April Showers Brings ...

 Muddy paws!  

This dog is a typical husky when it comes to digging holes and she's made some nice ones in the back yard recently.  Today it's rainy, which means I really shouldn't be leaving her outside alone because she comes inside as a total mess.  Before I could wipe of those paws she ran through the house creating muddy tracks all over.  That just adds to my housework, thanks a lot Brooke.  

I still love her.  Huskies are known to be cold-natured, athletic dogs but in this case we have a big fluffy low-energy whiner.  I especially love her in the evening when she's ready to snuggle up on the couch and take a little snooze before bedtime.  

This picture was taken yesterday during an afternoon nap while we watched church service from home.  

We don't typically enjoy watching church from home and like to be in person but since our son wasn't feeling well we stayed home.  He began to feel sick on Saturday and on Sunday morning told me he kept waking up sweaty and feeling dizzy.  His throat was also hurting and he thought it was closing up.  I rushed him to Urgent Care and it was a quick appointment.  He was tested for strep, covid, flu and rsv and all came back negative.  Apparently, it's just a bad cold.  He's home from school today.  I feel bad.  Matthew has been working so hard this year and is currently doing two spring sports - baseball and track.  I guess his body is telling him it's time for a break.  

We did get to enjoy watching him in two relay races at a track invitational last Friday evening.  The team placed fourth both times but I'm still so proud of him.  How could I not be?  

This week is starting off rainy and will remain cold for awhile.  I'm sure this back and forth weather isn't helping to keep any of us healthy but I know we need the rain.  Last fall they called for a burn ban because of the lack of precipitation.  We are still a few inches shorter than what it should be.  So, the rain is welcomed but I'd rather not deal with muddy paws anymore.  

"Whatcha talkin' about, Mom?" 

Five For Friday: Favorite Bible Verses

 To add a little change around here I decided to come up with a post called Five For Friday, where I'll pick a category and add five things pertaining to that topic.  I thought a great subject to start things off is five of my favorite Bible verses.  Although the Bible has many amazing verses and stories these five have had special meaning to me at some point in my life.  

In no particular order:

FIVE FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

"The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?" -- Psalm 27:1

This verse in this context is found in the New International Version, the version I received at a church at twenty years old after giving my life to Christ.  I have since switched to the King James version but I remember the first time reading this verse.  I was still living at my parents' house, sitting on my bed reading through the Bible and praying for God to forgive me for my past mistakes.  I don't speak about my past much but I was once suicidal and depressed, having no hope I'd ever have a future.  In my teenage years I tried several things I thought would bring me relief through the pain but when I saw these words it was the first time I realized that the only way I could get relief from the pain and strength to go on was only through the Lord.  Psalm 27:1 has since been my life verse and it reminds me who carries my strength.  

"In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world" -- John 16:33

Whenever I read this verse it brings me chills.  Life is difficult but the thing that helps me get through is knowing Who is in control and Who has already won the battle.  

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres, LOVE NEVER FAILS" -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

These verses were spoken at our wedding and is written on the wall above our bed.  Before marriage, Rob and I decided to use 1 Corinthians 13 as a reminder of the most important gift God has ever given us:  Love!

"Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" -- 1 Peter 5:7

Much like how Psalm 27:1 has helped me through my depression 1 Peter 5:7 definitely helps me in those moments when my anxiety wreaks havoc.  

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" -- John 3:16

Oh my!  This verse not only tells us the only way into heaven but it is a reminder of what God did to save us through His son, Jesus.  I'm so, so thankful.  

I hope you enjoyed this post today.  Please let me know what is your go to verse when life feels tough.  

(pictures from DuckDuckGo)

Things I Love About Spring

 We have two of these trees on each side of our driveway.  I don't know what kind of tree it is but they blossom these beautiful white flowers in early spring that only last a few weeks.  

Birds love it for nesting.

Saying hello to a squirrel in a tree during an evening walk.

Nothing says springtime like seeing the daffodils in full bloom.

Bright skies as our flags move around in the breeze.  

Easter decorations are on display getting ready to celebrate the most important holiday of all.  

What are your favorite things about spring? 

My Eagle Scout

As we enter into another week I wanted to take a moment out of my busy schedule to give an update worth sharing.  

My son began his journey as a cub scout in the early elementary school days.  His father unexpectedly took on the role as one of the scout leaders because there weren't enough parents willing to help.  From Tiger, to Wolf, to Bear and Webelos and then receiving his Arrow of Light he crossed over to the boy scouts.  Because of sports he was not always able to attend every Tuesday evening meeting but that did not stop him from earning a total of thirty-six merit badges.  He spent years working hard and pushing through.  Now we are proud to say that as of last Tuesday ...

He's an Eagle Scout!

We waited as he privately interviewed with the Eagle review board.  I knew he had it but was also nervous.  I could tell he was nervous as well.  His sister skipped her dance classes to be there and we all felt pride when hearing the announcement that he had made it.  It takes a lot to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and I'm glad he never gave up.  

Now it's time to plan for the ceremony!  

No matter how many years go by and how much he grows I will always think of him as my little Tiger!