Pressing Onward, Upward and Forward

Monday, December 30, 2019


The season anticipated for so long has come and gone, 
and yet the memories of it remain dear to our hearts.  
The blessings in this season of celebrating the birth of our Lord
come and go so quickly. 
Moments that we look forward to throughout the year
are here and then gone, in a blink of an eye. 
We must enjoy each one to the fullest;
savor the blessings one by one
and look forward to the new days ahead. 

 The last light of the sun on a cloudy day broke through
in realms of brilliant glory, and splattered golden goodness
over the mountains in the distance.  


As my husband and I walked together one evening,
we saw the beauty of last lilting rays of sun on the treetops,
and this little poem came to me:

As the sun pushes her most radiant efforts
through the swaths of darkening clouds
the mountains sigh with contentment
as night settles round;
while the last golden bits of sunshine
warmly toast the frosted treetops
and the waning rainbow of color
ebbs in silent grandeur;
so it is that another day
has come and passed
But not without its grand
moment of splendor. 

It was such an incredible sight to see.  The December sunsets are amazing!
The dogs and I have walked each day, regardless of the weather, 
and it really helps with the winter doldrums, as the days have been 
quite dark and cloudy this December. When the sun comes out though, right at sunset, 
it brings great joy to our hearts to see its beauty! 

Walking in the snow with Annie and Riley is a highlight of our day. 

Our Ladies Bible Study held our end of the year Christmas gathering. It was a sweet time of fellowship!

The table was set with china and candles... a delightful time was had by all!

And apple pie! My dear friend made this delicious pie, and it was scrumptious!

A peek out the window of our host's home which sits overlooking the river. 
It was snowing gently while we visited.

Our host made Broccoli and Cheese soup, and we brought sides.  

The chocolate cake was so pretty... but my favorite remained the apple pie ;) 

Our annual Painted Christmas cookie tradition! 

Our kids and their boyfriend/girlfriend came over to paint the cookies. 
We had so much fun visiting, and painting together!
If you would like the recipe, I share it on this post

Then we played Balderdash together... what a fun game to play with a group!
 Have you ever played Balderdash?
Our family still laughs over some of the silly definitions
coined by the players in response to the words given!

A plate of the finished painted cookies...  not only are they pretty, but they are oh so tasty! Not too sweet either, just right! 

Not sure if Mister Simba was feeling joyful or not, but it was fun capturing his sleepy face! 

A winter scene outside my window... we gave away a large amount of firewood
this year after our summertime logging event.  Some of it still is waiting to get picked up :)

Our Christmas table setting... 


And all the food... our plates (and bellies) were full!



One of my Christmas gifts gifted to me by my son... hung with care outside for the birds to enjoy. 

Brilliant afternoon skies as the sun prepares for her bedtime routine... 

Walking in the sunset hour is always pure delight!

The world is painted in purples and pinks for the evening display. 

My garden as it sleeps, illuminated in golden light with the sunset's evening display

My neighbor's barn sets a lovely backdrop for the evening light show in the skies. 
Who needs fireworks with displays like this? 


Right after Christmas, the flu bug dropped in for a visit.  Our daughter has had the flu now for four days, and is still running a fever, with a body-wracking cough, a throat that is raw and sore, chills, aching and just miserable feeling. We have tried lots of flu remedies, one of them being a face steam bath with peppermint oil, which really helps. 

On the fourth day (today), she still had 102 fever, but throughout the day has steadily improved, and her cough has lessened.  Our remedies were many, and we tried all the tricks we could think of, but really, the bug just has to run its course. Thankfully, she does seem to be feeling better tonight,
and you can be sure we are all taking immune support vitamins, and praying we don't get the dose! 

As we enter the final day of the year 2019 and final day of the decade, it is a good time to reflect upon what the past ten years have brought into our lives and to use the lessons we have learned to build upon the foundation for the years to come.

I am thankful for the blessings and the sorrows, 
for the victories and the failures 
and for every lesson learned.
These lessons are the building blocks of tomorrow;
what we have learned in our past 
will be what we use and build upon tomorrow.  

