The Last Bit

We are in the midst of preparation for a holiday trip.  Always it seems the business before we go is accelerated in the last days before we go.  My daughter had another piano recital.  We nearly missed it over some confusion about where it was being held but she walked in there and literally just sat down and played beautifully.  She absolutely never lets us down.  Next a long time family friend got married in our little church.  It was so beautiful in there…people really came together to prepare it all and it was stunning.  Last but absolutely not least Lovely and I celebrated our 20th anniversary on the 17th.  I’ve been trolling a jewelry site for some time and finally found exactly what I wanted for us.  In reflection before our trip I now more than ever realize I couldn’t do it without Jesus Christ.  All the dust of life will settle…he will eternally remain.  Never forget the reason for the season my friends.

No Man is an Island

It’s true, no matter how alone you feel.  I’ve been physically alone many times…also alone in a crowd.  Often enough solitude is a state of mind.  sometimes it’s  a choice…sometimes it’s not.  Many fear solitude.  Today is dim and dreary and the temptation is to feel lonelybut I figure if I’m going to be alone with my thoughts I should make those thoughts positive thoughts.  Thinking of this I’m reminded of  Matthew 28:  20 – …And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen.  Thank God for that!

Slow to Thaw

It’s been a longer lasting snow this time.  I am not a fan of winter but it really is beautiful out there.  We’re supposed to hit the forties now.  I won’t miss the grey skies one bit.  The sapphire blue is my personal favorite.  I love contrasting colorsand the blue really brings this out…as does our favorite evergreen tree.  The temperatures were perfect for the snow to stick to branches recentlybut now the warmer weather is approaching making winter look much more barren.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

What’s that gift?  Who brings it?  No, it’s not Santa.  It’s not decked with lights.  It’s not under our decorated hearth.  It can’t be cracked or broken by the toughest teeth or hardest heart.  It’s the spice of life…beyond what any shaker could hold.  I can’t be concealed under a bushel nor held in a man made container…no matter how artsy it may be.  It’s brighter than any light and burns brighter than any candle.  It can’t be wrapped nor decorated.  It’s bigger than the borders of any one country.  What is this you may ask…well, it’s the love of God for each and every one of us.  Beyond the trimmings and foods of the season…I’m thankful for God and HIs enormous love for us.  I’m thankful for you dear reader for without God’s purpose you would not be here on this earth.  Happy Thanksgiving!

It Ain’t Pretty

It really isn’t.  The cold front swept down on us like most everyone else but brought only trace amounts of snow and  a whole lot of cold.  Now the temperatures are up enough to melt the snow and it’s…well, ugly.  The skies are partly cloudy and the trees naked.  Wind came with the passing fronts…so the melting snow captured some dead leaves.  I didn’t put out the welcome mat for this weather but it came anyway.  I wonder if it will all melt before our next go around.  Wind blowing and soft dripping is all there is to hear outside.  Hopefully none of this will remain as ice under the next storm.  This leaf is like a cry for help, trapped under snow.  No matter your weather, I welcome you today and pray all is well with you.

Sunsets ‘n Snowflakes

That’s just what we had.  The last hurrah of fall was awesome.  This is the glorious moment before winter’s hammer comes down…in this game of chess…winter is winning by the bucket-full.  Old Man Winter has set the table nowand the scenery is blanketed in white.  I see a pattern developing here.  The leaves can run but they cannot hide.  The deck now has a 5 o’clock shadow.  Winter’s waves crash against our rocks and our prairie sports its new Christmas sweater.  This is a scene from “A Christmas Story”.  It’s winter now like it or we’ve a long road to shovel now.  Us versus winter in a cage match.  Take a lesson from the Evergreens:  face the winter with no whining.  Come what may we’re never alone without God.  So drink from winter’s cup and enjoy what you can.