Clothing Choices

There is a certain fascination with clothing for me. I choose fabrics by their feel and content. I choose colors that I feel good in. I choose styles by their ability to flatter me. It's like one of those things in Proverbs that cannot be quenched- I never have enough of them. I'm always looking for more! Foundationally God has already clothed me with salvation and righteousness and a spirit of praise. But, it is my choice to put them on. Although it feels good, looks good, and makes me better than I am, I still sometimes choose to put on anger and spitefulness. Why?! It's like wearing something that is uncomfortable, ugly, and beyond even "vintage"!
Clothe me today with Your garments!

Snow Down Snow

I think that our winter wonderland is finally ready for use. It has been snowing non-stop since the 23rd- today is the 26th. Driving today was fun, but it was hard to see around the 5 foot snow piles in the middle of the streets around town. They are there waiting to be scooped up and hauled away.
Christmas certainly turned out different than we planned. It was quiet- it was peaceful, and we didn't overeat this year. We were scrounging around for something to eat yesterday- how different from Christmases in the past.
After church tomorrow we plan to drive to Forest Lake and be with my family for the afternoon.

Relaxing

There comes a time when it is just time to relax! To set aside the "to-do" list and to pick something that refreshes and encourages my soul.

My "pick-me-up" list:

• sitting in the sunshine, even a sunny window
• a warm bath
• a heart-warming movie
• quiet conversation
• dry-brush painting
• piano playing- the the oldies I wrote years ago

I've watched my kids over the years do some of these same things to cope with stress and discontent. Lovely music, deep conversation, a favorite blanket wrapped around their bodies while they watch a movie, calmly painting a picture in their own "signature" style, etc.

What do you do to relax?

...He leads me beside quiet waters... Psalm 23:2.

Still Growing Strong...

I have been collecting verses in the Bible about not growing weary and losing heart. The most exciting one I've found so far is in Romans 4:20- "but grow strong in faith, giving glory to God." I am growing all of the time- either weary or strong. Growing weary doesn't give glory to God, but growing strong in faith like Abraham did does give glory to Him. This is a word I need to cling to today. So much of our future is uncertain that it is "normal" to grow weary and lose heart. Today, I chose, to follow You.

The goal is: having done all, to stand.

Snow Thoughts

The snow started falling fast last night, the temperature dropped rapidly, and today we have a winter wonderland outside. After living in a northern climate for this many years, I know spring will come eventually, and the snow will melt. Meanwhile, I need to find ways to enjoy these months of cold, darkness, and snowstorms. It's another school day here, which is a great thing to do on a cold day.
Annie's packing to come home from Germany. Hopefully our home will be a respite and retreat for her, and this winter will be one of healing, resting, and contentedness. This next phase of her life will be new, fresh and a time of seeing what "spring will bring". I'm learning that we can either grow weary, or we can grow strong. Both entail a growth process, but have two very different outcomes. May we grow strong in faith, giving glory to God! Romans 4:20.

Spirit of '76

Some books are just too good to be read only once. Eric Sloane's book, "Spirit of '76", is one of those books that is a great reminder of the things we have lost as a result of living in the land of plenty. So far, we have read about "Respect", "Hard Work", and "Frugality". Just those three chapters alone, if applied, could drastically change our nation, our states, our cities, and our homes. Do I enjoy my work and see it as a art form? Do I waste money on things I will throw away? Challenge: eliminate garbage from our home. Re-use, re-cycle, repair, save for another use in the future. This isn't a new thought- but it is new to my generation who values a "clean sweep" for a picture perfect house more than living within our means, and enjoying what we already have.

16 Days Until Christmas

I was so inspired last night by reading my favorite children's Christmas stories by author Jan Brett. Her illustrations are thought provoking and beautiful, her stories are simple and sweet, filled with anticipation of the coming celebration of Christmas. Her houses are organized and simple, clean and comfortable, natural and light...all the things that make surroundings wonderful to me. I found myself becoming excited to decorate the house, bake some cookies, and wrap the gifts. I also fell in love with my heritage again- Scandinavian, almost 100%... or so I believed as a child. Why is it so comforting to read the same things over again each year, eat the same things, listen to the same music, and decorate with the same decorations? Our habits make us who we are more than our heritage. All said, I'm off to the attic to pull out the memories.