The heat is beginning to rise and the delicate magnolia petals are beginning to burn.  That is the cycle of life.
Our spring has arrived.  It usually runs from mid-February to mid-April.  Yes, it's very short.  Saucer magnolias (a/k/a Japanese tulips) are among the first to bloom, but I'm still seeing a few around Mobile.

Texture by Kim Klassen Cafe
The saucer magnolias (Japanese Tulips) are still blooming.
By and by,

when the morning comes,

When the saints of God 

are gathered home,

We will tell the story

How we’ve overcome;

We will understand it better 

by and by.
I have so many friends and loved ones who are facing hardships in their lives--cancer, illness, death, disappointment, failures, tragedies--and my heart has been so heavy for them all that I have had this song running over and over in my head for a few days. Just like scripture learned as a child, many times the old hymns are a solace for me in times of trouble.

We’ll Understand It Better By and By

Trails dark on every hand,
And we cannot understand
All the ways that God would lead us
to that blessed promised land;
But He’ll guide us with His eye,
And we’ll follow till we die,
We will understand it better 
by and by.

Oft our cherished plans have failed,
Disappointments have prevailed,
And we’ve wandered in the darkness,
heavy-hearted and alone;
But we’re trusting in the Lord,
And according to His word,
We will understand it better 
by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares
Often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed
for some thoughtless word or deed,
And we wonder why the test
When we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better 

by and by.
Yes, the saucer magnolias (Japanese tulips) are beginning to bloom--a sure sign of winters end.
What a week--what a month.  As you know, I've been rather busy helping Mom recuperate from surgery.  On December 31, I hit a dog (sadly, the dog died), which caused about $1,300 in damage to my car.  I got the repaired car back last Friday.  This week became a little more eventful.  On Monday, I was rear-ended on the way to work.  The person who hit me, was rear-ended too, but the driver (a woman, no doubt) who hit her, drove away without even checking on injuries.  My neck was sore for a few days, but I'm much better now.  When the car hit, it knocked my battery cables off, disabling my vehicle.  My car had to be towed because the battery is located in the wheel well and not easy to get to without removing the tire.  Today, my Mom had a couple different problems pop up and we were convinced she would have to have more surgery, but the surgeon was happy to tell us that she had nothing to worry about.  Mom and I were so relieved, we both wanted to cry.  Mom was overjoyed to be able to keep her beauty parlor appointment.  Yes, she got her hair "did" and began feeling a little more normal.  We've had other "monkey wrenches" thrown in, but life is still good.  God is so good.  The life we live is imperfect and flawed, but in it your can still find beauty and joy.  I'm so thankful I still have my Mom and I'm so thankful for my great family, including in-laws, who have been so willing to help get Mom's life back to normal.

Texture by Kim Klassen.
The magnolia pods have popped and now we see the seeds.  The cycle of nature ends now only to repeat in spring.
All of nature is beginning to complete its natural cycle for the season.  The magnolia flowers have bloomed and fallen and the pods are maturing to reveal their seeds.  I always love this point in a magnolia's life.  The fuzzy pods remind me of fuzzy pink piglets and make me squeal with joy. :)

Texture by Kim Klassen Cafe
The heat is beginning to rise and the delicate magnolia petals are beginning to burn. That is the cycle of life.
The heat is beginning to rise and the delicate magnolia petals are beginning to burn.  That is the cycle of life.
The heat is beginning to rise and the delicate magnolia petals are beginning to burn. That is the cycle of life.
See photo in original gallery.