Sunshine and Fun times

Wow!  The weather in March this year really has been great in Oklahoma.  Since our summer last year was such a scorcher, the warm temperatures now make me a bit worried about the heat we might get this summer.  Oh well, I'll just enjoy what we have now!  Last weekend we spent all Saturday, literally 9:00-5:00, outside doing some much needed landscaping in our front yard.  Since we have lived here (three years now) we have not really ever paid any attention to our flower beds.  After the blazing heat of last summer, most of our shrubs were dead and crispy.  I enjoyed being out in the sun and working with the dirt last weekend.  When I was little I used to roll around in the mud as my dad did yard and garden work- I'm sure I was a huge help.  I probably would still play in the mud given the right opportunity!

We have some exciting trips coming up in March and April and they couldn't come at a better time!  I think it is so refreshing to escape from the everyday work and activities that can become routine.  Even if you cannot actually travel to a different location, I think you can find renewal at home.  Last week on a gorgeous day I found great refreshment just relaxing in our backyard with a book and the sunshine warming my face.  After a winter of multiple days indoors, the sunshine seriously warms the soul.  (It's great for Vitamin D too which is always a plus).  I forget how amazing it is just to be still, physically and mentally, and enjoy God's beauty, especially during busy times.  During those moments or on vacation I try to lay aside my baggage of worry and strive to find my deepest faith and enjoy God's goodness.  I remember these verses:
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the LORD your God."  Isaiah 43:2-3
"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" Psalm 34:8

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to take refuge in the Lord.  What does that look like?  Dictionary.com states that refuge is anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape; a place of shelter, protection, or safety.  When life throws blazing darts and obstacles in our paths, I am discovering that whatever is our refuge is the one we go to for protection or escape.  I think many times I just try to "be strong" and handle it on my own accord, and do not tap into the power of the one that is with me and lives in me.  I think faith takes courage and I am SO glad that God says He is our refuge and also the author and perfecter of our faith.  I am going to strive to make Him my escape.  How do you "take refuge in him?"