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Happy People...enjoy the fundamental, often very simple things in life...They savour the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying their work, their families, the good things around them...Their eyes are turned outward; they are aware, compassionate. They have the capacity to love. -Jane Canfield

This was a sight that I had to capture, while we were driving down the highway!

Oh Precocious Forsythia!

Here it is. My Forsythia bush is in full bloom. I wait every spring for this early bloom, since I was a kid. What an awesome way to celebrate a bright new season.

Here is some  knowledge I recently acquired on the Forsythia bush.

  Forsyth, is credited to helping develop the bush. William Forsyth was a Scottish botanist  and a head gardener for the Royal Gardens in the 1700's.
  Oleaceae. This is the olive family, which the forsythia bush belongs to.
 Reliable garden plant. It does not require much maintenance. Its pretty care free.
 Shrub that is typically 3-9 feet high.

 Yellow flowers bloom before the leaves show.
 Thin out the bush right after blooming is finished, to maintain plant health and shape.
 Hiding his identity and his new found plant, Robert Fortune, a Scottish plant-hunter, discovered this plant in China and smuggled it home.
 Invasiveness is not a problem with this bush.
 Agreeable plant to have. Deer don't eat it. Pests leave it alone. And is non-poisonous
 

 I just need to add this verse from Psalm 119:39,40. It really speaks of what was in my heart the other day, and I don't want to forget it.

 Help me abandon my shameful ways;

for your regulations are good.

I long to obey your commandments!

Renew my life with your goodness.

I think I'm coming to the realisation that the peaks and valleys of life  are inevitable as a human being. And what I need to truly appreciate is the fact that God will always do all He can to bring me back when I am getting pulled in the opposite direction of Him no matter what high or low I am in. I want to object to the fact that I stray from the Lord when I am at a high point, but the truth of the matter is, is that I do stray, even in my God given blessings. Abhorrent, am I!! That is the sad truth. But then I read this passage and God says Here I Am! Praises to God, You are so good to wayward me.

ReSt

Sometimes the most urgent & vital thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.

-Ashleigh Brilliant

Its true. Most of the time I (and I'm sure I am not alone in this) will say "Yes" I'll agree, but do I take the time to do that? No I don't. But when I get to a point in my daily life where all the little things of life build up, and I'll say to myself, whats the matter with me? why am I letting all these minor issues consume me, get me so worked up, to the point that I am going to pop? I slowly come to a realisation that.....     that......             ..... I need to r e s t. sshhh. Don't tell anyone, they might think I am weak.

But Hebrews 4:16 says

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

and Matthew 11:28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

HE knows I need rest, and I only find that complete and utter renewal in Him. Forget the spa, although that is nice to ;) But its not lasting. The rest I find in God goes deep and is enough to last. Psalm 62:1 My soul finds rest in You alone.