What comes to my heart is pure gratitude for all God is giving me in unexpected places. #gratitude #blessings #unexpected #newness
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Spring brings promise, hope, resets, renewals, and lots of rain. Entering June and Summer, I find God gives His blessings in unexpected places.
It was so romantic when my husband led me to the large dining room windows. Pulling up two chairs, we looked out onto the front yard. No television or scrolling on social media, no blue light, only a beauteous glow cast at the golden time between day and night before the rain. And underneath the shadow of the rose bush was the bunny. We had just seen it in the backyard while lounging on the deck. But then the branches swayed, and the sky gathered darkness clouds – a storm was a brewing – as little tunnels of wind picked up loose leaves. So, we rushed inside, but now moments later, we were still watching outside, mesmerized by our bunny friend.
These are our creature friends, the deer, bunny, fireflies, bees, chipmunks, possums, armadillos, cardinals, that bird with the yellow belly, and that big one over there. Our habitat, preserve – a sanctuary together—a beautiful life on the greenbelt – where wild woodland and township meet.
No television or scrolling on social media, no blue light, only a beauteous glow cast at the golden time between day and night before the rain. #June #peace #naturelover
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Newness –
This June is a new June. I did not realize it initially, and I admit I almost missed it. Has June always been a month of newness? I suppose it has always been a changing of the season, and when I was in school, it meant a wonderful, delightful summer of the unknown – oh, how I enjoyed the expanse of freedom of the uncharted days of Summer.
It could be because my job is ending, and I will have the Summer off, which makes it extra special—a time to breathe, rest, reset, and begin anew. And the newness came up in blogs and a friend’s comment saying I had new things for June. And well, I do. The newness of June ushers in new friends and a Bible Study. A Zoom Masterclass and devotional class, a resource for my blog, a conference, and an anthology poetry book to savor. I am starting a new season. And I have new friends in the yard!
Time stands still sometimes –
And back to watching the bunny through the glass pane, a firefly rises so close I could touch it without this window. We observe the bunny devouring stems of clover, sometimes still and almost fading into the ground cover into the flower beds. Then like fireworks sprinkling the lawn, more fireflies light here and there. Thunder rumbles close, and soon showers roll in.
What comes to my heart is pure gratitude for all God is giving me in unexpected places. Not that I do not have moments of sadness, regret, or outbursts of emotion (ah yes), but those are emotions that I have a choice with what to do about. And today, I am choosing to give them to God and rest in His peace. I trust God with His goodness, the unknown, and Love.
Guiding me in this season is this lovely verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:5-6
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do you keep a gratitude list of God’s blessings? God Places His Blessings in Unexpected Places!
Some of mine in this perfect spot between Spring and Summer are:
Early morn, soft daybreak, the house is lovely, inviting, comforting, thank you home.
Husband, my love, our garden, the chef, he sure is precious. My husband, so sweet and kind, takes care of us.
Peace, before day, begins, where God invites me into His Word.
Garden delights with a harvest of tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, parsley, and oregano.
Books I love – Exodus, Overlooked, Stuff I’d Only Tell God, A Book of Luminous Things, the Hidden Prince.
Flowers blooming with electric green trees everywhere. Beyond my imagination.
Backyard friends, the bunny, deer, cardinals, bees, and so many more.
And food, yes, a food fest of shrimp fajitas, dinner guests, and key lime dreams.
A rainbow rises over my work site, good friends, new ones, sweet time – so grateful for the lovely ones in my life, in person, online.
This Summer, friends, I also plan to spend time pondering and dreaming, sitting with Jesus and asking, which way, my Lord – I am yours.
I would love to hear about where you are in the place between Spring and Summer.
Blessings, Deborah
This Summer, friends, I also plan to spend time pondering and dreaming, sitting with Jesus and asking, which way, my Lord – I am yours. #intentionalliving #summer #prayer
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Thank you for this beautiful and delightful rest, dance, lounge and linger time before the Lord of Hosts, Deborah! I so enjoy the new vibrant colors of spring, the dew on the grass, the rain, the sun, and the blooms; there is so much to savor with our Beloved! I feel the draw to be still and listen at His feet for this next season, so thank you for the gentle reminder to head that way; He’s worth the stop!
Lisa, this is a lovely time to be still and listen at Jesus’ feet. Who knows what He will bring? But what we do know is it will be good. I love How God gives us His seasons and creations to show us the best way and rbthymns on how to love and experience Him, each other, and our blessed lives.
Deborah, this is such a peaceful post. I felt drawn in to your story of gratitude!
Oh how I can relate! We have such beauty and gifts given here on earth “no mind has imagined” what God has for us in heaven!!! Such a beautiful post!
Susan, thank you so much for reading and I am happy you liked it. Our beauty in our world is a glimpse of our Heaven.
That was beautiful! I really like your neat perspective on gratitude and blessings. You really have a way with words! This post is definitely something I’ll be reading more than once and reflect on! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you and I am so happy you enjoyed it. You words of encouragement are a blessing. I love the feeling of gratitude for God’s blessings – He fills me with such joy.
Definitely makes me want to slow down and pay attention and be grateful. I felt relaxed reading this post!
Bethany, I am so happy that it does that and that it relaxed you. Life can be so crazy and I think when do that God brings us the peace we need.
This is such a beautiful meandering through bunny sightings, pondering and embracing stillness in the unexpected. A peace-filled read. Thank you ??
Kristy, thank you for reading and it fills me with joy that you found peace here. Have a blessed day.
Debbie, this is lovely. I took have had those times when blessings have shown up in unexpected places. I love to marvel at God’s creatures.
I so appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend.
Paula, God always has sweet lovely surprises for us – if only we can be patient. Have a blessed week and may God shine on you.