From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
Luke walked with me this afternoon. It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of January. It is nice to see the days growing longer. Sunrises are coming a little earlier and sunsets are coming a bit later.
Luke by the lake
Luke
The trail today
Luke and a fishing shanty in the background
It’s been so cold here lately that I haven’t been walking as much outside. Yesterday I walked on the treadmill in the morning and then took a walk outside once it had warmed up some. Nick and Zack joined me for a walk to the lake. When we got back home they wanted to stay out and play in the snow for awhile. I’ll be glad when the cold spell passes and it warms up enough to get my morning walks in again.
Nick and Zack in front of the snow covered lake
Zack on top of the snowpile
Wheee!
Ready to go
Nick
On top of the pile
Zack
While I was washing dishes last night, Zachary and Josiah came to the kitchen giggling and showing off the hats they were wearing. I grabbed the camera so I could get some pictures of the fun they were having together.
We might get 1-3 inches of snow today to add to what we have so far.
Zachary on top of the snow pile
Josiah
Luke
Jacob and Kristi
Nicholas
We’re right on the edge of a snowband that is due to get lots of snow today. I know my kids will be happy if we get more snow. I wouldn’t mind more myself.
It was snowing while I walked this morning. I enjoy walking while snow is falling. I’m thankful for all the pine trees I can enjoy while I walk. It’s nice to have so many green trees in winter when the other trees are bare.
As a mom, my greatest desire for my children is that they walk in truth. It’s so sad to see young adults, brought up in Christian homes, turn away from the truths taught to them in childhood. I pray regularly for my children that they will lead faithful, obedient lives all of their days. Here are a couple of articles that are helpful for parents and young people alike. They are timely reminders of the importance of examining ourselves and not hanging on to a false profession of faith.
It is 7 degrees outside right now. The cold temperature reminds me of several things for which I’m thankful.
Warm slippers
Fire in the Woodstove
A warm house
Blankets
The sun that’s shining brightly right now
Vehicles with warm heaters when we need to go somewhere in the cold
Warm sweaters
Winter gear to wear when I need to go outdoors
Hot cups of coffee and tea
I’m so thankful for God’s provision that keeps me warm on a very cold day!
Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Last night we got three or four inches of snow. Snow is falling right now and it looks so pretty outside. I just got back from walking and enjoying the beauty of winter. It’s the kind of day where you enjoy being inside curled up with a book by the fire or baking some cookies or pie. It’s the kind of day when it’s nice to have nowhere to go.
I have a pot of beans simmering on the stove being flavored with a nice meaty hamhock. I have good memories of my Mom making beans the same way. Hopefully my kids will enjoy them as much as I do.
I’m so blessed to live where I get to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons God has created. It’s fun to get out and walk and enjoy the fresh fallen snow. I love seeing the trail through the woods where I walk covered with snow and no snowmobile tracks or footprints marring its beauty.
The trail today.
Nick and Zack outside enjoying the snow.