Rain Makes the Flowers Grow

We have had a lot of rain lately. It has been wonderful, and we need it desperately. Everything is so green and lush around here. I know it won't last long before the color brown takes over the foothills; but for now I marvel at the green carpeted hillsides, and fresh cool air. We have been out in the rain, and also inside snuggling during the storms. We have had thunderstorms almost every night for a week! It's been the best! 

Speaking of rain... 

There is this song I like called, "Blessings," by Mercy River. The chorus goes like this: 

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops

What if your healing comes through tears

What if a thousands sleepless night are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise 

One thing I have noticed with all this rain is that my flowers are thriving. They are growing like crazy, and are super bright and vibrant. Sure that happens when you water them normally, but with the rain they are blossoming and growing quickly and beautifully. They seem to really flourish with the added moisture and the storms. 

Like the song said, sometimes trials in this life are mercies in disguise. I have seen the blessings that come through the rain and storms of life. I know my trials have made me stronger and more vibrant, especially in things pertaining to the Spirit, and the gospel of Christ. I also know that healing comes through tears. I have had hundreds of sleepless nights, but during those nights I always call out to my Heavenly Father, and I know He is there. He has often dried my tears. 

I was out running this evening and I got caught in a storm. The dark cloud was slow moving, and worked its way right above me. There was thunder and lightning, and no matter where I went, I could not get away from it.  I stood under a bridge during the worst part of it, but then I had to go out in it, in order to get home to my family. I just ran as hard as I could, and prayed to be safe. 

At the end of the storm there was a rainbow. There's been a lot of rainbows lately. It was the perfect ending to my storm run. I needed this rainbow tonight as I have felt a little restless in my soul. I have not felt sorrowful, or sad; just anxious, and unsettled? Seeing the rainbow tonight reminded me that I am on the right path, and I just need to keep moving forward. As I move forward, the way will be made clear to me. The trick is patience. 

Raise your hand if you love being patient...

Anyone? 

Yeah, it's not my favorite thing either. But it is an important skill to master. Sometimes I just have to remind myself that I do not need to hurry life along. It will disappear into memory fast enough without me wishing it away. 

Growing things takes patience. 

Flowers... faith... people... all take time to grow. 

I know I have been thrust into quick-growth mode with the added storms and trials I have been through. The things I know now... the things I have seen, and experienced; it has been amazing. And that is why we are here. We are here to make it through the storms of life and grow vibrant, and beautiful, and strong. 

Just like my lovely flowers. 

Here are my children playing in the rain... these kids are so great. I sure love them. 

 Getting soaked

 The flower pictures are for my mom... check these out! Look how they have grown!

 Check out all those blossoms...

 These are from wildflowers seeds that should blossom in all sorts of colors and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Can't wait to see them!

 I remember the magical year when I learned about deadheading flowers. It is amazing how picking off the dead stuff helps the live stuff grow.

 Happy flowers...

 Pictures from my run...

 awesome clouds...

 Double rainbow...

 storm clouds

 Waiting under a bridge

 It was so beautiful out there, and it smelled beyond amazing. I could not get enough of it.

 My final stop was for lunges in the church parking lot. The storm had cleared by then and it was beautiful.