I have been reviewing some of my old bound journals and decided that it is about time I began writing again.  I used to write to several friends/family members through my e-mail and then print the letters out to paste in my journal.  This killed two birds with one stone and so I did a lot of writing.  I wondered at the time if they were worthy of reading but several years (or more) later, they really are kind of interesting!  My current journal does not seem interesting to me and so I think I will change direction and see what comes of it.  Last year, on this blog site, I wrote of my plans to make it through the winter here in Custer.  I had 10 goals and only a couple of those goals were met, but apparently I made it through the winter - one way or another.  Now, today, in mid-September, it is freezing out and we actually have seen snow!  So I feel an urgent need to plan ahead for this winter and see if it works out better than last year.  I plan to complain less, write more, review past successes and add even more layers of clothing!  I will also pray more, trust more, smile more, and praise God more.  And if all that does not work, I am demanding that we  move to a more mild climate before another winter arrives. Well, suggesting, anyway!  One way I will make it through the winter is remembering how much I am loved.  Jan Karon says that "when you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."  I recognize that in my wonderful husband!  She also says that "when someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.  You know that your name is safe in their mouth."  This is true of my loved ones, I think, and also of my Saviour, who "calls His sheep by name, and our names are safe in His mouth." (also Jan Karon).  I think I will concentrate on love, real love, this winter, and see if that warms my cold days!