#776. Redbud blooming throughout the canyons here in the Motherlode! God decorates his world in early spring with such beauty.

#777. Trees draped with green. Spring is here!

#778. Aimee

#779. Tennis friends who are just such wonderful people - yesterday seeing Teresa, Linda (both Lindas!), Pam, Mary, Donna, Rick, and Bill. It is so refreshing to be with such wonderful people. I am blessed.

#780. Bob's partnership with Thin Within materials. His help with videos and audios.

#781. Conversation with Judy Halliday about the future and linking arms again.

#772. That even though my husband's commitment to the Lord and "til death do us part" has waned (evaporated, disappeared, died...whatever), he still seems to enjoy being together. It is a challenging thing to value that so much...when what I long for MOST is for him to know the *true* Jesus intimately and personally and see life as a grand adventure because of walking with the King of the Universe. Nevertheless, I am grateful today that Bob still walks with me and maybe, just maybe, he will yet fall in love with the Savior.

#773. That the change in my husband's commitment to our marriage causes me to be dependent on GOD ALONE. Nothing is certain except Christ.

#774. For the joy of the study with the people at my Thin Within Blog. It is so wonderful to see lives impacted by studying together and sharing in an online community.

#775. For a GREAT conversation on the phone yesterday with a dear long-time mentor and friend, Judy Halliday. For the future, as we link arms once again going forward. God really IS doing a new thing!

#767. For the words, "Will you retire with me to Colorado?" The feeling that eyes, heart, and mind are looking to a future together.  I will not take this for granted. Thank you, Lord.

#768. Sunshine warmth, even while working, out on the deck with my husband--my husband--next to me.

#769. My feelings do not get to dictate or predict the future. I am so glad this is true. That in speaking truth to my soul (the gospel is the best place to start), my feelings fall in line.

#770. For the way God is at work in the women connecting at http://www.godisdoinganewthing.com

#771. That I get to travel with my husband "for business," with an extra day in Disneyland together. So many memories. So many years.

#765. For the book, 1000 Gifts, and the companion devotional. Today's words are for me...

"He takes my empty hands and draws me close to the thrum of Love. You may suffer loss but in Me is anything ever lost, really? Isn't everything that belongs to Christ also yours?"

and

"If all the work of transfiguring the ugly into the beautiful pleases God, it is a work of beauty. Is there anything in this world that is truly ugly? That is curse? Can I believe the gospel, that God is patiently transfiguring all the notes of my life into the song of His Son?"

"God is always good and I am always loved."

"...take the pain that is given, give thanks for it, and transform it into a joy that fulfills all emptiness."

#766. Matt Maher...surprise guest worship leader at church last night. It was SO awesome to worship to his music:


"Christ Is Risen"

Let no one caught in sin remain*
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely you bled, for us

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bow to none but heavens will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold you down
In strength you reign
Forever let your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive!

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

Rise up from the grave...