preparation

 

Well, I certainly haven't needed any winter gear this week 

(we've had heat indexes over 100F the past couple days),

but I'm preparing for next winter...

After feeling way too close to experiencing frostbit digits during last year's cross country skiing adventures in Michigan, I decided it was time to invest in some heavy duty winter gloves.

Here's to hoping my fingers will be warmer next winter than they were last winter :).

Let My Faith Take Hold On Thee

Let My Faith Take Hold On Thee

Fanny J. Crosby

[one of my favorite hymn writers]

Thou who knowest all my weakness,

thou whose eye my heart can see,

in my hour of deepest trial,

let my faith take hold on thee.

Faith that smiles when skies are frowning,

faith that mountains can remove,

faith that purifies by suffering,

calmly, sweetly works by love.

While I feel your presence with me,

while I feel your gracious hand,

gladly will I do your bidding,

only waiting your command.

Till the storms of life are over,

this my daily prayer shall be:

Lord, uphold me with your Spirit,

let my faith abide in thee.

chorus:

Firm and fearless may I ever tread the path designed for me;

and though thorns may sometimes pierce me,

let my faith take hold on thee.

Amen.

 

Strawberry Pie: this year's edition

There's nothing quite like a fresh strawberry pie,

except maybe its cousin the fresh raspberry pie...

but, wait, I think I already said that before...

previous editions:

2015

2016

[no strawberry pie pictured in 2017!]

2018

2019

2020

progression

After rain canceled my original/initial strawberry picking plan, Sharon invited me to join her for a quick berry picking trip Friday after work.

We are now feasting on the goodness of these wonderful, sweet gems.

beyond understanding

If God were small enough to be understood, he wouldn't be strong enough to be worshipped.

~Evelyn Underhill

Hiking to Hawk Rock Overlook and Table Rock View

Sharon checking out the Table Rock View

Sharon and I spent Memorial Day exploring two new-to-us trails in the Harrisburg area-- both along the Appalachian Trail.

If you head out to Hawk Rock Overlook via the loop, we definitely recommend hiking it clockwise (despite the AllTrails reviewers who recommended hiking it counter-clockwise...??), so you can use the stone "stairs" on your way down.

I also recommend stopping at 3B Ice Cream on the way home after hiking to Table Rock View.

view from Hawk Rock

view from Table Rock