Many people have wondered how Dave Chism would survive his first winter in Maryland. Believe you me, I’ve gotten a lot of comments and questions sound like this: “Soooo….how are you liking Maryland with all this cold weather?” or “Do you think you can make it through your first winter?” “Ready to go home to California?” I really don’t mind the questions, but after awhile…it does get a little old. Believe it or not, I’m doing just fine. I do sometimes wonder if winter will ever end. I think that is a normal response, even for the locals. When living in San Diego, I always wondered when the sunny days would end so I could wear a jacket or a sweater now and then. So, no matter where I live, I’ll enjoy it with a few wishes of change in seasons! Ahh…but some people do not know that I spent 1 full year in Indianapolis, IN in 1996-1997. If people think Maryland is cold, it does not compare to Indianapolis. Those days were brutal in January-February. I’ve heard that spring is approaching soon. There was a few signs last week with 60 degree weather, but this weak it has been windy and cold again. So, I’ll believe it when I see it. As for other news, our family is doing quite well in our “little” home. Actually it is the biggest home we’ve lived it, but it sounds good to call it “our little home.” The kids are anxious to get outdoors but still manage to have an adventure indoors. Joel and Chalice have also been very good lately. They seem to go through a series of fits, rebellion, anger, screams, and so on and then have a perfect week where we think they had a religious experience or maybe it is good parenting! Ha! I think it is just God’s grace to show Joli and me that He is always working in all of our hearts.Speaking of God: He is truly been good to us. I have been richly blessed with my job at Hallco Painting. Ted and Karin have been wonderful to me. The construction industry is not doing well in America and seems to have finally settled down in Maryland too. Homeowners just aren’t thinking about painting their homes this time of year. To prepare for the worst, Ted made some very tough but necessary changes to his business after the first of the year. He downsized from his beautiful office space back to his basement and reduced our office staff to: Himself, Karin and me. His basement is amazing! Being from California, where we don’t have basements, this office is just as beautiful! My desk is next to the big sliding glass door with a gorgeous view of rolling country hills! I am amazed that Ted has kept me on his team, and I am praying that God would truly bless Hallco with some work. We need it, and I really want to do my part. I hope God will use me mightily to bless my boss and the staff at Hallco Painting.My struggles have been in the area of trusting God, especially with this troubling economy. I have been diligently marketing and planning on how we can sell work but nothing seems to be coming in the door. I was so frustrated at being a salesman and marketeer a few weeks ago and realized I need to look to Christ. I am reminded to pray continually, casting all my cares upon the Lord. In Psalm 37, we are reminded that God will never forsake the righteous nor see His children lacking bread. We’ve had many years of plenty and now need to continue on on our knees praying for our daily bread: praising Him for the many good gifts! Church is going well. New Hope OPC is where our family has settled into since arriving on the east coast. We also have a nice little home fellowship group too with 5-6 families.I’ve been getting a good workout 2x a week at a nearby middle school in Walkersville. I meet with 8-10 men to play full-court basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6am. It really has been a lot of fun for me. All the men are Christians but hope to have unbelievers show up to play with us. We start of with a 2-3 minute devotional and a brief prayer for our group. We then play for a good solid hour. Believe it or not, I’m one of the youngest on the court at 30. Most of the guys are in their 40′s and 50′s with a few in their 30′s like me. I’ve never been a real morning person but look forward to playing every week. Now I hope I have the same motivation to get up extra early to read God’s Word!My parents and sister will be visiting the first part of April, so I am counting down the days till their visit. I can’t wait!