Argyle. It's In.

I hope you like the new look. I was thinking about someone special and his interest in argyle, so this is for him. :) Let me show you some of my favorite items in argyle:

The Classic Sweater Vest

Comfy Socks

And most importantly, Babies.

The Sad

This post on another blog really hit home for me when I read it several days ago. I think the hardest times in life are when you don't have people you feel like you can tell the sad to. It's those times that you learn to spend your entire day at the side of the Savior, whispering to Him your secret fears, sadness, and hurt. As Scripture tells us, Jesus is one familiar with suffering - in Him we can always find a listening ear.

Today, I want to challenge you to be that friend for someone in your life. Undoubtedly, you are surrounded by people who need a friend to tell the sad to. Strive to develop that kind of friendship someone so you are there for them when the really hard times come.

On another note, I am home for 3.5 weeks. This is a glorious thing, but it didn't soak in entirely until Family Band tonight - makes me feel right at home to be with family and dear friends all at once.

Snow Flakes Keep Falling on My Head. . .

We got our first snow up here in the northern lands of Kville. I would go take pictures for you, but let me give you a gander at the temperatures we've had:

Yesterday morning: 4 degrees, feels like -11
This morning: 1 degree, feels like -13

So, it's beautiful. Just take my word for it. ;)

Home

But every house where Love abides,

And Friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:
For there the heart can rest.

by Henry Van Dyke


Only 1 week until I am home again!

Winter

It's officially winter up here in Kirksville. Coats, hats, scarves, and the occasional ear muffs are making an appearance, and we even had our first snow! I have been celebrating by drinking at least two mugs of tea a day, and curling up in my comfy chair with a blanket and sketch book whenever I can.

God works in strange ways. Take winter, for example. I mean, the cold weather and wind really aren't very fun at all. Nobody likes that - am I right? And yet, some of the most beautiful parts of God's creation can't be seen if it doesn't get at least below freezing. Frozen waterfalls, snowy mountains, and ice covered trees. . . even if you don't like cold, you have to admit that the resulting phenomenons of nature are breathtaking.


I hate the cold though. And I hate the feeling of being trapped in a situation you can't understand or reason through, and you can't seem to escape from. The only way to keep going on is to remember how beautiful the snow is - and, to remember that God will bring that beauty, in time. Keep trusting, as you wait.

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. It's been a full day. My great-grandmother passed away this afternoon, at the age of 102. She was my last remaining great-grandparent, since another great-grandma passed away just a couple of weeks ago. Keep my grandparents in your prayers as they work through two estates these next few months. Tomorrow, we're headed home and then I'm back to school on Sunday afternoon. It's been a short week - honestly, right now I just want to get back to school and finish up the final two weeks of the semester! I hope you've all had a nice time with family and friends this week.

Change

As fall turns to winter, and the leaves start falling from the trees, I'm reminded that change is an inevitable part of life. Thankfully, our seasons cycle through these changes in a predictable pattern, so that even when autumn is gone, we know it will be back again. Often, I wish that the changes in life were so predictable. Some are - the "social clock" that we follow does dictate much of the natural change in life. Graduating high school, starting and completing college, getting married, choosing a career . . . transitioning from one life stage to the next is an anticipated part of life.

However, it is hard to predict how these changes will affect the inner workings of our heart, our relationships, and how we view the world. Sometimes, it's in a positive way, as we draw closer to a loved one, find new friendships, and develop a greater understanding of others. However, I have found recently that I dread the changes that are happening - drawing apart from old friends, losing the support of relationships that once were quite alive, and finding that I no longer understand the choices that some people make.

And I don't like that.