Take a few moments in the next day or two to reevaluate where you were 10 years ago
and then use that knowledge to walk on in faith into the years to come.

At the end of the year, Philippians 3 is a favorite passage of mine to read and ponder.  The Apostle Paul is reflecting on his life work for Christ, and so many powerful scriptures are penned in this chapter.  If you have a chance to read this chapter, it will be a blessing to you.

I will leave you with this verse that speaks to us today, as we leave behind one decade, and enter into another:

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
 but this one thing I do, 
forgetting those things which are behind, 
and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 
I press toward the mark 
for the prize of the high calling 
of God in Christ Jesus." 
Philippians 3:13-14

Let us keep pressing 
onward, 
forward and 
toward 
those things which are before us 
in Christ Jesus!

98 comments

  1. Marilyn, this is such a beautiful post. The snow is falling tonight as I write this and I can imagine your beautiful home in the mountains getting more snow. The sunset photos are incredible and such a testiment to His handiwork and the beauty the Lord gives us in His creation.
    I'm sorry to hear your daughter has been so sick. I will add her to my prayer list. It seems to grow by the day! I surely hope none of the rest of you get it. My daughter is a nurse and she said they have been inundated with flu cases.
    Wishing you a wonderful new year full of God's blessings and the light of His love in your life my friend.
    Blessings always,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your prayers! She is better, and thankfully the rest of us have managed to steer clear of it too! Hoping your Dennis has made it back home safely tonight. Many blessings to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  2. Betsy said it all . . . A lovely post in every way, but I am sorry that you had a visit from the flu bug.
    Happy New Year?
    Connie:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is all better, thank you Connie for your prayers, and we did not get it either... yes a Happy New Year to you sweet friend, praying that 2020 will be a better year for you both! Hugs!

      Delete
  3. Beautiful photos and light-filled reflections!!
    Happy New Year!♡

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words and visit! I wish you a blessed and Happy New Year too!

      Delete
  4. Those pics are so adorable and full of joy, I would love to join Ladies Bible Study! All the food looks so amazing☺

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh we would love to welcome you to our Bible Study! Sure appreciate your visit, and very kind words! May the sweet blessings of the Lord be with you!

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit and sweet comment, Happy New Year to you!

      Delete
  6. The sunset picture on that mountain is one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Since I sit in the woods, I rarely see many sunsets, but that one is amazing! I love the rest of the pictures as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are blessed to see such amazing sunsets here with mountains all around us, and the river below. I love being able to see the changing nature of the sun from my windows. Thank you for your visit and kind words!

      Delete
  7. Such gorgeous photos! My fav is the one of your snowy dog. 😊 We had a snowy dog when I was a kid.

    Sorry about the flu bug! Ugh. Get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, snowy dogs are the best! They are so much fun to have around when it snows! Yes the flu bug was miserable, thankfully she is better, and the rest of us are fine! Appreciate your visit and kind words!

      Delete
  8. Flu...boo! May your daughter be feeling ever so much better and the rest of you remain vertical. I think your remedy for winter days of walking in the early evening is spot on. Many blessings in the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking truly does wonders not just for the body, but for the soul! Thank you Vee for your visit, and many blessings to you in the New Year!

      Delete
  9. What beautiful scenery, sunsets and snow. The flu bug is alive and well in England too, hospitals are overwhelmed and are asking folk not to come to A and E unless essential.
    So enjoyed your post on Homespun Devotions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Barbara, that was fun, posting with Cheryl and reading everyone's favorite Christmas memories! Praying the flu bug stays far away from you! Many blessings to you in the New Year :)

      Delete
  10. Wishing you a belated Merry Christmas and soon a Happy New Year...I am so sorry the flu has it, keeping in prayer for a healthy beginning. smiles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a nasty bug, thankfully we are all through it now! Blessings to you in this New Year!

      Delete
  11. Praying your daughter is on the mend! What a beautiful time you had together before she got sick. This past decade has been full and the one to come will be too. God is so good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. God is so good to us, and faithful no matter what comes our way! We are past the flu bug now, thankfully! Many blessings to you Deanna :)

      Delete
  12. Beautiful post, beautiful thoughts and Scripture and photos. The verses you shared from Philippians are favorites of mine.

