This recent blast of below freezing weather in February got me reminiscing about my childhood. Growing up on a farm brought lots of area to run, play, fish, and explore. And when it snowed there was even more exploration as we had to find the best sledding spot or the biggest snow drift. My siblings and I would trudge all over our property zipping down every small hill or formations we found. One year the temperatures were so bitter that our pond froze over. It was solid enough that my whole family was able to go out and play on it, sliding across the slippery ice.  I was really young at the time but I remember enjoying the moment and how incredible it was to be out on the middle of the pond. 

It was that next year when it got cold again and snowed that I found myself at the edge of the pond looking out over the sheet of ice on top of it. Me being so little thought it was just the same as the year before and longed to be out in the middle of the ice. I took a few steps onto the sheet of ice as I slowly started to move away from the side. Suddenly the ice cracked and I shot down into the water below me. Luckily I was only a few steps out and the water went to about my knees. I quickly got up and fearfully ran all the way back to the house where I received a stern talking to about the dangers of frozen bodies of water.  

I realize looking back that the side I stepped out onto was the lowest of all the sides of the pond. If I had tried to do this at any other spot especially the embankment side I would have sank deeply into the water. I don't tell you this story saying "God saved me" as I don't think that was the case. Though I do believe God is always with us, prayers work, and there are blessings that happen which are unexplainable. I tell you this because sometimes the slightest decision can make all the difference in a life. A fraction of a second slower, going right instead of left, or even stepping out on the shorter side of a pond. And sometimes those differences are the work of prayers and love being sent to someone else. Life is precious and its important we use our instincts, intuition, and brains to make good decisions. We never know when our time will be up and so we must hold the ones we love, sit with those we care about, laugh until our bellies ache, do what we have always wished to do, and share our feelings with others while we can.  ​

Thank you to all those who continue to follow along.  May your hearts be full!

This week hug those close to you and share with them how much you love them! 

As the wind whistles through the trees 
So does the breath of God
As the shining sun wraps its warmth among the earth
So does the welcoming spirit of God
As rain pours from the clouds above
So does the compassion of God 
As the Spring flowers blossom showing their vibrant colors 
So does the creativeness of God 
As the stars sparkle in the night sky showcasing the universe
So does the infiniteness of God 
As a smile tenderly lightens another's face
So does the goodness of God
As our hearts reach out to those who are neglected, unheard, and outcast
So does the love of God 
As the world continues to work toward peace
So does the harmonious nature of God 
Let us breathe deeply and know God is with us 
For God is in all things 

May you find God wherever you are today!

This week please sit and thank God for the beautiful creation around you! 

Each year we get to journey onward following the Christmas star. This year like others is an opportunity for each of us to seek again for something more in our lives. For a moment, you can set aside whatever you have faced as you embrace the Christmas story. As you search, recognize the joy there is in being on the journey, the path you have taken. Recognize the people you encounter and those traveling with you. Yes there might be regrets, roads we wish we would have traveled but none of that matters as we look upon the Christ child. All that remains is joy. Joy for the love and grace shown to us. As the advent season ends, let that joy wash over you as you realize God is with us. Be Joyful and bask in the light of Emmanuel.


Watch this inspirational Christmas video about the joy we find in the journey to the manger. 

Merry Christmas!  I pray that each of you have a wonderful Christmas!  

This week reach out to others during the holiday season and share the joy you have.