Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Daybook Entry: February 2026

Posted on By jennifer

Well and another bitter cold but happy Monday, my friends. Did you watch the SuperBowl?  (I did not.)  Are you watching the Olympics?  Who could imagined all the fun you could have in the snow and/or on ice??  (I’m still not a believer!)  I hope everyone was able to stay warm over the weekend.  I have heard some places have started to thaw and some have even returned to more seasonably “warm” temperatures.  Not so, here in Virginia.  But, if I am going to discuss the weather, I should jump right into the daybook….

The Weather – has been brutal.  I don’t know about weather statistics or records, but surely this has been one of the most bitter cold winters in a long time.  It has been miserable, weather-wise, but the forecast promises better days ahead.  Hopefully, I won’t be completely frozen before Wednesday!

As I look outside my window  – there is more light.  In the evenings…and in the mornings.  The sun seems to be getting up when we do lately.  I love it.  And we are driving to church, in the evening, with the sun shining!  Mister golden sun has been trying desperately to thaw some of our ice covered snow mounds/mountains.  It is tough going (with the temperatures solidly below freezing) but I did, indeed, notice a few patches of grass yesterday morning.  Hooray!!

This morning, I am – wondering if I might just stay put (inside) today.  I have been trying to get out (at least a little bit) each day.  It helps with my winter attitude.  But a day spent inside might be rather welcome today.  And, today, might the last super frigid day.  At least for this week.  This morning, I am also thankful for church yesterday.  (Did I mention it was incredibly cold?)  A family from our church is moving.  Yesterday we said good-bye.  Three of their children were in Junior Church.  I tried to make it a special morning for them.  I think everyone had a good time.  Our pastor was also back from vacation.  I suppose getting off that plane from Hawaii was a rude awakening!?  All in all, it was a good day in church yesterday.

Lately, I have been thinking about – the seasons of life.  It was the topic for Sunday school yesterday.  But I had actually been considering it myself before then.  I suppose that is result of the death of our oldest church member last week.  Ms. Joyce was 96 and had enjoyed a full life…filled with many experiences as well as blessings.  She had quite the testimony.  A long life of loving the Lord and serving others.  The last several years (in her final season of life), she was house-bound.  Clearly, she could not do all she “used to do” or even that she desired to do.  But she was faithful and committed to doing whatever she could…in whatever season of life she might be.  What an example she left – even to the very end.

What I am wearing – um, whatever is the absolute warmest thing in the my closet!  All the layers.  You know, the ones that make me look like the Michelin man.  But, it is what it is.  I do not like to feel cold!

Around the house – there are the makings of a couple valentine projects covering the table.  With already enough extra fun in class yesterday, we will “celebrate” Valentine’s Day this coming Sunday.  Some special snacks, a fun craft and some goody bags to be made.  I have to lay it all out on the table in order to keep planning on track.  I’m also hoping to make homemade hot chocolate mixes for some friends.  The recipe calls for powdered milk which I used to buy in the grocery store.  However, it was impossible to find this year.  Amazon to the rescue but I am waiting for it to arrive, so that is a project in progress.  Order should be restored to the dining room by this time next week!

My To-Do List – there is Bible study tomorrow.  A return visit to the ear doctor on Thursday. (Oh, I hope he has some answers!)  Lunch with a friend on Friday and the funeral for Ms. Joyce on Friday evening.  Clearly, I will not be hunkered inside much this week.  So, I will enjoy being inside today all the more!

And, from my camera – We went to Old Towne for dinner on Thursday night with some friends.  We walked after dinner for a little bit.  Like it was summer.  And warm.  It was neither.  Typically these streets are full of people.  Not sure what we were thinking – but, honestly, we had a really fun time!  And the trees were so pretty!

 

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead.  Here’s to raising temperatures wherever you are and I hope your week includes at least a few things that bring you joy!!  Thanks for stopping by –

Daybook

Comments (20)

  1. The picture of Old Towne is pretty! Dinner out with friends sounds nice- we went out to dinner with friends on Saturday, too, but the area was not that cute (there was a huge former GM factory/plant within eyesight of the restaurant’s property so definitely a different vibe). It sounds like the memorial for Ms. Joyce will be a celebration of life for a life well lived. I’m sorry for your friend’s loss but it sounds like she lived a full life and is now with Jesus for eternity. Your week sounds nice and full. Is something still wrong with your ear? I thought your hearing was better? Have a great day!

