Spring is a special season God gives us each year to celebrate life and new beginnings, don’t you think? My joy level increases. God reminds me again that each day is a twenty-four hour gift with opportunities to learn and grow. I’m celebrating spring by sharing with you five things I’m learning make life happier. I hope they encourage you as well.
1. God’s Word Works
A few weeks ago my family got some unsettling news that left me worried. All I could do was go to my Bible and read God’s Word, pray it, and proclaim it. I wrote this verse on an index card and literally carried it around with me for a few days:
You know what I discovered? God’s Word really works. My anxiety diminished, and I felt renewed hope and peace.
2. Look at a Flower When You Want to See a Simple Miracle.
I always say flowers are miracles from God. I never get tired of looking at them. A sweet friend from Austin came to stay for Easter weekend, and we went with my teens to the Spring Bloom Festival at the Dallas Arboretum. I couldn’t get over how beautiful the flowers were. So many tulips and so many colors in one place took my breath away.
3. Books Are Your Friends.
This past month I read Jen Hatmaker’s For the Love. It’s the most unique Christian book I’ve read in a long time. I laughed myself silly at Jen’s views on leggings as pants and her story about how she keeps seeing someone’s old-lady hands sticking out of her sleeves now that she’s past 40. More importantly, Jen encouraged and challenged me with insights on pursuing a life marked by grace. Let’s give up trying to force ourselves and our loved ones to live up to impossible standards.
4. No Treasure Outweighs Your Family
Other families have reunions. We have Fry Fests. That’s because my mom and two aunts were born into the Fry family. We still call them the Fry Girls. Family members ranging in age from 1 to 75+ gathered in Dallas for a good ol’ Texas “visit,” which included good food.
We laughed ourselves silly when Aunt Beulah told the story of her biggest prank back in high school in Fabens, Texas. She and her friends secretly poured green ink into the school’s water supply. All sinks, toilets, and hoses ran green for a week, and when the school authorities threated to find and punish the perpetrators, she broke out in a sweat that lasted until the water ran clear again. (I hope her high school principal isn’t reading this.)
5. It’s Never too Late to Start Again.
Can I just say I’m not a hard core exercise person? I love to get outside and walk each day, but five years ago, I stopped doing my daily Pilates routine. In January, I started daily Yoga with Adriene on youtube. That morphed into my own personal blend of yoga and Pilates while listening to favorite Christian music. So far, I’ve managed to stick with it most days. (Okay, maybe not the last four.) It’s relaxing, empowering, and makes a difference in the way I feel.
Isn’t it amazing how we never stop learning? God always has new roads for us to travel and new things to show us along the way.
I’d love to hear from you. What are you up to this spring? Have you learned or tried anything new?
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I’m linking up with Emily Freeman’s Share What We Learned, Holly Barrett’s Testimony Tuesday, Kelly Balarie’s #RaRaLinkup, Crystal Storms’ Intentional Tuesday, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart, and Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
Love what you share, Betsy. I find my joy also increases through these same things. Sadly for me, my family lives overseas, but I do have my parents-in-law, who are an incredible blessing. We have dinner together almost every weekend.
I also really notice when I don’t spend time doing these things. For me, I’d add fellowship to the list because my in-laws and husband aren’t believers, so for me that time with Christian friends is so important. I really notice when I’ve missed out on that due to other family activities or illness.
I’m missing reading Christian books: just too busy prepping my own book for publication…but I do love visiting blogs (like yours!).
Anna, where do you live? I’m preparing now to go back to my home in the MidEast, so being with family has been a special treat this year. And I don’t always take time for books, but I’m so blessed when I do. Love my Kindle for overseas reading! Curious about your book. 🙂
This is great! I’m learning about flower power this spring, too, Betsy! Last week I swapped out the dead mums on my porch for some fresh, new flowers and I have to say they put a little spring in my step for my coming in and my going out! I think it was just what the doctor ordered to get me on the road to finding my new normal after my dad’s died. Blessings, my friend!
What a great idea to change out those flowers! I have an orchid in m y living room too, and it does bring more joy into my house. Still praying for you as I remember you. I know it’s a hard road for you right now, friend. May God wrap His arms around you each day.
Some of God’s best gifts are in the daily, the ordinary, the right-in-front-of-us. Super lessons about family and books, God’s Word and the beauties of creation, Betsy!
