Winter's Activity and New Growth

Here we are smack dab in the middle of Winter. It's been a much colder winter here than usual but the same can be said for most in America, I guess. We've had near-daily highs of 20s and 30s where we usually have much milder 40s and even low 50s.

It makes for a bit stir-crazy house when you have half a dozen children milling about because they can't get out in the extreme cold or wetness. They start to become like little atoms and bounce off of each other gaining momentum and just sheer boredom-induced negative energy. Shorter fuses, nit-picking, whining, the works. We're all glad the sun is shining a bit more everyday, too, so we don't feel so like we're hibernating and the days go by so quickly. Warmer weather and sunshine for that coveted mood-enhancing Vitamin D is surely looked forward to. The four oldest are able to get out and exercise a little, mingling with classmates during school at the least. I think I must get myself and our two preschoolers out a bit more.

Everyone is has been amazingly very well in health so far this winter. Just a few days of things here and there, but nothing too bad. I'd love to get through this winter without the flu and some years we have done just that. Here's hoping, washing hands, and praying!

Speaking of praying, the Lord has been moving in our lives, stirring smoldering desires to serve him outside of our regular family life. Long ago I had a deep desire to travel on foreign missions to tell people about Jesus and especially to help with orphaned children. Michael has had a few ideas in the past of maybe joining other missionaries in basic field work and to be able use his computer skills and knowledge. But recently we've been getting more stirrings to know Him more deeply and serve Him in different and new areas as individuals, a couple, and whole family. And some might in areas we hadn't thought about before. I think I'll have more to write on this subject as time goes by. Stay tuned!