Ahhh, yes, back to normal!

The view out my windows today -- if only I could play the sound for you!


How about if you come and spend a rainy day with me, okay?
Tell ya what . . . bring your bathing suit and sunglasses! I'll turn up the heat to a comfortably warm temperature that mimics summer, and turn on all the lights in the house so it will appear to be bright and sunny. (Don't worry, we'll lather on the sun block, just to be on the safe side!) For those of you who like to play in the water, I'll fill the bathtub and toss in some beach toys! Then we'll turn on some nice Hawaiian music, sip on some wonderful, exotic, tropical drinks (virgin, if you prefer), and pretend we're in Hawaii! Sound good? C'mon over!

If we get bored, we'll grab some unbrellas and go for a walk in the rain--bare-footed, in our bathing suits and sunglasses, of course! (That should give the neighbors something to laugh at.) Any takers? Aw, c'mon now... Where's your sense of adventure? It will be great fun, I promise!

Today

Today started out rainy, then turned bright and sunny, and then went back to raining just a bit in the midst of the sunshine. How can you complain about rain when you see this through the raindrops?

It has been a very good day! It began with the fun of getting better acquainted with a new friend, as we spent time together in mutual enjoyment of Bible study and prayer. God does amazing things when you let Him direct the course of your life! Little did I realize what God had in mind when I gave my Mondays to Him, and asked Him to use me and bless me however He wanted to!

After I left Roberta's house, I enjoyed going out for a walk in the sunshine -- such an unexpected treat in the winter here! I took my camera along just in case, but took no pictures. Then, much later in the afternoon, as I was returning from running some errands (without my camera), light rain began to fall as the sun continued to shine brightly in my eyes. I could hardly get home fast enough to grab my camera and walk back up the hill, hoping to catch a glimpse of a rainbow. Sure enough -- as I got to the top of the hill in our neighborhood--there it was! I had time to snap four pictures before it faded. Now the rain has stopped and the sun is still shining brightly! What a nice day!

Back To Reality!

One week ago today we returned from Hawaii -- sunshine, warmth--temperatures in the low 80's (F), summer clothes, barefoot walks on the beach, playing in the tropical waters. Today the skies are gray (totally overcast), full of drenching rain, and the temperature is in the low 40's (F)--a typical winter day here! Hmmmm . . . I'd like to say, convincingly, "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11). However, if I get a choice of where I'd like to be most content, I'd take Hawaii (or even Southern California) over the Pacific Northwest any day!

Anyone out there who would like to trade places with me? (Oh, did I mention that it rains here most of the year--more days on than off--10 months out of 12?) Most native Oregonians love this weather! One thing we do have going for us here are the rainbows--incredible rainbows--always a reminder to me of God's wonderful promises which can surely be counted on--not always in the way we expect, but in His perfect plan for our lives! Lord, help me to be content in whatsoever state I am in, for your choices are always best for me, and being smack dab in the center of your will is where I really want to be!

Hawaiian Sunsets

One week ago tonight we watched the sun set over the ocean for our last night in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. We flew out at 10:30 that night and arrived home at 11:00 the next morning. What a trip!

Words simply are not adequate to fully describe the awesome spectacle of God's handiwork! We were mesmerized by the incredible sights which totally overwhelmed us as they filled our senses to overflowing. Blending such beauty with the warmth of wonderful friendship, resulted in a truly soul-satisfying vacation--one that we were not eager to have the sun set on for the final time. I can only repeat: "To God be the glory--great things He has done!"

Some of the sunset pictures have already been posted.
Here are the rest of the favorites:

A few more favorites before the sun sets in dreamland...

Moments to Remember