I took this picture the other day. If you've been to Uplift you know about the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets that are painted over the Sangres. Just thought I'd share the beauty with you. 

I have found that in the busyness of this season it is so good to stop and be quiet for even just a few minutes. How do you find or make time in your days to be still? And do you find it worthwhile?

Life on The Mountain continues to be rich. Two of the three roosters are growing into their crow, one is more wimpy (and funnier) than the other! The green house sits resting, waiting for the warmer months to house life in it again. And while there were some icicles hanging off the sides, those have all melted in the warm mid-day sun. We haven't had a big snow for some time now, and except for the places that don't see much of the sun, it has mostly melted away. The pond has a thick layer of ice covering it and the Selden Fam is grateful because that means hockey! This year Jay strung lights across the pond, extending the time of day that we can play. Stay tuned for a picture of hockey under the lights. Jay will play with the family as goalie and we are lucky if we can sneak one past him! This Christmas we look forward to celebrating all together, as our family has been growing in size with the recent marriages! There is also talk of adding some new animal life to The Mountain with some cows and perhaps bunnies?! We look forward to what those relationships might look like. 

Mike and I are continuing to work on the summer program; our excitement keeps growing as the summer draws nearer. We have been so grateful for the encouragement and affirmation that we have received. Thank you for your support! 

That is all to report for now. Until next time, friends! 

As I was walking about the property today, it dawned on me that winter is truly settling in. I went from being warm and cozy next to the wood fire to being out into the barely double digits! It seemed almost instantly that my nose was running and as I started walking I was both sweating and freezing. But as I took in my surroundings: the sights, sounds and smells that accompany winter, I realized how grateful I am that just like life, nature goes through seasons too. 

Winter seems to be a time for slower and shorter days. It is a season of reflection, remembrance and quieter days. We see this at Uplift drastically between the Summer season, which is full of life, movement and "doing," contrasted with the Winter season. And I see it in my own life: there is a deeper desire to be still during these chiller days. This doesn't mean there isn't work to be done, it just means that my attitude, my heart and even my body move at a difference pace: a quieter one. Can you see that in yourself? Are you inclined similarly or is it different for you?

Isn't it a good design? I think of the fields that were harvested in the fall after a summer of growing. The dirt and the soil are able to rest after a season of being worked! I think of the trees and flowers, laying dormant after putting on a dazzling show of their colors during the warmer days. Isn't it good for us to have a season of rest? But now think for a minute, isn't it also good that it is just a season?! Can you imagine winter lasting the whole year? Or any season for that matter? (And yes, I recognize there are some places in the world that are like this!) Our season of rest turns into a season of growth and newness! What a good design that Winter gives way for Spring, which gives way for Summer and in turn Fall. What a beautiful sequence!

I think that Winter is a good time to remember that all of life goes through seasons. And each season that we find ourselves in is purposeful and will eventually give way to a different season after it. 

I, for one, am thankful for this season. I welcome the quieter, chiller days. And I am grateful for a Creator who knew that seasons are important for us. 

What do you see this winter season looking like for you? Could there be something that you were too busy for before and now is the right time to engage it? Take time to walk down the snowy paths and see what might await. 

Until next week, friends!