In the Mist

I just love the snow.  After being gone for 8 years to places that rarely if ever see snow, it is wonderful to experience the white stuff again.  This past month has been wonderful because we have had snow every week.  It's beautiful!  The past couple of days have been snowy, foggy and chilly.

Lily and I spent the time up in the mountains since Bob has been out of town.  There is something about the fog that I found myself just loving.

Its cover.

When you are in the fog you simply feel like the world doesn't extend beyond what you can see.  It's simple and for a brief time you feel totally safe, cocooned in mist.  I found myself grateful that fog came rolling in after the events of the Boston Marathon Bombing this past Monday.  So tragic and even though I wasn't there, I am a runner.  It felt personal and I will admit, fear threatened to overwhelm me.  

But then the fog rolled in and under a halo of mist I found some refuge.  Then I took Lily outside and found myself smiling and enjoying the snow.

 God is good.  I will tell you, Lily is simply impervious to the cold.  I had nearly 4 layers of clothing on me and she was happy with her snowpants and fleece jacket.  Gloves you say? No way!  A Hat? Well that's just silly!  In fact, once she made it into the swing her boots and socks came off too!

Snow, freezing temps, no problem for this barefoot lady.

Once we finished with the swing we headed out to the horses and even amidst the falling snow and cold temps Lily was convinced we needed to go riding.   So after grooming, spraying the horsey tail and comb, comb, combing she sat up on Bon Bon like an ole pro and we took a ride in the snow.  What a confident little horse lady.  Too confident if you ask me.

I am grateful for the snow and even more grateful for the mist.  In a big and often times scary world, its wonderful to know that the Lord still covers us.  We have no need to fear, we are His.

The Proverbs 31 Mother

A Mother of noble character who can find?

Her worth is far above rubies.

Her husband looks upon her in awe,

and with unyielding confidence and trust.

She does him and his children good

all the days of her life.

She carries her babes with grace and elegance

while feeding her family and caring for home.

Though tired and burdened with change,

she recognizes the needs of her husband

Her children look on her with love. 

She finds strength in the Lord when new babies take form

and she prays unceasingly for them and her others.

Her arms are strong from her life of mothering

her hands rough from planting seeds of Christ.

Her heart is mighty from dwelling outside of her.

She opens her arms to the needy 

she does not turn away from a cry for help.

She has Grace written upon her and is clothed in

humility, compassion, justice and love.

Her coverings reflect the beauty within

and even when pregnant she does not hide in shadows.

She brings her husband honor, he is respected wherever he goes.

She is known far and wide for her graceful mothering,

her quiet spirit, peaceful heart and adoration of her beloved.

Even those who she has never met

Praise her husband because of her.

He is held high at the gates.

She is not afraid to be open to her beloved

She gives herself freely to him.

She can define herself between wife and mother.

Even when her body becomes round with babes,

She remembers her body is his

and delights in it.

She is clothed with strength and dignity

and can find joy amidst the chaos of life.

She fights for her family and does not fear the seasons

She speaks with wisdom on her tongue 

and communicates faithful instruction to her children.

Her children call her blessed.

She understands her body will change as she gives life to her children

and that youthful beauty ebbs slowly away,

She embraces the change with courage and faith

Understanding that giving life to her family requires sacrifice.

She is not afraid for she knows where true beauty lies

and willingly gives of herself.

Her husband praises her:

"Many mothers do noble things, 

care for children, care for home, care for me,

but you surpass them all!"

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a mother who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Praise her and honor her for she has answered a high calling.

*All images from Briony Hope Photography*