Oh, all right *sigh*

Have to give in~ it is Winter.
I am a fan of Winter in theory~ home nesting, snowy landscapes, hot buttered rum all sound wonderful.
In reality? Not so much.
I can never seem to keep warm~ which is surprising, given my ample layer of natural insulation.
It's been well over 2 weeks since I've seen sunshine~ partly because I've been going in extra early to cover vacationing co-workers (yes, that is plural~ whoever approved that should be boiled in oil), but mostly because we've had thick tule (ground) fog & overcast skies.
While we don't often see snow here in the Central Valley, the temperatures get quite nippy~ particularly at 5:30 am, when I'm out walking when I'd much rather be snuggled in bed with the cats.
This morning, it was 27 degrees; thanks to some dimwit who still has their sprinklers on summer timer, I did a passable impression of Scott Hamilton gliding down the sidewalk when I hit a patch of black ice. No injuries, thank goodness~ just a few jarred joints from the energetic windmills I did to keep upright.
One positive aspect of the season~ I can indulge my inner "homebody" without anyone expecting me to be going and doing in the bad weather; when the guys get cabin fever, I can send them off and have the house to myself. Reading, knitting, blog browsing, napping~ all the things that comfort to an overworked spirit.
But I am still counting the days until Spring.

Home Keeping Mission Statement

My goal for today, prompted by a visit to Home Sanctuary (click here, or see the sidebar), was to focus on what I want to accomplish with my homecaring tasks; it's a work in progress, but I'm pleased with how it is coming along.

“To treat my home like the precious Gift that it is

To take care of the little things right away, instead of putting them off until later (which rarely comes)

To make each room an organized, tidy, and peaceful space to truly live in by completing one "small thing" each day.

To clear out items which are no longer useful, and establish a "place" for everything in my home.

To apply gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty, and joy to each aspect of my life

To set aside the ideas of perfection, and enjoy the Blessing that is my Home”

Prayer for a New Year

Lord,

There are many uncertainties in our world but what matters most will never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We believe You are with us, for us, and surrounding us with Your love. So do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10

No matter what happens, You will guide us and fulfill Your purposes for us. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Even in hard times we can be confident that we will have victory through you. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

We trust you will take care of us and bless us in more ways than we can imagine.
God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We give each moment and every day to You. Most of all, we give ourselves too.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:10
Amen.

--by Holley Gerth