When I was growing up, my dad and I would plant tulips and daffodils in the front garden every fall. I loved digging in the dirt and dreaming about how our garden would look in the spring. Seeing all the pretty flowers at Utica made me miss all the days we spent out in the yard together!

I’ve always loved an all-black outfit, but I never knew how great an all-grey outfit was until a few weeks ago. I saw these boyfriend jeans while perusing the sale rack at Gap (where else would I be?). They’re just a little bit vintage, which I love, and perfect for a casual day shopping with my sister. I’ve linked the exact pair below, because they’re 40% off, but they’re even less expensive in-store.

The past few weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time reading my Bible and preparing my heart for Easter. I’m pretty bad at taking time to reflect, but setting aside time to contemplate the gravity of the cross has turned me into a bubbling mess. To be loved like Christ loved me and have nothing to give Him in return is jarring. It is, quite frankly, uncomfortable. Not because I’m not thankful, but because I know I don’t deserve it. I have dirty hands and a broken heart.

But He didn’t ask me if I deserved salvation. He just gave it. How beautiful.

I know it’s not a coincidence that we commemorate Jesus’s death and resurrection during the springtime, and I can’t help but notice how nature reflects His work in us. New life is all around. From death to life, and grace to grace.

Happy Easter,

Emma