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| Hubby's picture at the waterfall near home |
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| My miniature planter trees |
So far this winter, we’ve
only seen three snowfalls amounting to 5-17 centimetres (2-7 inches) each time – enough to
make everything look pretty and festive for Christmas and the New Year. The latest
was on Thursday, but like many Halifax winters, today (Saturday) is milder and
showery so I fear the snow will soon disappear. Last night I asked my hubby to
take pictures of the snow on my miniature planter trees as they looked so
pretty with the Christmas lights. Today I will be removing all but the white
lights and I usually leave the trees there until spring when it is time to replace
them with some real plants. I’ll do the same with the park bench tree and leave
the snowman lights on for a few weeks yet.
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| A few of my snowman ornaments |
Inside, I have so many snowman ornaments and winter decorations which I love to leave up until I get tired of winter. Now that I’m beginning to put away the Christmas decorations it looks so bare; keeping the snowman theme going helps to keep things appealing and comforting through the long winter months. Even my Christmas village stays, although it is given a new home on the shelves of our entertainment stand. Some people have commented they like it even better there than on the tabletop setting.
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| Our backyard |
Yesterday, I noticed deer
tracks in the snow between our house and the neighbor’s. We live in a heavily
populated subdivision, but the deer which live in the woods at the top of the
hill continue to explore the community in search of food (much to the chagrin
of gardeners in the warmer months!). Last night around 10 PM, I opened the
blinds on our dining room window to remove decorations and a young buck with
foot-long antlers walked right by me not four feet away! As I called to my
husband to come quickly and see, the deer turned and looked straight at me for
a few seconds before quietly striding across our lawn and street disappearing
between our neighbor’s houses on the other side. I’m always awestruck by the
gentle beauty of these magnificent creatures. It brings to mind the verse, “As
the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm
42:1) If only I was so persistent in searching out the spiritual food that is
always plentiful and available in the storehouse of God’s Word!
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| Taken on back deck 2011 |
When I see those fluffy
flakes drifting earthward and covering the world like a wooly blanket, it is hard
to imagine anything more spotless, white, and unspoiled. However, there is
something that surpasses this illusion of purity. We read in Psalm 51 King
David’s prayer of confession and heartfelt petition for God’s forgiveness, “…wash
me and I will be whiter than snow…Hide your face from my sins and blot out all
my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit
within me.” (verses 7, 9, 10). I thank God that He does the same for you and me
when we come before Him in humility and repentance!
Until next Sunday,
Kathy
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| Welcome, friends, to our front porch! Joining: Seasonal Sunday Sunday's Best |
Snow is pretty, but causes problems for so many. Growing up with a sister confined to a wheelchair, I am aware of the things most people don't think about. It is impossible for them to get out once the snow starts, even if the walks are cleared, getting down the curbs which are now ice are a nightmare. People who depend on crutches become housebound for fear of falling.
ReplyDeleteDeer are beautiful too, we have an abundance of them. The other night I heard what sounded like cracking plastic. The next morning I saw they had obliterated the shrub at the bottom of my steps, even though it are wrapped in lights! I was surprised as the weather has been mild and there is plenty of green for them to eat without chewing on lights!
But then again, they eat my roses too, so I guess they don't mind sharp things!
Have a blessed Sunday, Kathy!
Here from Seasonal Sunday.