How many of you like winter? I must admit the only time I like winter is for a few days around Christmas. I do like seeing snow falling down and creating a beautiful, glistening blanket of white over all the drab brown of winter. However, I don't like to drive in snow and I really have no desire to go out and play in it anymore. I much prefer to sit inside where it's nice and warm by my fireplace with a hot cup of tea and read a good book or just gaze out the window and watch as the flakes float to the earth. There is a huge hill on a vacant lot next to the house across the street from us. Children (and some adults) rush this hill each time the snow flies. It is fun watching them as they sled and roll around (or down) this natural slide. It is the cold weather that I just do not care for at this stage of my life. I long for nice, warm, sunny 70 degree or higher days.
I suppose I should be thankful for winter. The cold outside does tend to force me to stay inside and tend to the chores that I would be tempted to ignore or postpone if I could be outside enjoying the wonders of the outdoors. I guess it is all a matter of perspective and attitude. This is true regarding all kinds of situations, isn't it. If we choose to be negative or disgruntled then that is the way we will feel and act. If we choose to be positive and seek the good in a situation, then we will feel better and handle whatever life hands us with less stress.
It is a matter of choice. I am going to choose to not let winter and cold weather discourage me. I am going to try to have a more positive attitude and make myself accomplish some of the things I know I will never do once Spring comes and I embrace the wonderful outside world once again.
"Yours is the day, yours also the night; you established the luminaries and the sun. You have fixed all the bounds of the earth; you made summer and winter." Psalm 74: 16-17
"Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness, To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is they faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
-Thomas Chisholm -"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
Happy Winter :)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Monday, September 17, 2012
''IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD''
I was in Wal-mart returning something today and had a scary experience. A woman standing a couple of people behind me was very upset that there was only one cashier working in the return department. She just kept complaining about it. After awhile, another cashier came to the register, however, she was doing something to the register, not helping people return items. While she was doing this, the original cashier went to the end of the counter to help a couple who had just walked in who were asking about a credit card or something related. This really got to the woman who was complaining so loudly. She yelled at that couple for "jumping ahead of the line". They both started yelling and cussing back at her and she responded. Then, another man made a comment. The conversation was getting very ugly and threats were being made. I was about to leave when it came my turn to make my return. I told the cashier that I thought she needed to call Security. She called for a manager. Fortunately, he showed up very quickly. Just as he got there, the couple who had been arguing with the loud complainer left the area. This manager was trying to calm this woman down as I left. I don't recall ever being in a store where people were about to fight with one another.
As I was heading away and walking past some other registers, a lady who had been just standing, waiting for her husband, asked me what was going on in the Return Dept. After I told her, she said she had just seen another customer with her hands on her hips giving another cashier a hard time at her register.
When I got to the isle to pick up some items I needed, a couple with a small boy were arguing with each other over what she wanted to buy. I was beginning to feel like I was in a bad T.V. show. I couldn't wait to get out of the store and back to my safe, peaceful car.
Do you ever have days when it seems like people have totally lost their feelings of kindness and respect for others? Do you ever feel like everyone around you has gone mad? Sadly, we live in a fallen world, full of self-centered, angry people. They do not know Jesus or try to live by His teachings. For now, we must live in this world even though it is not our true home. One day, He shall return and take us away from all the anger, sin and pain we endure while here on earth. In the meantime, let us not grow weary of doing good and may we share with others the love of Jesus so they might know Him as their Lord and Savior,too.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
As I was heading away and walking past some other registers, a lady who had been just standing, waiting for her husband, asked me what was going on in the Return Dept. After I told her, she said she had just seen another customer with her hands on her hips giving another cashier a hard time at her register.
When I got to the isle to pick up some items I needed, a couple with a small boy were arguing with each other over what she wanted to buy. I was beginning to feel like I was in a bad T.V. show. I couldn't wait to get out of the store and back to my safe, peaceful car.
