Spring Means Hope!

 "The day the Lord created hope is probably the same day he created Spring."           Bern Williams

Spring comes early in Arizona.  As each flower or plant blooms in our new surroundings I am reminded that life is renewable and fresh starts are possible.  This Easter I felt a powerful connection to the idea of "re-birth" since we have picked up and physically started a new life here in the desert.  We have been thrust into a different culture here with different challenges but I'm reminded that every day can be a new day for repentance, change, forgiveness, and  hope. We don't need to wait for things to change or for winter to pass, the power is within us to choose our attitude about how we will face the world today!  The grace of Christ allows that power to be ever present in our lives if we choose to receive it. Choosing it is the hard part.

 McKell had her first date with Ethan, Matt's nephew.  Licia and Matt set them up and went on a double date with them to Red Robin and miniature golf.  Licia said McKell was gracious and talked to Ethan, who is super shy.  She continues to challenge herself in new ways and I see her blooming and maturing as painful as it can be sometimes.  

The desert blossoming like a rose?? I never knew cacti produced flowers?

Sydney is taking this whole re-birth idea to a new level. ha ha.  She's watched a few too many episodes of H20 and just had to have this mermaid tale. She spent a pretty penny of her allowance money to make it become a reality. I love that she still likes being a kid!