☘️ From Snowfall to Spring Hope

 

No, I’m not back early from my blog break. I just wanted to poke my head in to say hello, do a little March decorating around here, share a quick February update, and let you in on what’s been on my heart.

I am so very much enjoying this break from daily blogging. I have to admit, I never thought I could stick with it, but I must have truly needed this pause. It has been such a gift.  A season of rest, reflection, and quiet, and I’m savoring every bit of it.

I want to reassure you that I am not closing down this blog. I’ll still be here, just in a gentler, slower rhythm. I’m prayerfully considering scaling back my posting, though I haven’t yet decided whether that will look like once a week, once a month, or something else. Hopefully, by April, I will have come to a decision. 

In this quieter season, I’ve been writing on Substack, and it has become a meaningful outlet that allows me to study, research, and write in the way I feel God is currently leading me. Some of what He is placing on my heart feels very personal, very tender, and not quite right for this blog space, and I’m learning to honor that. I want to write in obedience, freedom, and peace, rather than out of habit or expectation.

I have so much swirling around in my heart and mind -  thoughts about discipleship, mentorship, serving God, evangelism, the Jewish roots of our faith, replacement theology, and everything in between. It’s definitely a stretching season for me. 

And without boring you all to tears, a few new opportunities have come my way that I’m carefully considering and, of course, praying over. For now, I’m thankful for this pause, for God’s gentle leading, and for each of you who continues to walk alongside me here.

👇👇👇

February UPDATES

In the last post, I was hoping for snow, and it came the very next morning. It was lovely. The flakes drifted down from the sky like manna from Heaven, falling softly for about four hours. Then it stopped. I was sad to see it end, but an hour later the sun appeared, the temperature rose, and by mid-afternoon every tiny piece of that snowy manna was just a memory.

Of course, Laydee could hardly wait to get outside and do what dogs do best in the snow. 

The trees looked especially beautiful dressed in white. 

We probably had about an inch and a half, though there were some big flakes - nearly two inches across. Not being very knowledgeable about snowflakes, I was quite impressed.

It wasn’t like our bigger storms from years past, but we loved every minute of it. There were lots of texts flying back and forth, sharing snow photos with friends and family.

After a crane swooped down and ate all our fish, we decided not to replace them and just let the frogs be. Right after I took this photo, I went outside and saw a frog resting under the frog couple. It was pretty cute!

Yesterday was such an amazing day! We were able to attend a fantastic all-day conference hosted by Friends of Israel. It was uplifting - full of hope - especially with everything going on right now. Plus, connecting with so many like-minded people from all over Northern California made the event special and enjoyable! 

Many events and holidays are coming up in March. ☘️☘️

✅March 3 is Purim, which starts at sundown on March 2, 

✅St. Patrick's Day, March 17 ☘️

✅ Spring, March 20. 

✅Palm Sunday - March 29 🌴

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you again in April. 

AND a Happy March and Spring to everyone. 🌷

1. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17

2. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24

3. "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."

John 11:25-26

4. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14;6

5. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8;36

The Light of the World

All my ladies showed up yesterday for our last class of 2025 to turn in the Christmas cards and to share a favorite scripture, a doctrinal truth, and a prayer. We’ll plan for a fellowship in January - December gets too hectic, and January could use a little extra joy.

The winter semester begins on January 7. 

Time really flies, doesn't it?

I have jury duty on January 21. While I'm always called, I’ve never been picked for a jury, and I’m eager to be part of a criminal trial before I'm too old to make a difference.  My fascination with criminal justice and courtroom dramas, thanks to Perry Mason, makes it all the more interesting.

Aren't these napkins just adorable? 

My husband picked them up for me, and they’re almost too cute to use!

I still plan to add fairy lights to the windowsill. 

As you can see, we've been experiencing some rain, which is typical for this time of year. It’s officially our rainy season, and it’s just getting started. During the early rainy season, snow levels are generally higher, but this weekend they are expected to drop to 6,000 feet or lower. There’s a lot of optimism for another fantastic year of snow and rain in my region of California, which serves as the state’s watershed. While some may spread fear, I trust that God is sovereign and has everything under His control.

My husband’s old Hanukkah menorah is a family heirloom. 

“Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has put Your Holy Spirit in all who are born again in You to teach and guide us, in keeping with Your Word, and to be Your lights to the world."

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who performed and still performs miracles for the Jewish people, the nation of Israel, and all those who love and put their trust in You." 

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has kept us alive and brought us to this season." 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

This beautiful beaded box, where my husband stores the candles, 

has always been one of my favorites.

Santa Claus came early for Laydee! I purchased her a human-sized dog bed that’s about the size of a twin bed, so we can lie beside her and cuddle. She loves to snuggle and even wraps her arms and those big paws around us, patting us on the head! 

This bed is orthopedically beneficial for her achy joints, and honestly, it’s super comfortable for us too.

 I almost drifted off to sleep with her beside me. 

There's nothing like cuddling with a big dog!

I recently came across something special while going through the Christmas boxes - Pops passed away in December 2020. That year, we found this card he had written for us, but never had the chance to give it to us due to his stroke. 

This one is definitely a keeper!

I’m a weather geek, and one of my enjoyable pastimes is checking out all the fire and weather cameras here in the North State for scenic views I can't get on my own. 

This was taken a couple of weeks ago when a stubborn fog bank covered the valley for about 400 miles.

Mt. Shasta has been getting more snow this season, though the south-facing side typically has less.

I’ve been in a blogging slump lately, focusing more of my energy on Substack, where I now have 187 subscribers! I’ve finally found my niche, and I am enjoying it very much. 

I hope you're all enjoying this season of peace!

Until Next Time,

Debby