Do you ever have days when it seems like people have totally lost their feelings of kindness and respect for others? Do you ever feel like everyone around you has gone mad? Sadly, we live in a fallen world, full of self-centered, angry people. They do not know Jesus or try to live by His teachings. For now, we must live in this world even though it is not our true home. One day, He shall return and take us away from all the anger, sin and pain we endure while here on earth. In the meantime, let us not grow weary of doing good and may we share with others the love of Jesus so they might know Him as their Lord and Savior,too.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Monday, August 20, 2012
SEE THE FAIRY DUST
Yesterday, we got some much needed rain. It was inconvenient and made getting in and out of church a little harder but I didn't melt! My husband had rotator cuff surgery a couple of weeks ago and is still in a sling, so I am the official driver for us right now. He usually lets me out at the door of the church then he parks the car. It was the other way around yesterday. It made me really appreciate him doing this for me every Sunday, especially in the rain or snow!
As you come down our street, you have a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Driving down the hill on our way home from church, patches of opaque clouds had drifted over on the mountains. They appeared to have been sprinkled with fairy dust. It was a gorgeous sight on what had been a dreary, rainy Sunday morning.
We can look at the rain and clouds and get depressed or we can see the green grass and beautiful mountains sprinkled with fairy dust. It all depends on how we choose to look at things!
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30
Try to keep a positive outlook even when everything isn't all sunshine and rainbows :)
As you come down our street, you have a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Driving down the hill on our way home from church, patches of opaque clouds had drifted over on the mountains. They appeared to have been sprinkled with fairy dust. It was a gorgeous sight on what had been a dreary, rainy Sunday morning.
We can look at the rain and clouds and get depressed or we can see the green grass and beautiful mountains sprinkled with fairy dust. It all depends on how we choose to look at things!
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30
Thursday, August 9, 2012
WHY,GOD?
Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? I have heard this asked so many times and have asked the same question myself at times. Our pastor's new grandson was born with a disease similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease. His parents were told shortly after his birth that he would soon die. This precious little one only lived 4 days then went to be with our Lord. Through the strength of God, our pastor performed the funeral service for little Dominic. It was heartbreaking. He said' he did not believe God caused this to happen but allowed it to happen.'We live in a fallen world and are subject to the diseases, disasters, and other tragedies that being imperfect humans makes us vulnerable to. I had a discussion with a Christian friend yesterday who felt that if God is sovereign then he is in control and he has a plan for each of our lives and that this was his plan for baby Dominic. I do not believe God planned for this precious baby or family to go through this,
I do not know why God allows bad things to happen to good, Christian people. None of us can fully understand the mind of God. I do believe God can bring some good out of this tragedy and that he will help comfort each of them during this time of grief. Also, their church family will continue to be there to support them and love them.
If you have any thoughts on this subject, I would love to hear them.
I do not know why God allows bad things to happen to good, Christian people. None of us can fully understand the mind of God. I do believe God can bring some good out of this tragedy and that he will help comfort each of them during this time of grief. Also, their church family will continue to be there to support them and love them.
If you have any thoughts on this subject, I would love to hear them.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
PRAY FOR AURORA, CO
Once again, tragedy has struck. The shootings/killings at the movie theatre in Aurora,CO was horrific. Friends that we served on staff with are now on staff of a church 2 miles from that movie theatre. Thankfully, they, nor their teenage daughter were at the movie. None of their church members were hurt either but they know people who were. The whole community is in shock and grieving. I can relate to this since we experienced the Va. Tech shootings a few years ago and dealt with all the emotions that followed. We live about 45 min. from Va. Tech but the entire Hokie Nation was affected and we had many in our church family attending the University. We need to all lift all of Aurora up in our prayers, especially the families of the victims and those that were injured and also those that were in the theatre but got out unharmed. Their grief and trauma will not go away quickly. Our friends' church has offered counseling and also prayer vigils for anyone wanting to come. Their daughter told me the prayer vigil had helped her deal with all of this. Many other churches are also helping.
When something like this happens, people ask why? They ask "Where was God", Doesn't he care?
Why did God let this happen? Did God cause this to happen? I'm not a theologian but I do know God does care and he certainly did not cause this to happen. He let this happen because he gave humans a free will. We can choose to be evil or to be good. We can choose to follow God or reject him.
At this time, they do not have any answers as to why this young man acted as he did. He has to be mentally disturbed to have done such a terrible deed. I have trouble believing anyone in their right mind could have done this. Pray also for his family. Can you imagine the pain, shame, agony, and confusion they must feel? Pray for the officers trying to disarm all the boobie-traps in this young man's apartment.
