SNOW, BLUEBIRDS AND FLAT TIRES

Good morning from Central Kentucky! The snow continues to fall here for the second day. Actually, it's hard to tell if it's falling or just blowing around. Unlike the previous snow accumulations, this time it is really light and powdery and the wind has been blowing it around, rather than letting it accumulate and stay put. I must add though, that it is cold out there. My cheeks stung yesterday after spending time out with the dogs and shaking the deer feeder and filling the birdfeeders. The larger deer can simply paw at their feeder out back and allow the corn to travel down the chute. The five smaller deer who visited yesterday morning, didn't seem to be able to do that, so it took a good pounding on to get the corn down in the tray. I'll have to check this morning to see if the tray is still full.

Birds are such an enjoyment for me. I had just mentioned to Mark that there were certainly a lot of bluebirds noticeable on Sunday. Not only do I enjoy seeing them around, but in the Spring it is especially fun to watch them pair up and go house hunting. Because we have many windows, it is a common problem for birds to whack into them, mistaking the reflection for the sky. Depending on the impact, they often simply fly away, but on many occasions I have picked up dead cardinals, hummingbirds or other species, when they haven't recovered from the initial hit. It appeared a cardinal had met his end over the weekend as his red feathers can still be seen buried in the snow on the deck, really sad.

Tuesday I heard a thump at the front of the house. Upon investigation, I saw a female bluebird lying on the front steps. I could see movement, so I decided to keep her warm while she shook off the blow. It was only a matter of hours before she was active in one of the dog kennels. I was perfectly delighted to see her fly into the trees upon her departure.

Monday was a difficult day for me. For Christmas, I asked for fencing to keep the dogs from wandering into danger. I should have asked for new tires. Because I've had two previous flat tires, I kinda knew that when I pulled into a driveway, what I was gonna find. Yep, the back passenger side tire was indeed flat. Because my phone was dead and I knew I needed to replace the tires anyway, I decided to drive my car precariously back home so I could call the Amen House where I volunteer. Thankfully, I made it home safely and was able to learn my fellow volunteers had everything under control. So, I merely called Mark to let him know of the predicament. He's such a "why wait til tomorrow sort" that he had the tire changed and new tires on just hours after he was home from his busy work day. Yes, I'm spoiled, I must admit.

Let me say, I have tried to change a tire. Twice I tried. First time I was in Bowling Green and my friend, Jerri and I did everything we could to get the bolts off that hold the tire in place. Finally, some friendly WKU students across the street came over and did it for us. Second time, I was making an attempt at changing a tire on Mark's truck, when some nice sanitation workers in Georgetown offered to do it for me. So, this being my third such opportunity, I chose to drive home on the useless tire, rather than try yet again, this time in not so ideal conditions. In other words, Monday was really cold!! I'm just thankful I have a husband who understands and takes care of that car thingy stuff for me.

I recently posted my belief that you can be as close to God as you want to be. Well, you can't be close to Him unless you seek His word and His guidance daily. This mornings UpperRoom verse is one of the best, for sure. I'm not surprised that it is underlined and noted in my Bible. Although it lists Romans 10:10-17, I prefer to back up to begin at verse 9, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This is an awesome truth that we Christians hinge our faith upon. Because of what Jesus did, He made it so simple for us to confess our sins and then accept Him as our savior. He did all the work for us. He has done the hard part. He loves us so much, He spoils us, so that we don't have to do all that suffering. Thank you God for understanding us and taking care of all that difficult stuff for us.

Yes, I'm spoiled by my husband, my parents and my God. You can be too, simply by accepting His son as your savior. I am actually enjoying the snow this time of year. I will appreciate the beauty and take the time to be thankful for all my many blessings. I hope you stay warm and enjoy a safe and wonderful day, luv, Susan