    So sorry your daughter has the flu and we will certainly pray the rest of the family stays healthy.

    I love the sunset photos, particularly the one with your neighbor's barn. I think I may suggest to my husband that sunset would be a wonderful time to walk. He was to retire from full-time logging in mid-December, but is still working until his replacement can get there. That was supposed to be January 1, but it's not sounding very likely. We will see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your prayers, we are past the flu episode, and so thankful the rest of us didn't get it! Walking in the sunset hours are so pretty. I hope that you and your husband get the retirement thing figured out soon! Many blessings to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  13. Such a nice poem! That apple pie looks delicious. The holiday season came and went far too quickly for me this year. Have a wonderful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The holiday season certainly passed in a blur! Thank you for your kind words! Many blessings to you in this New Year!

      Delete
  14. Boo to the flu! I hope your daughter is feeling much better by now. What sensational sunsets you have captured. Our holiday season was full of lovely, lovely moments that went by so quickly. It's good to talk them over together and hold the memories close. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankfully yes, we are all past the flu episode, and grateful the rest of us did not get it. We are enjoying bits of the sun whenever we can! Glad you had such a good holiday season, many blessings to you in this New Year!

      Delete
  15. We’ve learned much in the last decade. The next will benefit from it I pray!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we have seen and learned so much in this past decade. Many blessings to you in this New Year! Thank you for always being a faithful reader to my blog :)

      Delete
  16. Happy New Year to you my friend. I do hope that your daughter is feeling much better by now and enters the new year with good health! All the best in 2020 and beyond.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kim! We are past the flu episode now, and so grateful the rest of us didn't get it. Many blessings to you in 2020!

      Delete
  17. What a lovely post. Oh how things have changed in the last 10 years. I started 2010 as a happily married wife, looking forward to doing the rest of my life with my husband. I ended that year as a widow. Unbelievable change, but through it all God has caused me to grow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's just so hard Ruth! One never knows what road lies before them. All we have is today. Prayers that this next decade will be easier for you than the last one! Hugs :)

      Delete
  18. Hello,
    Your photos are amazing as always.
    Your message is wonderful as well, and I am pausing to think of all that has happened in the 10 years, oh my so many changes, memories and life lessons.
    Happy New Year,
    Carla

    P.S. Get Well Wishes to your daughter. xx oo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed so much happened in the past decade, so many changes, good and bad. We must continue to look forward, and believe that the Lord does all things well. We are well again in the household, so thankful! Blessings to you sweet friend!

      Delete
  19. You truly enjoy the most amazing vignettes in your glorious part of the world, Marilyn. The hymn "How Great Though Art" comes to mind. The gloriousness of God's handiwork that abounds around your home is awesome. How lovely to share a beautiful celebration with the ladies. The feast looked scrumptious. So it is a new and fresh year. I wonder what is in store for us all? How wonderful to rest in the knowledge that no matter what, God goes before us. A blessed 2020 to you and your family, lovely Marilyn. Oh, I forget, your poem.....'tis truly beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweet Kim! I love the hymn "How Great Thou Art" truly one of my favorites!!! I cannot help but sing it when I look around and see His majesty on display! I appreciate your kind visit and words, and thank you for the blessings and prayers, may the blessings of the Lord be with you in 2020!

      Delete
  20. So nice to catch up on all your news, Marilyn. We don't get snow around here and I enjoyed the sense of a proper winter in your post - that very first photo, of the sunset over the snow mountain, is a stunner. Sounds like you had so much fun this holiday season (not counting the flu) and I wish you all a very happy new year.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always enjoy your lovely seasons through your posts as well dear friend! Isn't it wonderful to armchair travel! May the blessings of the Lord be with you in 2020!

