Today I went for a little hike through the nearby Barstow Woods, enjoying the beauty of the freshly fallen snow. . . .

Here is one of my favorite pictures from my hike/photo-shoot earlier today. The double set of footprints in the snow conveys to me the idea that Jeremiah 10:23 expresses. It is not up to me to determine my own steps. God is walking alongside me as my Guide and Companion, giving me the direction and encouragement I need to keep going in the course He has set for me. It's a timely and much-needed reminder to me.

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday #12! No big news this week, but lots of daily blessings for which to be thankful, including . . .

1. Easy listening music to study by.
2. Paychecks.
3. My immune system, which is keeping me healthy so far this winter.
4. A good start to my Biology lab class.
5. Free online study resources for the Geography exam I'm preparing for.

Life is good, because God is good! "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

Tennis

For Christmas my brother Peter and I agreed to treat each other to weekly tennis lessons. We've been having so much fun every Thursday evening! Enrolled in our current session of classes, there is one other student besides the two of us--a white-haired gentleman named Dave. At age 75 and despite arthritis, he's decided to get out there and learn how to play a new sport! Isn't that great?! How inspiring to be around someone like Dave, who is committed to life-long learning, growing, trying new things!

Style Secret: Tie to Necklace

I saw this upcycle DIY jewelry idea on Pinterest and loved it! The necklaces are made from men's silk neckties. They're fun, quick, easy, and inexpensive to make. Click on the link for the tutorial on the blog Artstar by Aletha.

Here's how my first necklace turned out. I like how it can be worn at different lengths, for varied looks.

Sunset

This evening I enjoyed a spectacular sunset while driving to my first Biology lab class. Pulling into the university parking lot I grabbed my camera just in time to capture the sun dipping below the horizon, behind the trees....

Frosty View

Climbing into the backseat of the car, to ride to church this morning, I was fascinated by the frosty view out my window....

2012 in 2012!

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness...” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Scripture repeatedly declares that God freely gives us good gifts. (See Psalm 36:8; Psalm 68:19; John 1:16; Romans 8:32; James 1:17; 2 Peter 1:2-4.) Inspired by Ann Voskamp’s beautiful, best-selling book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, I've decided to go for 2012 in 2012! Throughout the year I will be keeping a journal of the gifts God brings in my life. A number of these gifts I look forward to posting in my weekly "Thankful Thursdays." Others will be shared only as far as my family's kitchen table, and some I'm sure will be just between God and me. I want to live this year, moment by moment, basking in His fullness; and I want to look back on this year, remembering His goodness. Here's to thanking. Trusting. Hoping. Celebrating. Living.