Sunday, December 20, 2009

'Tis the Season

It's here! The season of good cheer! This time of year there seems to be an outpouring of the spirit of God. It feels so good to put money into the red Salvation Army buckets, to choose a child on an Angel Tree, to help elderly neighbors clear snow from their walks or any task which blesses someone and in turn, blesses ourselves. It's appropriate that as we celebrate the sacred birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we find ways to emulate his love for us by loving others. It's simple, and the second greatest commandment....'to love one another.' It cost nothing and yet we are the richest of men when our hearts are filled with the spirit. It is my prayer this Christmas Season that His continence will be reflected in our own. Merry Christmas! Love, Linda

Sunday, November 1, 2009


Seasons

"To everything thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1

I remember how I anticipated the arrival of Spring. There is a 'gray' time of year up here in the north. It is between the beautiful pristine coldness of winter and the verdant springtime greening of trees, shrubs and lawn. Life is restored and in full swing in the coming and arrival of summer. This summer Rod and I planted no less than two gardens. One was in our backyard and one was at our dear friend Roy Gardner. He's in his eighties and is our fishing buddy. He lives in Ammon.

Summer was busy and passed too quickly. We enjoyed the fruits of the garden and the fish we caught at Warm River and Henry's Lake. The end of summer brought canning season. Rod and I worked together putting up peaches, green beans, banana peppers and salsa. My mother-in-law gave me a great recipe for faux raspberry jam made with green tomatoes. It's outrageously good! Now, we are in the season of autumn. With cold temperatures mother nature paints a new palette of bright golds, crimson red and vibrant orange. The wind blows and ripples of color tumble to the ground. Neighborhood children stomp and play in the dry, crackly leaves. I am in the autumn of my life. I can look back to my spring and summer and enjoy many memories. So many of my life experiences have given me my foundation. I am still building. This past year Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly. I am fortunate to be sharing my life with my wonderful husband Rod. He is truly my best companion and my dearest friend. Winter is on the horizon. I'm looking forward to ice fishing and building a snowman. Until then I'll probably whip up a batch of Elva's delicious filled spice cookies. YUM!