Woke up this morning...

The TV show, "The Sopranos" always began with a totally hot groove tune by A3. It is always just too kewel for school... and I've included it below for the uninitiated. But this morning I woke up to THIS...

...which beats the Sopranos hands down, and that's just the facts, Jack! (Photo by Dianne.)

Now, as with all things, there is pain with the beauty and I had to dig our way out of the driveway. But as the scripture says, "To everything there is a season" and THIS season is stunning here in our new home. Thanks be to God!

Part Two: it continues to snow big, beautiful snow flakes in a stunning display of what looks to be the most beautiful winter I have ever seen! And one more surprise: affirmations come in the strangest ways, yes? After working hard for the last 8 months - but not really knowing if the connections were happening - I met this afternoon with a dedicated church person doing recruitment for our volunteer ministries next year. She reported that she was able to get LOTS of helpers - people want to be connected - and they want their time to matter. In fact, they were eager to help.

Hmmmm.... that's not to say that this renewal work is going to be easy but, it is to say that it looks like we're on the right track. Same with money and worship participation. We're not out of the woods yet but we are probably headed in the right direction. Made me think of this song by Over the Rhine...