• Mar. 20, 2006
Welcome Spring
"...for behold, the winter is past;
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come."
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
May '05 ~ Our son and nieces enjoying each another
and one of the wonders of spring...dandelions!
It's the day I've been longing for...it's finally spring! I love spring for so many reasons...the spring rains, faint breezes, budding trees, and tulips pushing their way through the soil.
I remember when I was in third grade and we made construction paper kites in the spring. I vividly remember that my friend, Johnny, decorated his orange kite in honor of "The Dukes of Hazzard." I remember discussions in class about March coming in as a lion and going out as a lamb...and cheering ourselves with the knowledge that April showers bring May flowers.
Call me crazy, but as a teenager, I loved listening to Sandi Patty on my walkman while hanging laundry on the clothesline in the spring. And perhaps best of all, spring always brings back fond memories of a blossoming love. My husband and I began dating in April, and spring causes me to recall all those special firsts...first hug, first kiss, first "I love you." All these things point to newness...refreshment...hope.
Yet with all this "newness," God has reminded me of the renewal that He desires to do in my heart and mind. Just as I need to do spring cleaning in my home, He desires to clean out the filth and sin from my heart. He knows the real me. There's no use hoping that he won't open that despised junk drawer, notice the spider webs in the corner, or see that big wad of dog hair on the floor. He sees my attitudes...my selfishness...my laziness...my sin. And I marvel that He would take this sinful heart, cleanse it, and make it new.
So on this first day of spring, I join David in praying,
"Create in me a clean heart,
O God, and renew a right spirit
within me.
Cast me not away from your
presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit
from me.
Restore to me the joy of your
salvation,
and uphold me with a willing
spirit."
Psalm 51:10-12
Comments
• Mar. 20, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by HappilyEverAfter
Nikki how I needed to have Psalm 51 brought to my mind. I have been convicted of my lazy attitude towards my home lately. In my mind I thought I was neglecting my home due to cancer, but upon further reflection it really is just laziness. Oh how I need "a right spirit renewed with in me." Thanks for posting--the Lord always guides us to His word and I found it with you this morning!
Much love,
Fran
• Mar. 20, 2006
HI
Posted by homeschoolmom2000
Loved the photos. Spring is a wonderful time. Thanks reminding me of Psalm 51. I enjoyed checking out your site. I am going to put you on my friends list so I can check back.
Allison
• Mar. 20, 2006
good reminder
Posted by Lynn
Nikki~
Spring cleaning! Yes my house is in need of a good cleaning, but I also need to check those corners of my heart. Thank you for this "spring" reminder. There is nothing that I can hide from my Father.
I enjoy your site. It is a delight to read your ensight. Thanks for encouraging me today!
Love Ya!
Lynn
• Mar. 20, 2006
I'm "pea green" with envy! ; )
Posted by CTdittmar
You've got me sighing wistfully over your springy weather there! Dandelion picking is one of our favorite pastimes too! Loved your reminiscing...the Sandy Patty in the walkman...
Christa
• Mar. 21, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by RainyDayMichele
Beautiful photos, my friend. They bring joy to my heart and a great big smile to my face. :o) I do love Spring....though I have decided that I love all the seasons for different reasons. lol. Have you heard Nicole Nordeman's song, Every Season? It's beautiful ANY time of year....but especially in the spring. It moves me so much. My prayer is that you will be blessed beyond measure this season, Nikki, and that the joy you bring to those who know you will be returned to you a hundred-fold. :)
• Mar. 21, 2006
Isn't spring great!
Posted by momofgirls
Reading your blog is like reading an online devotional...thank you for your ministry through your words here!
• Mar. 21, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by MamaMary
I LOVE Sandi Patti! What GREAT pictures. Your boys are getting big. It's bittersweet isn't it? I saw that you replied to my blog the other day but it was right before they went down and afterwards it had erased whatever you wrote?
I sure do love you and your sweet heart Nikki. (((Warm Hugs)))
• Mar. 21, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
Sandi Patti...me too! I got to see her in concert a couple of times even. Haven't listened to her music in a long time.
I wish it were warm here. We've had the threat of snow ever since spring began. And I thought I lived in the South?!? LOL
-Angel
• Mar. 22, 2006
Thanks!
Posted by kindredspiritMom
This was so encouraging. I used to listen to "We Shall See Him as He is" over and over again and just cry, and of course "We Shall Behold Him." I miss 80's christian music!!
• Mar. 29, 2006
You just have a way....
Posted by Stacey Barrett
of reaching right to my soul with the words you write. God uses you and what you share to encourage me in my life as a wife, mother and a friend. You are so dear to me. Thank you!
• Apr. 8, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by chickadee
great photos! looks like a fun day.
