I am so excited that today is the first day of spring!  I know that that doesn't necessarily mean the weather will be great (obviously, there is snow on the ground right hnow) but...it does mean nice weather is on the way.  And I love all the new life spring brings! 

I saw flies the other day.  I don't love flies, but they do mean warmer weather is near.  As I drive to work I drive past several farms.  Three weeks ago there was a newborn calf at one of the farms.  Since then, there have been at least 6 calves born.  Baby cows are one of my favorite parts of spring.  I don't know why.  I don't really like cows, but the babies...oh, I just think they are so cute and so innocent...everything about them is wonderful!  They make me smile everyday!  Also, there are little patches of green grass.  Its nice to see a little green through the brown.  And...there are little shutes of green coming up in the garden outside the church.  The morning smells different now.  It smells warmer and fresh and exciting.  I like the way spring smells.

Tonight at church we were talking about Jesus' final hours as he was crucified.  One thing our pastor said was that in every other religion a person's life after death is dependant upon their own effort.  Even Buddah on his death bed (supposedly) said, "Strive without ceasing."  Which is a common motto for all other religions.  But not Christianity.  Right before Jesus died he said, "It is finished."  Meaning that he not only had fulfilled his purpose here on earth, but that all the striving that was ever to be done for our sin, was done.  We don't have to stive anymore.  It is finished.  He did it.  He reached his goal and he finished it for us too.  Now that is the best picture of spring and new life!