The sun has risen in a blue sky over a another freshly fallen snow, reminding me more of Colorado winters than typical Iowa winters. In all my memories (and my mom's), there has never been a year here in Iowa where we have had as much snow and as cold of weather as this year. Or as much sun. It's been one long, but absolutely beautiful winter. Each time it warms enough to melt what's on the ground, another snow-filled storm follows, covering the ground that had begun to peak out, wishing for spring.

As much as I am looking forward to warmer weather (I've never been a cold lover), I am certainly not missing the incredible beauty that God is giving right now. The snow was wet yesterday, blowing from the north and is piled high on every little branch of the trees, now reflecting the sun, glittering rainbows and sparkles. I wish had words to express the beauty of untouched snow - in the yard, on the roofs, on the trees. Gorgeous.

Winter snow is one thing we didn't experience on the Race last year, (and for that I'm forever thankful) but we saw so much beauty that it became almost easy to take it for granted. Now, as I look through pictures and am reminded of the mountains, oceans, deserts, and people that we saw, I miss that beauty. And then He reminds me to look out the window. This is beauty just as great, created by him to be appreciated by me.

God's creativity is absolutely amazing.