Fond Greetings, My Friend ... It's Been a While ;)

Has it really been since February since I've updated? ;) Wow! I guess life has been busy these days! Things have been going well ... For an update, I hardly know where to begin? ;)

Maybe just a few of the highlights of the past few months ...

Beautiful snowfall in February and March ... what a treat!

More walks at the nature preserve

Such good times of prayer and fellowship in the Lord with friends

Continue to be so grateful for my church home

Heard such an impactful message from Pastor Francis Chan when he came and shared with our staff ... Two things that especially stood out to me from his sharing were:

1) When he shared about some believers who had been in danger for their lives, but who, when back to a place of safety, went and told their pastor they wished they were back in that place of suffering ... because of the incredible sense of closeness they experienced with Jesus. Pastor Chan talked about how he believes there is a special sweetness experienced for those who suffer in Christ.

2) When he shared about how the Lord provided for something he longed for (but couldn't justify spending the $$ on) in a special way ... He was so excited and basically said, "Is there ANYTHING in my life that the Lord doesn't care about?" Praise the Lord! What an encouraging reminder that we can trust Him ...that He is so good and knows what is best for us ... and, of course, those moments when He blesses us with something fun and "extra special" are fun and such a tangible reminder of His love for us, too. :) I feel like snow is one of those things for me ... It really felt so special that it snowed so much this year, and I was so happy! :))

And... judging from all the snowmen popping up around here when we had the incredible snowfall back in February, I would say I wasn't the only one! :-)