Weatherwise, our year truly started with a bang here on the east coast, with the big snow and ice storm a few weeks ago. Below-freezing temperatures kept the snow hanging around for two weeks . . . and then came the blizzard!

. . . I think we all would agree, those simple symbols of love . . . candy, hearts, and flowers . . . do make snowstorms and freezing weather easier to bear!

I always stay up to welcome in the new year at twelve o’clock, midnight, on December 31. There’s just something special, almost magical, about experiencing that first minute of a brand new year.

It was also a reminder of where our focus should be as we wait for Christmas. Not on shopping, cooking and baking, and all the busy-ness that we involve ourselves with, but . . . that tiny baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem, while angels sang, and shepherds in the field trembled in awe and wonder—as they learned of the coming of one they had long waited for—Jesus, the Christ, Immanuel.

I have a new phone, one of those smart ones, which I am struggling to learn how to use. And now, it is telling me it wants to learn to recognize my voice . . .

Did you ever wonder, as I have, why no one has ever written an “October Song?”

We don’t understand why things like this have to happen, but they do . . . and no one is immune. And, it is in times of trial, sickness, distress, the death of someone you love, times such as this, that we turn to God.

Several times this week I’ve heard September referred to as the month of beginnings. Funny, I’ve never thought of September that way.

He’s there. He’s listening.

I believe we would all agree that signs are important. They serve a special function in our lives, and we need to pay attention. Especially to those that help us keep our eyes on the—most important—road ahead.

Spring, with all its beauty, speaks. Not in words, but in the essence of what it is . . .

Mothers are very special. A mother has the God-given privilege of being with you for weeks and months, as she carries you inside her body, before you make your entrance into this world.

After the cold, drab, bleak months of winter, spring comes in with all its beauty!

From the time we are toddlers and all through life, it seems there’s something about poetry and rhyme that draws us to it…

I am reminded of a song, which was popular a few years ago, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Those of us who are trusting in the Lord believe this to be true…

Valentine’s day, February 14th, just celebrated last week, is traditionally our day for hearts and flowers . . . and heart-shaped boxes of candy!

And, in giving a lot of thought to sight, and seeing, these past few days, I’ve been reminded of some truths about eyesight and what we see…

January is getting off with a bang this year, with the inauguration of a new president, and the spectacular snowstorm we’ve just experienced this last week…

And with each new year, we think of all those minutes, hours, days, weeks and months ahead, that are to follow. All full of mystery . . .

If we could but let the night be still . . . and listen for the Christmas bells.