April was nothing like I expected and better than I imagined. Winter did not want to leave even though I begged and begged. The month dragged on with no end in sight until one morning it didn’t. The spring green that I longed for appeared out of nowhere and the weeping cherry tree in front of my house showed off its soft pink flowers. The hope and expectancy I held onto suddenly was right in front of me.
I tell people I’m a sunshine girl. My mood, perspective and attitude each day very much matches the weather. But the moment you wake up to the promise of spring, everything seems to change. April is now a memory, but the expectancy of spring is a promise I should hold onto everyday.
[Tweet “Join me as I journey through what I am learning, loving, and living in April.”]
I am learning …
How patience is a daily discipline of embracing it with everything I have or turning away. The lingering winter tested me on so many levels.
What it looks like to say “yes” to a neighbor for a movie night, weekly dinners with my son, the difference a smile makes for others, and taking walks even when it is still too cold outside.
I am loving …
In real-life connections with the ladies in my leadership cohort that I previously only saw through my computer screen.
The joy of seeing how God works through women who gather for a retreat not knowing if they will like it and watching them leave filled and wonderstruck.
Meeting Shannan Martin, author of Falling Free, in person. She is the real deal. It was a blessing to meet her this past weekend at the Renewal retreat, where she was a speaker.
I am living …
A better version of myself. What this means is I am getting better at claiming who God says I am rather than what others say or what I interpret from multiple social media feeds.
Knowing I am loved, valued, and cherished by God. I wrote about my journey to discovering my identity HERE and HERE.
With the truth that God is faithful. We wrapped up a retreat this past weekend that we began planning a year ago. Just when you want all the details to fall into place, you find that God has other plans. All I knew and kept telling the core team is that the retreat was exactly what God planned. I rested in the peace that God had it under control. The result was beautiful and we all left knowing God is planning a bright future for Renewal.
April is another month on the calendar, but the constancy of God is lifelong. Just when you believe one season will never leave and the new one won’t arrive, God surprises you and seems to say “It’s all under control.” Our deep longing is seen and heard by God. The hope of a better tomorrow is on the tip of His tongue and is the desire of His heart.
Here’s to knowing we serve a God who is present in every detail, loves more than we can possibly fathom, and someone who washes away the gray of winter with the bright green of spring. He is consistent, patient, and always on our side.
Happy May everyone!
You may find me hanging out at these lovely blogs this week!
I loved reading your monthly musings! I love how God continues to teach us–no matter what our age. We are never too old to learn :).
Well thank you! They are so much fun to write. We are definitely never too old to learn.
Love this, Mary! So wonderfully encouraging, no matter what we happen to be “waiting” for…. blessings!
Thank you, June! I enjoy writing the recap posts. It gives me a chance to reflect on the month and see where God has been working.
I honestly thought Winter would never end around here, my friend! I know how you love your outdoor walks so I’m sure today has been a good one for you. It sounds like you had a wonderful April spending time with people you love and enjoy. Weekly dinners with your son sound especially heavenly. Wishing you a very happy May as well! My daughter will be home for 2 weeks so I’m thrilled this month has finally arrived :).
The weather change has done me good!! Lots of walking has been happening lately. Thank you for being here. I hope your time with your daughter doesn’t go by too quickly. Enjoy!
Mary, you sound content and at peace. That is such a gift. And those pink blossoms are beautiful. What kind of bird is in that tree?
Thank you, Susan! I am even though I still have many challenges along the way. God is good to take over when I actually let Him. 😉 As for the bird, I have no idea! I need Anita or June to identify the bird for me.
Mary, it sounds like one of the themes in your April was the truth that God’s in control…of every detail of our lives. How beautiful that He brought amazing things through the retreat! It sounds like something I would have enjoyed.
I hope your May is as surprising in a good way as your April was!
Absolutely! I need to remind myself and God steps in over and over but life is so much easy when I surrender control to Him. The retreat was such a gift. You know it’s special when you feel God’s presence throughout all of it. I hope May brings you joy and much progress on your book!
Feeling envious that you were able to meet Shannan Martin in person. Your spring photos are lovely.
You would love sitting and chatting with Shannan. It was such a blessing. Thank you for being here and I hope to share many more spring photos.
Hello fellow sunshine girl. I am right there with you.
I absolutely LOVED your post! I felt a kindredness in many of the things you shared from what you are learning and found encouragement in how you are loving and living.
Thank you so much for sharing. It was such a blessing to visit here today.
I’m so glad I’m not alone. This winter was particularly hard for me but now that spring is officially here, I’m doing much better. Thank you for being here and I’m glad these words resonated with you. I love knowing you were encouraged because that is my goal every time I write. I hope you stop back and I am headed to your place now.
I’m glad you are finally seeing some Spring weather too, Mary, and that your retreat was good. Falling Free is on my to-read list so hopefully I’ll get there soon! Hope you have a great May!
I hope you get the chance to read Falling Free at some point. Shannan is going to have a new book coming out in October I can’t wait. The retreat was wonderful and I am still processing how God was working. Thank you for stopping by. I love seeing you here!
I love the constancy, patience, and faithfulness of God, Mary. Thank you for this encouraging reminder. I, too, was discouraged about the winter holding on so strong in April, and now only in this past week, there is so much new life. It’s amazing how quickly the trees are turning green. As always, I love your photos. Those flowers are so beautiful. And what a unique tree! Or are those mushrooms growing out of it? I am so glad women went away filled from the retreat. I always enjoy hearing what you’re learning, loving, and living. 🙂 Love and hugs to you!
We are blessed indeed by a God who remains the same today and tomorrow. I am so glad you are seeing Spring where you live. I admit I had doubts it was even going to arrive this year. Thank goodness it did! Yes, the tree has mushrooms growing out of it. I found it fascinating. I pray you have a blessed weekend!
Renewal sounds like a great gathering! Is this a local event planned by you and your cohort? I loved Shannan’s book, and have no doubt that she was an amazing speaker.
Like you, I’m clinging to slim evidence that spring is a real thing, but have been staying active and just trusting . . .
Happy May!
Renewal was a local event planned by a team people, including me. And yes four out of my six cohort members were part of the Renewal team. It was a beautiful weekend and Shannan tied it all together by sharing her story of God leading her from her lifelong dream to the other side of the tracks. And yes, I’m clinging to Spring and feeling like it is here to stay. Happy May and Happy weekend!