There is no better season to teach us about hope than spring and no more beautiful way than the Easter message. Easter is the story of hope!  Enjoy 40 favorite inspirational Bible verses about spring and Easter!

I get it.  You’re tired.  I’m tired too.  In fact, it feels like the entire world is tired this year.  For the past few years now, we have encouraged one another to take things a day at a time, that things will get better, that there is still hope.  In fact, in this post, we will take a look at 40 inspirational Bible verses for spring that offer hope for the Easter season!

And yet, over the years, we have literally watched destruction, death, depression, wars, and rumors of wars…right on our own doorstep.  Not just to “other people”, but to us.  To our friends, our co-workers, our family, our community.

And yet, another Easter message rolls around, ringing ever so loudly with the message of hope and time of renewal, if only we are intentional to hear it.

As I have reflected upon the Easter message and verses about hope and the spring season over the past few weeks, a few thoughts have been resonating with my heart.  Today, on this Easter Sunday, perhaps it will inspire a little extra hope and a fresh start for you too.  

40 Inspirational Bible Verses about Spring + Easter Devotional

A message of Hope.

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’  body.  Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”  But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.”  Mark 16:1-4

I really enjoy history and I especially love thinking about history from varied perspectives of the characters involved.  The history of that first Easter is certainly no different.  When I try to place myself in the shoes of these ladies, heartbroken friends of Jesus, the significance of the stone at the tomb seems overwhelming.

They must have been exhausted.  Grief and trauma, compounded with senselessness and unfairness…it all must have left them ever so tired.  And yet, they carried on, purchasing the spices and making the walk to just do the next thing.  Really, the only thing they knew to do to show their faithfulness to their friend, their Messiah, their Jesus, the God of hope.

When physical or mental weariness, pain, grief, or discouragement threaten to overwhelm you, just do the next thing.  The next day, the next hour, the next minute.  

Dare I say, there must have been a sense of frustration, too.  In the midst of trying to do the right thing, it seemed impossible.  How on earth would they move that incredibly large, impossibly heavy stone?

The right thing can sometimes, oftentimes, feel impossible and like a heavy burden.  But it’s still the right thing.  Carry on.

Right in the middle of their frustration and weariness, they discovered the miracle.  The stone that they would never be able to move on their own had been taken care of.  The way had been made.  The impossible happened.

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  “Don’t be alarmed,” he said.  “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!  He is not here!”

The miracle usually isn’t in the obvious or expected.  Hope doesn’t follow a common path.

The very large, very heavy stone you’re facing probably won’t be moved in the way you expect.  I don’t know what that stone is: physical concerns, broken relationships, financial burdens, challenges at work, loss, grief, anger, fear…you name it.  And if there is no heavy stone in your path right now, life will make sure one appears at some point.  It is the nature of the fallen world we live in here on Earth.

I don’t know when, nor how, that stone that looms large, right in the middle of your path, will be moved.

But history…the Easter message…teaches us to hope, regardless of how heavy or large the stone may be.

It’s not yours or mine to move.

This Easter, can we recognize the impossibility of moving the stone ourselves and leave the impossible up to God?

Can we recognize that all of these human emotions are real, and yet, hope conquers all?

The great and amazing love and grace of God carries all the hope for all humanity, and that includes you and me too.

The message of Easter is a season of renewal, of hope.

People who have it all together and aren’t beaten down, tired, and worn from life aren’t searching for hope.  But if, this Easter, you find yourself feeling a bit tired from the heaviness of the world, then know that the Easter message is for you.

“For in this hope we are saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.  Who hopes for what they already have?”  Romans 8:24

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Favorite Inspirational Bible Verses for the Season of Spring

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?  I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:18-19

Let heaven celebrate!  Let the earth rejoice!  Let the sea and everything in it roar!  Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate!  Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully.  Psalm 96:11-12 CEB

This is what God the Lord says–the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.  Isaiah 42:5

The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a parched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.  Isaiah 58:11

But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  Matthew 10:29

He fills my life with good things.  Psalm 103:5

See!  The winter is past; the winter rains are over and gone.  Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in. Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Oh, that we might know the Lord!  Let us press on to know him.  He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.  Hosea 6:3

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.  Ecclesiastes 3:11

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing upon your descendants.  They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.  Isaiah 44:3-4 NIV

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers.  Psalm 1:3

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.  Deuteronomy 32:2

Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms.  He gives showers of rain to all people and plants of the field to everyone.  Zechariah 10:1

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  1 Peter 1:3

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  1 Corinthians 15:21-22

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.  Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:7 NKJV

Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 43:5 NKJV

You shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12

And I will make showers come down in their season; there will be abundant showers of blessing.  Ezekiel 34:26

