When I was in middle school, I was on a church quiz team.  We had to memorize some chapters and verses in the Bible, and then our quiz team competed with other church teams in knowing and reciting the memorized pieces.  Every week we would meet together with our gifted leader, and every week she would drill us.  Interestingly enough, I can still recall with clarity, the content of it all.  This week, one of those verses lodged itself in my heart and mind;

Phillipians 4:8  "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are nobel, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there is any virture and if there is anything praiseworthy...meditate on these things."

Today, I appreciate the freedom we still have in America.
            I appreciate all the law enforcement, the squat teams, the EMTs,
            the surgeons, and all those who put their lives on the line to protect.

            I appreciate the laws of our land and the fact that we still want to
            enforce the "right" and "wrong" of decisions made. 

            I appreciate the fact that Americans come together, neighbors,
            families, friends, and those who never met each other, come together
            to help one another in times of devastation.

            Most of all, I appreciate the fact that I can fill my mind with the
            things in life that are good and worthwhile.  I still have the freedom
            to read my Bible and find there so much hope and encouragement.

            So today, in spite of all that life sends, I quietly treasure the verse
            I learned long ago in middle school, in the recesses of my heart.
            And I am seeing all the beauty as Springtime breaks forth
            around me. 

I long to appreciate and focus on the good today.  That reminds me to tell you all just how much I appreciate each of you too.  Thank you for stopping by.  I pray that you will be shown something lovely today.

Speaking of beauty, I found this picture in an older copy of "Country Living" magazine, and I liked it's simplicity.