My thoughts today,

Today is the first official day of spring. I suppose that brings some comfort, knowing that warm sunny days are on their way. However, living in Eastern Washington, has proved difficult concerning the weather. My family is originally from California, then moved to AZ, in 2004 for a year. We are used to warmer temps and sunny days. This place is beautiful, so I suppose that beauty has a price. Living in AZ was difficult because of the extreme prolonged heat, now we find this extreme prolonged cold challenging. I must sound fussy and hard to please, but that is not the case. I really do try to make the best of our situations, and have come to the conclusion that my husband and I just miss “home.” Home is where our family is, home to us is where we have the opportunity to go to many beautiful, or fun places most weekends. Home is where I can help my children in planting a garden today; home is where family Bar-B-Q’s are just around the corner. Home is where the kids can play outside most days with out freezing into frostbitten kidsicles, (or getting heat stroke after 5 minutes as was the case in AZ). With all the cold and snow here we are socked in until spring thaw, which I am told is not for a while still, so “don’t hold your breath.” LOL!! I must give much respect to the “natives” who can deal with the cold and ice gracefully. I am trying to remain prayerful, and optimistic. I am reminded of Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” With that said, I believe that there is a plan and purpose for us being here, and it will be good. We still plan on putting in for a new assignment when our time is up here, but remain faithful that the Lord is in control and will ultimately guide us on our path. With this, we as a family look forward to spring’s “warm” arrival out here. We look forward to sunny days, Bar-B-Ques, planting a garden, going on road trips, and leaving our doors and windows open. I believe this past year has been a year of learning patience, and perseverance, not only because of the weather but I’ll save that for another day.

Romans 5:3-5

“…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”