It is cold outside! We have witnessed negative temperature readings here in the foothils. Often, when we look out our window during this time of year, we tend to see the world as a dreary, lifeless, cold and lonely. The barren trees and the empty dens and nests can bring on attitudes and emotions of sadness and even depression. Yet, in truth, this time of the year is when God renews all things. When we look on a blanket of snow we are witnessing a purification of the world that will soon bring life to what appears to be dead. Beneath the seemingly lifeless vegetation is a network of growth that seeks out nutrition and growth in a very real way. Indeed, these creations of God, root themselves firmly into the earth to secure life in abundance. Indeed, this time between Christmas and Lent, is a good time to take inventory of our own lives---to gauge our relationship with Our Savior. Are we seeking life as God willed us to live? Is God able to blanket us with His Love as we search for ways to clean out the the impurities in our soul? Where, in our lives, do we need to be purified so that we can take root in the Gospel and be nourished by His Word? At the end of Lent comes the Spring, will we be prepared for the wonderful Grace that God is offering to us in His Easter Resurrection? Go ahead, drink of His Gifts in abundance!