 Our spring retreat just ended Sunday afternoon. What a wonderful time we had with the ladies as we watched how God swept into our meeting place, with His mighty presence, and like a breath of fresh spring air, began a restoring work in the lives of the women who participated. You will be able to read and see pics (I hope) of our blessed time at the next reading of Monday Musings. We are so grateful for Judy Ingle, Sherry's Aunt, to once again bless us with the words our Father gave her to help us out during our time of ministering this weekend. I know you will be blessed as she writes from her home on the state line of Tennessee and Georgia, in an area called Pleasant Valley just outside of Chattanooga. Be blessed as she shares these words of truth through The Whispers of Spring. The snowy winter is now only a faint memory but the snowmelt is taking its journey into limpid creeks and rivers-along with it’s newly released artwork-donated by hundreds of artists and would-bes alike. Each sculpture, mostly snowmen, once stood stately-or not- In the yards of an enormous winter wonderland. The beauty was definitely soul-searching but that season has passed. However, the rain soon followed. The rain presented no problem really; I would just grab my “brella” and go. The snow brought frigid temperatures and the rain, well its just rain. Surprisingly, I found the icy cold invigorating. I would bundle tightly with scarf and coat only to quickly liquefy inside my cocoon. On the other hand, the blustery winds were “bone chillin” as my Mother used to say. Sadly, it was the dreary, cloud covered, lurid, and gloomy days that finally got me down. Gloominess can quench my spirit like a sudden illness. I remember consecutive shadowy days when the sun would make only a brief appearance then retreat like a ground hog who had just seen his shadow. The murkiness of those days could take its toil on the most joyous heart; leaving it with only an evanescent memory of a delightful spring day. I have longed for the constancy of the sun and its incandescent light awakening the morning with radiant beams. The sunlight glitters through my windows, resplendent with diverging rays, while thoughts of springtime calm my spirit like peaceful sentimental music. The sky is transparent as the sun seems to shine a bit brighter scattering amazing prismatic colors as they dance to the music of the song birds. God’s “morning star” illuminates the newly formed buds and blossoms as He speaks ever so quietly to his glorious creation. New life is emerging all around. I have been awakened each morning by a gleeful choir of birds performing their Rhapsody of Springtime. Every morning they faithfully vocalize their exuberant joy of spring with each lovely composition presenting a symphony unlike any other; as creation praises their Creator so shall I: Every day [with it’s new reasons] will I bless you-affectionately and gratefully praise you; yes, I will praise your name for ever and ever” Psalm 145:2 (Amplified). I impetuously run to the windows and raise the blinds to greet God’s dawning of a new day and a new season. I am enamored by his presence and filled with numerous reminders of God’s goodness and His gracious offering of new beginning and second chances. “Build a little fence of trust around today, Fill each space with loving work and therein stay, Look not through the sheltering bars upon tomorrow, God will help thee bear what comes, of joy or sorrow.” Mary Francis Butts  Today I decided to drive down the “old road.” As I traveled I had to pause and view the rolling fields of velvety, green grass lying fresh like new lain carpet where a backdrop of mountains, once snow-capped, faded into the distance. I viewed a large conspicuous patch of gold and there in the entrancing meadow lay a gorgeous display of yellow daffodils flaunting their delicate bonnets in the gentle breeze. It was a breathtaking sight and I was truly amazed to see their sleepy heads raised to welcome the spring. Also, tiny blue violets were strategically dispersed throughout their midst as only God could do. This was only a part of God’s amazing creation giving Him praise. My heart was swelling like the budding of the trees with this fresh new discovery of morning’s magical moments. Locals call this area, “The Valley,” and it is a “pleasant valley” indeed. “To cultivate the senses of the beautiful is one of the most effectual ways of cultivating an appreciation of the Divine goodness.” Bovee  The "Old Road" in Pleasant Valley God’s word tells us the Light of God’s Son is even more glorious than the light which God commanded to shine out of darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6). The sun is our most powerful source of energy and light; and Jesus is our exclusive source of “spiritual light.” So often light is used as an allegory to speak of the light of His Word and the light of His Truth. John 1:9 tells us “...that (Jesus) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “That Light states C. Swindoll, was so vital to humanity that Jesus came to earth to declare it and impart it to us.” As I dwell on this thought I feel that light is like a magnet drawing me closer to the Father. The light energizes me to readily, without question, acknowledge His plan and purpose for my existence. The light seems to usher me into the place in my life where anything fleeting or trivial must be thrust away and darkness dispelled while allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me with His love, and joy, and peace. The Light is revealing God’s truth to my heart and His Word is bringing about the needed change in me. I am thankful for the creator’s unmistakable touch. Winter is now history along with its gloomy and shadowy days and the dayspring has awakened me to a newness of life.  The following poem is a pleasant read: I am fond of the Swallow, I learn from her flight. She comes in the spring, all the summer she stays, and dreading the cold still follows the sun-So, true to our love, we should covet his rays, and the place where he shines not immediately shun. Our light should be love, and our nourishment prayer, it is dangerous food that we find upon earth, the fruit of the world is beset with a snare… To bask every moment in infinite love; Let us fly the dark winter, and follow the road that leads to the dayspring appearing above. These few verses are from the French poetry of Madame de la Guyon, “The Swallow” translated by William Cowper.  Blooming Dogwood on the drive home. As I begin anew this spring with a fresh awareness of things, I pray my pursuits in life will be noble and however God leads I will welcome with a pure heart, honest emotions, my speech forthright and my actions scrupulous. My desire is to become more knowledgeable in His Word and careful to always give Him all glory and praise for which He alone is worthy. I want to be diligent in never allowing anything or any thoughts to dim my spiritual vision. I also want to follow the “Light” so closely that my communion with the Father cannot be broken. I am hoping for joy and peace everyday and a strong resistance to a languid spirit that could ambush my joy of newness-when spring has passed. “Hope is like the sun, which as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." S. Smiles May a new day dawn in your heart as you embrace springtime and wonder; did the sun shine as bright last year? As a Chameleon changes color on that which he feeds; may we reflect only Christ as we feed on the bounty of His Word, and color those around us by dispersing the kaleidoscope of His love and scattering His brightness thru the prism of His glorious light. How lovely and unforgettable are His radiance and the whispers of spring. In His love, Judy
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