New beginnings...

There are signs of spring emerging all over the yard now... Spring is a time for fresh beginnings. One of my favorite parts about spring is walking around the yard and seeing new growth emerge from day to day... The signs of spring are everywhere, and it's almost like a treasure hunt as our eager eyes search the mulch for new growth--however small it may be:  

  It's thrilling to be the first to spot a tiny sprout peeking through. I must admit...when it comes to gardening...I'm terribly ignorant.  We plant bulbs around the yard and honestly, I wouldn't be able to tell you what most of them are if you asked.  I think that's possibly why it delights me so much to see new life return from year to year. I know what this one is--it's one of my many daylilies.  These are impossible to harm and so I have collected a variety of colors in various corners of the yard:  

The lilac buds are swelling:

 

 And one of my favorites, the magnolia buds are plumping-out with promises of early spring blossoms... 

The sun was trying to peek out through the clouds: 

While I was snapping pictures of spring, a pair of chickadees stopped by to say hello:

 And, here is a half-nibbled suet cake that Elizabeth made with her Grandma: 

 I'm sure you've also been exploring your yard for the first signs of spring.  Isn't it just amazing--the small miracles that are taking place in our back yards every day?  I love this time of year...  I love that my God is the giver of all life--and brings new life out of what is dead and lifeless.  And I love that He is a God of new beginnings...in back yards...and in the lives of those He loves.