The Beauty of a Blizzard

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life
by Priscilla Jane Owens

The blizzard of 2013, named Nemo hit my little town on the coast of Maine in a big way.  I took this picture of the side view of our church from inside the comfort of my home, the parsonage.  This was the morning of February 9, 2013.  A day that will be talked about for a long time. 

Let me back up just a bit.... the day before the storm actually struck, it was snowing.  At our bird feeders we saw an unusual sight, a bright red male cardinal who had come to feed before the storm.  He was a bit timid so I wasn't able to get as close as I'd like.  Notice the blue jay beside him, camouflaged against the birch trees.

I did venture outside to get a few pictures during the peak of the storm, however I was quickly driven back by the force of the wind and the depths of the snow.  It's one thing to view a storm from the safety and comfort of your home, quite another to actually be on the other side of the window.  I had totally underestimated how deep the snow really was.

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
  Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life
by Priscilla Jane Owens

more beautiful frost patterns form on the windows

my son-in-law braves the elements to shovel,
but finds his efforts are in vain

my husband does the same.  I captured this through the frosty window,
notice our church in the background. 

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life
by Priscilla Jane Owens

My grandsons enjoyed a brief time of play outside,
despite the howling winds and freezing temps. 

We had to cancel our Sunday Services due to the huge amounts of snow which were piled high in and around the church, not to mention the homes of our church family.  The digging out process began today.   The sun came out, and the skies were blue.  The storm had passed. 

When the long night has ended,
And the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence.
On that bright, peaceful shore.
In that land where the tempest
Never comes, Lord may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.
Mosie Lister

Our church and parsonage after the storm

I trust you and your families were kept safe in this storm, and that you've enjoyed a glimpse of an old fashioned Maine winter.  The kind I remember as a child.

Blessings to you all.

Linked to:  A Sheltering Tree Clever Chicks 

A Haven for Vee