Spring Hodgepodge

I believe Spring has finally decided to stay! The flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. I love this time of year!

What a bitterly cold winter we had...lots of snow and ice, which meant some of our school days were canceled, which means they will have to be made up! Unfortunately, our Easter break will be shortened this year. Most everyone wanted to use Easter week rather than go later into the summer...eight weeks 'til summer break! :-)

My last remaining grandparent passed away last month. She'd lived with Alzheimer's for about 15 years. It was hard seeing her like she was for so long, and I'm so happy she's finally in heaven where she longed to be. She loved to play her guitar and sing in church. It seems just about every time I saw her, she had her guitar with her. She had very few material items on this earth, but she was rich spiritually. Her life was a wonderful testimony that left no doubt that she truly walked with Jesus and depended on Him for everything. I'm looking forward to seeing her again! Her funeral service was very nice, and it was good to see family and friends I hadn't seen for many years!

One of the men in our church has been diagnosed with cancer. He has the sweetest family, and I know they would appreciate your prayers on their behalf. One of their friends is having a benefit yard sale for them next Saturday, so I've been gathering up some items to donate to it. I had been collecting some things to give to Goodwill, but I'd much rather donate the items this way!

I briefly mentioned this book, Stepping Heavenward, in a recent post, but I'd like to say a little more about it. This really is one of the best books I have ever read. I recently ordered the study guide that goes with it, and have been getting a lot out of it! I also have a notebook to write about things that I wanted to remember, but wasn't part of the study guide.
This is much more than just a fictional diary. It was written in the 1800's, so the language isn't really 'up-to-date', but it's fairly easy to understand. The study guide helps to bring out the many spiritual aspects of the book. The page numbers don't match up since the two books are from different publishers, but I'm changing the page numbers in my guide as I go.

While I was researching the author, I found out that she wrote for the Youth's Companion, a popular magazine published in the mid to late 1800's. I thought I remembered that name from the Little House book, The Long Winter, so I went and got my book, and sure enough, it was in there! I just thought that was a neat connection. :-)

I believe this book would be a true blessing to you. If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Please let me know if you decide to read it!

Well, I'd better get back to my housework.  Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the sweet springtime! Thanks for stopping by!

Take care,
~Melanie