Lovely …
Thanks for your encouragement, Linda
Thank you for sharing what you are learning. God’s word is where it’s at. I have been reading verses and journaling about being fearless or brave. It has helped me to hear this theme and to read over and over that God is bigger than my fear and He will never forsake me.
As for exercise… it will always be my greatest joy and my greatest nemesis. We have a love/hate relationship but I know how important it is especially at my age. I have been doing Beachboy workouts for the last four months. I don’t have a miraculous story to tell or transformation to show you but I love myself more and feel better almost everyday. I love it enough that I just became a Beachboy coach, which I will be announcing soon. I know I can encourage others to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
I love coming here, Betsy. Your words always speak to me and teach me!!!
Thank you so much, Mary. I used that verse again this morning when another of life’s mini-trials came up, and it helped me so much!
I’m not familiar with Beachboys. That’s great that you’re doing that. I’ll stay tuned for more news on your coaching. Blessings on your week, friend.
It’s Beachbody and auto correct is not my friend!! 🙂
Good tips, Betsy. I especially love the Scripture you held closely and believed so dearly. I’m continuing to pray for you, friend. Annnnd…..the link for exercise! I’ll be checking that out. I have a standing “date” with Denise Austin 4 mornings a week. “Mixing it up” keeps me moving forward, so your suggestion is appreciated.
You know, Kristi, I’m really liking the yoga. Funny thing is that my brother started it too, and is using Yoga with Adriene. I hadn’t even mentioned it to him! Good for you and Denise Austin too!
I love the pictures of you and your mother and aunts! There is just *something* about family. Even if you don’t see one another often (as I generally don’t since I live far from most of my family), you have a special bond and shared memories.
One thing I’ve been doing this spring is working on my poetry. I don’t seem to have what it takes to work on big, complex projects right now, but poetry seems to suit where my head is at. I enjoy playing and experimenting with words and observing the changes in the world around me. It just feels like a springtime activity.
What a great idea to work on poetry, Jeanie. You are so talented. And I imagine it’s something that you can sit down for even a small chunk of time and work on? I don’t know much about writing poetry.
It’s so funny that you mentioned Pilates because I was just thinking to myself last night that maybe I could find a good Pilates workout on YouTube. Now if I could just find the time to do it…
Shelly! I haven’t “seen” you in ages. Thanks so much for stopping by here today. I bought some Pilates dvd’s years ago, but this one that I found on youtube is yoga. Good luck with finding a workout!
Betsy, what a great reminder we can keep learning new things, even when some old-lady hands start sticking out of our sleeves – loved For the Love. : )
Yeah, I don’t know whose hands those are in the kitchen when I do dishes! I’m totally with Jen on that one. Loved the book myself. Laughed SO HARD.
Yeah, I don’t know whose hands those are in the kitchen when I do dishes! I’m totally with Jen on that one. Loved the book myself. Laughed SO HARD.
Hi Betsy! I wondered where you went! Your Fry Girl reunion looks like it was a blast, love those shirts too!
Isn’t it a hoot to hear the crazy things our relatives do? Green toilet water? Oh man, I would have laughed myself silly! No worries here, I won’t tell.
You are the second person to mention Jen Hatmaker’s book. I just reserved it at the library. Can’t wait to dive in!
I hope your unsettling news has resolved? I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Ceil
I really recommend the book, Ceil. It’s one of a kind. Thanks for the prayer, friend. I hope you’re having a happy spring too. 🙂
Betsy, you’re so wise. I love your 5 things. Such a good reminder for every day…and every season!
xoxo
Blessings on the rest of your week, friend.
So blessed by your grateful heart that is reflecting on His goodness all around you. That’s a great list and we have a great God. Holding you close in prayer and believing in His goodness all around us. xo
Thanks, Tiffany. Gratefulness makes all the difference when we go through tough times (and good ones too). Thanks for the prayer. He IS good.
Hi Betsy!
This was a great post! I haven’t read For the Love, but the reviews I’ve seen tell me I should! I also enjoyed hearing about your “Fry Fest.” And you’re so right- family is treasure. Have a great week!
You have a good week yourself, Shannon. Thanks for stopping by. I would definitely recommend For the Love. So good. 🙂
Betsy, this is wonderful! I’ve also been exercising — it’s a pretty steep hill to climb, but so important for health and strength. Thanks for your encouragement here!
