Why I like Winter

I was recently asked if I was going to continue blogging.  I was (pleasantly?!) surprised anyone noticed I had taken a hiatus.  But the break was actually quite unintentional.   Life on a farm is active during the summer.  But the speed of life shifts into high gear starting in September.  Ry's pulling long hours at the farm...I'm trying to keep our household in order...Just doesn't leave much time for sharing thoughts and giving updates on the blog. :) 

Thankfully the pace of life starts to slow...probably starting in December.  

And we make it to January.  Now folks have different feelings about January.  Some associate January with new beginnings and the new year.  Others see it through the bleakness of winter.  

I have experienced both viewpoints at different times.  Yet at this stage in life, I like January.  And for the most part, I like winter.  Here's why - winter seems to me to be the longest stretch of time throughout the year where farmers are able to spend time at home.  Simply put, Ryan's home.  An added bonus - the frigid weather gives us good reason to cuddle up with each other and hot chocolate.  Now really, what could be better?  

Not to beat a dead horse here, but anyone else notice the majority of farmers get married during winter?  (And the other 5% get married in late July/August?)  This is no coincidence.  

Now, do I like everything about winter?  No.  But on the whole, winter provides opportunities for things we just can't enjoy throughout the rest of the year.  If you will allow me to elaborate - 

sledding | hot chocolate and other hot beverages | the beauty of snow and ice-covered landscapes | fireplaces | snowball fights | Being bundled up for winter walks | four-wheeling in the snow | Enjoyable travel to warm climates 

We anticipate enjoying a number of those this winter.  Two in particular. 

Despite the 11 degree temperature, Ryan and I went four-wheeling in the snow this afternoon.  Much to his amazement, this was my idea.  My winter-worthy apparel included cuddle duds (Your Nana's version of long-johns) and two stocking hats under my hood.  [No selfie provided.]  Unfortunately, I was only able to withstand about seven minutes of drift-busting before succumbing to the elements.  Incredibly, the arctic weather seemed  lost on our Lab/Husky pup, Kinze, who had the vigor of a pup half her age as she bounded through drifts alongside me.   

Additionally, we will be joining a mission team going to Benjamin Constant, Amazonas, Brazil.  We are excited and privileged to learn from the missionaries and Brazilian believers there, and with the Lord's help, we hope to share His love in word and deed.  Among other things, our trip plans include building a church in a village along the Amazon River.  Please pray for us, that we will be useful servants to the Lord and the missionaries.  Below you will see our team photo and map marking Benjamin Constant.  We will use this blog to provide updates about the trip.  

May you enjoy this winter and stay cozy with your loved ones!

Ending the year with a full heart

*contented sigh*

Right now I feel a bit like Santa...you know the part in Night Before Christmas where it talks about his round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly??

Yeah..that sounds about right. 

But mine would be a bowl full of ice cream...
and ham.
and peanut butter M&M's.
and rolls.
and Christmas crack.
and cinnamon rolls.
and cookies.
and milk.
and Christmas candies.
and...well, we'll just stop right there.  

But this afternoon...my tummy is not the only thing that feels full.  

My heart does too...

Full of joy.  
Full of gratitude.

And at a time when I would typically be sentimental (with the end of the year, Christmas being over, etc.) I feel satisfied.  Like someone who leans back in his chair during a big family meal and just relishes the moment. 

Nothing fills the soul like time celebrating Jesus, time with our families, time with friends, and time with my Love.   

Sentiments

We are on our way home.  *Sigh*

Ryan and I have spent the last five days traveling to, from, and all around Eastern Pennsylvania.  Time to travel is definitely one of the perks of farmers being self-employed.  When the work is done (or at a stopping point), then the farmers (and their wives) can play.  I have loved every minute, every rolling hill, of it.  I look forward to sharing more about the trip in posts to come. 

But tonight, as we watch the golden glow of the corn roll by in the evening sunlight, I can’t help but feel a bit sentimental.  Equal parts grateful, weary, and melancholy.  It is usually this way for me – grateful for such a rich time with my beloved. Weary from endless hours in the car.  A nagging melancholy about the fun being over and going back to my routine.  Don’t get me wrong, I like my routine and my everyday stuff.  But at the end of trips, or other highly-anticipated events, I feel like a child called in for bedtime in the middle of catching fireflies with his friends on a summer night.  I just don’t want the fun to end. 

Inevitably the end of our journey occurs in the evening as the sun is setting.   It is just another poignant reminder that our trip, this chapter of memories and delightfulness, is coming to a close.  These sentiments are a reminder of how special, how deeply felt, the experiences were.  And for that I feel grateful and satisfied.  These feelings also remind me that we were made for the eternal – to live without endings.  God has set eternity in our hearts.  And I look forward to that Day when there will be no more endings.  When we will be in the presence of Jesus and know the fullness of joy.  But until then, Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time." 

What has He made beautiful in your life? What makes you sentimental? 

For me - Christ has made the Pennsylvania trip beautiful in its time.