      Delete
  21. Philippians 3:13 - what a perfect scripture for the coming year! I hope your daughter is feeling better. :( That birdhouse is beautiful! Did your son make it? Your sunset pictures are stunning, wow! I pray you have a blessed New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phil. 3:13 is one of my favorite verses, it helps keep my perspective in place! No, my son did not make the birdhouse, but it was handmade by a local man. I'm loving it, although I haven't seen any residents... yet. Come spring, I'm sure we will! Blessings to you sweet friend, and Happy New Year to you!

      Delete
  22. What a thoroughly enjoyable post, except for your daughter being so sick. May she continue to heal and soon be back to her normal self.

    That first photo was wonderful, how blessed you are to be able to enjoy God's beautiful creation as you do each and every day.

    Thank you for your kind encouragement in your comments on my blog. They bless me more than you can know.

    Have a wonderful 2020 ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweet Lorraine for your kind words, they mean so much to me! Blessings to you in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  23. Such an inspiring post, Marilyn, and a welcome into the brand new year! I loved your photos, of course, and the poem you shared at the beginning - lovely!
    Do hope your daughter gets to feeling better sooner than later. Never fun to be sick, but especially at the holidays, it is dreadful. My eldest granddaughter has pneumonia, so our plans for visiting during the break have been nixed.
    May 2020 bring you and yours countless blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Martha Jane, I appreciate your kind words, and thankfully my daughter is better, and we all are well now. So thankful! I do hope your eldest granddaughter is over her bout with pneumonia! Many blessings to you for 2020!

      Delete
  24. Marilyn,
    Your Idaho photos are always so stunning!
    Wishing you the best and Happy New Year!
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jemma, thank you for your visit, and kind words! Many blessings to you in this new year of 2020!!!!

      Delete
  25. May your daughter quickly recover, Marilyn ... and may the rest of you remain flu-free in the days ahead!

    May this new year be blessed with His beauty woven into our lives and into our words and online spaces.

    So grateful to make my way forward with you ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda, you are always such an encourager! May the blessings of the Lord be rich in your life in 2020!

      Delete
  26. Hoping your daughter has recovered from her illness. Your photos are always such a reflection of the Glories of God, Marilyn. You capture, with your camera, glimpses of the expanses of what Heaven must look like....it makes my heart hunger for what is to come. Your words bless my heart with anticipation for a brighter future, and the coming of Jesus. You have such a gift of encouragement, my friend. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right Debbie, when I see the beauty around me, I know it is nothing compared to what shall be, and gives me so much to look forward to! I appreciate your kind words so much, and pray for the Lord's sweetest blessings in your life in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  27. Happy New Year. Hope your daughter is getting better quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ann! She is better, thankfully! Happy New Year to you!!!

      Delete
  28. Happy New Year Marilyn and family! I pray your daughter will recover soon and that none of the rest of you get "it".. the horrible "it" this time of year that I don't even want to mention or name! This post was wonderful as usual! I LOVE the photo especially, or your sunset garden.. with the colors through the trees and the rag flags a flying! And of course, the barn with the purples is just stunning. You continue to inspire me to walk! and sunset is the best time... here also.. as the sun sets over our Mt. Jefferson to the west and if I go at just the right time (and IF the skies are free of the gray we seem to get this time of year) I usually do see something glorious! I kind of fell off the wagon with my walking this last month, so I vow to start again.. and today is a sunny day, so today is a good start for the new year. The last 10 years for me have been full of sorrow at the beginning of that decade and there have been many changes and moves.. and now once again, sorrow and grief. I know it is all a part of life here on Earth, but it is not easy. It looks like you have a lovely "family" Christmas in the snow.. and the tea with the ladies looks like it was just wonderful and I'm sure a very blessed time. All of the food looks absolutely wonderful! (did I say "wonderful" enough???)... hee hee.... Have a blessed day today and I do hope and pray that this year, at least, is better than 2019 for me. Hugs... Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that "it" is not a fun word at all, praying you don't get it Marilyn, its a miserable dose! Thank you as always for your kind words! Walking truly is exercise not just for my body, but for my soul. It helps keeps the "doldrums" away! I know you are walking under a heavy cloud of grief right now, and I continue to keep you in my prayers! Much love to you sweet friend, and I do pray that 2020 is a much better year for you!!!