You gave abundant showers, O God, you refreshed your weary inheritance.  Psalm 68:9

I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the midst of valleys.  I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water.  Isaiah 41:18

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  John 4:14

And it shall come to pass in that day that the mountains shall drop down new wine and the hills shall overflow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.  Joel 3:18

See how the flowers of the field grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  Matthew 6:26-30 NIV

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your holy spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:10-12 NRSV

Faithfulness springs up from the ground and righteousness looks down from the sky.  Yes, the Lord will give what is good and our land will yield its increase.  Psalm 85:11-13 ESV

The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.  In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.  Isaiah 35:7

Therefor if anyone is in Christ, he is a new (life) creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17

Bright eyes gladden the heart; good news puts fat on the bones.  Proverbs 15:30

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you!  Isaiah 12:6

Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him.  As surely as the sun rises, he will appear.  Hosea 6:3

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17

What great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God!  And that is what we are!  The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  1 John 3:1

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:10

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”  Matthew 21:18-22

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Romans 14:17

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive oil and of honey, that ye may live and not die; and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The Lord will deliver us.  Kings 2:18-32

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.  Micah 7:7

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.  Psalm 130:5

As you look toward the spring season, Easter, and possibly even new beginnings, I hope these spring Bible verses from God’s Word will be close to your heart.  This Easter, I wish you a Hopeful Easter.. Because that really is the big message of Easter for each and every one of us.  When we recognize that the stone isn’t ours to roll away and He is working in the seemingly impossible, we can rest.  In that hope, we can find joy and peace that pass all understanding.

From our family to yours, Happy Easter!  We will celebrate with all of the fun traditions, time with family, special church services, new outfits for the kids, candy tucked in eggs…all the while remembering the reason for Easter: Hope.

You may also enjoy these Easter posts:

• Easy Easter Tablescape Ideas for Simple Spring Decor
• How to Build the Perfect Easter Basket + Over 50 Basket Stuffer Favorites
• Easy Ideas to Decorate an Easter Mantel for Spring Decor
• Easy Easter Door Decorations and Porch Ideas for Spring
• How to Use Vintage Neutral Easter Decorations for Easy Spring Styling
• 5 Minute Easy and Tasty Easter Dessert You’ll Love
• An Easter Message of Beautiful Hope

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

In this series of finding purpose in the Christmas season, we are drawing from the words of a poem written in 1863. Let peace be part of your Christmas purpose this year. Fill your home with intentional purpose this Christmas and create a simple Christmas bell DIY idea to create festive beauty in your home!

Bells are very on trend this Christmas season.  I can’t say exactly what I think it is that is making them so popular, except they are the very definition of joy and festivity!  It is the perfect time to start thinking of how you can create a Christmas bell DIY for your own home this season.

From a decor view, I love the symbolism they bring into our home.  They also add some interesting texture, shape, and the traditional golds of Christmas.  Keep reading to the end and I’ll share how we created this Christmas bell DIY idea for our dining room.  It’s one of my favorite focal points in my Christmas decor!

Also, it is a trend that I hope stays around for a very long time!  My husband hopes so too because he is really excited to help me hang these bells up again for many years to come. ???? (A little sarcasm there…????)

What does a bell have to do with Christmas?

Bells announce the arrival of something or someone important or can be used to proclaim an event or occasion.  Interestingly enough, the use of bells can be traced back to pagan roots.  At that time, bells were used to ward off evil spirits. However, the bells were so fun to use that they eventually made their way into municipal and church use.  For example, bells would be rung in good times, such as a wedding or coronation.  At the same time, bells would toll for hard times, such as impending weather or a funeral.

Why do Christians hang up bells at Christmas?

Now, bells symbolize the announcement of the birth of Christ during the Christmas season.  For our family, that is all the reason we need to make them a focal point in our home!

At the same time, I think Christmas bells also symbolize welcoming a season of good-cheer, peace, memories, and loads of fun to be had, too!  I definitely had a lot of fun with the Christmas bell DIY idea that I’m sharing with you at the end of this blog post today!

Why was “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” written?

I also love that the bells remind me of one of my favorite Christmas poems, eventually turned into a Christmas hymn.

In 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “Christmas Bells”, right in the middle of the Civil War.  The text “hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men” certainly rang true in those dark years.

158 years later, there is a lot of darkness.  Division, frustration, cultural tensions, sickness…it’s all part of our 2022 Christmas, whether we want to admit it or not.

Thankfully, neither the poem or the story ends there.  Let’s take a look…and if you’re very familiar with Longfellow’s work, I still think it is worth a few minutes for a re-read of these words:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day: Christmas Bell DIY Idea

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

What is the meaning of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”?

