Random thoughts/happenings...

• Just had to share one of those laugh out loud moments. We've had several ice storms here lately. That has left many cars with 1/4" or more of ice on their hoods and car tops. At random times, you'll see huge sheets of ice fly off the tops of cars and then crash into the pavement. It's quite a sight to see, as long as you're not the car right behind.
• Some might call in coincidence, but I call it God's hand at work. I have a good friend, Lauri, that I haven't seen in many weeks. I have intended to call her many times, but haven't made it happen. Today, I had the whole day to myself and decided to go shopping. I had intentions to call her on my cell phone while shopping, but my husband had my phone for the day. (This is the part of the story, where I love to see how God works.) I just pulled in the Bed, Bath and Beyond parking lot, and Lauri pulls in right next to me! :) It just happened that her kids were out of town visiting family and she had the whole afternoon free. I also had the whole day to myself. We spent the afternoon shopping and having lunch together. It was wonderful!!!!! I don't get much "girl time," so I had to smile at God's timing and His wonderful way of taking care of us. (On a side note, Lauri lost her husband two years ago in a freak accident; he was only 40 years old and they had two young boys. She is a remarkable woman of faith and proves to be a wonderful role model for living out a life of faith.)
• I continue to battle living a life of contentment, and being satisfied with where we are at in life now. I remember when the boys were little and took so much time and energy, and longing for the days when they were older and could do more on their own. Well, they are older now, but they fight like cats and dogs and we have a whole new set of difficulties; so I find myself longing for quieter days when they are out of the house. Yet, so many people say we will actually miss them when they move out of our house. When I am at work, I feel guilty for not being home. When I am at home, things are crazy and I wish I was at work. I think of what my friend, Juli, said not long ago about slowing down and "taking time to smell the flowers." I am also reminded of Paul's words in Philipians 4:11-13, "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content, in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who strengthens me." So, that is the longings of my heart, to be content whatever the circumstances.

Power of a song...

So, a few years ago I attended a Children's Pastor's Conference in Orlando, FL. The worship leader, Michael Neale sang a song called "Come to Jesus" which just touched me so much at the time. You ever have those moments when someone says just want you needed to hear. Well that was the case with this song, which has stuck with me over the years. I love this simple reminder that no matter what we go through, it is never too big of a burden for our Savior to hold. I think of you, the few loyal readers that I know of, and some of the major burdens that you have had to carry over the years. I pray a prayer of thanksgiving that you all know the Lord, but also that you will let Him carry your burdens. So be encouraged by the words of this song:

He will lift your burden
Let Him carry the load
There’s no heart too heavy for
the arms of Jesus to hold
So if your heart is broken
Let Him heal you now
Though you feel so far away
Look up ‘cause you have been found

So come to Jesus
Wounded weary soul
Come to Jesus
He will make you whole

So child your Savior calls to you
He just wants you to know
That He will meet you where you are
Your hand he’ll never let go

So come to Jesus
Wounded weary soul
Come to Jesus
He will make you whole

He will lift your burdens
Let Him carry the load
There’s no heart too heavy for
There’s no heart too heavy for
There’s no heart too heavy for
the arms of Jesus to hold

"Come to Jesus" by Michael Neale

A few side notes...

• A first happened in my life today. I got my teeth/gums "power washed" today. Have any of you ever experience this?
• A beautiful small blanket of snow has fallen in our region today. Despite the snow and cold temperatures, I heard the birds chirping letting me know that spring isn't too far away!
• Actually we're getting freezing rain right now. Maybe my work/school will be cancelled tomorrow!?

Joyful events...

Sometimes I get so caught up in the BIG things of live that I fail to find the most joy possible in the little things. So here's a few of the little things that are a bright spot in my life now.

• I love my new job! Most of all, I love not being in charge and just doing what other people tell me to do.
• I love the way God works, and the people He places in your life at the right time. I have a new friend, Lucy, at work. (There's something about that name, but everyone I know named Lucy is a saint in my book!) She works down the hall, and is new here also. God just knew that I needed a friend.
• Another blessing, my boys are now in seperate rooms. They've shared a room since they were little, but now that they are getting older we've realized it is time for their own space. Unfortuantely, our barn/apartment is very small. We converted the office/snake room/guest room into Jordan's bedroom. He now sleeps in a loft above our 10 foot boa constrictor. It may be too soon to tell, but I think this may cut down on some of thier fighting. At least that is our hopes!
• February brings the time of year for maple syrup making. It has been a longstanding tradition for the gentleman who owns the property where we live to tap maple trees each winter. It is a delightful (but hard, time consuming, labor intensive) process, that we look forward to each year. We've already collected over 150 gallons of sap. The boys' boy scout troop is coming over tomorrow to learn the process of boiling it down and making it into syrup.