March On, Darlings!

It’s March!

You can say that again…not only are strong winds marching across the land but I confess January and February marched over my calendar before I could catch up. Those two months, the vestibule of the year, while they can feel draggy with grey days, have a way of suddenly high-stepping us right into our 3rd month breathless.

I’m head-scratching in wonderment…but proof is everywhere. My neighbor’s daffodils have been giggling for weeks, wads of grass greener than the St Patrick’s Day Parade have sprouted up wily-nilly, and robins have arrived in swarms covering our yard in strains of “You Are My Sunshine.”

But I know fickle March…we have history. She bats her eyelashes and then gives a whiplash of worry. Just about the time I feel giddy about Spring, thunderous winds traverse over the horizon, squalls form, trees bend, temperatures dip, and we huddle near the fireplace puzzled by why we packed our mittens and long-johns in the attic.

But it can’t be easy to be a transitional month with all its winter squabbles and spring indecisiveness. Actually, I’ve felt that way when I strain on whether I should or should not do something. When stalled I feel pulled and unsure, which can lead to inside quarrels and personal insecurity. It weighs on my mind keeping my full attention off other things that need tending to and it puts a drain on my energy.

I’ve learned the more decisive I am the better I feel…It’s such a relief.

So what’s up on your calendar? Need to prayer-focus and make some decisions? Don’t let vacillating mess with you, instead, spring into action…or in other words, March on darlings.

Oh, Lord, help our fluctuating heart’s steady in Your presence. Thank you for being a God of direction for so often we feel wind blown and weary with even the dailyness of our demands. We want to serve you well. And while we don’t want to be frivolous in our choices we also don’t want to be fractured by our lack of reliance on You. Guide us to the higher path. Amen.


 Here’s What’s on My Bookshelf This Month


Evidence by Mary Oliver

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers

 

22 Comments

  1. Donna Leithoff on March 17, 2018 at 9:18 am

    Thank you for your prayers 🙏🙏

  2. Brenda Mashburn on March 17, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Thank you Patsy! Perfect time, knowledge and encouragement. So needed. I have followed you for over a decade. You help me realign my thinking and put on my big girl panties and dancing shoes! Im glad God picked you to keep me and other women dancing through life. God bless you!

  3. Ada on March 17, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Love it!!! Put away the blue days and ARISE to a NEW SUNSHINE of Hope, Love and Peace!
    God bless you Ms Patsy!!!
    P.S. love the part of the daffodils giggling 😁

  4. Betty Conley on March 17, 2018 at 9:50 am

    Patsy thank you for your “March on” I have been stalled on a couple of things and you put that shot in my arm to get going and “ March On”. Blessings to you!!

  5. Cindy Morrison on March 17, 2018 at 9:54 am

    Oh my goodness Patsy! Decisions! Decisions! Decisions ! Your words of thought are so important to me. Thank you. Where have you been all my life? Truly believe the Lord led me to you this past 2 years. Yes I knew you from Women of Faith — went to one of the conferences– then last Year went to Women of Joy in Lincoln, Nebraska. My body and voice rejoiced in being there. Then Conversations with Mark and Andrew….now there is a pair to be reckoned with. Thank you for being who you are in the Lord.
    What hit me so very hard— when you asked the question what is your story? I come to realize my story is all about my past… so I’m writing a new story … it’s started — it is in the process .
    Blessings to you and your family.

  6. Br. Gordon James, OSBS on March 17, 2018 at 10:06 am

    March

    Cleansing rain
    tossing wind
    first spring day

    Puddles on the ground
    dancing in the trees
    earth love at play

    Sun is hidden
    in the cloud
    and in my heart
    you see

    I too can dance
    if I choose
    the Love that
    is given me

  7. Roshanda on March 17, 2018 at 10:08 am

    Right on time. Amen

  8. Deborah Camp on March 17, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Thank you for sharing your bookshelf, Patsy.

  9. Lynn Wooten on March 17, 2018 at 11:38 am

    Just finished The Masterpiece!!!! A MUST read for all!!!! Love u Miss Patsy!!!!😘😘😘

  10. Dana Snell on March 17, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    Awe…your words fill my head with visual dalights Patsy❣️Our almonds treees have just finished their blooming. Each tree was a burst of light pink petals. Then as the petals let go and fall gently to the ground you see fields of white, that looks like snow❣️God can be as gentle as the petal fall settling on my heart. He is Glorious❤️

  11. Elizabeth Laube on March 17, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    March winds have been relentless. Too bad they don’t blow away negative thoughts and the clutter that sometimes clouds our minds. Thanks Patsy for the fresh breeze of your encouraging words!

  12. Andrea Lazicki on March 17, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    Your words bring fun and beautiful images to mind. I’m always encouraged and enlightened by your writings.
    Thank you for being YOU! ❤️❤️

  13. Tonya on March 17, 2018 at 5:55 pm

    Thanks Patsy you have a great way of making things come to life on paper. You are an inspiration and encouragement to all you read your books and suggested books too

  14. Kathy Bryant on March 17, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I have had a few rough weeks. Seeking God’s will in some issues. But he is truly faithful. Sending wonderful words from wise people my way has helped me to see His face and not focus on the negative people around me.

  15. Brenda on March 17, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Thank you Patsy you a blessing

  16. Diana on March 17, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Thank you for the reminder to stop vasillating! Decisions…making a decision…never one of my strong points!

  17. Autumn L Cheek on March 19, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Marching high in Mississippi 💃👐💃

  18. Carol on March 19, 2018 at 8:25 am

    “the vestibule of the year” <3
    Thanks for the Francine Rivers suggestion – I can see it in my future.
    Peace be with ye all!

    • Patsy Clairmont on April 18, 2018 at 7:40 am

      It’s a wonderful read!

  19. Kathleen Calderon on March 19, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    Dear Patsy,
    Thank you for inspiring me and reaching out to me. I say to me because I feel your talking to me. I enjoy you and feel blessed to have found you so many years ago at women of faith conventions in Anaheim, Ca.
    May God bless you and the Holy spirit continue to inspire you.

    • Patsy Clairmont on April 18, 2018 at 7:40 am

      Thank you Kathleen!

  20. Jeffrey Downing on March 23, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    Oh my goodness, your description of how fickle March can be is spot on! Yesterday here in Kansas, the sun was shining and the temperature was perfect. Went to Big Lots and spent so much time in the garden section… solar light figures and deck decorations drew me in. I came out of there with a new deck chair, a new set of solar stakes, and a promise to return later to get more stuff for my yard. Today?…. eh… no sunshine, it’s cold and I ooooched my thermostat back up just a smidge to take the chill off the house. What a difference a day makes right? We have the promise of more sun soon, so all is not lost. (that will preach). Thank you for continuing to share your warmth, personality and love of God through your writings and emails. God Bless you Patsy!

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