Is It Ever Going to End?

In the last year, I have tried my best to realize the good in each and every day.  To find something of beauty to marvel at, something that caused me to take notice, be grateful, be humbled.

I've had plenty to keep me busy around the house and farm, and, personally, I think I've done a pretty good job of holding it all together and pushing through both large and small jobs.

 

 

But the darkness of loneliness, depression, and despair were never far away.  Even though I never let myself fall into that pit, I admit there have been plenty of days of self pity.

My husband, my very best friend, left for a one year assignment in February 2014.  He should be back by now......  But he's not.  I know I've got to be strong, and I know I've got to be patient, and I know he's coming home, but by golly, I'm tired of waiting!!!

This is just a part of what it means to be married to the military.  The separations, the unknown, the indefinite answers, the Army being in control of our lives.

Winter has been extreme this year for much of the country.  And I've always found this part of winter to be the ugliest.  Everything is so dead and drab it makes you wonder how any of it could still have life in it!  This provides the perfect correlation to my situation:  will it ever end?

Thankfully, the promise of spring is always there, just like it's been in years and centuries past.  I see leaf and flower buds on trees and spring flowers pushing up from the dirt.  It provides comfort and an undeniable invigorating energy.  Even the increase in daylight hours has a positive impact!

 

 

So all that being said, what better time for my beloved to come home... during Spring!  A time for renewal, a time for new beginnings, a time for recommitment to each other and the vows we spoke so long ago, renewed enthusiasm and determination as we continue building our farm.

I still don't know the exact day he will return, but I just know it's going to be soon.  It just has to be! 

So I'll close with a picture that pretty much sums it all up: 

The Promise of Spring

As promised in a previous post, here are some photos of the spring flowers in and around my neighborhood.  The early blossoms of daffodil were a cheerful sight when the trees were still in their winter drab. 

Turning onto my street at the peak of the blooming season was like driving into a fairy tale!  The soft pink blossoms of the cherry trees was so soothing and welcoming.



The azaleas!  Oh! the azaleas!  Across a lawn of bright green grass you're greeted with amazing pink, fuchsia, and white blossoms.  So wonderful!  I just wish the blooming time lasted longer.

And finally the dogwood trees with their beautiful, simple flower. 

The legend of this flower is always such a great reminder of the compassion of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour:

     At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.  

     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said,

"Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.  In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

http://www.appleseeds.org

 

The promise of spring, the promise of new and eternal life from the greatest gift who paid the highest price of all, because you are LOVED by God. 

May you also have, know and believe in this Promise of Spring. 

John 3:16

HE IS ALIVE!

HE IS ALIVE, INDEED!

Happy Easter

Color

It's March 1st.  The day started out rather dreary here, as in many parts of the world, so today is about color.  After all, color is a good thing and it is a sure fire way to lift one's spirit.  

This was my view this morning:

Rather drab, wouldn't you say?  I would much rather have been looking at this:

common in Rabat, the Orange Trumpet Vine, puts on a spectacular show

Here is just a sampling of the the many flowers of my garden in Morocco.  Never again will I have glorious color such as these tropical beauties, but I do at least have my photos to remind me of days well spent enjoying what I knew was a precious gift! 

the main entrance to my house



Bouganvilla of my garden



Bouganvilla cascading over the exterior wall

my favorite, Plumbago

Plumbago along the exterior wall, in full bloom

This jasmine draped over a balconey just off my bedroom.  Each spring, I waited with great anticipation for the blooms that would bring heavenly scents wafting through the garden and my bedroom.  I expect it is bursting into bloom about now, or will soon.  I hope the current residents in the house enjoy it as much as I did!

Moroccan jasmine

smells heavenly!

In South Carolina, although very different, and not quite as heavenly in scent, is Yellow Jasmine.  I have always loved it, and it is also our state flower.

My day improved by mid-day.  The sun was shining brightly and by afternoon our high temperature had soared to 84 degrees!!!  Spring is coming!  I can feel it, I can see it, and my nose is starting to tingle as the pollen makes itself known to everyone.....and everything!  I'm very excited about spring this year, even with the curse of allergies.  I have not seen a South Carolina spring in 20 years!  My children have never experienced it. The azeleas and dogwoods are spectacular and I can't wait.  Don't worry, I'll post more photos of spring once we're in full bloom.  But this preview is just to bring you back for more.

So enjoy these pre-spring days, and be sure to start taking your Claritin!