Remnants

Looking back I see then end of an era in my life.  Like a left over leaf from fall last year I can see it but it dead and gone

This may appear bleak on the surface but with the letting go of the past a new life awaits ahead.  I like to buy necklaces with meaning...this one means live for today

...the past is dead.  Our house is filled with momentos of our past travels.  One spot is all about Japan

It tweaks so many memories

Another place has gift boxes I've received of various sizes

Here hangs a dagger bought in the Philippines

There's  a mask bought in Ghana

A fellow mask bought in the same place

These things echo of past experiences but ahead lies unknown water...uncharted...unexpected.  From there God beckons...be not afraid, only trust and obey.

Life Gives Snow...Make a Snow Cone

Child like faith is just plain beautiful.  Small wonder Christ mentions it highly.  My youngest has simple yet powerful faith which transforms what my adult mind is tired of into art.  She made a swirly snow pop with some food coloring and water.  The transformation delighted me

Want to see green again?  Adult mind says you can't, it's winter.  Child-like faith says it's totally possible. 

Adult doubt says winter sun is too bright and doesn't warm anyone much.  Child-like faith sees it for the beauty it is

Adult mind:  when will leaves come back again?  Child-like faith:  It's beautiful now

Adult mind:  the light at the end of the tunnel is likely a freight train coming our way.  Child-like faith:  it's the silver lining we've heard about

Lately some books have really been helping me out

I need to see things with child-like faith...not adult cynicism.  My little girl helps me do just that.  If it's cloudy she creates not just sun but a reflection until a brighter day appears

Amen to that!

ThAw

Have you ever felt winter's blast would last forever?  January and February sometimes seem the coldest and most eternal but even so the days are getting longer and the countdown to spring is ticking away

More snow may indeed fall yet winter will eventually have to let go

Like it or not the season is progressing

The ice is not eternal any more than anything else in this old world

As the grass makes a brief glance at the latest thaw

I consider my faith peeking through doubt's facade

What side to choose?  Doubt's fading reign or Christ the eternal rock

We can be little stones triumphantly poking through doubt to stand or fade like the fading season's snow

Looking back I see a me I no longer know.  I choose to make this a new beginning.

Dawning of a New Day

Things might look like last year but last year is dead and gone.  This song struck me...a whole new attitude for this year of resolve.  Today is  a snow day of sorts.  My faithful computer is beckoning

Music is there to stir my weary soul

Maggy stirs my from my reverie to go out

Out here there's no place to sit comfortably

There are beauties to this bleak world

Sometimes you need to look closely to see it

No roses to stop and smell but there's beauty still

Underneath this bleak blanket

Lies unseen promise of new growth tomorrow.  The question remains:  will our faith today be there to water tomorrow's blessings?

It's Resolved

What's resolved you may ask?  Well by faith the problems of 2015.  We end the year my favorite way with my daughter Gabby's birthday.  We went out to eat, went shopping and saw the latest Star Wars.  Later in spite of the cold we lit some fireworks and ushered in 2016.  The cold of 2015 lingers

but the table of 2016 isn't set by last year's trouble no matter how it seems

Rise to the challenges of a new year unencumbered by last year's misery.  Ascend these steps with hope

No matter the time or temperature...God has given us this year

See past the branches of doubt that attempt to claw you

The chill of fear cannot face faith and win

This year's grace is ever green

Winter's landscape will fall behind

God's word will continue to light our way

Look beyond your confines

Be not framed by this world

May the expression of God's faithfulness push away death's chill