Real Courage

Penny Frost McGinnis

Spring Beauty

Penny Frost McGinnis

I delight in discovering beauty. Since we moved into our new home in August I had no idea what plants might pop up in the landscape. We've lived several places and each spring I'd find lovely green sprouts pushing through the soil. This place is no exception. Yesterday, once all the snow melted away, the beginnings of grape hyacinths poked their little heads up. I am excited to see the full grown flower. Hopefully they'll stretch into themselves by Easter. 

What spring flowers do you have?

Tea for Two by Trish Perry

I’d love to have a tea shop like Millie’s to visit in my town. Mille’s Tea Shop is the place where friends meet, problems get solved and scones are eaten. Perry’s delightful follow up to The Perfect Blend put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. I enjoyed rooting for the main characters, Zach and Tina. Tea for Two is a sweet faith-filled story, but not without conflict and resolution. I loved the setting and the interesting array of characters. Perry’s humor made me laugh while I reflected on what it means to trust God.

SPRING!

Need some encouragement...

Penny Frost McGinnis

Even the Moon Praises Him

Psalm 148:3-6
Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for at his command they were created,
and he established them forever and ever—
    he issued a decree that will never pass away.

A heavy blanket of snow covered the fields as we drove along the country road. The sky graduated to an inky black and the moon, as round as a bright golden ball, cast its light. No matter where we traveled, it seemed the moon followed us. The brightness made us look to the heavens and admire the work of God. He created the round orb to reflect light on the earth at night. One more way He cared for us.

The Psalm says God created all the heavenly bodies. The sun, moon, and stars each praise Him. If these objects can light the world and show God glory, what keeps us from praising Him daily. God made so much for us to enjoy. When I saw the low hanging moon I stood in awe. And the sun and the stars…they’re just as fascinating. As winter gives way to spring (it will come, I promise) look at God’s creation and rejoice with him. Praise the Lord for the beauty he gives each day.

Up to My Elbows in Ruffles

A few weeks ago I wrote about my daughter asking me to make my granddaughter an Easter dress. Today (a snowday) I pulled out the pattern, fabric, pins and scissors and set to work. The pattern challenged me. I won't say how many times I had to unsew  and resew some of the pieces in the bodice. But I loved stitching the pieces together, like a puzzle, and seeing how the fabrics complemented each other.

Gathering the ruffles took some patience. I've never seen so many ruffles on such a small dress. But they turned out beautiful. Now I just have buttons to sew on the back and bloomers to make.

I love being a grandma!

An Eerie Fog

Penny Frost McGinnis

Yesterday as I drove to my daughter's house, I encountered fog. With snow on the ground and warm temperatures, the clouds hung close to the ground. I was fascinated by the eerie evening. When I passed a small cemetery I couldn't help but stop and snap a photo. I loved the way the fog kissed the snowy ground and the splash of pink teased with the reminder that spring's around the corner.