You Are Beautiful

I've always loved butterflies. There is a story of a butterfly and it's necessary struggle that I like but this morning I came across this quote on a google search." Wouldn't it be sad to go through all the pain and struggles , see the light at the end of the tunnel and to emerge to be criticized for being different? I think the best thing is to not allow others to keep you from using your "wings" whatever they represent to you. Some rejoice with you and applaud but some are like gloom clouds, just trust your wings and rise above !" The photo above is from Lincoln State Park here in southern Indiana. Those type of butterflys are not out here yet but I have seen a few butterflies on our warmer spring days. Today it was only 23 degrees this morning. It's gotten to be crazy weather. We get some days of 70s and then another cold spell.The daffodils are doing ok though and the flowering trees. It's up to a whole 39 degrees F now brrr! On the bright side the sun is shining!

It looks like the bird was watching me the day I took this photo of the cardinal. I love being able to see nature from my patio window when it's too cold to go outside for long. I have the perfect spot for taking photos of my visitors

Sometimes in life I think I get caught up in the way I percieve others to see me and there are all kinds of mixed messages in the media and advertising. Our worth is not measured by our size, shape, color or wealth or what society may deem important. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I think that may be the number one verse most people who know scripture have memorized. The truth is profound. We are all loved with an everlasting, unfailing love.

This is a writing that showed up on my FB memory page. I did not write it. I like how it reminds me of the gifts God has given.

THE BEAUTY OF YOU 1. YOU ARE ALIVE. Life is a gift. Mornings are gifts. Every time you wake up, stretch out those arms and say, “thank you for the gift of a brand new day!” 2. YOU CAN SEE. Oh to have the gift of sight! What a blessing! With your eyes, you can watch the magnificent world you live in. You can see your face in the mirror. You are able to enjoy the beauty of a leaf, a flower, a snowflake, a child, a star, a rainbow and the look of love. 3. YOU CAN HEAR. The thousands of fibers found in your ears could pick up the whisper of the leaves in the trees, the waves of the ocean, the raindrops falling on the roof, the loud thunder, the laughter of children, the ringing of the phone, and hear the words “I love you.” 4. YOU CAN SPEAK. You can utter words that can encourage, inspire, teach, guide, comfort, uplift, motivate and say the words “Thank you”; “I am here for you”; and “I love you.” 5. YOU CAN MOVE. You are joy in motion. You have the ability to dance, walk, run, hop and skip as you travel the road of life. 6. YOU CAN EAT. You can enjoy different food…the sweetness of ice cream and cakes, the crunchy veggies, mouthwatering seafood, the tender juicy chicken, pork or beef. Aren't we thankful that that the healthy food we eat gives us energy and helps us to grow? 7. YOU CAN DRINK. And be merry? (Grin) You can drink and allow water and fresh juices to quench your thirst. You can drink a toast to celebrate a wedding, a romantic evening, or warm your body on cold winter nights. 8. YOU CAN SMELL. Your sense of smell can enhance the taste of food. It can connect you to wonderful memories like remembering your baby cradled in your arms, the perfume of your beloved, or their sweet smelling hair. 9. YOU CAN TOUCH. Your hands can caress and soothe a loved one. You can touch and feel the different textures- soft, rough and silky smooth. With your touch you can express your love without words. 10. YOU CAN READ. When you look at the words and letters, they are not jumbled or inverted. Having the ability to read has open your doors to knowledge and wisdom found in books, magazines, newspapers and the internet. 11. YOU CAN SING. Whether it be extraordinary talent or simply singing in the shower, you can sing. You can sing your favorite song. You can hum a tune. Or even a lullaby. You can sing as you cook or clean the house. 12.YOU CAN WRITE. You can write and share your experiences. You can write love letters, thank you notes, and compose songs and poetry. Or write a check list of the things you need to buy in the grocery. 13. YOU CAN THINK. You have the ability to think, to plan and to analyze. When problems arise, you can come up with solutions to solve them. 14. YOU CAN FEEL. You have the ability to feel and experience all sorts of emotions - happy, sad, angry, confused, surprised, and disappointed and so on. Your feelings add spice to your life. 15. YOU CAN SLEEP. You can rest when you are tired and exhausted. Your body has been given the gift of sleep so it could recuperate and re-energize itself.