      Delete
  29. OH POOR THING! Please give her a hug from me!
    She must be so much better now. Not fun!

    Happy New Year my blogging friend. And here's to another year blogging from Idaho! (Don't we live in a wonderful area?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We do live in such a remarkable area! I treasure all the beauty deep within my soul. Thankfully yes, she is better! Many blessings to you in the new year of 2020!!!

      Delete
  30. Marilyn, I will say a prayer for your daughter. Happy New Year, sweet friend. I absolutely loved the Christmas picture. I am 98% done unpacking and back to blogging. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your prayers Gina, she is much better! I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas picture :) Many blessings to you in 2020!

      Delete
  31. It was nice to come back and visit after the busy season and see what you were up to. Such glorious skies you've enjoyed. Sorry your daughter got the yuck. I'm under the weather but without any fever or are those hot flashes fever? :) Hope your daughter has recovered by now...
    A very Happy New Year to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you are feeling better by now Ellen! It is not fun to be ill at all! Things are all great here now, so thankful! Praying you have a blessed year of 2020!!!

      Delete
  32. Oh, sweet friend! It breaks my heart to see your dear girl so sick and to know she was still fighting it at the writing of this post. May God have already sent healing to her and may He keep the rest of your family from getting it. The photos are just SO gorgeous! Oh, I love coming here when you post something. It always refreshes my soul and is such nourishment to my spirit. May the dear Lord bless you all in this coming year with much health, happiness, and guidance. Praying for you and sending much love and hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for those precious encouraging words dear Cheryl, you uplift my heart and soul! I thank you for your prayers, and for your email today, what a tremendous blessing it was. I look forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do in this year of 20/20 perfect vision! Much love to you sweet friend, and always, prayers for your family and praise to the Lord for your friendship!

      Delete
  33. i can see how blessed Christmas you celebrated dear Marilyn !

    your words are filled with wisdom and inspired me for better for which i am always thankful !

    i am glad you had such happy family time ,these painted cookies are so adorable and reflect joy of participants

    i am sorry that your precious daughter got flu right after event ,i had flu during almost whole December ,yes it had to complete it's course :anyway :(

    i am glad she is feeling better now
    you live in area which sounds piece of heaven ,how mesmerizing these images are !!! so nicely taken indeed !
    wishing you a happy new year dear friend filled with grace of Lord, serenity of soul and love of family,amen!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do live in a little piece of heaven here on earth Baili, it brings me great joy to enjoy the beauty He created for us! I always appreciate and enjoy your visits, and touching words! They mean so much to me! My daughter is well again, thankfully the flu bug has moved on! Praying for you too, that in this year of 2020, the blessings of the Lord will be rich and sweet in your soul!

      Delete
  34. Marilyn, this post is filled with so many of the things that make life worth living (except for the flu of course -- so sorry your girl is sick): enjoying God's beautiful creation, the fellowship of friends over food, and creative endeavors. Great scripture verse for a new year. Prayers for your daughter's recovery. Hugs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Nancy, I truly treasure each moment of beauty, and I'm glad to be able to share it here too! Our daughter is better, thankfully! Prayers for you as we enter this new year of 2020, that the Lord will be with you and Dennis in a mighty way!

      Delete
  35. You are surrounded by beauty at ever turn it seems. The pictures you show leave me in awe every time. Your church lady get together looked wonderful with many goodies.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy, I do truly treasure the scenes of great beauty and it gives me great joy to share them here too! Many blessings to you in this new year of 2020 :)

      Delete
  36. I am so sorry to hear about the flu bug. Lord have mercy that some bad stuff. Praying for a complete healing. Loved all your pictures. Oh my! Your pictures are magazine worthy! I wish I had one of those Christmas cookies right about now! LOL! Happy New Year to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy for your kind words, truly the flu bug this year is a nasty one. Glad we are past it now! Thank you for your prayers! It gives me great joy to share the beauty of my world here with my blogging friends. Much love to you sweet friend, and praying sweet richness of blessings of the Lord for you and your family in 2020!

