It’s so cold outside right now. It’s crazy, since without a blanket of snow on the ground it almost looks warm if you don’t know any better. But looks can be deceiving.

So other than during my runs, I’ve been staying inside. Our hemisphere is hibernating, and I can too.

Whenever it’s time for my jog, I bundle up. I layer my shirts, and sometimes even my pants. I wear a hat and then tie a hoodie tight underneath my chin.

And then out I go. Despite the sting of my cheeks I take in the beauty of the land as I run up and down our trail in the woods. We now have a little loop that circles behind our home. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and connect with God. I say hello to the trees as I pass, and then gaze at the beautiful sky.

(These beautiful clouds were moving fast across the winter sky.)

As the temperature warms frost begins to burn off the ground and trees. Isn’t the sun streaming down so beautiful?

Songbirds are literally flocking to our land right now. Several pairs of Cardinals are hanging around, along with Robins, Tufted Titmice, Chickadees, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-Eyed Juncos.

We are doing our best to keep them well fed as winter holds the land tight. We’ve invested in a couple of extra feeders, and have purchased high-energy suet for the birds to enjoy.

Eventually, winter will loosen her clutches and spring will break through. But for now, I’ve decided to embrace the cold. Embrace the rest. Embrace the quiet peace that winter brings.

This weekend a possible winter storm is predicted, and I’m curious to see if we’ll in fact see snow here in North Georgia. If we do, I’m sure it will seem magical. It doesn’t snow much around here, and I’m always in awe when it does.

I can imagine my children laughing as they play in the snow, and I’ll be joyful too. I’ll probably add 100 photos to my camera roll as I document the rare snowy day.

But if it doesn’t snow, I’ll be happy too. Likely still snug inside of my home as the dark half of the year slowly passes by.

I rather love winter, and I’m sure our property enjoys the rest, too.

I hope that you are enjoying your winter rest, or your summer sun if you live in the southern hemisphere. Above all, let’s enjoy nature and take care of her. Oh, and let’s take care of ourselves, too. We mustn’t forget that.

Many blessings to you, friends!