Who am I to try to add to that poem’s end?  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s words are full of hope for peace and goodwill. Is there anything that can possibly be better than that during the Christmas season?

However, reflection leaves us wondering just how we can do our part to create peace and goodwill.  Life quickly teaches us that peace, love, and goodwill do not just happen on accident.  In fact, without intentionality and purposeful living (and loving), peace and goodwill are impossible.  It brings us to ask the question, once again, of what our role might be in creating peace and goodwill here on earth.  How can I even make a difference?  Is that even possible?

I’m reminded of words I have said and written many times:

I can bring goodwill and hope and peace to my circle of influence.  Right now, my immediate circle of influence is right within the walls of my home.

In the famous words of Mother Teresa, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”  

Even though I would describe my blog and social media as a home decor account, it means more to me than that.  However, there is a bigger purpose.  

Christmas decorating actually isn’t just for all the fuss and show and perfectly festive touches.  To me, it is much deeper.  In the creative ways God has blessed me with and the resources at my disposal, I am doing my part to bring an environment of peace and hope and goodwill to my little family.

At the same time, I think of it as setting the stage.  Even though all of those things come from the heart, our environment and what we surround ourselves with does matter and it does make a difference.

The mission is clear: spreading goodwill to my family.

Simple and Easy Christmas Bell DIY Idea

How do you display Christmas bells?

Since this poem has become somewhat of an anthem and definite Christmas inspiration for me, I decided a few years ago to make Christmas bells a focal point in my decorating too.

Here are a few ways that I decorate around our home with Christmas bells:

• Place large jingle bells in a dough bowl or vintage vessel.
• Hang large bell vignettes from the corners of windows and large mirrors.  They look especially pretty paired with realistic Christmas greenery, like THIS.
• Hang vintage-inspired bells from pretty velvet ribbon to create a garland over a window, doorway, or on a mantel.
• Decorate a Christmas tree with vintage-inspired bell ornaments.
• Use bell ornaments to make special place settings.  Personalize by writing names or a year on the bells for each guest! (Find more table decor DIY ideas over on THIS POST.)

What can you make with Christmas bells?

I decided to create my own focal point with large bells in our dining room.  As promised, I will give you a quick tutorial on this DIY bell garland that Robb helped me make.  Admittedly, there was a moment (or two) where goodwill was doubtful. ???? But he figured out how to get it to stay and all has stayed peaceful.

However, Robb says that if those bells come crashing down in the night, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” would turn into “Do You Hear What I Hear?” ???????? Thankfully, they have stayed put and are making this whole space feel so festive!

Step One: Christmas Bell DIY Idea

First, I picked these bells up at Hobby Lobby back in October.  However, I’m not sure if they are still in stock.  For 50% off, however, it’s worth checking online and calling around the stores in your area!

Also, you can find some vintage-inspired ones online HERE and HERE. 

Tip: measure your space and choose the bells in the right size and scale for the feature you are creating.

Step Two: Christmas Bell DIY Idea

Secondly, we cut a small branch and stripped it of leaves.  You could also use a curtain rod or pole of some kind.  I loved that the branch was totally free (budget-friendly decor!).  At the same time, I love the juxtaposition of the crooked, rustic branch and the more formal look of the bells.  

Step Three: Christmas Bell DIY Idea

Third, I strung the bells in a way that would feel somewhat random but still be balanced visually.  Next, Robb wrapped twine around the middle and then it loops around the branches at each end a few times.

Step Four: Christmas Bell DIY Idea

Lastly, he put one nail in each end of the cabinet, in a high spot where the small hole will never show.  I supported the branch and bells while he wrapped the twine around the nail as tightly as possible.  (This is important to hold it taut.). Next, he tied the twine to secure it.

I honestly wasn’t at all sure that we could get the bells to stay up without lots of nails and supports (which we didn’t want to do to this antique apothecary, of course).  Thankfully, it worked out very well because it’s one of my favorite things in our home for Christmas!

The bells, the symbolism, and the reminder of hope and goodwill for each and every one of us means so much to me!

How do you decorate with big bells? (In addition to a Christmas bell DIY idea, of course!)

In addition to the ways that I mentioned that I use Christmas bells in our own here, here are a few more ways that I think would be easy and beautiful:

• Hang a grouping of big bells from a swag of Christmas greenery.
• You could also hang a grouping of smaller bells in the middle of a pretty, realistic faux Christmas wreath.
• String several big bells on pretty ribbon or twine  to create a garland.  You could hang this around a Christmas tree, across a window, or even across the top of a gallery wall!
• Watch at thrift stores for large bells and spray paint them all gold or white for some budget-friendly decorating.
• Lay winter greenery down the middle of the table and add large bells for a centerpiece.  (As you can see here, I used this idea with vintage brass French horns.  You could easily do the same with big bells!)

