Renewed!

Hello World! A burst of energy hit me last weekend. A renewed strength came after a women's retreat to Village Creek Bible Camp. The weather was amazing for the first time since November and time seemed to stop as I found myself relaxing on a porch swing in the sun with two great friends. Later more friends joined as we lay blankets out on the grass and bathed in the warmth of the afternoon sun. An amazing moment of peace and joy.

I've had a lot of moments like that in the last week or so. The warm air has brought big smiles as I breathe in the subtle hint of summer. Storms are my favorite, and although they have yet to arrive in this part of the state, I am enjoying the high winds that howl through my screens and knock my shades against the window pane. Unfortunately a lack of windows in my bedroom keeps me from falling asleep to the cool breeze like I've managed to do all my life. I may sleep out on my couch one of these nights just to taste the memories.

Winter is gone and spring has arrived. I think I may have gotten my first sunburn today. I spent time once again on a blanket in the sun. I think my freckles have begun to pop, a trait my mom loves and I once despised. Summer is my favorite season and always has been. I could sit in the sun all day long if I were allowed. I can remember spending two weeks of the summer at my grandma's house. She had a pool at one house, and later moved to a lake. I get my sun-loving nature from her I guess. In her upper 70s and she still ventures down the back hill to the dock and makes her way in the water for a little exercise. I'm not sure I've ever seen my grandpa swim now that I think about it. A boat and fishing pole is all he needs for pleasure.

My other grandparents always had adventures right in their back yard. Tamed turkeys, chicken eggs for collecting and all the hiding spots a kid could want. I miss the days of searching out treasures under tarps and in sheds. My grandpa Duren is quite the character in his overalls and worn out Popeye t-shirts. My grandma was lovely too, making the best red velvet cake to match the many red heads running around the house.

Childhood is something we long to get over, and when we actually reach adulthood, we're screaming and kicking to turn back the clock. When I am outside, whether on hot summer days by the lake or breezy nights by the bonfire, childhood doesn't seem so far away. There are still fireflies and a sky so big. The stars are still a mystery to me as they shine bright, twinkle, and scatter across the big dark canvas God has created. Needless to say, I am over my winter blues and am back to my old self. Clean, renewed, restrengthened and really, really excited for what is in store.

Things I'm loving this week...
1. My new haircut. ( I don't to locks of love and chopped my hair off for the first time since 2006!)
2. Bbq's! the smell of grill should seriously be a cologne for men.
3. Being reminded that God is great and he sees me. Despite all that I am, he still loves me and makes all things new!