Father Sky did himself well with the sky canvas today, sketching a pretty blue sky, accented with fluffy white clouds, the sky almost purple where it touches the horizon. As I walked Penelope I remembered a quote about blue skies. “A walk beneath a blue sky clears the mind and lifts the soul.” I love our morning walks, watching the world come alive as the sun kisses the day awake. Sat in the swing most of the morning enjoying the birds and listening to the wind chime symphonies. I’ve been petting my yellow petunias and I think they’re coming back. Giving all my plants long drinks of water each day. They really struggle with our intense afternoon heat. Tomorrow will be tomato picking day. Might have to share them with oldest brother. Too many for me. Guess I can freeze them for winter soup makings.

Well, got a temporary crown Wednesday. The dentist called me to come for another scan for the permanent crown Thursday morning. Wasn’t satisfied with the previous scan. They took the temporary crown off, scanned the tooth, put the temporary crown back on. Been so careful to eat soft foods, not chewing anything hard, but brushed my teeth after lunch today and the crown broke off in three pieces. After my subsequent heart attack, I remembered the dentist office is not open on Mondays so I’ll be temporarily crownless till Tuesday. Thank goodness it doesn’t hurt, knock on wood. Decided to take Martha Washington’s advice. “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstances but by our disposition.” Not going to worry about the crown. Just happy to have a dentist here in Roanoke that is pleasant and kind.

We all go through trials and hardships in life and I’m not calling a broken crown a trial. The crown is just an expensive inconvenience. John 16:33 reads, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This verse provides us comfort and encouragement to know God will give us peace and hope during difficult times. We don’t face them alone. Even when we feel alone during hardships God promises to be our comfort. The Lord is always present and we feel his presence through our prayers.

James 1:2-3 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I think perseverance is an important component of true faith. We have a commitment to God’s promises and perseverance deepens our spiritual growth and strengthens our faith. Perseverance gives us assurance and hope of God’s grace.

I see and feel God’s presence when the sun sets each day. I give Mother Nature credit for her glorious watercolor paintings of the setting sun but I know she’s using God’s palette. Today the sunset looked like a cut glass compote of ripening vineyard grapes in beautiful shades of purples and raspberries. Sunsets are a reminder of God’s awe-inspiring artistry. Scripture says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Watch the sun set and feel a peaceful connection to God.

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” ― Roy T. Bennett