Thinking Spring

It is a bit on the cold side out there today (we're only under another wind chill advisory!) so I've decided to keep positive thoughts by thinking spring! My parents received a flier in the mail from their local conservation office detailing a 2009 tree sales program. Our acreage already has a fantastic wind break, but I'm interested in some more trees, bushes and the like for some creativity and color. I've been online searching the various trees for sale to get a good look at their foliage and soil needs. I've narrowed down what I like, have drawn a map of the backyard, and am now trying to figure out a layout. Very exciting to look in the drifted backyard and picture green grass and new trees! Join me in thinking green today...

Praying for the Triplets

We received word over the weekend that one of Justin's college teammates and his wife, welcomed identical triplet girls into the world. The girls came 12 weeks early, mom had been on bedrest since Thanksgiving, and all the girls are having lung problems. Please help us in praying for Amelia, Grace and Madelyn.

Your Best Life Now

I'm (D) currently reading a book by Joel Osteen titled, "Your Best Life Now." Recently, I finished chapter 4 where Joel talked about breaking the barriers of the past and specifically "strongholds." As he explains, "You will never go beyond the barriers in your own mind. If you think you can't do something, then you never will. The battle is in your mind. If you are defeated in your mind, you've already lost the battle. If you don't think your dreams will ever come to pass, they never will. If you don't think you have what it takes to rise up and set that new standard, it's not going to happen. The barrier is in your mind." Joel goes on to explain that God desires for us to have joy, peace and happiness, but we also must do our part to start expecting good things. Essentially, if we change our thinking, God can change our life.

Further, "God is just. He knows when people aren't treating us right. He knows when we're doing the right thing, yet the wrong thing keeps happening to us...God sees every time you've been taken advantage of."

This chapter really struck me as I started to acknowledge the strongholds I have in my own life. I can have "stinkin' thinkin" and dwell on things of the past or worry about things I have no control over. It is my desire to change my thinking and instead, expect great things to come; to expect great things of God.

What are your strongholds?

Pesky Squirrel

We have enjoyed watching a variety of birds come to the feeder just outside our living room window this winter (yes, we again acknowledge that we are 60 year olds trapped in 30 something bodies!). What we haven't enjoyed is a pesky squirrel or two who find a way to get on the feeder and eat all the feed! Case in point, the above video. Justin has already cut down numerous branches but to no avail, the squirrels keep flying and skying. D has already placed the request to relocate the feeder this spring as the ground thaws. I think it will only be good for her blood pressure...

Sunday Sledding

A fun Sunday afternoon of sledding today with D's family.

Praying for Jon

Justin's high school classmate and good friend, Jon Schroeder, has been in the hospital since before Christmas. He's been diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The doctors have made it clear that it is very serious and potentially life threatening. We have been praying daily for Jon and his family, pictured above. Please join our prayer chain. For more information about Jon, he has a carepage.

New Addition

A new addition to my extended family...my brother's puppy...Ruger (pronounced "Rooo-grrrr").