    1. Oh, Maria…my hearing is kaput. It is so discouraging. I try not to blog about it often. But, prayerfully, something more can be done on Thursday. Thanks so much for asking!

  2. Loved the picture of Olde Town, Jennifer! I haven’t been there in ages. Glad you had a good time with friends even though it was cold and icy! It sounds like you have a full week ahead. I am sorry for the passing of Ms. Joyce. She sounds like a remarkable lady. I hope you find a solution with the visit to the ear doctor.

  3. That picture of Old Town is magically – like a place out if a Hallmark movie. Wow so pretty. I can see how you would have fun there. I had to laugh about getting all bundles up like the Michelin man. I detest wearing coats and thick outerwear. Good thing I live in California!
    I’m sorry about your friend but from the sound of it she lived a wonderful life. She’s home now!
    God bless.

    1. I thought the streets looked rather Hallmark like as well! I think that is what kept us walking…even though we were frozen!!

  4. A lovely look into your life, Jennifer. It’s heating up here but we are not so excited about it as the temperatures go so high in summer in this part of India.
    The Old Towne looks so pretty. Enjoy the rest of February.

    1. So glad you stopped by today, Corinne and thanks for commenting. It is hard to remember that so many in other parts of the world are hot. Extra hot!! Please send warmth:)

  5. Cold here as well.. so cold.
    While I too would rather stay nice and warm indoor I had to venture out.. but the sun is shining and that is a good thing.

  6. I did watch the Superbowl and we’ve been catching the Olympics here and there. Yes, the weather has been too cold and I’m ready for it to end. The ground is still covered in snow and I never knew I’d ever miss seeing grass as much as I do now. I agree with Debby, Old Towne looks like something you’d see in a Hallmark movie. So cute! Stay warm. The end of next month is springtime.

    1. Dawn, the countdown to the first of spring is on!! Surely we will have grass again by then!:)

  7. Hi,
    The thaw has started here as of today, Monday. I am happy. I am ready for spring to come early.
    No Super Bowl.
    No Olympics, just the highlights I might hear about, like the athletes who are not proud to be American. GRRRR … says this military mom.

    I wonder what is up with powdered milk? We could not find dried fruit in December at our local stores.

    1. No to SuperBowl and to the Olympics. I’m so over it all. Totally agree with you, Carla! On another note – I did find powdered milk on Amazon:)

  8. I’m sorry for the loss of Ms. Joyce. Ninety-six years old is quite a testament to how well she lived her life.

    I, too, am beginning to see daylight earlier in the mornings and later in the evenings…a welcome sign of things to come. 🙂

    We made it above freezing today and the sun was shining for the majority of the day. I went to the mailbox earlier this afternoon and it actually felt warm. Guess that’s what comes of living in the teens for the highs. lol

    Have a great week, my friend. xx

    1. I was out today, too, and thought it felt warm. How can the high 40s be warm?? But, it was true!!

  9. Lol! I have my air condition on!!! I knoooowwww!! It was bright and warm and I am having hot flashes!!! But I do know all too well the Michelin Man feeling. I feel that some days with little clothes on!!! LOLOL!! These winter pounds and perimenopause symptoms have been no joke! LOL!

    1. The ac?? That is amazing, Chrissy! Not even close to that here but the sun surely felt wonderful this afternoon!!

  10. Just very very wet here. In fact there has been rain pretty much most days this year. At least it feels like that. But you are right about the daylight hours getting longer . I feel for your pastor back from Hawaii, that will have been quite a shock to the system! I’m sure Mrs Joyce will be missed by all her friends but it is wonderful that she is now with her Lord after many years of blessing and service to you all. Olde town looks lovely with the pretty light. Even lovelier in the Summer when the sun is shining. I have no valentine projects this year but I will try and make a few heart shaped cookies before Saturday.
    Enjoy the rest of your week.

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