Think on these things

The sorrows of our earthly world have been receiving an enormous amount of “press”. I, and I imagine every one of you reading this post also have some private sorrow, hurt or worry that feels overwhelming.

And, not that there is not a time for sadness or grief, but I believe that we are also called, by our Creator, to live with Joy and thankfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Father Tim, a character in Jan Karon’s Mitford series, often said to himself or to one of his parishioners: “Phillipians 4:13 for pete’s sake!”

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”

And earlier in Chapter 4:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” Verses 5-7

Powerful stuff. When I feel like it is impossible to not be anxious, I hear Father Tim’s voice in my head: “Phillipians 4:13 for pete’s sake!”

And then a verse right smack dab in the middle of those above…

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. […] And the God of peace will be with you.“ Verse 9

I don’t need to look very far to find things that meet those conditions:

Sunshine through the trees. A driveway that might reappear soon. The promise of Spring evident in the light, the melting snow and the hint of new things coming to life.

My boys.

My choice on what to think on is these things: these simple, lovely, pure, excellent and praiseworthy things.

Echo Lake: the solid version

For a change of scenery, Karl and I headed east on our road to Echo Lake. We haven’t been since late Fall as the pavement ends not far from my driveway and the narrow, winding mud and gravel road is a bit harrowing in Winter. It wasn’t great today, but the Jeep managed with just a little slip-slidery along the way.

It has been so warm and I’m used to Flathead Lake so was surprised into laughter to see Echo Lake still frozen over.

Karl seemed mystified.

Where the heck is that water that used to be here???

…keep looking…

Is this a joke?

Morning Glory

March is half gone! Spring is 5 days away…officially! It has been above freezing and there is more ground than snow or ice. It is out of the photo but there is blue sky to the west – southwest.

Karl is feeling good and at his post: Morning Glory!

More from Sunday: a Karl’s eye view

A photo from my phone…I took this late yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. The loop walk we do around the adjacent property, loops around a kind of bowl…some remnant of a long ago glacier. Although we didn’t do the loop walk, we did venture out on “our” side of the bowl. There was a shady spot with a great view, Karl’s perfect choice for a rest stop. The temperature was right at 50F – downright balmy for a March day in Montana!

Sunny Sunday…first Robin!

Another sunny day and we were all out enjoying…eating grass

…watching the birds…

…heading for the old watering hole…

Ice water!

“Stay away from my treat, Bob!”

Karl had a good and comfortable day after a much better night for both of us.

And then….and then!!! – I saw the first Robin!

***In the cold climate regions of the U.S., Robin’s are one of the first migratory birds to return in the Spring. Not a favorite bird of mine at all, but the first sighting is a sign that Spring is on its way.

A very nice day

After several sloppy days, it cleared and got very cold (20F) last night. This past week was a bit tough – the third week of antibiotics for Karl started to catch up with him and he was noticeably uncomfortable at times. We were out twice in the night last night but I’ve learned to relax and let him take care of himself. He would walk a bit and then rest and seemed to get comfort from lying in the snow. I was dressed warmly, the moon was out early and then a million stars so I rested also, usually finding a stump near him or sometimes just lying in the snow myself – watching the stars, listening to the occasional gust of wind in the trees.

The clear night skies continued through morning and the day. Karl and I headed for town early.

I reminded myself to enjoy the day – that I was doing everything I could for Karl and that I needed to trust in that and his ultimate care in my Heavenly Father’s hands.

I love this barn and the view of it with the backdrop of mountains. There were no other cars. I stopped. I rolled down the windows. Karl watched. I enjoyed taking some photos.

There is a road behind the area where I shop that is a favorite walking spot. It looks like there is a plan for a subdivision someday but at the moment, it ends abruptly in the middle of a field. There are no houses and the only other cars are the occasional other people with dogs. We drive to the end, walk a few paths into the fields and have yet to share it with anyone else.

In the middle of the photo, through the “V”, those squared off peaks – those are mountain tops in Glacier National Park.

Karl and I had a good time just meandering and enjoying the sunshine. The temperature was still below freezing. The snow was crunchy and hard enough that neither of us broke through making the walking easy.

Shopping completed, we headed for home with another quick walk in Somers on our way. At home, Karl meandered in the yard while I unloaded and then came in willingly for a bit of lunch. After lunch he lay down in the sunroom and I thought: “What a good idea!” but decided on my bed instead of the floor. Bob joined me at some point as he was snuggled against me when I woke up two hours later – refreshed! Karl got up with me, we went outside and had the first nearly normal walk around the property since early in the week.

He has been relaxing comfortably in the yard all afternoon. I enjoyed the emerging yard with him. Bob was out and about. It was a very nice day.

***Thank you – with all my heart – to all those who are holding us in prayer.