Promises

At last God's promises are being seen...snowdrops pushing up through last fall's vestige.

Pussy willows reaching up to the sky...

Crocus opening up to the sun.

Yes friends, I am seeing promises - spring is on its way.  Hope all of you are seeing some too!

Hugs

Debbie

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all He has made."  Psalm 145:13b (NIV) 

Finishing

I have been spending these past couple of weeks finishing up a few winter projects.   My last post must have been a memo to the robins.  They are back as well as the red-winged blackbirds.  The weather this week has certainly turned the corner.  The forecast for Friday is 70 degrees...wow what a change!

Speaking of finishing ... am pleased to say that the 100 small painting challenge was completed by March.  Am thinking about starting another year of doing the same.  Instead of small though - may branch out to a larger format.  Will keep you posted.

Just finished reading this wonderful book by Seth Lewis "The Language of Rivers and Stars."  For all those who study nature and enjoy spending time outdoors...this book is sure to please.  

Well as you can see - am moving into spring now that winter is hopefully finished with us!  Of course one knows that spring can be a teaser.

Thanks for taking time to stop by.  Have a good finish to your week. 

Hugs

Debbie

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:4 (NIV)

  

 
 

Weary

 

Are some of you like me...winter weary?    If so...thought maybe I would go back a few years and share some past spring photos.

How about a few Pussy willows...

a crocus or two...

or a garden of yellow daffodils.

Nothing says spring has arrived without a robin.  Hope these pictures reminded you that winter is almost past and nicer days are on their way.

Hugs!

Debbie

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matt: 11:28 (NIV)

 

 

Friends

Good morning friends.

A few weeks ago I finished this beautiful book by Ruth Chou Simons.  She is a lovely Christian writer and artist.  She has written several other books one that I read several months ago "When Stivings Cease".  As a Wall Street Journal best selling author her words and art resonate with so many others. What was so amazing about this book is how she showcases the wildflowers with her writing.

She addresses many of the human challenges we all face in our daily walk.  Just a few to mentioned are being overwhelmed, learning to wait, being disillusioned, when you can't turn back the clock, when one grieves, and the brokenness of the world.  Each chapter is illustrated with a certain wildflower that is described and depicted.

For all of those who need a pick me up from the winter weather - highly recommend this book.  

On another note...our snow is melting and we are warming up this week.  Yeah!

I am ready for spring - how about you?

Many of us have certainly had too much snow!

Take care and have a blessed week.

Hugs

Debbie

"A friend loves at all times,..." Prov. 17:17a (NIV) 
 

Lovely

 In spite of the weather there are certain elements that make this season lovely.  Two days ago we experienced hoarfrost.  It is a special phenomenon that occurs from time to time when ice forms crystals from a foggy atmosphere.

Each branch had a coating of crystalline beauty. 

It only lasts a few hours and by mid morning it is gone.   I have written before about this rare occurrence.

It is a favorite sight of mine.

Speaking of  a favorite sight...our visitor the Rufous-sided Towhee has decided to stop by and visit.  He appears to be alone (I only ever see one - never two at a time).  His markings make him stand out among the crowd.

To make the dark evenings go more quickly...working another jig-saw puzzle...this one is by the artist Terry Redlin...a Christmas present from my brother and sister.  They know what I enjoy doing.

Also been spending a bit of time in the kitchen baking up a few goodies.  There is something special about a warm peanut butter cookie with a cup of coffee to chase away winter's chill.

 Well friends I am wishing all of you a lovely coming week.  Next Saturday is Valentine's Day...hope everyone has a blessed one.

Hugs

Debbie

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Phil. 4:8 (NIV) 

 

Winter Storm

So many this past week experienced the winter storm, Fern.   She arrived here around 3:am Sunday morning and kept us busy shoveling snow.  We received over a foot of the white stuff.  Unfortunately for others they had ice which put thousands out of electricity.  With freezing temperatures and no heat  this storm was extremely dangerous.   Praying power is being restored and things are getting better for all those folks in the south.

Here at Harmony Hills snuggling in after working outdoors clearing the driveway and sidewalk...made us so grateful for a warm home and a hot cup of coffee.

These two put themselves on patrol...

 

that is squirrel patrol.   

The visitation of our winter guests  was quite entertaining and made the day more fun with their cute antics.  

  

Also was happy to see they left enough sustenance for our bird friends to enjoy.

Winter storms can be harsh but they help remind me of so many blessings that often go unnoticed.

May everyone be safe.

God Bless!

Debbie  

"Without warning a furious storm came...the disciples went and woke him (Jesus, who was sleeping), saying, "Lord, save us!"...He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"  The he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."   Matt:8:24-26 (NIV) 

Word

 I know many of you select a particular word to focus on each year.  My word for 2026 is Trust.

In 2025 I chose Joy.  For some reason I missed sharing it with you last January.  For sure it was embedded in the pockets of ordinary days.  The smiles and hugs of loved ones...notes from friends...the first sounds of spring...glorious sunsets...autumn colors...crisp cool mornings...and the list goes on.  The longer I live the more I become convinced that what we seek we find.   

To me joy is so much more than happiness...it is richer and not based on our circumstances.  It goes deeper and sits like a peaceful dove in our spirit.  We have countless opportunities to choose it and then pass it on to others.  

So as January begins...I am seeking to trust.   How about each of you?  Do you have a special word for the year.  Hope you will share.

Have a Blessed Week

Debbie

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14 (NIV)