November 10th.

Right now at the cabin there is this look of in “betweenness.”

Fall is still here and winter is coming.

Spent the week in Northern Minnesota where there seems to be a lake or two around every bend in the road. Can’t brag about the fish we caught because my little northern pike got released and my husband’s released itself from the hook. We enjoyed exploring the area, hiking, and saw a momma moose in the lake near our cabin take her twins up the bank onto a small island for their night’s stay. The 7 common mergansers entertained is with their fishing habits.  

I recommend Nor’Wester Lodge and Outfitters. We had a sweet little cabin on the lake and the owner’s are hospitable folks.

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Been at the cabin since early June. Off grid, so no internet. We have had fun with the two grand girls for three weeks, then the grand boys for a week and the whole family for three days. Fishing, biking, hiking, frog hunting and the kid’s favorite: rocks, sticks and dirt. Our work was outdoors making trails and expanding the pond. Fall is coming on and the look of the place is changing. I love the seasons, but it seems they each speed by.

I have a new book on Amazon soon in the Maya and Max series. Book Three entitled “Faith and Action.” To find my books on Amazon type Ardith Nelson in the search box. Later in September I will be at a woman’s retreat with a book table. Though, I haven’t taken much time with writing this summer, I have continued to work on a book for young adult to adult readers.

I decided to post a picture of a warmer, more colorful day.

The green grass and redbud blossoms indicate spring is here! The lilacs are soon to flower as well. It was a long, cold winter as winters in this part of the country go.

I have been writing and rewriting during the winter and plan to have some more titles available this year. The second Maya and Max book is available on Amazon and the third is in the works.

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ! The death and resurrection of Jesus is the greatest expression of love and salvation we could ever imagine. God has done great things for us! Let us celebrate Jesus in thankfulness and humility.

2020 was an unusual year, to say the least. We are here and a new year is upon us. As I have been praying for nearly two months: “Sovereign Lord, let righteousness, justice and truth prevail.” So be it. Our light, life and love are from and in God. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

As a Christian, I appreciate the freedom I have to celebrate Jesus’ coming as a baby and His coming again as King.

In all I do, I want to honor Him. In my relationships, in my work, in my play and in my writing; I want to honor God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. I fall short and need forgiveness. Thankfully, He forgives and doesn’t give up on me. I pray that His kingdom (light, life, love) come and His will (righteousness, justice, truth) is done on earth as it is in heaven.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-11

When I was little, my dad called me his little shadow. I liked to follow him around. He did such interesting things. He visited people in their homes and nursing homes sharing God’s word and prayer with folks. I tagged along as often as I could. When we visited Mrs. Christianson, I got cookies. At the nursing homes after he preached, he went around to each person and shook their hand, so I followed along and did the same. Oh, and when he got the oil changed in his car the mechanic gave me orange pop!

I didn’t realize I was learning to be a pastor from him. Years later when I served in local congregations, I made it a practice to visit people in their homes to encourage and pray for them. When I worked with youth I made time to be “with” them one-on-one when possible. I learned the relational aspects of ministry from my dad by being his little shadow.

I wonder what my grandchildren are learning from me?

The leaves are falling, pond is dug and wood is stacked. Winter is coming. We anticipate a covering of snow and cold temperatures.

We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it.