Who doesn’t love spring? Here in my desert mountain valley it definitely comes in like a multitude of roaring lions eager to tease a population longing for sunshine and warm weather. Spring brings us daylight savings time, sunshine, and WIND! Temperatures range from the low 50’s to the 70’s, some days the wind blows and some days it doesn’t. It is a brutal and chilling wind in the midst of a sun that truly means to welcome us with warmth; only to be hindered by the sight of tumble weeds rolling through the pastures of the country side. Despite this I love my Idaho springs, they never change and ever since I was a young child I have welcomed them with great expectations of what is to come. My mother’s daffodils, tulips and iris’ continuously start to bloom when the sun’s rays last longer into the evening. Her Quince bush brings forth blossoms of red that remind me of the blood Christ shed for me. Precious memories of springs past come to mind. The joy of celebrating the new life that Christ’s death and resurrection brings us is something to behold. I remember getting a new dress every Easter, sometimes accompanied by a lovely straw hat or white cotton gloves. What a glorious feeling would overcome me I wore my new dress! A reminder that I was a new creation with a renewed and regenerated heart because I trusted in a Lord and Savior that died so that I might live! I have a memory of my twin sister and I wearing our matching dresses, hats and gloves, swinging side by side trying to reach heaven and Jesus’ side, singing The Old Rugged Cross at the top of our lungs! Oh what the neighbors must have thought. Thank you Lord for the constant refreshment of my heart mind and soul through your word. Thank you for hearing my prayers and giving me cause to reflect on your goodness, as I call on you in times of need or humble praise.  Thank you for your mercy and grace and the hope of a new home with you.  It all bears repeating, not just in spring time, but every day. Hallelujah, I have been renewed, regenerated, and refreshed by the redeeming blood of Christ.