I've just discovered a new toy! Let me back up, usually about this time of year I'm lamenting the fact that I live in the land of forever winter (aka Wisconsin) and pining for spring. Right now in Central Wisconsin we have somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-17 inches of snow courtesy of last weekend. However, for today at least I'm not complaining. Why? Because my aunt lent me that new toy I was talking about, a pair of snow shoes!

I've tried them out and have come to the conclusion that snow-shoeing (spelling anybody?) is much more akin to climbing stairs than walking. But the real fun behind this is that we have a field behind the house where the snow has drifted to a height somewhere above my knees; very hard to trudge through, but oh so much fun to trek on top of! It's kind of like being instantly 3 feet taller which in my case is like being 8 feet 7 inches instead of the customary 5' 7". I got to step over a fence that is usually up to my armpit and tower over all the adolescent pine trees. Unfortunately, I have to find some snow shoes for my dog because while I was hiking up top she had to plow her way through behind me in snow higher than she is tall (she's a smallish lab mix). While I was quite tired at the end of a half hour she was completely exhausted!

So, if you've never tried it you should find someone to borrow a pair of snow shoes from. At least if you live in a climate that allows for it!

Second one!

I promise to get better titles for future posts, but since I don't think anyone actually reads my blog yet creativity can wait. Same with the name of my blog...isn't it amazing the lack of creativity that can go into some things? Anyway, since I'm really only writing this b/c one post on a blog that's been up for nearly a month looks really pathetic I guess I'll share something quick and then move on with whatever else I'm doing today. Here's a verse that's been important to me lately. It was in a sermon in my church back in December I think...but it just keeps coming up in my life

Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Listen to God promise us (those who belong to him) "I will..." strengthen, help, uphold. I don't know about you, but sometimes I let fear take hold and grip me. How precious to know and cling to his strength and help...He has to constantly remind me there is no need for fear in my life. "If God is for us who can be against us?"

If anyone reads this, thanks for listening...and remember if Jesus is your Savior he said that he is with us always, to the end of the age (Matt 28:20b)