No matter how many flowers I see I will never tire of trying to capture them in their best light with my camera. God smiles on us every time we step out our door and it brings me unending joy to savor these little flashes of heaven.
When out on the trails, soaking in God’s blessings, it’s always a treat to be reminded that you’re never truly alone. There is an abundance of creatures happy to pose for a photo or two before continuing on their way.
The world has woken up once again from it’s grey frozen slumber, dabbing on a bit of cheery blush and redecorating with every color under the sun. Evening walks through the neighborhood have been just as much a welcome blessing as always.
My husband and I have been on a mission this spring to befriend the neighborhood cardinals and have taken great care to keep our backyard feeder fully stocked with birdseed. Ever since I first came to Indiana I have savored each and every flash of scarlet wings that happens across my path but it wasn’t until this year that we took the time to investigate the Indiana state bird a bit. They are indeed named for their bright red feathers, reminiscent of the vestments worn by the cardinals of the Catholic Church. My husband and I also discovered that their ruby coloring is doubly appropriate as these are incredibly amorous birds who often mate for life. The male’s dazzling red coat is just one way in which he woos his beloved. Cardinal birds also grow up learning just a handful of birdsongs from their fathers which they must perfect in order to attract their one and only. Once they have, they become dedicated fathers themselves and providers for the nest, gathering food for their ladies and even taking turns sitting on the nest.
Even when the Sun goes down, there is always a light over Lake Michigan. I was blessed to once witness this changing of lights during a visit with my parents. Even on a windy evening, there’s something miraculous about the twinkling waters at sunset.
Spring has sprung in all of its’ flowering beauty. We’ve been blessed with many neighborhood strolls this season to savor the fresh scents of new life. This was a particular necessity this year as my job is largely performed at a desk and this pregnant momma was desperate to stretch her legs. The hubby was only too happy to join me.
It’s blessed yellow days like these that always remind me of a favorite John Denver song and send me skipping throughout my day. There’s nothing quite like some open air and a little sunshine to brighten the mood.
Many people dream of vacations to white sandy beaches, being lulled into comfortable drowsiness by a symphony of seagulls and waves lapping on the shore. While these warm lazy afternoons certainly have their place, this is the lake that I long for. Growing up in the mountains, we didn’t have many sandy beaches but God blessed us with countless family adventures like this one.
As the Midwest drizzle persists I’m dreaming of twinkling sunny days like this one. In this place where people live like hobbits, passionate for food, ale and well tilled earth, God’s blessings shine from every flower bed.
Just as the first buds of spring peek into view and the cold weather daffodils pop out of the ground in festive, bright anticipation of warmer days, we Catholics also prepare to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. This will be the conclusion of the octave of Easter when we pray in thanksgiving for God’s infinite mercy in our lives. This is a day when Catholics are especially encouraged to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist as means of acquiring special graces associated with this last Sunday of the Easter octave. I pray everyone is able to receive the sacraments this weekend.
Blessed in the Midwest 