Frosty Morning

January 31st

Before I put on my much-needed glasses in the morning, I could tell that the outdoor world was different.  It was white!

Even after realizing that my initial impression was created by a layer of frost on the windows, I peeked around the edges to more white... fog and the beautiful frost it left behind.

A while later the sun was out, the fog gone, and frost sparkling everywhere.

Melting

I saw something one day that happens all the time but is so small and "insignificant" that I usually miss it. Yet it was amazing! 

I watched ice crystals melt. We took the lid off a jar of frozen leftovers, and there had formed icy teeth hanging from the inside of the lid. 

As soon as they were exposed, the process began. Icy peaks became more translucent. Jagged glaciers smoothed out. Frosty fields turned to swamps. Mountains began to shrink. Foothills merged together. (Did you know ice and water can writhe and jump?!) 

In a minute or two, it was all over. 

I'm afraid these photos do not show the process very well, and I missed catching the beginning. But here's a little idea anyway...

Sunning on the Deck

-February 1st
-31 degrees Fahrenheit (probably a bit higher at midday)
-Sunshine
-Very little wind

A perfect day to soak up some sun on the deck!

How did any sunshine reach me, you may well ask?! Yes, I was wearing boots, snowpants, a down coat, and sometimes hat or hood.  But the sun found my face and hands. Lovely!

And the fresh air...!!

And all the decreases complete (for the 2nd time; had to rip out the first) on my first sleeve on my first sweater!

More joys of the afternoon outdoors: 

-sharing it with Elsa and her knitting
-crows calling in distant trees
-chickadees feeding nearby
-cat alternately playing and cuddling on the cushions
-dog keeping an eye on us
-a change of scenery!!

Notes from Friends

How blessed I am with friends near and far, young and old, who take the time to write and send words of encouragement, blessing, and truth!

Good Morning!

I love the view that greets me each morning - no matter the season.

If I take the time to see.

In summer I feel as if I live in a warm, glowing nest.

In winter I enjoy pristine views of wide horizons, grey, frosty mornings, or sunshine reflecting off the snow into every corner of my room.

A Verse for the Year: 2014

With the verse for 2013 still ringing through my heart and mind, 2014 brought the choice of a new verse. I believe God pointed out not one, but two passages that He knew I would be needing through the incredible challenges of the year ahead. The first was:

"I am still confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:13-14

Early in the year I remember walking the driveway speaking these verses aloud; almost sternly commanding my heart to believe the truth despite all feelings.

In the months ahead, Elsa and I had no choice but to wait. We hardly had strength to get off the couch. How could we be strong? Where was that goodness? And yet God over and over gave just enough grace to rest in Him one more day - then to make it through one more long night.

I can't begin to describe the weakness, pain, loss, and loneliness we faced... are still facing. I still can't see the big picture. But I keep watching for His daily goodness in my life.

One instance was in 2014 when a friend sent those very verses without knowing I had claimed them for the year. 

Besides the encouragement from Psalm 27, I was also struck by Paul's words in II Corinthians 4:16-18. The Apostle Paul, who knew so much of suffering...

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Where will we fix our eyes this year? On the troubles which clamor for the attention of all our senses? Or on the unseen, eternal truth of God?

(Also see Verses for the Years: 2013, 2015)

Dreaming

Gulliver dreaming of warm summer days with no snow to wet her paws...

Gulliver dreaming of someplace cool, like maybe Antarctica...

Funny thing is, I heard it was warmer in Antarctica than here in our snowy north last week.

I think it's pretty nice right here - any season!