10 “Good” Reasons For Snow In April - “Only The Good” Friday

Are there 10 “Good” reasons for snow in April?  Yes, of course. If I didn’t look at the “Good” side of it…I might  sit down and cry.  So on this “Only The Good” Friday” I’m going to share with you my reasons for being grateful for snow at this late spring date.

I woke up to eleven inches of snow this morning.  It looked like a “White Christmas Scene”  on a card.

The  Ten Good Reason Why I’m Grateful For Snow In April.

1.  We can always use the water.  The mountains are getting bombarded.

2.  It has extended the ski season and that is good for the Utah economy.

3.  It has pruned some of the trees… naturally.

4.  It’s a gentle reminder that Christmas is only 8 months away.

5.  I have an excuse not to leave my house because I’m snowed in.

6.  I have kindling and fire wood for my wood burning fireplace from all the fallen limbs.

7.  The grands have one more chance to play in the snow.

8.  When my yard is covered with snow… my yard looks as good as all my neighbor’s including Linda, who is the Queen of Gardening.

9.  I have another few days before I have to finish cleaning up my yard to get ready for the “real” Spring and Summer planting. (Those cans are full of pine needles, old grass and twigs.)

10. It’s another sure sign that “Global Warming” needs to be reassessed.

There ya go… Snow in April… Yeah!

Till Later,

Kathy
Insightful Nana

P.S.  I have another reason to be cheerful on this “Good Friday because, I know the snow won’t last long. It is suppose to be up to 73 degrees by Monday.

P.P.S.  Check out Shelly’s OtGF post.  She’s the “Only The Good” Friday Host.  Check out my sister Sheila’s OtGF post… she gives “Good” tech information.

Good Friday - “Only The Good” Friday

Since this really is “Good Friday,” I thought I would make it the main focus of my “Only The Good” Friday. Yes, I was there… No… not the original “Good Friday,” … but  I traveled to the Holy Land a number of years ago and the trip remains vivid in my mind.   I want to share with you a bit of my experience as we traveled from Galilee on the North to Jerusalem.  These photos were taken back in the days of the “non digital” camera, but they may give you a little different perspective of the area rather than the traditional professional  photos  you usually see.

We were told before we left on the tour… “If you don’t take Christ with you… you will not find Him there.”  In some of the historic sites… I found that to be the case… especially in Bethlehem.  However, for the most part… I felt a strong spirit and energy in the entire area that was powerful and profound.   I would love to go back and do it all over again… it was a wonderful experience.

Don’t ask me how I got up there nor how I got down… I was too frightened to remember.

The dome of the rock actually covers a rock… the top of a mountain.  When you go inside…that’s all there is…. rock or a mountain top.   It is a sacred place for Christians and Muslims.  Christians believe this is where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac, his son.  It is the third most holy place for the followers of Mohammad to worship.

And Abraham rose up early in the morning…and went unto the place which God had told him.  And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. Genesis 22: 3 and 14.

Dome of the Rock sits on the Temple Mount.  The wall is a side wall of Solomons Temple.  Men and women go there to worship… they are separated by a small fence.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, A certain Priest named Zacharias….  According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. St.Luke 1:5 and 9.

The Galilee empties into the Jordan river  in this area.   Nazareth is not far from this location.

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.  St. Mark 1:9.

This area is believed to be where Jesus gave The Sermon on the Mount.  The side of his mountain forms a natural bowl and the acoustics are astounding.  You can hear every word from quite a distance. This overlooks the Sea of Galilee…. calm and blue.

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit..  Matthew 5:1-3.

Nearly every afternoon, the wind changes on the Galilee… and the sea becomes a tempest.  The Galilee over stepped its bounds and beat upon this wall at the south end of the sea.

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.  And his disciples came to him and awoke him saying, Lord, save us: we perish.  And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, Oh ye of little faith?  Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  Matthew 8:23-26.

This photo is take on the mount of  Olives at the Orson Hyde Memorial.  Our guide was just speaking of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey… when these two little boys appeared.

And when they drew night unto Jerusalem,  and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then set Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me.