Good for you on the exercise, Michele. What are you doing? It’s so hard to make time, but so worth it. 🙂
Yes! All of these are spot on Betsy. I never thought about looking at a flower, but it’s so true! When I walk out into my front yard and notice a flower blooming, I’m automatically drawn to it. I feel refreshed as I linger for a moment, taking in its beauty. Great tips friend!
I love flowers, Kristine. Love them. Looking at them just draws me to the Creator!
So much to be thankful for here, Betsy. Spring is my favorite season. It just brings tons of joy and beauty. I loved Jen’s thoughts on leggings! There is a video I posted on FB a while ago with her talking about that section. It’s hilarious. I’m sorry to hear about your unsettling family news. I hope everything is ok. I’ve been hearing about those Yoga with Adriene videos a lot lately. That must be a sign for me to check them out. Thanks for the reminder :).
Yes, Candace, those thoughts on leggings and tights had me rolling on the floor with tears rolling down my eyes. Laughed so hard. Check out Yoga with Adriene. My brother’s doing it too! All is well here, thanks for your concern.
So happy I stopped by here today! Thanks for the encouragement- I feel the same way about homeschooling flowers and books 🙂 I am trying to excersize too but it is so hard to make it routine!! Everyday seems to hold a new unexpected challenge hahah! 🙂 blessings
Yes, Susie, when you’re homeschooling, EVERY DAY holds a surprise. Thanks for stopping by.
Betsy, I’ve read some of the most encouraging things lately in books of the Old Testament that I previously would have skimmed over. I guess that’s one more example of how God’s Word works, right? Hugs to you today!
Yes, love me some Old Testament. Definitely agree with you there!
Hi Betsy,
Your family reunion sounded like a wonderful time to relive the stories in your family — and I loved the photos! I like what you write about never being too old to learn new things — how true but how we often forget when we feel age creeping up on us! Your yoga and Pilates routine sounds like a perfect blend and I love it that you created it yourself! 🙂
Lovely thoughts on learning this spring Betsy! I’m relearning how much I love walking since the weather turned bearable.. you know above 40 degrees! And I’m also returning to my first love of reading books after telling myself my attention span was only made for magazines and blogs the past few years. There’s nothing like getting lost in a book or in my bible 🙂 And I’m also finally learning how prayer works! ♥
Thanks, Betsy. I’ve had a copy of FOR THE LOVE sitting in my “to read” pile for months. Your post has convinced me to move it to the top of the stack. Sounds like just the thing I need the spring!
I think it will add some spring to your soul for sure! So glad to have you here today, Jennifer.
Your Fry Fest sounds like a hoot! Sweatshirts, even! And good for you for starting up your exercise routine again–you won’t regret it :).
Thanks for your encouragement, Anita! My mom and aunts ARE a hoot! Love them.
I’ve just started doing Yoga with Adrienne, too! It’s been a great way to start the morning and start getting back to exercising. Love all of these – and definitely need to read For The Love!
Glad you’re liking it, Kathryn. I hear so many things about yoga, but I don’t hear anything on her videos that offends my faith. When she talks about setting an intention, I just pray for my day! 🙂
Hello, Betsy. Happy spring to you! This is truly a beautiful time of the year after so much gray in the sky and cold wind blowing. (I’m thankful God is with us no matter what time of year we are in, though).
I love seeing the tiny seeds I plant change and become what they were meant to be. But it can be so difficult in the desert! I just finished harvesting some Greek Oregano I grew from seed that I didn’t think was going to make it last season. (Happy dance).
I just love the quote from Isaiah. It’s one of my favorites.
Sorry I haven’t commented on your posts before this. I’ve seen your sweet smiling face around and feel like you’re a friend I never met.
Greek Oregano sounds lovely, Gleniece. Thanks so much for reading this post and commenting today. May the Lord increase your joy and strength day by day this spring.
The simple act of looking at a flower really adds beauty to my day. Oh and your fry fest sounds like so much fun. I am thankful that you get to spend this time with your family. Have a blessed week!
The Fry Fest WAS fun, Barbie. Thanks for reading today. Praying now that the Lord will add beauty to your week.
Somehow I missed this post but I’m glad I stopped by and read today! I’m going to have to check out that Jen Hatmaker book. It sounds like just the type of book I need right now. This spring I’m learning how sometimes things don’t turn out how we planned, and but God gives us exactly what we need. xoxo
Things don’t turn out how we planned, but God gives what we need. SUCH a valuable thing to learn Abby. I think I might be enrolled in that same class you are this spring (but WITHOUT a little one on the way). 🙂