bloom.

It seems like spring might have finally arrived on the northwest side at the Bergman house. We've had some beautiful weather the past couple of days and hopefully it's here to stay! Our yard has been loving the mix of rain and gorgeous sunshine that we've been enjoying as well.

I love the way LIFE is blooming up all around the place we call home.

The grass seed we planted is finally coming up: bold and full and beautiful!
(And so much nicer to walk on than the weeds that were originally in its place.)

The hanging basket we planted at Koetsiers Greenhouse in March started as 6 little plugs and is now in full bloom
(and huge! the picture only shows maybe a fourth of the entire basket!)
and the gladiolus bulbs that I planted in front of our bedroom window are sprouting too!

We also planted some sort of lily bulb near our front porch. 3 of the 4 bulbs have sprouted - I can't wait to see what color the flowers end up being! And the poppy plants (also from Koetsier's) just opened up their flowers today!

Our garden is in full bloom too. Well, most of it is at least. So far our potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers and variety of herbs seem to be doing quite well! Hopefully they continue to grow. I see fresh food ahead!

We're looking forward to the coming months of warm weather and opportunities to be outside. We've been so thankful for the nice weather - especially these last couple of days as we face visitation and the funeral tomorrow and Friday. The sunshine helps warm up the cold places, inside and out. But, aside from that, we're thankful for the changing seasons and the way the new life in our yard reminds us of our new life in Christ and the fact that everything - you, me, and even the potato sprouts in our garden - belong to Him.

It may be an old hymn, but take the time to read the words. God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world and to my listening ears
all nature sings and 'round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees,
of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King! Let the heavens ring!

God reigns, let the earth be glad!

This is our Father's world. I rest me in the thought.