An Elfin Daffodil

Hebrews 6:19-20
 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

wild wind rips the sky—

elfin daffodil bulbs

anchor underground

Before bed, an alert for a serious weather event broadcast on our screens, both television and phone. A late February storm threatened the area. The meteorologists called for a tornado watch in our area from 10pm to 6am and thunderstorms.

Although I don’t fear storms, my mind could not calm and go to sleep. My thoughts raced to my family and friends and how they might cope with a possible tornado. After wrestling with my mind’s tendency to worry, I prayed. Why hadn’t I thought of that earlier? (Insert head smack here.) Once my words reached God’s ear, I dozed off.

I slept through whatever storm blew in and after I awoke and dressed, I checked outside for damage. The birdhouse in the flowerbed had fallen over. When I righted it, I spied yellow flowers in the corner of the flowerbed. Miniature daffodils waved their tiny heads at me as if to say we’re here—we weathered the storm.

How often in life do I forget I have an anchor for every storm? Whether weather related or personal, the storms blow in and Jesus anchors my soul. The Holy Spirit entwines my roots with the Father’s. Like the elfin daffodils, I’ve survived life’s storms because my roots are buried in the One who gives life.

Psalm 62:8 reminds me God is my refuge. He’s there for me all the time. What a comfort to know God loves me so much. He loves you so much, too.

Seek the One who anchors your soul in Him.

A Quiet Moment

My flower garden is tiny compared to ones I've had in the past,

yet this little plot brings me an abundance of joy.

Hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips raise their heads and 

nod to me to have a good day. 

The vibrant colors flood me with joy and remind me

Who created them.

A quiet moment in the garden blesses my soul.

 

Praise and Pray

Psalm 145:3-5

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Perhaps winter is a time of meditation, spring a time of praise.

I find the change of seasons remarkable. Snow, rain, sunshine, chill all contribute to the nature God has created. For the past few weeks I’ve enjoyed the daffodils, tulips and hyacinth in my tiny garden. One morning, I observed the yellow and white daffodils bowing their heads. In the same plot of soil, the tulips raised their leaves to the sky. It struck me—both stood in a posture of praise and prayer.

In the winter, I tend to bow down and meditate on God’s word. The quiet, sometimes snow-kissed earth allows me to snuggle into my favorite chair and focus on Jesus. But in the spring, I want to shout with the sunshine that Jesus is Lord. Maybe because we celebrate Easter, I raise my hands to God and praise out loud. For whatever reason, spring is a time to celebrate our Lord and Savior.

In observing the flowers, no matter whether I raise my hands like the tulip or bow my head like the daffodil, I am in a posture of praise and prayer. It doesn’t matter how I praise and pray as much as when. And when is every day. I thank God for the beauty of the earth and the people in my life. I don’t need much, yet God has provided abundantly.

As the psalmist says, God is so great and worthy of praise, I can’t even fathom his greatness.

Praise and pray thanksgiving to God the Father, when you bow down and when you rise up.

Praise and Prayer

One morning while the raindrops dotted the flowers, I snapped this photo.

I noticed the daffodil bowed it's head, and the tulip raised toward heaven.

Both were in a posture to praise God. 

The flowers reminded me to check my stance.

Am I prepared to pray in every situation? 

Am I praising God for his mercy and grace?

Praise and prayer go hand in hand.

Raised up or bent down-

Praise God!

 

Look for Wonder in Spring

March offers the first warm days that lead into spring.

Green sprouts from the ground.

The daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips awaken.

Crocus open in colors of joy.

Embrace the Wonder!

 

Happy Easter