Winter is finally here! It seemed like it would never come and Fall took up permanent residence. But Saturday evening, it snowed. Snow is the physical marking for me that winter finally arrived. We frantically raked up the plethora of leaves that blanketed our property knowing that snow was on its way that night.

As the last leaf was dropped into the bag, it began to snow. Perfect timing. Our daughter went running outside and tried to catch snowflakes on her tongue. She brought our puppy out to see her first snowfall — however, I do not think the dog was impressed.

The next morning, the idea of winter settled in nicely. I opened the blinds, and the scene before me brought a smile to my face — SNOW! Snow on the trees. Snow on the ground. Snow on the roads. SNOW!

I’m not sure what it is about the morning after an evening snowfall, but it feels so calming to me. It makes me want to snuggle in a blanket, start a fire, drink hot apple cider, and read a good book. Fresh snow means people slow down — I like that! Fresh snow means people stay in more rather than continue with their busy lives — I welcome that!

So this morning, I sit listening to my mellow Christmas music, watch my candles flicker, look out my window at the quilted covering over the ground and read a section of my bible. It’s a peaceful morning. In the midst of such hustle and bustle of the season, a morning like this is refreshing.

As I pondered the passage in the Bible I read, I thought about situations in my life where God feels silent and asked myself if I believe God could come through. It wasn’t a matter of if He could, but would He in the timing I prefer?

Isn’t that so often how we think? We focus on the when. The people of Israel waited hundreds of years for the promised Messiah. I’m sure there were many times they questioned whether it would ever come and many undoubtedly settled into the idea that God’s silence was taking up permanent residence.

But God never reneges on His promises. His timing was perfect. He sent the promised Messiah at just the right time. The excitement that stirred among everyone at that time had to be exhilarating. I’m sure some exited their homes to witness the star in the sky shining so brightly — the long awaited Savior was born! What a peace must have filled their hearts the next morning, knowing that Jesus was finally born.

The difference with my morning-after-snowfall feeling and Jesus’s birth, is that my snow melts at some point. God’s peace is everlasting!

With winter comes cold weather. Cold weather means I bundle up even more than usual. It also leads to our 6-month old puppy not getting as many walks. That translates into a bored, more destructive puppy.

Tired of our socks and Kleenix being demolished at every turn, I braved the cold weather and walked the dog this week — consistently. Okay, I know it hasn’t been that wintry in our area yet, but I’m chilly when it’s 55 degrees!

I’ve enjoyed the cold walks. Granted the first half mile I walk a more brisk pace in an attempt to keep hypothermia at bay (perhaps a slight exaggeration). Then the next two miles, I start unzipping my coat and wish I hadn’t worn so many layers.

As the dog and I stroll along, I’ve felt a peace. All the worries or stresses of the day melt away as I observe the beauty of God’s creation around me. With school in session and technology interruptions left at home, nothing intrudes on my time to just be.

It’s been a good reminder to me that in the midst of life’s daily demands, there is tremendous value in taking time out to enjoy the simple things in life. Whether it’s only fifteen minutes or an hour, the benefit is terrific. It gives us a chance to gain a bit of renewal, so we can continue our day with rejuvenation.

So take time to refresh yourself today. You’ll be glad you did!

It’s a Gratitude Give Away! What is that you may be asking? Why, Thanksgiving of course. A heart filled with gratitude for our many provisions and blessings, while giving away of ourselves for the sake of another. A Gratitude Give Away.

We often can think of something we’re grateful for, but what will we give to others this week, next month, or even next year? Give is a short word with monumental impact. What we give another has lasting affects.

* A smile to someone feeling down

* A letter to someone lonely

* Help for someone in need

* Hospitality to friends and family

* Perform entertainment for shut-ins

* Prepare meals for the homeless

* Deliver food to the hungry

* Devote time to another

Each is different, but equally impactful.

Last night, while my husband gave of his time to organize our filing system, I found a 10-year-old letter from my best friend amongst the folders. When my husband gave of his time and organizational expertise, it created an immediate blessing. But it also is a gift that will have a long-term benefit as my piles of papers will no longer be homeless. My best friend’s letter she gave me 10 years ago was touching and informative back then as she shared a piece of herself with me. Reading it again last night only enhanced the gift as time brought deeper meaning to the words she inked long before.

To be thankful is important, but only part of a bigger picture. What is it we will give to another?