Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Love

Christmas is the gateway into the new year.   As the new year approaches seven days later, it is good to take the celebration of Christ and carry its spiritual momentum into the days and months of 2019.  As the angels declared good tidings and joy with the birth of Christ unto humanity, may it become a living reality in bringing hope and peace in our daily lives.  Just as new-fallen snow blankets nature may His Presence, in the blanket of love, provide shelter from anxieties and storms of life.

New fallen snow came to Grant County this past week and with its arrival brought beauty to the countryside and fun in winter recreation.  I don't have to travel far to capture a beautiful photo moment, since these were taken from the front yard.  Not such a delight for travelers on winter roads but for those who live in winter climates, they are prepared with snow tires/chains and maneuver the winter roads with dexterity.

There are several quotes that I end this post with.  Combined, there is a message of God's love for one and for all.....  "A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! (anonymous)
God loves each of us if there were only one of us. (St. Augustine)

I'm sorry I did not show up for my December 17th post but will try to keep our regular 'date' every two weeks in 2019, starting on Monday, January 14....

   

Nature, Solace and Anne Frank

Just as winter fights spring in its impending arrival, so does fall fight the approaching season of winter.  I was amazed to see this startling and vibrant rainbow while traveling home.  It didn't seem warm enough for a rainbow with a forecast of imminent snow.  This scene reminds me of our personal journey in life when an unexpected blessing can cross our path to brighten and cheer our day. 

Snow eventually caught up with the weather and as predicted, blanketed our area with the first carpet of white.  Travel becomes more difficult in Eastern Oregon in winter because of mountain roads that lead north, south, east and west.  For those that have lived in this area for any length of time, they have become seasoned travelers and know the wisdom of equipping their vehicles with snow tires and carry a set of chains 'just in case'.

The trees can look so barren and lifeless after they lose their cloak of green leaves.  However, transformed by their nakedness, the exposure of bark and branch brings a dimension of beauty that can be missed by summer foliage. 

I feel blessed to live in an area where beauty abounds no matter what the season.  This morning, the sun peaked out from snow clouds casting light that dispersed shadows on the surrounding hillside.  Afternoon clouds cleared to blue sky that gave its own contrast to snowy Canyon Mountain.

Anne Frank, whose young life was cut short by the cruelty of twisted evil in the hostility of antisemitism, had this beautiful quote.   Her words live on in depth of inner beauty and wisdom...  "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.  And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."


Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, December 17th....