A Snow-Note From Karen

Even in the south, there is just nothing like a good snow storm. The difference is here in North Carolina you can count on everything being closed and just hunkering down until it melts! Last night the snow started just as we went off to bed and this morning we woke to 6 or more inches of it! The day before yesterday we got some unpredicted snow. Last week we had snow and ice that made about an inch or more of white stuff solid enough to walk on. Although that got cleared off the roads by the end of the day, the temps were very cold that night and so schools were cancelled again on Wednesday...and Thursday...and Friday. All in all, I think the kids have been out of school for nearly 2 weeks now!

And "so what" if the schools are closed you may ask? Many of the events here in our county follow the rule that if the schools are closed the events are canceled as well. So, Ladies Bible Study? Cancelled. Christmas Child Box wrapping? Cancelled. Men's Bible Study breakfast? Cancelled. Lunch meeting? Cancelled. Ministry meeting? Cancelled. Rotary? Cancelled. Small Group? Cancelled. Volunteering at the hospital? Cancelled. Taking a neighbor to her medical appointment? Cancelled and Rescheduled. So, as you can see, we miss what we've had scheduled to do but it makes it nice to just enjoy the snow storm and minister right here in the neighborhood. Here are some shots of God's beauty right in our back yard:

 Here you can see how much snow we got!

Keith helped several of our neighbors get shoveled out.

Hey! You with the shovel! Could ya clear this off so I can find the food???

Eastern Blue Bird and Woodpecker

Eastern Bluebird & A Bonus Bird (on the left)

 There is no bird so pretty as a Cardinal in the snow!

Did you notice the Sparrow over the Cardinal's right shoulder?

 This is "Jenny Wren", as my family fondly refers to them. I'm hoping she makes her nest in my new Wren house this Spring! There's also a Chickadee and a Goldfinch sharing the suet.

 "Woody" the Red Bellied Woodpecker

The Gold Finches are getting their color back...must be Spring coming!

We are blessed by the beauty of nature and reminded of God's presence as we enjoy the work of His hands. In so many ways these days it just seems apparent to me that God is calling us to just slow down and appreciate what He is doing all around us in His creation, in His people, and in those people who may not yet know their Creator. As we wait on Him and do the work of seeking out His will and direction, it is good to take time to be still and remember that He alone is God and let our roots grow deep into His presence.