Where Winter and Clouds Are No More

The first spring crocus appeared this week. 

I love the coziness of winter and delighted in the snow we received this year, but, when March arrives, I'm ready for spring.

This week we had warm enough days for the first trip to the park. Even in the dreary brown, there is spots of color. I even saw the first robin at the park.

My little girls add color to my fridge.

And our local library reopened this week. 

Only this year do I view walking through the library, pulling stacks of books off the shelf as a sign of spring and hopeful days. 

For years I had reserved stacks of books for pick-up since libraries and babies didn't mix well. But that is one more example of a routine that I lost the past few years. So even though my library offered curbside pick up and home delivery, I haven't used it much the past year. I've missed sitting down on the couch with my littles and stacks of unread books.

Last week I was convicted and inspired through our revival meetings. I planned to share a song we sang last week, but instead this one came to mind. 

Without Jesus, my soul stays in the barreness of winter.  In His presence is the joy and growth of springtime.

How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours 

by John Newton

How tedious and tasteless the hours
When Jesus no longer I see
Sweet prospects, sweet birds and sweet flowers
Have all lost their sweetness to me
The midsummer sun shines but dim
The fields strive in vain to look gay
But when I am happy in Him
December's as pleasant as May

His name yields the richest perfume
And sweeter than music His voice
His presence disperses all gloom
And makes all within me rejoice.
I would, were He always thus nigh
Have nothing to dread or to fear
No mortal so happy as I
My summer would last all the year

Content with beholding His face
My all to His pleasure resigned
No changes of season or place
Could make any change in my mind
So blessed in the light of His love
A toy would a palace appear
And prisons would palaces prove
If Jesus would dwell with me there

Dear Lord, if indeed I am Thine
If Thou art my sun and my song
Say, why do I languish and pine
And why are my winters so long
Lord, drive these dark clouds from my sky
Thy soul-cheering presence restore
Or take me up with Thee on high
Where winter and clouds are no more

You can listen to the song being sung on the video. (If reading this by email, click over to the blog.)