How's Your Weather?

Snow. Rain. Sleet. Hail. Sunshine. It's a topic of conversation no matter where you are or what your age. I always thought it was an agricultural topic of conversation because as people of the land our lives revolve around the elements. You can't plant or harvest if it's too wet, but the crops won't grow if it's too dry.

This week, I have experienced all four seasons. You read that correctly. I never left the Continental U.S., yet experienced all four seasons. We've had spring showers here in Missouri; it was hotter than the dickens in Reno, almost like Summer; Wednesday in Montana was like a cool fall day, followed by a winter Wonderland on Thursday morning when I woke up in Bozeman. Yes, this photo was taken Thursday, APRIL 29 in Bozeman, Mont.
I couldn't believe the snow. I believed it alright when it caused my flight to be delayed 6 plus hours.

The weather. It is an universal language, too. Last night on my Delta flight from Minneapolis to KC, I had a European trio behind me. I am unsure what language they spoke, but about every fifth word had a harsh "iche" attached to the end. The three words I did understood came during our initial decent into KC through some pretty rough turbulence. When following the captain's announcement, I heard them say, "Thunderstorms. Kansas. Twisters-iche." I had to chuckle, especially since we were on the Missouri side.

We need a new topic. What else could we talk about? We can't talk about politics or religion...oh no! That would be bad. We can't agree on those subjects. So, how's the weather where you are?

Welcome to my thoughts on life. . .

Welcome to my first blog posting. I've had this in the back of my mind that I should create a blog oh for about three years now, but then I think, do I really have anything that interesting to say? Well, today it is a snowy, dreary day in Northwest Nebraska--two days before Christmas. My parents are "iced in" in Kansas and this will be my first Christmas in 36 years without them. . .then I realized I need to put on my big girl pants and COUNT MY BLESSINGS!

So, if you are reading this post, you likely don't need an introduction to who I am, but tonight you are going to learn what I'm really thankful for in life. Ready?
1. I'm thankful I was raised in a loving, 2-parent Christian home.
2. I'm thankful for the troops who are right now fighting for for my FREEDOM to live in American and write this blog. And all who have served before them.
3. I'm thankful for the roof over my head and for the grandparents in the other room sleeping in their recliners with the TV blaring.
4. I'm thankful my parents are safe in their home and not a statistic between here and Russell, KS.
5. I'm thankful for a career I truly love that pays the bills, and allows me to purchase a new home this year.
6. I'm thankful for my friends across the country and around the world. They are precious to me.
7. I'm thankful for the farmers and ranchers that raise the food that my grandma has stuffed me with in the last 24 hours--it took 12 months to lose 30 pounds, and she will put those pounds back on me in 3 days!
8. I'm thankful that I can stop and see my great grandma on Saturday who's 102 3/4.
9. I'm thankful for this sprint card that gives me internet access in middle of nowhere!
10. Finally, I'm thankful for Christ, our Savior, who died for my sins!

So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and take some time to count your blessings this holiday season!