Ramblings in a Winter Wonderland

Days like today, it sure is hard to have a bad attitude.... here it is the middle of January in the interior of Alaska and it is a balmy 27 degrees above zero! And it's supposed to last for another week or so. The sun is shining, we are gaining daylight every day now and it is downright GORGEOUS outside! 

This week didn't turn out how I had anticipated. I had plans to go running three days this week and I've only managed one day. I had no intention of getting so sick on Wednesday that I left work late morning, went home and spent the rest of the day in bed. Had some errands I needed to run and yep, they haven't been accomplished yet. But even with all that, it's been a good week! 

I'm learning to be more flexible and more spontaneous in life. (influence of a good friend who's a little too spontaneous, ha!) Working at enjoying the little things in life and not getting stressed about things out of my control. God is in control - I can trust Him with my life, even if that includes flat tires at below zero, a car that barely makes it home, relationships I don't like, etc. There are always something to rejoice about! 

this morning's "pre-sunrise"

When lunchtime came around today, I sure didn't want to be inside! So went for a walk at Creamers! 

Sun shining bright + snow glistening + friendship enjoyable + coffee hot = perfect lunch! 

Alaskan afternoon

enjoying the warm weather! 

Not every day has beautiful weather, but every day can be beautiful! The joy of the Lord can be yours every day no matter the weather outside or the burdens inside your heart. 

Choose Joy!  

Joy in Winter

Mongolia is known as the Land of Blue Sky. It is hardly ever overcast and cloudy here. Most days the sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant blue. I love it. Sunshine and blue skies make me happy. But as I shared yesterday at the Ladies Bible Study, our happiness should not come from our surroundings, our circumstances. But we are to be happy, ie. have joy, ALL the time. 

Some days it may be a struggle to be joyful, but when we think of our salvation and our hope of spending eternity with the Almighty God, we can be joyful! 

Psalm 16:11 says that there is fullness of joy in the Lord's presence. So, when you are tempted to be discouraged, spend time with God. Then you will have true, lasting happiness. :) 

Thought I'd share a few pictures. I haven't taken many since I've been here. I know, I know, I was supposed to take a lot of pictures. But this is my fourth time here and it's kinda like home, so it's weird to have the camera out all the time. But I'll do better. :)

This picture reminds me of joy... 

out my window this morning

almost full moon (I have a hard time capturing the moon)

working upstairs during twilight hours