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)

Quiet

January is my month to settle into quiet.   The simple pleasure of lighting a candle...

sipping a warm cup of tea...

passing a winter afternoon reading about others who create...

working a jig saw puzzle...

painting flowers all help me to find the quiet my soul needs.

How about you?  Is there quiet moments you are enjoying?  Hope so!

Hugs

Debbie 

"He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

 

"New"

 The first day of the new year brought a fresh snowfall.  It made the beginning of 2026 sparkle.

As the future months unfold I am in the process of creating lists and planning projects to pursue.

One is creating a Perpetual Nature Journal.  Lara Call Gastinger created this idea back in 2001 and has since written a book "A Perpetual Journal Practice".  You can find her on Instagram or check out her videos on Patreon.  It is just a way to document the changes from week to week that one might find in nature.  

Also diving into a couple of interesting books that are full of lovely botanical painting and drawing ideas and techniques.

Then there is an on going work to finish a 100 small paintings by the end of March.  Thus far have 58 completed.  This means my brushes need to get busy. :)!  After all we know how time flies and March will be here before we know it.

Most likely many of you are also making plans for the coming year...perhaps places you would like to go, picking up and finishing a few projects or learning a new hobby.   

Whatever it is - may it be the best year ever.

Happy New Year!

Debbie

"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"  Revelation 21: 5a (NIV)

Bringing Joy

 As this week unfolds I hope it is bringing joy to each of your hearts.  May the joy not only be for this season but for the coming New Year too!

Thank you sweet friends, for all your visits and wonderful posts.  One of the greatest gifts one can give is their time and you certainly give yours when you take time to stop and leave me a note.

See you next year!  

God Bless

Debbie

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Choosing Joy

I am choosing joy in spite of the arctic chill that came overnight.  

More snow is certainly beginning to make it "look a lot like Christmas".  Hard to believe it is now only 12 days away.  

If the weather doesn't set the mood for the holidays...the music certainly should.

"Joy to the World", "O Little Town of Bethlehem", Angels We Have Heard on High"...or "I am Dreaming of a White Christmas" are just a few favorites.

Have never figured out why some of these old songs are only played this time of the year.  They can bring such joy just hearing them and reminding us of what this special season represents.

 Speaking of choosing joy...I think these two are.  How about you?  Hope so.

Have a lovely joyful week.

Hugs

Debbie

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."  Psalm 95:1 (NIV)

 

Finding Joy

I am finding joy in this lovely first snowfall of December.  How appropriate that it arrived as we begin the Christmas season.

Winter may not be my favorite time of the year but there is a special beauty to be found.

The appearance of each branch coated in white lends itself to a magical fairy tale waiting to be read.

It reminds me of joyful times. Snowy days spent sled riding with my brother and making snow men.    As a child I never minded the cold.  It was a part of life and the charm of being young and alive.  

 

We knew when we grew tired and wet there was a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows waiting for us indoors.  Mom would often accompany this special beverage with a plate of fresh baked cookies.

Even though many moons have passed since those precious days of childhood...there is so much joy in remembering winter days of fun and laughter.  

How about each of you?  Are you finding joy in this season of the year?  I pray so!

Hugs!

Debbie

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."  Phil. 1:4 (NIV)