Books read in 2024

Monday, January 13, 2025

From My Journal

 TODAY IS: 13 January 2025

AROUND ME:  Beautiful white snow!  It just keeps coming down, covering the ground with God's handiwork in shades of white.  We currently have somewhere around 16-17 inches.

I AM PONDERING:  The goodness and mercy of God as He leads us along.

AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS: 



BOOKS I AM CURRENTLY ENJOYING:   The Soul's Conflict with Itself by Richard Sibbes .

I AM THANKFUL FORsunshine, snow, brightly feathered male Cardinals, and beautiful shades of blue on the Blue Jays, and all of the beautiful shades of brown on the birds that have been enjoying the seeds left for them in our bird feeders.  It's such a joy to watch them from the kitchen window while I do the washing up after a meal, good health, my husband (always my husband), a warm home and a husband who takes care of the woodstove.

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN:  Last week gave me a challenge or two, but keeping my One Word resilience in mind, helped me to realize new and afresh the beauty and freedom we have in following God's leading in our lives.  I'm so thankful!

FROM THE KITCHEN:  Being on break over the holidays has influenced me in a bad way, as it got me out of the habit of taking pictures of our meals and goodies like I did prior to break. :)  I did make some very yummy muffins the other day.  We ate a couple for breakfast and the rest went into the freezer.  I will take a picture when I thaw them out again and share the recipe here on the blog next week.

SOMETHING I REALLY ENJOY:  


Tasha Tudor who enjoyed the simple country life.


QUOTE FOR THE WEEK: "Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace within difficulties."  C.S. Lewis

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK:  "But let all who take refuge in you be glad, 
Let them ever sing for joy; 
and may You shelter them, 
that those who love Your name may exult in you."  Psalm 5:11

TO DO LIST FOR TODAY:   Laundry, clean out the fridge, and plant care.

"So teach us to number our days, 
that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12 

24 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, that's a lot of snow! Stay warm!!
    hugs
    Donna

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    1. Our temperature got up to 37 degrees F today, so some of that snow is melting from underneath. The next couple of days are to be in the 30s like that before they drop back down below freezing for our highs.

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  2. God has placed so much beauty around us in every season. The birds do show up so nicely against the snow.
    I have similar tasks today. The laundry is started and I'm going to clean the frig and oven.

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    1. Yes, He has, Mari. There's an area not far from our home that I am hoping to get some pictures of tomorrow. It's one of the most beautiful spots in our county this time of year.

      The laundry is finished now, and I did get the fridge cleaned out. It was one of those times where everything had to come out and take out all of the shelves and glass and drawers. It took a bit to accomplish, but I am thankful it's done now. Hope you were successful with your jobs, too.

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  3. That is a lot of snow! Very pretty though.
    I always think of you when I see a picture of Tasha Tudor.
    I used to love watching the birds from my kitchen window when I lived in Florida. I had a Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal visit the feeder regularly.
    Stay warm and have a lovely day.

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    1. We were happy to have the temperature reach 37 degrees F this afternoon and the sun even came out! We had a few little snow showers, but they didn't add much to the pile. :) With as warm as it got, we are thinking that it started melting from underneath today.

      Tasha Tudor reminds me so much of my paternal grandmother. Their interests so similar.

      I loved hearing about the birds visiting your feeder when you lived in Florida.

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  4. hm, I need to throw away some things in my fridge too, thanks for the reminder. Always a joy to see a peek in your day!

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    1. You are welcome, Friend! :) Thank you, Karen, for your kind words.

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  5. Great quote, Dianna. You have a great load of snow. We are wondering when we might get dumped on. We have 3 birthdays to celebrate starting Wednesday thru Sunday. Hope you have a good week!

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    1. When difficulties arise, I do try to remember that quote...because it is so true! I've been wondering if you were getting any of these snowstorms. Have a wonderful few days celebrating birthdays.

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  6. We got 3-4 inches of snow, and that was more than enough for me. :) I was surprised we didn't see more birds at the feeders. My husband went out and filled them further and spread some seed on the ground under them as well, ans that attracted some.

    The quote from Lewis is true though hard to grapple with sometimes. We often prefer that God remove the difficulties, but He uses them to teach and grow us.

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    1. :) I understand, Barbara, about the snow. We were able to make it out to church yesterday. The largest portion of the road that we travel to church is a country road that has lots of twists and turns. A lot of it was still snow covered, but the DOH had done an excellent job of spreading cinders heavy in those turns and twists.

      Our birds here keep my husband busy filling the feeders...especially with all of the snowstorms that we've been having.

      I'm learning (slowly at times) to lean into the teaching and growing part of difficulties. It's not always easy, but unless we want to remain stagnant, it's rather essential.

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  7. We have a few inches of snow right now. It hasn't snowed for a few days but we are expecting more days. But it's just so cold. I just checked my bird feeder and it's fine. Just not many birds flying over to visit right now.
    I have always enjoyed Tasha Tudor. I have some of her books.

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    1. Yes, we've had the cold temperatures as well, Willow. But today we had a bit of a break with the temperature reaching 37 degrees F. So, I'm sure a little melting of the snow took place, if even just from underneath.

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  8. I like the quote for the week - so true.
    Nice to see some sunshine today.

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    1. Yes, Karen, that quote definitely is filled with truth.
      I agree about the sunshine! Yesterday on our way to church, we got up in elevation enough that we were in the fog. But it was beautiful.

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  9. Brr stay safe and warm ...
    It's laundry day for me tomorrow (Tuesday)

    All the best Jan

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    1. We were excited to see the temperature climb to 37 degrees F today! And the sun came out! We had a few snow flurries, but they didn't add up to much.

      Happy laundry day tomorrow! xx

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  10. Hope you are enjoying the warmth of your home. Nice quote of the week.

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    1. I certainly am, Bill. We heat with wood as our primary source of heat, but we also have an oil furnace. The wood heat is SO much warmer and I'm thankful for a husband who works hard to keep our woodpile full!

      I like that quote, too. And try to remember it in the midst of difficulties.

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  11. Love your scripture for today...The simple life is what I need right now. I think this was one of the reasons I chose the word Peace as my word for the year. I love your beautiful snow. Hope you stay warm and cozy.. hugs to you

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    1. Thank you, Shug. I think that's what a lot of us need right now, my friend. There's so much chaos in the world. We have enjoyed the snow this year. It's the first year in about three years that we've had much of any accumulation. xx

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  12. That's a lot of snow. We don't get snow often and when it settles the city practically comes to a standstill. I don't suppose it helps that it is built on several hills. Keep warm and keep safe.

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    1. Hello Diana! It's good to see your smiling face. We are accustomed to snow here, but the last three years we have had very little of it. Now we are gearing up for some more VERY cold weather. Thanks for stopping by.

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