Surprise! We've Got White Stuff

Day 76 of Photo Inspirations -- SURPRISE!   We've Got White Stuff!
And, thankfully, that white stuff isn't more snow -- it's our beautiful Tulsa Dogwoods in bloom.    I'll admit it!   I'm quite excited about this "white stuff" -- even as excited as I was for the snowy "white stuff" here just a couple of weeks ago. How soon the weather can change in Oklahoma. Monday, it was in the 80's -- today, the 50's. Actually, the inconsistent weather is one of the reasons why I love it here. Each new day can be full of surprises!

Speaking of surprises, I'm reading Mark Batterson's "Draw the Circle" 40-Day Devotional book and he says this: “But God always has a holy surprise up His sovereign sleeve. And when we pray, God throws surprise parties!” And it's so true. If we'll trace it back, every blessing or divine appointment or miracle that comes our way was a "set-up" by God.....because we prayed about it and just really expected that one day we'd witness His perfect timing for answering that prayer. God's Word backs this up...."You have not, because you ask not" - James 4:2. He wants to hear from us, and taking a time out for a little talk with Him is what matters to Him.

I can recount so many surprises (an unexpected check in the mail, an unexpected encounter with someone that led to great opportunity, being given something for FREE instead of having to pay for it, winning a trip, being given a car, someone showing up at our door wanting to buy one of our properties NOW, being the winner of a raffle, having a debt PAID IN FULL -- unexpectantly -- all surprises. And when one of those surprises shows up, I often look up to heaven and say, "You did that, didn't YOU? I live in the FOG -- Favor of God. Is it because I'm better, more favored or blessed than anyone else?  Heavens no!   I simply live prayerfully, and in an "expectant" mode that "Something good is going to happen to me today!"   I'malways on the look-out for God's surprises!  

My surprise blessing yesterday was driving through town and seeing all of those beautiful Dogwoods in bloom. It's nearly Spring and new life is starting to show itself, and surprise us.  And,  the all-time greatest surprise?   Resurrection Sunday will soon be here when we celebrate the ORIGINAL SURPRISER showing up ALIVE AND WELL!