Are you ready to create your own Christmas bell DIY idea?

We’ve talked about why Christmas bells are even part of the Christmas tradition.  History has inspired us with the purposefulness of using bells in and around our homes to celebrate the season.  Now, it’s up to you!  Whether you create a beautiful Christmas bell DIY idea, purchase some gorgeous bells ready to hang, or add simple bells in a bowl or on a tablescape, I hope you do so with intentionality and purpose.

After all, if you are reading this blog post, you are probably as aware as I am that in this season of my life and my role in our family and home, I am largely responsible for creating an atmosphere and environment where peace and goodwill can thrive.  It would seem that if peace and goodwill can find their way into our hearts and minds at any time in the year, it would be Christmas.

Let the bells ring in your home and in your heart this Christmas.  At the same time, be intentional with your space.  Create an environment where peace and goodwill will ring true for you and your family!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,

Struggling to create an intentional Christmas? You can have a Christmas season filled with the purpose of Joy! Hint: it’s not in a cozy home!

The table has been cleared, the leftovers are likely about gone, Christmas trees have gone up, and maybe a few gifts have started appearing underneath from last week’s sales.  The stockings are lined up on the mantel and family plans are being made for the next holiday gathering.

The countdown is on: 27 days until Christmas.

27 days to celebrate the most beautiful, the most wonderful time of year.

27 days to find purpose in Christmas.

I love that line from the old movie, “Miracle on 34th Street”: “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.”

And it is so true!  I love the Christmas season for many reasons, but one reason is that it just seems that the world, in general, is in a better mood.  A better frame of mind.

(Never mind a few Scrooges in the bunch.  There’s always a few! ????)

Over the past couple of years, there has been a slow change in my frame of mind for Christmas.  I LOVE the lights, the parties, the concerts, the gatherings, all the events and flurry of activity.  But I am finding that even more, I love the quiet moments where I take a minute to discipline myself to slow my activity, still my mind, and bow my heart.

In the words of Ann Voskamp, one of my favorite writers, “I want a Christmas that whispers Jesus.”

If you stop and think back to the time in history when Jesus was born, it was pretty somber.  There was a lot of turmoil and strife.  There was friction between the people and the king.  There was frustration over finances.

The flurry of people in Bethlehem wasn’t because all the extra people wanted to be there.

And while the manger scene is always depicted in glowing light with cute animals, clean hay, and calm surroundings, I just can’t help but think it felt anything but glowing, clean, or calm to Mary, or Joseph for that matter.

​

Joyful?  Most certainly.  Not joyful because their surroundings gave them all the cozy vibes, but joyful because of Who was there.

Not joyful because they were comfortable, but joyful because the One who is Love had arrived.

Definitely not joyful because they were surrounded by people who showed them grace, but joyful because the Person who created grace, Emmanuel, let out His first infant cry on that holy night.

These 27 days may not be filled with soft, cozy vibes (though I make every effort to create that for my family!).  You may not experience 27 days of peace and comfort.  There may not be abundant grace shown to you (remember those few Scrooges?).

But it can be a joyful 27 days.

For me, I know my 27 days are going to be busy.  No matter how far ahead I work, how well I plan, how hard I try to carve out calm and peaceful moments, it’s just going to be plain busy.

Music performances, school programs, birthdays, parties, shopping, wrapping, more planning, more events…it all stacks up.  Even all the good stuff gets overwhelming.

That’s not to mention the maybe not-so-good things you’re dealing with too.  Stress, grief, worry, fear, complicated circumstances.

But it doesn’t have to define your Christmas.  Your purpose can be much greater.

Even in a crowded store or standstill traffic, purpose to still your mind.  When you finally arrive home at the end of a crazy day, slow your activity.

(Admittedly, this is a tough one for me.  We could have a whole blog post about setting boundaries for your family in the midst of a busy season, but I’ll condense it to this: You have the ability to say no and choose what will bring the purpose of joy and calm to your family.)   

In the middle of getting from one party to the next, take a second to bow your heart and refresh your joy.

You can find joy no matter the circumstances surrounding these 27 days.

“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.”  -Isaiah 26:3, MSG

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”

Joy to the World was first published in 1719 by Isaac Watts.  It was never intended to be a Christmas carol, but rather part of his Psalms of David Imitated, which was a collection of songs written from paraphrases of many Psalms.  Joy to the World is actually inspired by the last part of Psalm 98.

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

Psalm 98:4

Even it if it feels like just a whisper on some days, don’t let everything around you consume your joy.

Make it a Christmas with a purpose; the purpose is joy.

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,