For so long I did not take the time to appreciate the beautiful gifts that God gives us each and every morning. These was always so much to do and so little time to do it in, so it seemed. Now, though, things have shifted in my life, and I take great pleasure in watching the sun rise and seeing the beautiful colors that spread across the sky as if God is painting a masterpiece right before my very eyes. And He is! I often sit by the window with my Coke Zero in one hand (I am not a coffee drinker) with a camera in the other snapping pictures as God reveals His wonderful work of art!

Throughout the course of the day, you will find me looking out the front windows of my home waiting to capture photographs of my little feathered friends. In all of the rush of life and the hurried pace I once kept, I did not take time to appreciate the beautiful birds right there in my own yard! Who knew that I had gorgeous red Cardinals, brilliantly colored Blue Jays, and Wood Peckers that looked as if they slipped on a zebra colored jacket and red top hat for my viewing pleasure. Ah, but they were there all along. I just needed to slow down enough to see them. When I did, I was amazed at these little creatures that choose to call my yard their home, even if only for a little while.

My daily inspiration comes straight from God Himself.  Each and every morning as I look at the beautiful faces of my daughters I am continually reminded of just how very blessed I am in this life. I get the honor and privilege of gently waking up my daughters to greet the day with me. As they wipe the sleep from their eyes, I whisper a silent, “Thank you God …” for this moment with them, for the blessings that they are in my life … for trusting me enough to send these two little angels from above to love, nurture and care for … and as I write these words the reality is that I, as their mother, am to do just that – love, nurture, and care for them as they grow each and every day … but they also love, nurture, and care for me in return. My life has meaning because of them! Oh thank you, dear God, that I get to be their mother and share these special moments with them!  Thank you, God, that we share a special bond together, one that I hope we will always have!

How do you greet the day? What might you be overlooking that could provide inspiration and joy as you start your day or as you go about your way throughout the day?

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season especially, I encourage you to take a few quiet moments for yourself. Breathe in all of God’s beauty that surrounds you. Listen to the song of the nearby birds as they sing God’s praises. Let each sound that they make remind us to also sing the praises of our Maker. Renew your heart and mind, then go snuggle in just a little closer to your loved ones.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 NLT