Gazing out the window this morning, one would have thought it was still winter. The trees were barren against a foreboding sky and the lake reflected muddy gray. The wind - a near constant friend here - did not sound friendly. Inside our apartment, we wore layers to keep off the chill.
After breakfast, we donned our coats and went for a brisk walk along and around 3 of our 5 lakes. Much to our delight, we found out that Spring is creeping back into the city. The trees - which looked so bare from our windows are dotted with tiny sprouts of green, and some of the shrubs along the lake path have tiny tiny beginnings of blossoms.
Our favorite swan couple have refurbished their nest and one of them was sitting contentedly on it, neck curled against its body. We think it was sitting on some eggs. We saw several duck couples....the male standing nearby the female on the nest, looking very sentry-like. (What can a duck do to protect itself anyway....much less his sweetheart?.....honk?....wait...quack?)
We have made phone calls and studied (We both started the Book of Mormon again with many of our YSAs who are answering a Book of Mormon challenge to read it in the same time period it was translated.) We have lessons ahead to give, Danish classes to be prepared for, meals to fix and miles to go before we sleep...hah...had to get some Robert Frost in there.)
My sweet friend Doris has had some severe trials lately, and as of tonight has found some answers and relief. She has been praying and has felt the Lord's response to her faith. I am very happy that things are working out for her.
Prayer is an amazing thing. We call out from the depths of our souls, reaching as far as our faith will allow.....and miraculously those pleas for help are heard. Little impressions and thoughts bring help and knowledge, and sometimes dramatic assistance arrives. One common admonition in the scriptures is a variation of "Knock and it shall be opened up unto you." It appears that our efforts, even though small, bring the attention of heaven.
What a blessing it is for us to pray.
I have just caught up. I was several days behind in reading and I just have to say how refreshing it is to read your descriptions of Everything! The Ducks, the Geese, the lakes, the buds, the sky. All of it is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your observations and thoughts. They are appreciated! Personally, I am happy that in 6 months you will be home, but I can also understand that you will leave part of your heart there. I guess that means you will just have to love every minute you have left to remember it all when you get home! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDear Kate....I am so glad that you enjoy reading....it is all pretty mundane, but it all is also very meaningful to me. Love you.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh the swans! - and also the new buds. It's like the world tells us that God is still watching over the earth - and us.
ReplyDeleteKeep watching over Doris. She needs you. L&P