celebrate spring Archives -

Spring Brings A Fresh Perspective

Adams’ Acres Awakens to Spring

Spring is my favorite season, a reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation (that includes you and me!)

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. ” Genesis 1:1 Click here for more verses about God’s creation.

It’s a happy time. Birds appear from nowhere to build nests; butterflies search for the tiniest flowers. Animals attack new blades of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates.

And yet, too often our present pain can overshadow the splendor of spring.

I recall a spring day when I unloaded my heavy heart. “Little Robin, I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Can’t you see my heart is breaking as you strut proudly singing? Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a woman, mother, caregiver, or friend, is inevitable.

As Mother lay in a hospital, I wondered if each day would be her last. Her window opened to beautiful, flower-laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking.

Yet it was that very image that gave me hope.

From childhood to now, my fondest memories of Mother included nature. Thoughts of our rejoicing in God’s creation refreshed my weary soul. As I pondered the joys we had on our many spring excursions, I felt a sense of peace. Mother relished every moment outside in the spring. “Smell the air” she would say. “Look at the colors! Susie, never lose sight of what God has given us!”

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bringing spring to those who cannot get outside.

Recently, it seemed I had walked into a spring garden instead of a care facility. Every room was filled with colorful flower cutouts. Bright ribbons adorned pictures and bows accented the lamps. I was told they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

Who needs a touch of God’s goodness this spring?

We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around in the room occupied by the home-bound? Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life! Make every day a holiday; celebrate the gift of life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find the courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for your comments; and your prayers.

Take Time to Celebrate Spring and Share Joy

It is time to celebrate spring and share joy.

Winter has been long, dreary, and tiring. Now the sun shines brighter; grasses splash vivid greens over barren soil; birds explore new food sources and I want to rush out and take it all in.

These baby kittens call me outside!

Miss Kitty had 3 little ones by our front porch. I want to play with them; to pick wildflowers in the meadow; sit by the budding dogwood. But, I have work I must do; or do I?

Are you feeling too overwhelmed to celebrate springtime?

Here is a message for you: there will always be too much to do and too little time to enjoy God’s wonders unless you plan now for it. The truth is, my desk is piled high with urgent needs and those in my care require more of my time. My dining table I cleaned last week is over-flowing again with “stuff”.

Here is truth: there will always be work to do; you may never be caught up!

Consider this: I made a decision about my world. It’s not earth-shattering, but life-saving for me. I decided I won’t ever get my work caught up and we may not eat at the dining table again, ever! I will never be the perfect caregiver, homemaker, office manager, or writer; there will always be work waiting for me.

Decide to celebrate spring, make a plan and stick to it.

So, here’s the thing. I am going to allow a little time to celebrate the arrival of SPRING and to share the joy with others who need encouraging! I am positively little-girl giddy as I think of it. You may laugh when you hear what I plan to do this week.

You, too, can share joy with these easy and inexpensive tools.

Begin with a box of sandwich baggies and a roll of colorful ribbon in hand to fix tiny Joy Bags to share everyday. I keep a bag in the car and in the house to give to the mailman, the delivery guy/gal, the waitress or attendant wherever I am, to the lonely person on the street, people in the nursing home; whoever God puts in my path! Fun!

Here are some great items to tuck in your goody bag:

a few candies … inexpensive, individually wrapped from the dollar store.
a gospel tract (or typed scripture or sayings on a small card)
small hand-written greeting or scripture about God’s love
simple recipes
tiny silk flowers or pretty stickers
crackers or cookies or Rice Crispy snacks
small pads, ink pens; maybe a small stamped envelope, folded
can you see …. the possibilities are endless. What do you have lying around to brighten someones day?

Let the family help you in putting them together and in choosing who will get them.

Have you found some fun way to celebrate spring’s arrival?

The awakening of the earth reminds us of a Loving Creator. Spring seems to bring with it the promise of better days. I pray for you a delightful spring as you care for yourself, family, and others God puts in your path.

Hugs,

Please comment below; I want to hear from you. And share the address with those who need to sign up for the newsletter and be encouraged with a weekly note.

Celebrate Spring with Quick, Healthy Alternatives

Posted on March 13, 2015 by adminOctober 25, 2016

Spring is in the air. Help your family and those in your care celebrate spring by upping the menu a bit with pineapple for quick, healthy meals. Pineapple is in season March through June and canned pineapple readily available. Rich in vitamin C and manganese, it’s a go to food for the health conscious.

Consider the following ideas even if you are thinking pineapple is not a food you use often. I want to move you from thinking desserts or plain pineapple to some new ideas NOTE: be sure to read to the end for a great recipe.

Think of pineapple to replace other foods. Tomatoes, for instance, are extremely expensive and tasteless right now. See below how they are replaced on sandwiches for an exciting change.

Here are five simple ways to incorporate pineapple into your menu.
1. Sandwiches: bacon, lettuce and pineapple slice on a bun; grilled chicken and pineapple sliders; ham and pineapple croissants; tuna, celery and pineapple on toast.
2. Shrimp salad: diced pineapple and chopped shrimp with ground ginger and olive oil on a bed of romaine lettuce. Also a simple salsa of diced pineapple and chili peppers makes a great complement to fish dishes.
3. Pineapple salsa: fresh pinapple, diced peppers, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), chopped onions, one chopped chili pepper, ¼ c fresh cilantro, ¼ cup orange juice and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grill pineapple slices in a little butter, olive oil, or vegetable oil or on the grill outside. Add a little soy sauce or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a snack or fun side dish. Pineapple goes well with port, fish and chicken dishes.
5. Add pineapple tidbits or chunks to scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, or other dishes for a touch of spring in your taste buds!

Here is a recipe for healthy teriyaki pineapple chicken.
2 chicken breasts cubed
Veggies: thin sliced red, green and yellow peppers; 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms; small chopped onion.
1 8 oz can pineapple chunks with liquid
1 tsp garlic powder

Cook chicken cubes in 2 T oil until pink is gone; add veggies and simmer until tender, stir in ¼ cup flower and simmer to thicken. Serves 8. Serve over rice or pasta. AlsoThis also makes a good pita sandwich or as a side dish.
Please let me know if this stretched your thinking a bit on varying your menu.

Hugs,

Check out my store page for information on my book. I’m so excited about how God is using this rewrite with a Discussion Guide at the end of each chapter. Great gift idea! Click on book at right for more information.