66. BLIZZARDS

Invitations to unplanned reprieve, contemplation, camaraderie

* Maryland just had a tremendous blizzard this past weekend. Everything was covered with nearly two feet of snow. Now, all of that snow is mounded along roadsides.
* Consider all of the aesthetic wonders: The way that the moist snow sparkles in the light, the sight of snow as it wafts downward, the quietness of snow as it strikes the ground, a patch of new-fallen snow through which no one has ever walked ... What more would you add?
* Since it seemed foolish to try to go anywhere, my four housemates and I spent almost all of Saturday and Sunday together at home. What a rare feat!
* Similarly, on Sunday, as everyone tried to find their cars, there was a neighborhood shoveling party. "Hiya there, neighbor!" I noticed many neighbors helping other neighbors to shovel as well.

65. VENISON

A culinary thrill that begins with a kill

* In truth, though this simple miracle may sound morbid, many of our meals begin with an animal's death. Some may consider this to be sad or inappropriate. But I am grateful for the ways that God has provided for us and for those who reminds us of the need to be good stewards of His Creation.
* Thanks to Tim Morrison, my cousin's husband for thinking of this simple miracle. This is third of his ideas that I have used on this blog. He's good!
* Thanks also to Tim for the venison roast from the deer that he shot last month that I used to make stew last week. With French onion soup, carrots, potatoes, green beans, apples, and sausage, it turned out surprisingly well! Ground venison and venison steaks are next.

64. ADVENT

The Christmas pre-game show

* Thanks very much to my sister, Missy, for the idea and punchline for this simple miracle. (Additionally, she is a terrific supporter and fan for this blog. Thanks Missy!)
* For those who may not know, Advent is a season that is approximately four weeks long, immediately preceding Christmas, during which all are invited to prepare for Christ's coming. It is traditional to reflect on His Second Coming (in the future) during the first part of Advent and to reflect on His birth as a child (Christmas) during the latter part.
* To explain the name to my eighth-grade Sunday school students, I pointed out that in Spanish "venir" means "to come." The same word root is used in Advent. During Advent, we prepare for Christ to come.
* Advent is a great way to keep from getting worn down by excessive Christmas commercialism. Don't get ahead of the main event!
* You can start celebrating Advent now. It's not too late!

63. SHOE SOLE TRACTION

It's worth spending more to keep your bum off the floor

* Thanks to my mother for indirectly suggesting this simple miracle, which will shock her when she reads it. She has been trying for my entire life to spend more money on shoes. "It's cheaper than the podiatrist bill," she'll say.
* As a basketball player, if your shoes don't have good traction, you might end up on the wrong end of a fast break.
* Here in Maryland, when it rains, the sidewalks can be very slippery. I am very grateful for traction.