I was standing outside a bit ago, on the porch, with Monroe by my feet. We watched the snow still softly falling, and a flutter caught my eye. It was a beautiful male cardinal winging to one of the "natural feeders"...a bush we leave up that has lots of berries the birds love.

The crisp air in the lingering twilight was chill but refreshing. Monroe hopped down the steps to sniff the air and check if any of those pesky squirrels or wild rabbits were near his area. He looked up at me and wagged his tail, as if to say, "It's a pretty nice night, huh Mom?"

Then a tinkling sound drifted in....the laughter of the neighbor's children, throwing snowballs at each other and giggling. My heart smiled, such sounds are good for the soul.

As I came in to the warmth of the house, fire going nicely, the scent of a beef roast slowly cooking, and the sight of my beloved Charles bent over papers, reading, capped off what I had been feeling as I stood on the porch.

That we are blessed, and it is the simple, happy things of home and hearth, combined with those we love and cherish, that make for a grateful heart.

Thank you Lord.