how California weather can change so quickly
{Coffee dates and good conversation with old friends}
I happily shared two in one day this week -
iced coffee in mason jars & laughter with an old friend..
homemade lattes in huge mugs by candelight, & long-overdue heart-to-hearts.
{Found her catching up on some Audrey Hepburn biographies}
She's a classy cat, that one.
{feeling craftastic}
& finally - my wall of inspiration is complete.
i found my dream desk and it's home is now in the corner of the inspiration wall.
(that is another story in itself - story to come later!)
***
Yes, it's raining today. And maybe tomorrow too. But may we be filled with hope - that just as the warmth of springtime will come, just as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow morning - we can confidently trust God to work His plan and purposes in our life - for our good and His glory."And we know that all things work together
for the good of those who love God,
who have been called according to His purpose."
-Romans 8:28
Blowing kisses to you, and prayers -
I'm off to do one of my favorite things: fall asleep to the sound of rain.
G'nite.
XO
Erin
PS - Thanks to you all for the outpouring of encouragement on the post last week that was so close to my heart, "love is not a hamburger". If you are one with strong convictions about purity, and if ever there was the slightest question in your mind that others shared the convictions of purity you and I do - all doubt has been swept away - I can tell you, hundreds of amazing people share strong convictions about purity, hundreds are living their lives for God, and want to change our world. How wonderfully inspiring and sweet to meet kindred spirits of the heart! Love you all. Stay strong!
- also, don't forget to sign up for the Spring Fling Swap :)
- also, don't forget to sign up for the Spring Fling Swap :)
***
oh...and the photo drop - 2 days late and a dollar short, but here ya go -
Friday iPhone Photo Drop
{from instagram, to follow search: erin_sweetnessitself}