Two Very Hip Winners

"JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME! LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!" Oh, sorry. I was singing what's stuck in my head. My crazy little kids...they've been begging for spring to come for weeks. But now that it's finally here, they're playing Christmas music.

So, speaking of spring, all of your beautiful descriptions of this season made me smile and say, "Yeah, me too!" We are all in different seasons of our lives. Some of us are grieving, some rejoicing. And yet the Lord allows us each to feel the warmth and hope that comes with spring. I wish I could take all your lovely words and images and put them in a mason jar. Then in the winter, I could unscrew the lid every now and then to breathe in a nice big whiff of you and spring. I just hope you're wearing deodorant.

I want to play the spring favorites game, too! Here are just a few of my faves:

and this passage from Song of Solomon:

See! The winter is past;

the rains are over and gone.

 Flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come,

the cooing of doves

is heard in our land.

I guess we'd better get down to business now.

This just in: Floral has been stomped, pulverized, and whipped by Stripey. But the good news is, Floral is completely unfazed. She is much too elegant and lady-like to begrudge Stripey the badge of popularity.

So, after my random name drawing, the winner of the floral bag is Heather! I have written about the lovely Heather previously in this post. Also, it just happens that Heather recently wrote and performed a poignant prayer reminding us that God is the One who brings warmth and spring to our frozen, wintry hearts. To listen, click here. Congratulations, Heather! I know you will make this little bag beautiful just by wearing it. Just send me a message with your address, and I'll put her in the mail.

And the winner of Stripey is Jules! She joked about her fake points from a previous rather stupid contest working in her favor, and I guess they did! This bag is perfect for Jules who is bright, colorful, energetic, and a great mom! I'll be in touch with how to best get Stripey to you.

I'll be back soon. Enjoy the spring all around you and in your heart!