Headed South for Warmer Weather!

Well, it has been chilly here, to say the least! I'll be heading south tomorrow to visit some relatives...and hopefully find some warmer temperatures!
Typically I would wait a few more days before heading out - since Thanksgiving is still a week away. But my great Aunt Elma will turn 100 years old on Friday. And I just can't miss that! I cannot imagine living 100 years - but cherish the opportunity to celebrate it with her.
And then, I'll stay on through Thanksgiving, and eat more than I should with the rest of the family.
I am most fortunate to have a friend who will come over and stay at my house while I'm out of town. That gives me peace of mind - not only to know my kitty will be cared for, but also that someone is there looking after the place. You know, empty houses can be targets of much mischief - so I'm thrilled to have someone stay for the week.
Hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll miss you, Dale.

Heard the tragic news this evening that my friend Dale was killed in an automobile accident today. I guess I'm just looking for a place to gather some thoughts, and this is the sounding board of choice.
I am still in shock, even though the news immediately brought tears to my eyes. I am horrified at the loss - for this earth...yet I know it's Heaven's gain. Dale was a Godly man - loved Jesus - and served Him faithfully. He will be welcomed in Heaven, and with a twinkle in his eyes, he'll say "Sweet!"
I hate what death does to this earth. I praise God for the victory over death - the sting is gone for believers, because we are assured of eternal life with the Lord. But too often the enemy gets in and takes out one of our own, and it really makes me mad. I have bought 5 sympathy cards in the last 3 weeks. It's not a routine I want to develop, yet this earth is sentenced to suffer the consequences of the fall. And death will ironically be part of this life - until Jesus returns to take us all home. Lord, hasten the day.
Until then, I'll miss you Dale. I'll miss your smile, and your hugs at church. I'll miss seeing you worshipping with such passion. But I am confident of this - you've only begun to worship. What you now behold face to face is the fuel for our worship - and one day, we will join you on those streets of gold - together all believers will proclaim "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!" Til we meet again, Dale, I love you brother.

Snow Pictures

Finally got home from work - so I took a few pictures. It's difficult to take good snow pictures when it's still snowing, and very windy.


Nonetheless, you'll get the idea. This one is from the deck, into the backyard.

And this one of the deck - not the best use of furniture out there, I know.

And yes, I measured it to see how much we have so far.

We're at 10 inches, and still counting. It's supposed to snow all night and then tomorrow too. I wonder what the total will be?

October Snow

Apparently summer is over. I'm not even sure we had fall. But currently there is snow falling, and lots of it. When I went to bed last night, it was raining, but when I peeked out the window this morning at 5:00, I was shocked to see about 3 inches of snow on the back deck. It looks like a winter wonderland - except for the blistering cold wind!! I am not a huge fan of wind. Messes up one's hairdo...you southern women should understand.
But we're in for it. They are predicting up to a foot of snow today and tomorrow. And it's the heavy kind, where shoveling is not simply a few minutes of exercise, but rather a dominating task to snarl at.
Alas, it's Halloween time in Colorado. Snow is inevitable.
Should make for some interesting snowman possibilities for the trick-or-treaters. I may have to pull out my Calvin and Hobbes book to get some ideas.

October sunrise

We had a nice sunrise here in northern Colorado on Monday morning...for about 5 minutes. Then the sun disappeared behind a very big cloud, and it refused to peek out the rest of the day. Glad I had brought the camera to work...just in case. This was taken from our parking lot.

I've learned to recognize some things in cloud formations and sky patterns, and can usually tell if it's worth the time to take the camera along. Plus, being up here in God's country means most days are beautiful, in one way or another.

It didn't have as much color as some mornings, but it was nice. And the lone duck out there paddling around was a nice addition. I wonder if she was thanking God for the beautiful sunrise too? From the rising of the sun, to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. Selah.

Arches National Park

Ok - so you may have noticed that I have not been blogging lately. Basically, I just don't have time for it; but I don't think more than 3 people actually read it anyway. Not that you 3 aren't important. It just doesn't seem to be the best use of time.

On the other hand, I have discovered better use of time to be taking pictures and hiking in incredibly beautiful places. Like Arches National Park, for instance. This is the North Window, near sunset last Thursday evening.

And this one below is of Delicate Arch - again near sunset, but on Friday evening.

Yes, I know. The color is amazing as that warm sun hits the rock - it explodes with color.

The weather was perfect - in the 80's and not a cloud to be seen. Very thankful for such trips!

If you have never ventured to Moab, Utah for scenery such as this, you may want to consider it.

Still alive here...

Sorry I haven't written anything in a while. Things have just been very busy, and I have found myself to be quite occupied with other things. The garden, yardwork, re-caulking the tub, visiting my aunt in TN, brushing the cat... You get the idea. And as it is, I really have no deep insights to share today. So I'll quickly post this with the prayer that you are reminded today of God's amazing love for you! This crazy world spins round and would appear to be out of control some days; but I assure you, our God is very much in control. His kingdom is never shaken!