Beauty in the Dead Trees...

Three days ago, I was feeling kind of sad and lonely...sounds like the start of a country music song, doesn't it? You know how I love country music (seriously, I do). Anyway, I think that sometimes we focus on the negative things in life, things that are really nothing and don't matter at all (like the ugly dead tree in our neighbor's yard - why don't they just cut that thing down? Or, come to think of it, the half dead tree in my own yard - why doesn't my husband just cut that thing down?) instead of focusing on the many, many blessings that God has given us. Well...you know what? I think God wanted me to shape up and see what a beautiful place He has provided for me...dead trees and all.

Isn't that sky amazing? I didn't go outside looking for these shots...I just went outside to spend some time on the swingset with Ellie. And I didn't expect this beautiful sunset (it hasn't happened since...believe me, I've been anxiously waiting for it every night since then). But when my spirits were low and I was focused on all the wrong things, God sent me a sunset. He made me smile on a sad and lonely day. He subtly told me to shape up and experience the joy and peace that He provides. I pray that God is real to you today...showing you that even the dead, ugly trees in your life can be beautiful.