Winter

New Year Winter Life Lessons Gratitude

A Closed Door To New Beginnings

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read168 views

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2025 is finally here. The Sun has risen, another day has begun, we are still here, and we can embark on that journey of endless possibilities. A toast to you all for a beautiful, peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year.

2024 was bittersweet. It was a year of temptations and personal growth. It was a year of revelations, acceptance, surrender, and letting go. I was given a rare opportunity to peek into the hearts of wicked men and witness the effects of greed and twisted ego. Now I know I must remain true to myself. Acceptance is liberating.
Just as I was closing down a few doors, others opened up for me. I was blessed with opportunities, and in turn, I blessed others in need. I am grateful for good health, my children who keep me grounded, my big brother who is helping me cultivate the art of patience, and my Mother, who seems to have made it her mission to make me laugh on a daily basis. And then, there are my jewels of good friends. Kindness is rewarded.

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As I continue to mourn the loss of many, I give thanks to God for the precious gift of their lives, the beautiful memories we shared, and the hope of reuniting with them again in eternity. While it is impossible to move on, or get over the passing of a loved one, we can learn to cope and live with it as we move forward. May the peace of God surround you as you navigate this challenging time of loss. Today, I can attest that God’s love and grace is unchanging and unfailing, even in grief. God is good all the time; believe He is with you (Lamentations 3:32).

I learned and grew tremendously this past year, and after completely de-cluttering my mind and surrendering to God, He is slowly showing me His path for my life. I am at peace, happy, healthy, and resolute. I remain in a state of gratitude, and I am ready to take on 2025.

Image Source: FineArtAmerica.com.

Every day is a new beginning, a chance to start again by turning over a new leaf. We should all aspire to move onto bigger and better things or smaller and meaningful things.

May this year be one of healing, restoration, peace, endless possibilities, and abundant blessings.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” ― J.P. Morgan

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Snowfall Winter Yard Sculptures Garden Decor Weather Nature High Desert

Wet & Cold Winter

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read661 views

The past months have been very cold here in California. We were so grateful December for the rainfall after such a very long period of dry weather. Since then, it has been cold, extremely cold. On Saturday and Sunday, we had our first heavy snowfall of the year. This morning as well, we had some light snowfall.

California is colder than usual at this time of year, and it appears that Mother Nature is done with us. Still, we are grateful for every bit of rain we get.

Backyard in a blanket of snow.

Plants and trees were covered in snow, and as a result, we had a few broken branches.

Plants covered icicles and snow.

Sculptures and yard decorations alike were covered in snow; it wasn’t until the following morning that we all stepped out to clear the driveway and let the kids build a snowman.

Sculptures & Decorations covered in Snow.

Indeed, snowfall makes everything it touches and covers look beautiful, and brightens  the World. The flip sides to this beauty can be quite damaging and devastating: road closure due to massive flooding, debris, cracks, fallen trees, fallen electric poles, mudslides, rockslides, erosion, etc.

As I anticipate the arrival of Spring, I wish everyone a warm and safe Winter.

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Winter Holidays Gratitude

Goodbye 2022!

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read714 views

“Be a reflection of what you’d like to receive. If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. What you give out will always return.” ― Kristen Butler

Today is the last day of 2022 and it has been quite a year.
The year 2022 was enlightening for me as I was finally able to remove hindrances from my life and make the best decisions for myself. As with every situation, I learned invaluable lessons.

Mother Nature has been good to us this year. For many years we have prayed for rain to end the California drought and she heard us. It has been raining quite a lot lately and we are very thankful.

Thank you to my faithful readers and my well wishers: for taking the time to read my stories, for your encouraging words, gifts, prayers, support, and kindness. Most importantly, I am grateful for your feedback (especially when my opinion differs from yours). Thank you for the joy and excitement you expressed as I embark on a new chapter of my life. You’ve all been an inspiration.

It has been a rough and tough year for many. I pray for better days ahead.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2023.

Image Source: DreamsTime.com.
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