Awakened and Restored-

because we all need a little transformation.

Seasons jumped quickly this year as the last frost gave way to the year’s first daffodils. Just one and then many yellow honeysuckles appeared. It is fascinating to watch the almost dead-looking trees begin their transformation into living greens and lively bouquets. Awakened and restored because we all need a little transformation and new beginnings.

We share our yard with a family of cardinals, bluejays, and many other kinds of birds. Chipmunks, bunnies, squirrels, bees, and other flying insects abound. The deer have been running in small packs across the back edge of the yard that swings around into a small wooded area and then onto the first hole of the golf course.

I have never seen anything like the Spring in Georgia: electric green foliage, techno color pinks, and yellows. Since moving here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else other than the Southern United States, with its vivid and beautiful displays.

There is just something about seeing a red cardinal. Is it because I grew up in Southern California where red cardinals were only on Christmas cards?

What would it be like to be one of these perfect birds?

Meanwhile, I watch the male, perched on a branch in the Pear Tree, swallowing a pink blossom. The red striking against the pink, and green, with soft blue skies peeking through. All still except for singing and chirping.

Yes, soon, the seasons change as the blossoms bloom and drop. The grass asleep, browned through the winter, awakens. Brilliant hues of emerald swirling with moss, clover, and high grasses drink in the new rain.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be a perfect cardinal? Doing what sweet birds do without our messy parts? For Instance, do we have it all together or do we fall apart on cue. How about losing our cool over a challenging situation? Or do we raise our voice when we are the ones who forgot to do the important things that one needs to do in life, in marriage, in friendship?

But that is okay because none of us really has it all together. No one was ever perfect except for Jesus. And how wonderful that Jesus loves us and wants to hang out with us – like forever – in heaven.

Are we waiting to be awakened and restored like the winter grass? We may be like the seed that is waiting to sprout. Or like the bud that wasn’t there yesterday and tomorrow will flower.

Our brokenness heals by the grace of Jesus as He wakes, restores, and lifts us. Likewise, winter is ending and spring is upon us. What a perfect way for God to show us how He can transform each one of us.

Sometimes I look back and reflect on childhood traumas and young adult rebellions. Paths and choices that led me away from the Holy One. But God took this once good girl/bad girl/ punk rock/ rebellious child, called me beloved, and made me His.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 NKJV

Hope was born

Above all, God gives us His only son Jesus to bring Hope into our lives. There will still be sorrows in the world, however, we have Hope that transforms, heals, comforts, and protects.

Easter is coming when we as Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus paid our sin debt in full through His sacrificial death on the cross and defeated death with His resurrection three days later.

Awakened and restored – and sing – “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…”

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

Certainly, God is growing and transforming us. As a result, we are awakened and restored – because we all need a little transformation. How awesome is this!

If you are a believer, you know this, but if not, I beg you to reconsider. Look at the beauty and design in nature, spectacular star heavens, and intricate shaping of snowflakes, shells, and flowers. Miraculous bodies and all they do! Our Creator has specially made and shaped each one of us.

The signpost on the road says, “Jesus this way”. Our path is narrow and not as crowded as the broad path, but it leads directly to God.

Jesus is our one-way door to our eternal home. It’s so clear and exciting. Thank you, God. You make me smile. I feel loved by You. You are here with me.

Jesus of Nazareth read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; Luke 4:16-21 NKJV