      Delete
  37. You lift my spirits my dear friend. I so loved this post and you are the best writer. I hope babygirl is feeling better. Thanks for the pie kudos. All my love :) see you soon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweet friend, your words and your prayers mean so much! Much love to you!!!

      Delete
  38. I love the Philippians verse at the end...one that I have not thought about yet for the New Year, and it is so perfect. Thank you for reminding me of it. I love all your pictures...the sunsets there are magnificent. We have glorious ones here too, but no snow to reflect their beauty. I love that you take walks with the dogs daily...good for all of you. Your Christmas dinners/gatherings look so lovely and inviting. What a wonderful time to be with other women and sharing such joy. So very sorry about the flu invading your home. I do hope it goes out quickly without affecting or infecting any more. May 2020 be a year of joy and blessing to you and your family. Thank you for allowing us a little glimpse into your lives throughout the year. You truly live in a beautiful place, especially because it is filled with God's Grace. Love your poem! Such a gift!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sweet friend for your kind words and prayers! You always bless me with your visits, and I pray the sweetest blessings of the Lord upon you and your family in 2020!!!

      Delete
  39. Marilyn, your photography and poetry are stunning. I wish poems came to me as I walked! I especially like the photo of the view from your window, with the firewood lying about. And the beautiful skies. And Mister Simba! Your friend's apple pie looks like a wonderful pie, just the sort I like. I hope your daughter is on the mend by now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jean for your kind words! Something within my soul wells up when I see the beauty around me. My daughter is completely past the flu bug now, so thankful! Many blessings to you sweet friend in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  40. Your sunset photos are stunning with the snow. l live in the south where we only dream of scenes like this. Thank you for sharing such amazing photography. Your luncheon looks like it was so cozy along with great food and such a pretty home. So sorry your daughter was sick with the flu and hope she's fully recovered now. And, hope you and other family didn't pick up the bug. Beautiful post and poems for saying goodby to the old year and welcoming the new.
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit, and your kind words, they mean so much, and blessed me! I love to share the beauty that I see around me, its just an incredible world we live in. Thankfully the flu bug has moved on, and the rest of us didn't get it! So grateful! Praying the blessings of the new year are many and sweet in 2020!

      Delete
  41. What a beautiful post. I hope by now your daughter is all better. I really enjoyed your sunset photos. Arizona has gorgeous sunrises and if I get brave enough to go out in 20° temperatures I'll take a picture and post it sometime.☺
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Regina, she is better, and we are grateful the rest of us didn't get it! Those sunrise and sunset pictures are really the best! Much love to you sweet friend, and many sweet blessings of the Lord to you and your family in the new year 2020!

      Delete
  42. Fabulous pics...I Hope your daughter gets better now, sending prayers...Happy New Year!I do love the Bible verses and your beautiful poems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit, kind words, and prayers! Our daughter is better, and thankfully we did not get it either! So thankful! Many blessings prayed for you in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  43. I love the photos of the mountain and the snow scenes are just beautiful! I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for the visit to my blog and all the well wishes. Wishing you and your family a happy new year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit and kind words Julie! Blogging brings the sweetest people into our lives! I pray you and your family enjoy many sweet blessings of the Lord in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  44. Hi Marilyn! I am so excited I "stumbled" across your blog! I just recently moved to North Idaho in September when I got married. I also just started my own blog. I am still learning the area as I grew up on the west side of Washington State on the Puget Sound. I have absolutely fallen in love with North Idaho. I can already tell I am going to love to browsing your past posts and reading your current ones. Your photos are beautiful! I love Philippians and I love the verses you shared for the New Year. I hope your daughter is feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Annie! I'm so excited to meet you too! I will be over to visit your blog soon! How wonderful to be living here in the area, and we must connect through email, and find out if we are close by each other. This area is such an incredibly beautiful area, and so much to explore and do. Thank you for your prayers, our daughter is better, and we thankfully did not get the bug! Sending much love to you and your family for this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  45. Oh Marilyn, your sunset photos always leave me in awe of the beauty that you capture of God’s creations. You live in such incredible wonder! Your fellowship Christmas party looked beautiful. I’m thinking the apple pie would be my favorite, too. I do remember your painted sugar cookies. Thank you for the reminder. Hopefully by now your daughter is feeling much better and that the rest of you are bug free. Happy New Year to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kitty for your visit, kind words, and prayers, they mean so much! I'm thankful for your friendship, and pray that the blessings of the Lord will be sweet and plentiful in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  46. What gorgeous pictures. I really like the one with the mountaintops ablaze with the sun and the poem you wrote. Beautiful.
    It is a good idea to think back on ten years and see the differences...and wonder what differences (besides old age) that the next 10 years will bring. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diana, the words just come from within, I can't even explain it, and somehow no words are ever adequate enough to share the beauty of the moment. Truly so much has changed in the past decade, and we have much to look forward to in the next, with the Lord by our side. Many prayers for you and your family Diana in this new year of 2020!

