Winter Snow
December 28, 2013 | My Jottings
Here in the Great Frozen North it feels like Narnia to me, like winter will always be. It would be so much nicer if the animals would talk and I could find a lamppost in a wood, and if Aslan was on the move. And it would also be nice if our forecast for tonight wasn’t for 40-50 degrees below zero wind chills.
According to those who keep such records, we have experienced our third snowiest December on record, with just under 40 inches having fallen in the past 28 days. Snow is again predicted for tonight and tomorrow, so we could actually break the record and then it would give we weather-obsessed Minnesotans something to talk about.
This is a picture I took by leaning out the sliding glass double door in my office, looking out to our back yard. The snow is almost three feet deep.
And since I’m not done listening to Audrey Assad music, I thought I would share this music video called “Winter Snow” by Audrey Assad and Chris Tomlin. So beautiful to me. Have you heard this one?
A couple of days ago Michael and I had some free time before one of his latest doctor’s appointments, and we decided to go see the movie, “Saving Mr. Banks.” I absolutely loved it. I would see it again. Have any of you seen it? If so, what did you think? It was very melancholy at times, but I’m one of those people who never minds that kind of movie. I have friends who won’t see movies because they know they might cry while watching, but I’m not deterred by that. I wonder why that is? Is it because our days have become so numbed that I welcome the chance to cry about someone else’s sad story or misfortune? I don’t know. I would never want to see a movie like “Twelve Years a Slave” because I think it would do me in — seeing cruelty and such venomous hatred does me in. So I guess there are movies I avoid.
I made an easy dinner in our crockpot, with no recipe. I think it could be called Mexican Lasagna, because I layered corn tortillas, diced tomatoes, green chiles, cooked lean ground beef, grated cheese and enchilada sauce several times, and cooked it on low all day long. Everyone loved it and I served it with a green salad. I’m in a soup mood too, and since for Christmas Sharon gave me some neat white individual soup crocks for serving French onion soup, I’ll be scouting for the best recipe I can find online. Unless you have one, then you could share it with me!
Today I downloaded a read-the-Bible-in-two years program and Michael and I will be starting together on January 1st. This morning before we got out of bed I read two Psalms of his request to him, and we sang this song together as best we could. What an amazing thing it is to wake up with the darkness of Parkinson’s always in our home, only to have hope and peace settle over us as we read His Word and sing His truth. There is power in God’s Word and I thank Him for making His presence known to us through it. I certainly understand why the enemy of our souls does everything he can to prevent couples from reading and praying together. I’m so thankful for a good start this morning and how it set the course for the rest of the day, even and especially though sadness is a constant door-knocker since Michael’s ability to walk has deteriorated so drastically.
Here are two quotes that inspired me today: “As oil lubricates an engine, so meditation facilitates the diligent use of means of grace (reading of Scripture, hearing sermons, prayer, and all other ordinances of Christ), deepens the marks of grace (repentance, faith, humility), and strengthens one’s relationships to others (love to God, to fellow Christians, to one’s neighbors at large).” — Joel Beeke.
And from Thomas Watson: “A Christian without meditation is like a solider without arms, or a workman without tools. Without meditation the truths of God will not stay with us; the heart is hard, and the memory is slippery, and without meditation all is lost.”
Oh, how I identify with the last quote. I’ve often marveled at my ability to quickly flip-flop from having a heart full of trust and peace to one giving way to despair, flippancy and hopelessness. I have seen a correlation to those latter beasts with my neglect of daily prayer time and slow meditation on the scriptures.
I could share more, but it has gotten dark and my husband is waiting for me in the living room so we can watch some TV together. The Netflix DVDs we have to choose from tonight are the British crime drama called “Silk,” the movie “Lincoln,” and disc one of the series “The Barchester Chronicles.” I’d love to know if some of you have seen any of these and liked them or not.
I’m thinking and praying about my one word for 2014. Last year my word was “honor” and I almost believe I should repeat it since I failed at it so frequently. Sort of like repeating a grade in elementary school, I might need to repeat the year of honor. Another word that seems to be a divine nudge is “gentle.” In my family of origin we had many good things passed down, along with many not so good things. But the gentleness gene faded from our family line years ago, I think. I’ve always wanted to be a kind and gentle woman. Perhaps the Lord will work gentleness into my life in 2014. Perhaps I will humble myself and cooperate with Him.
