First ICY post of 2024!

 This year has certainly gotten off to a VERY COLD and snowy start.  While we had such a mild December, January has just been terrible.  There has been sub-zero temperatures with a very windy, snowy, icy bit to boot!  These last two weeks have been all about staying inside and also trying to keep the inside warm!  This included portable heaters, open cabinet doors and fans to stave off frozen pipes.  We have had several inches of snow, followed by several inches of snow on top of ice, followed by several inches of snow that was blowing and drifting.  Needless to say, it is typical January in Chicago!  

The first "special" event of this year, was a special dance program, held at Dance Connection  (Lia, Ellie and Anna's dance studio).  They invited kids from 4-8 years old to come for a program that included watching the Spotlight dancers perform, having games and snacks and making a craft.  I registered Grace for this event, not knowing that it would fall right in the middle of a really awful snow event.  But, as they say, the show must go on!  Doug volunteered to dig out my driveway as well as deliver Grace to my house to make the trip a bit shorter.  The day was actually one of the first sunny days we had in a long time.  Doug and Susie arrived with Jimmy and Grace, just after a very kind neighbor paid to have my driveway plowed!  I love living in a small town where the neighbors still watch out for all the "old people".  It was certainly a bonus for Doug since all he needed to do was some minor touch up shoveling.  Grace and I had no issues driving the hour and a half north for the program.  

Grace had a very good time watching the dances, got to play freeze dance and make some really cool mouse ears!  She just loves being with her cousins, no matter what the activity is.  She was happy to dress up as "Anna from Frozen" for this event.  We got in the car to begin our 78 mile drive back to Doug and Susie's house, just as it started snowing - AGAIN!  Surprisingly, I followed Google Maps, and we made the trip faster than normal!  Grace and I did see 21 snow plows on the drive however.  I stayed for dinner (my favorite - Doug's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and zucchini), before heading home. It was a dicey drive home, with blizzard warnings due to 50 to 60 MPH winds and blowing snow.  The highway was totally snow covered and the average speed was about 30mph.  I was especially glad to get home!  In spite of the weather, it is always good to get the girls together!  

The second "event" of January was a special winter "Bible Boot Camp" at my church, Fellowship of Faith.  Bible Boot Camp is a not-so-typical Vacation Bible School program, that is held in the summer. The program is almost all outside with obstacle courses and capture the flag.   Gwen had the idea to try a winter version, held on a day off of school in January.  The plan was to follow the same pattern as the summer!   The thing about Chicago weather - you just never know what to expect.  It could have been 40 and sunny with no snow on the ground.  However it could also be -15 with a windchill of -30 and piles of snow everywhere that make it hard to even walk, let alone run.  And that is exactly what the weather was like.  The kids were limited to 10 minutes outside for two different activities.  I worked at the snack station and we served lots and lots of cups of hot chocolate!  Surprisingly there were lots of kids - who really didn't mind the cold at all! There were over 20 Boulder students (junior high and high school) who served as leaders, as well as over a dozen adult helpers.  This morning in church, the Pastor gave a follow up report on the event and commented that this program has been held during times of 140 degree difference in temperatures!  Last summer was an excessive heat warning with high "feels like temps and this program was during a windchill warning with very low feels like temps!  So, matter the weather - it is a good time to celebrate Jesus, come together to worship and have lots of fun!

Besides the outdoor fun and this amazing worship time, all the kids also did a service project.  Every group worked on tied blankets that were donated to local foster kids.  Working with blankets when it was below zero was a great activity.  The kids also got to choose a "Bible Buddy" to name and take home.  The idea behind this wonderful program is to encourage the kids to read the Bible to their stuffed animal.  They were also given a journal to record about reading the Bible.  It is a fun way to get the kids excited about reading their Bibles!  Even the youngest kids got Bible Buddies!  

My friend Colleen and I watched this program from the (warmth) of the coffee bar.  Neither of us ventured outside.   No matter how cold, or dreary the weather might be, all you have to do is surround yourself with the laughter and joy of kids to change your mood.  Often people will ask me why I still want to help out with the kids programming.  It is so worth it.  Even when it included getting up early in minus 15 degree weather, to drive to church, to open snacks and pour cups of hot chocolate.  It was a good day.  A very good day.  

Not much has been happening this January.  But there has been lots of time to read and to write.  I have actually picked up my writing during this cold spell.  And that has also been very good.  After a time away from writing, I always go back and read what I last wrote.  This time, I went back to the very beginning.  The further along I went, the more committed I grew.  I need to finish this project and I need to finish it well.  I will be spending more time in the next weeks with my laptop in hand, working to complete the project that has been YEARS in the making.  I am convinced this is exactly what I need to be doing.  

No matter what your weather is like - cold, hot or in between, no matter if it is dry or wet, rain or snow, sunny or cloudy., Jesus is with us in it!  When it is so cold you don't go out, remember that Jesus is with you inside the warmth of your home.  When it is so nice that you just have to go out, Jesus is going with you!  What a wonderful truth to remember - Jesus will never leave us - no matter what the weather!  

Jesus, thank you for planning the change of seasons and the ups and downs of the weather.  Winter is a wonderful reminder that even when things look totally dead, there is always the promise of spring ahead.  Holy Spirit, remind us that even when we feel alone, Jesus is with us.  Help us all to make Bible reading a part of each day.  Thank you for caring neighbors, for family and friends.  Thank you especially for children!  Amen