      Delete
  47. Thank you Agnes! I appreciate very much your kind words, Happy New Year to you!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you Diana, the words just come from within, I can't even explain it, and somehow no words are ever adequate enough to share the beauty of the moment. Truly so much has changed in the past decade, and we have much to look forward to in the next, with the Lord by our side. Many prayers for you and your family Diana in this new year of 2020!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your photographs are amazing … beautiful to see.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  50. drinking too much will swell you and leave the cellulite looking worse than ever. Try to keep to one and a half liters of water per day and not any more.
    satta king
    play bazaar

    ReplyDelete
  51. Water will help you decrease the chances of problems with cellulite. The more water you drink, the healthier your skin is and the less likely you will be to suffer from cellulite. Water consumption plays a big role in a healthy diet, so drink up your water and you will be healthier overall.
    satta king
    play bazaar

    ReplyDelete
  52. So wonderful to see your beautiful photos, Marilyn. You certainly live in a lovely place! Really enjoyed seeing all your Christmas festivities, too. Such inspiring words, too. Ten years ago I was wishing for grandchildren and now I have 4 and more on the way. I am looking forward to watching them grow in the next 10. I had the flu in early December and suffered through as I was on a long-planned vacation to Victoria with my family. I did find relief with thera-flu and lots of cough-drops, but I lost my voice! Lots of hand-sanitizer and tissues kept the rest of the family from getting sick. I am glad to hear that your little one is feeling better - so worrisome when children get sick. Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings in the new year! Hugs xo Karen

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

Labels

alpaca Annie apple pie apron baking bible study tea Big Shot birthday blessings blooms bone broth book book review bread camping Canada canning Charity Gayle Chicken and dumplings chicken fajitas chickens Christmas cinnamon tea comfort food coyote crocus cross Dad visit dandelion tea death Debt free deer devotion digital scrapbooking dill pickles dog dress dried raspberry leaves Easter Edna Moseley eggs elderberry syrup Ellgreave. face masks fall familycookbookproject fire flu flu remedy fog Foxwood Tea House game camera garden garden bluebird garden tea party gardening giveaway Gram greenhouse handmade blouse Handmade Club harvest hike homemade bread homemade tortillas homemade vanilla extract Homer Laughlin hummingbirds hurricane hyacinth inspirational inspirational post iron skillet biscuits January 2013 jelly joy keto kombucha light llama logging love story Lucky the Elephant miracle Mister Simba moose Mother's Day Mountains MTS Photography mudslide music video Northern Lights orange orange vinegar spray Paintbrush Cookies painting peace PEI photography Pico de gallo pie crust plums poem poetry praise prayer Prince Edward Island pumpkin pie puppy kiss rainbow recipe recipes red barn resurrection Riley robin Roger Rose Hips roses scallop die scripture journal season seasons seed starting sewing she-shed skies snake snow song sourdough spain spring springter squirrel Star of Bethlehem storm storms suffering summer sunflower sunflowers sunrise sunset sunshine tea tea exchange tea house Tea party tea time Tea Time Magazine teacup teacup exchange teapot texas Thanksgiving Through Love's Eyes tiramisu tomatoes travel Tribute Tulips turkey turkey soup turkeys Turnbull Wildlife Refuge video walk walk the dogs walking wedding wildlife winter wolf zucchini