We need a Hero.....

This morning the Boy Next Door was on his way to work when he spotted the neighbors car on fire.

He immediately phoned 911, then began trying to alert the neighbors who were still in bed.  After knocking on the door and banging on windows, he finally got their attention, (sometime during all of this, he did manage to get a picture).  The fire department and local sheriff arrived in 5 minutes.  The fire became so hot the windows in the car busted out sending glass across the road where the Boy Next Door's car was parked.  The car is a total loss and the siding above the garage door was melted, but if it wasn't for our Hero, this could have been a gruesome story.

So...we celebrate with a special brownie!

We are very proud  :)

Living in His grace,

Jody

We interrupt this program.....

Hey, what happened to spring?  I awoke at 3:30am to a rumbling noise outside.  What was it, tornado, earthquake? I got up to look outside the bedroom window and what to my wondering eye should appear but....the SNOW PLOW!  Could not believe it, a couple inches of snow had fallen. 

Earlier in the week I was bemoaning (I like that word, bemoaning) this

dreaded mud...that was more like quicksand.  It grabbed each of my boots and would not let go, causing me to step out of one of them resulting in this....

a sock full of mud and manure.  I had no choice but to stick my foot back in my boot and proceed with what I was doing.  I headed back into the house for dry socks and different boots, then completed the morning chores.  Afterwards I threw the sock away and hosed out my boot. I loathe mud...I know, I have said that before...put it on my tombstone.

So, this morning, it looked like this

beautiful, crisp, white, clean.  But lurking under all that beauty is...mud.  Just waiting to come back out. Hmmm, sounds like my sinful self.  On the outside I may appear (at times) to be a "model" christian, but lurking underneath is still a sinner just waiting/wanting to come back out, (how well I know).  And but for Christ's death on the cross and His gift of Grace that justifies me in Gods sight, I would have no hope. 

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to be received by faith."  Romans 3:23-25

Rejoice Easter is here!!!!  God has interrupted this program....my life.  Thanks be to God!!!

Living in His grace,

Jody

You're still the one.....

30 years ago today I married my Dearest Friend.  30 years....wow!!!  I cannot believe this much time has passed, it truly seems it was just a moment ago.  DF, I wouldn't change a thing and I would definitely do it all over again.  You are the other half of me...most usually my "better half" (smiles).  You are a blessing and I am awed by how you have surrendered your life to the One who brought us together.  Looking forward to the next 30!!!

Your Favorite Wife,
Jody

Could spring be here???

I don't remember much about last week...work, cleaning, spa appointment for Gryffin :) , a basketball game, errands and church. That about sums it up.  I did manage to take a few pictures on Friday...

snow melting away

getting the rubber wellies ready

to handle this

and this....I loathe mud!!!!

looking forward to these

and one last pic, moss greening up of the northside of one of the old maples

as of tonight the snow is now completely gone, the mud is deep.  We sink up to our ankles when heading out in the pastures.  The wellies are getting a true workout.  Just came in from locking up the chickens and gathering the eggs, there is a slight mist, but tomorrow and the following days are promising to be a bit dryer and warmer.  Hopefully the mud will begin to dry.

Living in His grace,

Jody

Week in Review

Wow, where do the days go.  Several times this week I thought about sitting down to write and before I knew it the day was over.  I still am struggling in my efforts to observe Lent.  Giving up the items I have mentioned has not been so much a problem, it's my finding other things to put in their place instead of focusing on the Lord. How easily I am distracted and pulled away.  Reminds me of a line from my favorite Hymn, "prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love".....

I did take several pictures this week and last....here is what life looked like:

A week ago Tuesday, I was down at Mom and Dad's to get my haircut.  Afterwards we headed out to dinner, just the 3 of us.  Cannot remember the last time it was just us 3.  Had a wonderful time eating and listening to Mom and Dad bicker at each other :)   They really should take their act out on the road.

Sunday night we finally threw out the legs

these mannequin legs where brought home by DD before Christmas.  She found them in a dumpster at work.  They stood in our dining room all through Christmas, it was finally time to let them go.

Friday night DF and I went to Mom and Dad's to set up their printer, then met up with relatives at McDonald's to visit.  It's amazing how fast 3 hours can go by in a McDonalds.  Part of the time was spent visiting with a poor soul who had what appeared to have been Alzheimers.  This eldely lady spent a good deal of time talking to us and showing us her pictures (several times).  When we got there she was talking with my aunt and we figured they knew each other.  That was not the case...she then proceeded to speak with each of us women.  Finally she headed back to her husband (who was sitting in a booth watching TV) and he escorted her out to their car.  I think her visiting with us was a nice break for him.

Yesterday was so nice that after a brief time working in the office, DF and I decided to head out and enjoy the weather. 

We had a late lunch here

Stopped by one of our favorite antiques store (didn't buy a thing) and then just drove around.

I never cease to be amazed by the giant Longaberger basket.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day...we still have snow on the ground but it is melting.  Temps are warming up....spring is on its way.  And even though I truly enjoy winter and snow...it will be nice to see some green grass. 

I really must try to post more often....this is really long.

In His grace,
Jody