Are You Blooming?

"Beauty flows from a heart that is alive,"

(Captivating by Stasi Eldredge)

As we enter into Spring we see much of God's creation blossoming into life. The bright yellow daffodils, the fragrant purple hycianths, and my personal fav, the tulip! So, in this season of new life and color, my questions are, "Are you blooming? Is your heart alive?"

Often beauty works its way from the inside out. Have you become unmotivated to look your best?Maybe you're feeling stuck in the doldrums of New Year's Resolutions that were never met. Maybe you're disappointed you're not yet pregnant, & you've lost hope that you'll never be. Perhaps your marriage feels lonely, your friendships have dulled, & your children are hot messes. It is easy to get bogged down with the heartaches of this world...and it begins to show.

So, what makes your heart come alive? Hiking in nature, runs along the ocean, hugs from my children, a compliment from my husband, flowers on my dresser, a note from a friend, chocolate in the freezer, music, ice cream on a hot day, laughing with friends, helping women look & feel good are all tops on my list. Those all bring me joy, for sure. But a heart that remains alive? I believe the answer is PRAISE.

Ephesians 5: 19-20, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Always give thanks to him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The key to blooming beauty and coming alive? Always give thanks. That's tough...unless we keep a perspective of truth. We're just a few days away from Easter- the celebration of life! Christ's defeat of death opens the door to life for all of us! Now and forever! Christ allows us the opportunity to be alive all the time, in heartbreak and in joy. If you have accepted new life in Christ then "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NIV).

Ephesians 2: 4-6 says, "But God loves us deeply. He is full of mercy. So he gave us new life because of what Christ has done. He gave us life even when we were dead in sin. God's grace has saved you. God raised us up with Christ." (NIRV)

My challenge to you? Live beautifully in praise this Spring!