How about you? What might your one word be for the coming year?
Patterns.
PS – Aslan is on the move.
Now that is intriguing! Tell me more, Ember. 🙂 I’ve also been wondering how your trip went… xoxo
After I listened to that song and watched the video, I sat quietly and for a brief time, all was well everywhere. It felt like there was a space cleared out all around me where no one was sick or old or lonely or angry or hurting or hungry or abused…… just Him……. My Promise…
So interesting that GENTLENESS was the Word I got a few weeks ago! I have to remind myself frequently as I so desire to have it become my response to Peter at all times! Yikes! I am gonna need some help with this one!!!!!!
That song makes me feel similarly, Ginny. I’m thankful to know that I’m not the only one out there who needs to give and receive some gentleness this coming year. 🙂
I have been hearing gentleness also.
I 2nd Ember’s PS.
Wow, Ganeida. Gentleness seems to be a theme, at least with three of us! May your 2014 be one of long-awaited answered prayer… xoxo
Lovely post Julie – and I’m glad you recommend the film. It’s one I would like to see, but it doesn’t open here for another month or so.
I like gentle too – it made me realize that it’s something I could use more of myself. I’m good at getting stuff done, but not always in the most gentle way. there are some people around me who could probably do with a bit more gentle from me.
Still think you are an absolute inspiration my friend!
Helen x
I’d love to know what you think of the movie after you see it, Helen. A blessed New Year to you and yours… xoxo
Your blog is a quiet oasis following days of holiday activity. As I contemplate 2014, I think my word is “courage”. Courage for me is a combination of faith in a good God who is with me and knows my future and perseverance to keep taking the next step when called to and to rest and wait when the next step is not yet known. Courage is not needed if there is no fear – but it is the only way into the fear and through the fear.
Such profound words, dear Sue. Thank you. Thank you for visiting here, leaving comments that minister to those who read, and for being my friend. xoxo
We saw Silk and liked it. Lincoln is pretty good, too. We’re hoping go see Saving Mr. Banks this week. I love your blog (and instagram.) You are so inspiring. I will definitely pray about a word for 2014.
Julie! Is this the Julie I follow on Instagram who’s a fellow knee replacement survivor? Thanks so much for stopping by my little blog and making your presence known! I’m really liking Silk now that I’ve seen three episodes — and the music! I’d love to know what you think about Saving Mr. Banks. And what your 2014 word might be. God bless you Julie… xoxo
I spent a little time here getting to know you better, Julie. The gentleness…yes…with which you write about your husband’s illness and your fight for joy and peace together…that ministers deeply. A heart who knows suffering always feels drawn to another. I’ll be back to visit, friend.
xo
A joy to see your comment here Tonia. Thank you. Your blog is a haven for me. Waving from bitterly cold Minnesota all the way to Oregon this New Year’s day… xo
I think my word for 2014 might be ‘listen’.
(I think it might be Alan’s word too! 😉 )
I’ve always known that I talk too much, but recently I’ve come to realise that I don’t listen enough. I don’t listen out for God’s word to me, I don’t always listen properly when people are talking to me, and I don’t listen to what my body needs e.g. types of food, avoiding stress, movement (a more useful word than ‘exercise’ with the limitations we have).
(Sorry I haven’t been commenting on your blog lately. I’ve been reading all the posts as soon as they come up, but my brain’s been a bit foggy recently!)
Love to you and Michael. xxoo
I love your word, Kay. I love how thoughtful and honest and deep you are. I’m thankful for you, and love “listening” to you any time, through your comments, cards, and our infrequent but wonderful phone conversations. God bless you and Alan today… xoxo
Hi my dear friend! Have not been able to check in lately so I am getting caught up. My word this year is COURAGE, I capitalize it as it needs some emphasis in my heart right now. There are many unknowns we are facing in my home as we start the year 2014. I have lately been finding myself in a state of “fear” sometimes. Not in a major way, but it rears its ugly head none-the-less. I loved chatting a little while ago. I will try to make it more often 🙂 !
You and Sue R. are going to be courageous and fearless women this year, Taun. Excellent choice. I tell my grands to remember the verse, “What time I am afraid I will trust in thee” and need to remember that myself these days. I look forward to another talk too — hugs to you and yours, dear friend. xoxo