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)

 

 

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) 

Sweet Memories

 The Christmas season always seems to bring back sweet memories.  As I place certain ornaments on the tree it amazes me that some are over 40 years old.  It is only the special ones that get to be there.  They may be a bit frayed or discolored from time but each brings to mind when they were given and by whom.  

 This small ceramic nativity scene holds a warm place in my heart.  One of my old and dear friends gifted it to me.  She and I for many years spent every Sunday morning playing the piano and organ together for our worship service.  Now she lives in Texas...we don't see each other unless she comes home to visit.  

When I left my previous place of employment...all the wonderful gals I worked with gave me this lovely Christmas arrangement.  It never ceases to make me smile.  Astonishing that was 18 years ago this December.  

Naturally it is not the physical gifts that matter but the spirit of love that makes them priceless.

Bet you as well,  have gifts and treasures  that give your heart a sweet memory or two.  Hope you will share.

Have a blessed week.

Hugs

Debbie

"...He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and long to see us, just as we also long to see you."  1 Thess. 3:6 b (NIV) 

"Come Back"

 Winter made a " come back" this weekend.  The windchill this morning was 3 degrees below zero.  

After a couple weeks of almost spring like weather we found the change to be bone chilling. 

Kelsey was content to get indoors after a brisk jaunt outside. We both like our walk but today it was a challenge with the wind blowing. 

 Mr. Nuthatch took shelter from the cold by clinging to his wind break.  Amazing how even with no leaves these old oaks yield a place that is warmer than out in the open.

The sunshine helped to add some warmth and even started to melt the snow.  By late afternoon patches of grass were peaking through.  By tomorrow we are to see temperatures returning to the 40's.  I am not sad!

Speaking of returning - finished "The Return" by Nicholas Sparks.  It was a good read.

Also found some time this past week to do a bit of sketching.                        

    

Even made a few plans for the coming spring.

Thanks for taking time to visit.  Hope you will share what is happening in your part of the world. 

Hugs

Debbie

 "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow" Job38:22a (NIV)

Glad

I am so glad you stopped by to visit.  We have been enjoying the unusual February weather.  Today it was in the 50's and sunny.

We took a long walk...

Counted over 15 squirrel nests around the place...

Visited the old apple tree...

Spotted Mrs. Tufted Titmouse.  She apparently was enjoying the nice weather.

Last but not the least; we had a nice sit on the swing.  Truly glad you stopped by to see us.  May all of you have a week of gladness!

Hugs

Debbie

"This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

 

First Day

 A fresh skiff of snow marked the first day of the New Year in our neck of the woods.  It seemed appropriate that as the calendar turned to 2024 the ground would receive a new covering.  A clean coating of white brushed the woods  

and covered some of autumn's remains.

 

  

 A winter landscape even on a dark day has a unique beauty.

January is a great month to settle in and enjoy those gentle days that come after the holiday rush.

It affords some extra time to reflect on what is important...watch the birds...take long walks...read a good book or two. 

 Hoping each of you are finding some quiet moments to meditate on the coming New Year.

Hugs!

Debbie

..."in quietness and trust is your strength,"... Isaiah 30:15 b (NIV) 

Turn

Everyday we are given a choice to turn.  It may mean a change of direction, a new plan or a different attitude.

With our winter weather having been such a challenge these last two weeks discouragement had been clouding my mood.

Walking on a cold morning was not something that appealed but two furry friends would not be denied.  They wanted outdoors.

As we made our way around the field and turned towards home I found myself captivated by the most spectacular scene.  It made me come back to the house and grab the camera.

The sun was rising above the tree tops and casting lovely blue shadows along the woods.

It continued to rise and shine so bright.  In that moment my spirit took an upward turn.   Such beauty was meant to be enjoyed.  Even though winter is not a favorite season of mine there are still beautiful blessings to be found.   One just needs to look around and make a small turn.  

Speaking of  turn - how many of you remember the song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" written by Pete Seeger and recorded by the Byrds?  It was based on the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes.

Thought I would share this song with you to close.   Have a wonderful week and don't forget to take a moment to " turn".   Hugs Debbie

 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."  Eccl. 3:1-8 (NIV) 

Stillness

 In the stillness I hear Him whisper,

"I am near...

do not fear...

I love you and I care."

Hope you hear Him in the stillness too.

Have a blessed week.

Hugs!

Debbie

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper."  1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)

A Wish

 Sending everyone a wish for a Happy New Year.

May God Bless You all as we ring out the old and ring in the new.  

I am ready for a new year how about you?

Hugs!

Debbie

"To be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:23-24 (NIV)

Three P's

Today I am sharing a painting done in January...

a photo taken on a winter's walk...













and a favorite hymn on prayer - done by Alan Jackson - hope you enjoy!

Have a wonderful week.

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matt. 6:6 (NIV)  

Winter's Peace

There is a certain peace that comes with winter.

A quiet calm settles all around.

Last season's reminders even appear at rest.

Bare branches are adorned in simple white.

The daily visitors are peaceful as they wait their turn.

Even this busy one seems to know it is time to slow down and be still.

Sweet friends wishing you a blessed peace-filled week.

Hugs Debbie

"A heart at peace gives life to the body..."  Prov. 14:30 a (NIV)