Winter

Last Saturday we attended the funeral of dear Sister Esther, and I was honored to be asked to be a pall bearer.  It was a bitter cold winter day, but dressed properly it was bearable.  I forgot how awkward it is to carry a casket without kicking or stepping on the other pall bearers' feet.  The spacing is too close, but I think we managed it with dignity.
 The old farmers wife remembered a poem from her youth that she thought fit Esther.

 I CAUGHT YOUR FAITH

I saw you stand
Bravely for years
But saw no trace
Of senseless fears.

I saw you stand
Calmly through stress
But caught no glimpse
Of bitterness

I saw you stand
Prayerful in grief
But saw no trace
Of unbelief.

Though you spoke well
Of Jesus Christ
I caught your faith
Watching your life.

Last night we had the first real snow of the winter.  It fell softly through the night, and ended up with 6+ inches by mid-morning.  Because we didn't have wind with it, it created a beautiful covering over everything.  I went out early and snapped some pictures.  Gus seemed to think he was to pose for me.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31 (various)