Happy New Year

To all my friends, both near and far, 

Happy New Year. 

May This year,2018,be filled with love, peace and joy.

To start things off right,I thought I would take you back in time and share a few more of Jake's pictures. There is no better way to spend a cold day than to look back at some of the old pictures and especially those taken during warmer days.

Usually we sing the song Count Your Blessings during the Thanksgiving season, but I think the new year would be a good time to stop and count our blessings.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Tulips in our garden, many years ago.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

 Wild Aster,in some local ditch.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings—money cannot buy 

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

 Lady Slippers growing in the wild.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 Wild flower covered meadow.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

More Tulips from our garden.

All photo credits go to Jake Hiebert

Closing Thought:

Step into the New Year with confidence, knowing that God is in full control.