In the Garden of Gethsemane are are many olive trees thought to be over 2000 years old.

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.  Matthew 26:39.

Golgotha is just outside of the wall that surrounds Old Jerusalem.  Below was a natural  rock quarry where it’s believed  Stephen was stoned to death.   At the present time… there is a bus station located there.  To the left of the photo… not more than 100 yards, is the Garden Tomb.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull.  Matthew 27:3

The Garden was one of the few places that was left very natural.  The Church of England owns the property and it was beautifully kept… so quite and peaceful.

Now in the place he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.   There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.  The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. St. John 19:41-42

I’m a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.  We focus on the resurrected “Living Christ.” Non the less…I’m grateful for his extraordinary sacrifice and his glorious resurrection.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said….. Mathew 28:5-6.

Have a happy Easter… and remember to share “Only The Good” On this Friday.

Till Later,

Kathy Griffiths
Insightful Nana.

P.S.  You can join OtGF by going to This Eclectic Life. My sister Sheila has a real fun “Good Friday” post you won’t want to miss.

P.P.S.  Guess what?    Tomorrow, Saturday I’m featured a guest writer for Grandparent week at “I Never Grew Up.” Here’s the bottom line… you won’t want to miss it.  Go Here and see.

“Only The Good” Friday - The Healing Power Of A Little Bird

Can you relate to the words “Quiet Desperation?  Can you remember a time, for one reason or another, when you wondered if you would emotionally make it?  I have to confess, there have been circumstances that set my life in an fervent a tail spin… one being…  a long and painful divorce.   There were times  when I wondered how I was going to make it through the day.

One  morning, when I was drowning in grief,  a small knock came at door.  Not wanting to see anyone, the tapping was ignored.  When it was realized that the person was not going to give up, the door was opened.

A neighbor, who lived some distance away, was standing there with a look of concern on her face.  In her hand, she held a small porcelain bird.  When she handed it to me, all she said was,  “Put this little bird in a place where you can see it every day and know that you are loved.”  She gave me a hug, quickly turned and walked away.

I closed the door and wept… not because of my circumstances but…  because I was so touched to know that someone was aware I was in pain.   The  little bird sat on a shelf in my dressing area for many years, as a reminder that someone cared.  Many hours have been spent  times marveling at the healing power of a little bird.   My neighbor offered very few words…. no words of advice… no sympathy… just a small gesture to let me know I was in her thoughts.

If you’re like me, sometimes I get caught up in thinking that I have to do some great deed…  or offer great words of wisdom… or give suggestion on how to fix the problem in order to show someone they are cared about.    For the most part, it’s the small tokens of concern, with out much  comment,  that are valued the most.

On this particular, Friday  I have made some simple suggestions  that can be done to extend thoughts and caring  to a family member, a friend, a co-worker or neighbor.  I know you could add to this list.

1.  Send a card  in the mail or sneak a “thinking of you note” on a co-worker’s desk.  2.  Give someone a hug, without saying a word.  3.  Offering to take a neighbors kids for an afternoon.  4.  Call, and treat a friend to lunch. (just listen… no advice.)  5.  Asking about a ill child or family member.  Acknowledging a deed well done by way of e-mail, a card or phone call.  6.  Shovel a neighbor’s walk.   7.  Drop off a pot of soup to a neighbor that has has a stressful week.  8.  Simply smile at someone who looks distressed.  9.  Help a young mother unload her groceries into her car so she can attend to a crying child quickly.

Do you remember a time when someone did a small thing  for you that made a great difference in your life?

On this,  Friday, share your “Good” thoughts in the comments area of this post.  Also, post some  deeds or ideas on your own blog so we can can catch your spirit.   Use this Friday, to think and do “Only The Good.”

I’m in the process of setting up a program that will make it a bit  easier for you to share your thoughts and ideas and deeds for “Only The Good” Friday.

Blessings!

Kathy Griffiths

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Imagine what would happen in our neighborhoods if every blogger  participated in “Only The Good” Friday and offered a kind deed to a friend or neighbor.

P.P.S.  I found several “Way To Go” cards at the grocery store that I am mailing today!