Winter Wonderland on the Farm

Only the soft squish of my boots laying on the snow could be heard. Soft misty fog surrounded the fields, whimsically creating a glow over the land covered in snow. I have gone walking in the field when it's covered with green grass and new flowers of spring. My walks took me across the brown prairie land. Gorgeous sunsets simply left speechless and unable to walk. A new phenomenon was discovered now this morning. Right in our own backyard lay a winter wonderland. Magic it felt did the work of transforming the prairie. I have eaten snow, made snowmen, and snow angels. But that morning I could only enjoy the beauty. Like a jealous lover my eyes were only for the snow. Harshly the icy rain drove me inside but never would I forget the magic.

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Let it Snow

I couldn't have felt more pleased to see the blanket of snow that covers the countryside earlier today. Suddenly now it really feels like Christmas! I can just imagine myself standing wrapped in a fur cap singing carols with my arm being held by a gentleman in a top hat. Sigh... ahem I do love snow!

I would share with you some pictures but well I have a cold and I can't get myself to venture out. Our temperature gauge currently reads 20 degrees so it has warmed up a bit:) Perhaps I may have to make a snow angel or two though...

My brother's and I growing up enjoyed making snow ice cream. It's easy really, just take some snow and add milk and sugar. A little vanilla doesn't hurt either. Mix it together and eat fast!
One particular time, when our parents just happened to be gone:) We decided the old recipe needed a little jazzing up. Out came the Carmel syrup than the chocolate, I believe there was strawberry as well. Last of we topped it off with honey roasted nuts. Somehow I remember that the effect wasn't pleasant. I don't believe I've made snow ice cream since:)

I'm in love with the white fluffy stuff. I still feel the delight of my childhood upon seeing the flaks fall. My wonderful TX nieces and nephews experienced the same delight last week. Because as perhaps you know it never snows in Houston. Or at least not until last week.

Before I go I shall say this final thing. I dedicate this post to someone special that is always telling me to update my blog. YOU know who you are:)

The Magic of Christmas

Twinkling lights decorated the houses proudly displaying their Christmas spirit. Each house proclaimed Christmas in a different way. My family and I delighted in the Christmas lights giving our verbal approval. Ben the appointed chauffeur took us to the "ritch" part of town. Homes are old, large and beautiful, indeed they at least must have one maid. Elegance is given in many windows and rooms. Large oaks wrapped in white lights adorn the front yards which are as big as the homes themselves. Holly frames the windows and doorways. Red bows match the red lights, cheerily pushing the cold out. Peering through the windows we see people dressed in fine attire. Laughing and gaily enjoying a holiday party with friends. Perhaps being a mouse in a corner would be fun I think. That is if I got to eat more than just the cheese:)

We drive out of the neighborhood away from the winding curves spacious yards. Up the town we are taken. Past lighted store fronts displaying all their Christmas glory. Even the street lamps were not left out of the Christmas fun. Christmas music plays from the car speakers. Suddenly again I know why it is the most wonderful time of the year.

Arriving back at our simple farmhouse we see the simply white and red lighted cross in the window. Sitting beside my dainty Christmas tree I feel as though I left something out. I don't have to look far, sitting under the tree is my manger. Suddenly again I'm reminded why I celebrate Christmas. And I feel happy, because He came to die for me. Not go give me a house big enough for maid.

Pearl Harbor Thoughts

My brother is watching football this afternoon, no doubt countless men and women are doing the same. Sixty seven years ago on a Sunday afternoon just like today Americans were doing the same thing. Teddy Roosevelt interrupted the game announcing of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life would never be the same for America.

My entrance into the world would be yet to come on that Sunday. So I don't remember where I was. I don't remember wondering if friends and family were alive. I don't remember the war that followed. Nor do I remember rationing food, or sitting in an basement during practicing for the bomb that very well could drop. World war II is not in my memory. 9-11 is, the war on terror is, post election America is, the fact that God is my refuge in strength is.

Presidents and grandparents before us faced their trials and fear. While ours maybe somewhat not as scary or as life threatening. Our God is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

May I never forget that.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Wednesday, Dec 3rd, 2008...
Outside my window... The day is cold and gray, a fierce North wind is blowing. I love these days so cozy.
I am thinking...About life, please, please can I see what is around the corner. Christmas, what cookies shall bake
I am thankful for...My dear nieces who are visiting today and that my brother was here to help put up the tree.

From the kitchen...Turkey from the after Thanksgiving sale. White chili for supper
I am wearing... Long sleeve blue, green and yellow stripped shirt, jean skirt and bare feet with pink toe nail polish
I am creating...Christmas presents...sorry I won't tell what:)
I am going...To our church Christmas program practice. Most likely will be an rendition of theBest Christmas Pageant Ever.
I am reading...
I am hoping...Program practice will go well tonight.
I am hearing...Von Trapp Singer's sing Christmas carols.
Around the house... The tree is up, just a small after mess. My nieces are tattletaleing to me about one of their sisters:)
One of my favorite things...Christmas music.
A few plans for the rest of the week:Going shopping with my mom, watching a Christmas movie.

My Lover

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Just a few days before my favorite holiday I will be 18 for 6 months. Oh what a momentous 6 months it has been. Had I known the trials and growing pains I would have spiritually I might have been tempted to denounce my birthday. However I turned 18 and the rough times came. I'm so thankful to God that they did. I praise for His loving kindness in giving me those hard times.

I knew God loved me...
When I was overwhelmed and thought nothing would get done, God gave me the energy to press on.
When I struggled with a very deep emotional thing important to only me and He showed me it was important.
When He gave me a sister
When I had no physical strength and God gave me just what I needed.
When others saw my pain and showed they cared
When every night the sunset displayed His awesome glory
When I cried the tears of desperation felt utter hopelessness and doubted His love. God loved me.

Tough times are still coming my story isn't over yet. And God hasn't stopped loving me.

Lessons Learned from the Sabath

Today of all days on the Lord's day I felt depressed and whiny. Quite easy was it to compile a list of reasons to complain in my head.

I didn't clean the house for Sunday
I didn't make dinner for Sunday
I have to teach Sunday school
I didn't get to talk with my friends enough
I wasted the day doing up peaceful things

Needless to say my spirit is heavy laden tonight. When the lunch dishes needed washing. I felt I was entitled to rest. However leaving them for someone else to do did not make for a peaceful day. God used a something small to remind me of the joy of serving others. Special treat was given to me today. I got see a friend I rarely see. Just to see her bright smile assures me she cares for me. Blessed I am by her friendship. Reminder that God loves me.

Perhaps the best lesson was learned as I felt down and depressed. My memory pointed me to the Sunday school lesson that I did not want to teach. Our lesson had been on "the woman at the well" (John 4). Jesus gave her living water and has given it to me. My soul craves it. I ran for my Bible this evening to drink it up.

How can I doubt God's love? Who else would have cared to show me so many lessons?
Before this Sabbath is over I must to spend time with my true love. Yes the one who died for me.

About Feminine for Him

This blog will be full of little bit everything with all having one common flavor, feminine girly things. You will find recipes, cooking tips, frugal ideas, house cleaning tips, photos, inspirational pieces, and bits and pieces of a girl's journey through life to the cross. I hope to post daily perhaps even with a daily theme. I have introduced myself through my profile, although those who will be reading it are probably the ones who know me best! So that is what this blog is about although I would rather refer to it as a journal of my journey through life.

Only by His grace,
Bethanne