Cabin Fever

This past weekend, while many were turning shopping into an offensive sport, a bunch of us headed into the Wilds of Alaska...ok, well, maybe not the Wilds that most think of, but it is about 125 miles northeast of Anchorage without much around but GORGEOUSNESS!!!!

A group of us ladies went to a cabin (belonging to the hosts of our bible study) and had a wonderfully relaxing time.

 The front of the cabin overlooks a beautiful lake

Gunsight Mountain in the background

For the Glory of God!!!!

Overlooking the lake

So, what did we do?

 We hung out and talked

We played games

We snowshoed and skied 

We enjoyed the amazing beauty God created

...and still enjoying...

Even the drive home was incredible

We star-gazed, but I didn't get any photos..... boo - I know!

And we praised God!

  Psalm 8:1 - 9:1

"LORD, our Lord

how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!

You have set Your Glory  

in the heavens

Through the praise of children and  infants

You have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, 

the work of Your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which You have set in place,

what is mankind that You are mindful of them,

the son of man that You care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of Your hands;

You put everything under his feet:

all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, 

all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,

 how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

I will praise You, O LORD,

with all my heart; 

I will tell of all Your wonders.

And here's the perfect song

What was your week/end like?  

Winter Wonders, Seasons and Blessings

The past couple days, we have had a foot of snow lay gracefully around us.  The first snowfall is always fun although I would prefer it on a day when I'm not working so I can go snowshoeing!

Even though it's November now in Alaska, many were very unprepared for the snowfall this year.  Drivers and Ducks alike seemed to be a bit confused and getting off course.  On the way to work, I saw a few drivers in some situations they would have to explain away later, but my favorite (and saddest) was seeing the ducks in parking lots and snow covered lawns as if they were resting in a pond.

Aside from the ducks that have lost their way, or the drivers who will be making amends later, the snowy winter months brings a seasonal transition one can't help but sit in awe of.   I love seeing the mounds of snow rolling over fields that were once green.   The branches once covered with clapping or whispering leaves, seems snug under the white comforter of glistening fluff.   

The above photos were taken from my desk window at work.  So glad I have such a gorgeous view all day.   And while sitting out and looking at this, knowing how cold it actually is, I pour me up a big "Cup of Faith" in the form of Sweet Apple tea from Summit Spice & Tea, my favorite loose leaf tea shop.

Oh, but the BEST part of the day, was watching my Lil Miss Marianne try to get through the snow.  It was almost taller than her!

On a side note, I made a RAINBOW (shocker, eh?!) Earwarmer to keep my ears happy throughout the winter a few months ago.  When I was in Seattle, I was wearing it and a woman stopped at Pike's and asked where I purchased it.  After letting her know I made it, she gave me her number and asked me to make her one.  Then she brought me to a friend, who also asked me to make her one.  I let them know I live in Alaska, but they insisted.  So, today, I went to the yarn store for supplies to start their projects.   While there, I showed the owners a photo of my 6.5 hr beanie.  The owner asked me to write up the pattern for my beanie and earwarmer and she will buy/sell them!!!  

EEEEK!!!  OMGoodness!!!!  I couldn't believe it!!!  I was SOOOO excited, I barely made it out to my car before I called the Hubs screaming in his ear my happiness..... So, here's the rainbow wonder I knitted:

I'm not so good at self photos, so I took it from the mirror.

One day I'll learn to stop taking so many photos w/my cell phone and I'll carry a point & shoot around :)   Until then, this will have to work. 

So I have lots to get done, but definitely feel God has blessed me in the opportunities that now lie before me!

Here is one of my favorite songs, by Sarah Kelly, that has been on repeat in my mind/heart today!

xo - Secora