We do not have all the answers for those affected by this tragedy. We can offer words of comfort and encouragement from God's word. Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Psalm 147:3 states "HE heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." and may the folks in Aurora be strengthened by these words found in Psalm 62:8, "Trust in HIM at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before HIM. God is a refuge for us."
Let us not forget to continue to pray for the people of Aurora, even long after the news media has moved on to something else. May God give them comfort today and in the days to come.
When something like this happens, people ask why? They ask "Where was God", Doesn't he care?
Why did God let this happen? Did God cause this to happen? I'm not a theologian but I do know God does care and he certainly did not cause this to happen. He let this happen because he gave humans a free will. We can choose to be evil or to be good. We can choose to follow God or reject him.
At this time, they do not have any answers as to why this young man acted as he did. He has to be mentally disturbed to have done such a terrible deed. I have trouble believing anyone in their right mind could have done this. Pray also for his family. Can you imagine the pain, shame, agony, and confusion they must feel? Pray for the officers trying to disarm all the boobie-traps in this young man's apartment.
We do not have all the answers for those affected by this tragedy. We can offer words of comfort and encouragement from God's word. Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Psalm 147:3 states "HE heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." and may the folks in Aurora be strengthened by these words found in Psalm 62:8, "Trust in HIM at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before HIM. God is a refuge for us."
Let us not forget to continue to pray for the people of Aurora, even long after the news media has moved on to something else. May God give them comfort today and in the days to come.
Monday, July 9, 2012
THE DERECHO EXPERIENCE
Sorry I haven't written anything for a long time. I was not well for 3 months with stomach problems. Thank the Lord, I am well now! On June 29th, my town and many other towns and states were hit by a very strange storm called a derecho. Wikipedia defined it as: a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm associated with a fast moving band of severe thunderstorms. It came up very quickly and was mostly just strong winds here (clocked at 80 mph at the airport). We had some thunder and lightening but the wind was what I noticed the most. It was so strong and lasted soooooo long! Our power went out about 30 min. after it started. To make it even worse, we were in the middle of a heat-wave with the temp. that day of 101. It hit here about 9:00 that night but it was still extremely hot outside. We were very fortunate in that our power was restored after only 18 hours and we only had a couple of lower limbs break on one of our 5 large maple trees. However, others were not as fortunate. Some lost their lives, others had trees fall on their houses or cars and many were without power and water for over a week. Some still don't have power and water.
I had several things brought to my attention following this strange storm. First, I realized how much I take things like electricity and water for granted. Also, I never give any thought to being able to just drive to the grocery store or gas station or bank and get whatever I need. (Our Kroger lost all their refrigerated foods and it was 3 days before they had milk and meat again.) Second, I was happy to see how people came together to help each other by cutting down tree limbs, sharing food, water and ice and even opening up their homes to those who had no power. Thirdly, I was reminded that we are not in control. We are powerless over the forces of nature. One friend told me she thought this was God's judgement on us. I disagree with that statement. I do believe God is in control and He certainly can control the weather, but I also believe He allows weather conditions to form naturally on their own. Many strong Christians suffered due to this storm as well as non-believers.
It was a very frightening experience but the Lord saw us through it. When you go through storms (literal storms) or troubling times, remember God will see you through it and give you peace. Let me leave you with this verse: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. the Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
(A thunderstorm has just started here so I better get off the computer, but I don't think it's going to be a bad storm and we are being blessed with much needed rain!) Talk to you later!
I had several things brought to my attention following this strange storm. First, I realized how much I take things like electricity and water for granted. Also, I never give any thought to being able to just drive to the grocery store or gas station or bank and get whatever I need. (Our Kroger lost all their refrigerated foods and it was 3 days before they had milk and meat again.) Second, I was happy to see how people came together to help each other by cutting down tree limbs, sharing food, water and ice and even opening up their homes to those who had no power. Thirdly, I was reminded that we are not in control. We are powerless over the forces of nature. One friend told me she thought this was God's judgement on us. I disagree with that statement. I do believe God is in control and He certainly can control the weather, but I also believe He allows weather conditions to form naturally on their own. Many strong Christians suffered due to this storm as well as non-believers.
It was a very frightening experience but the Lord saw us through it. When you go through storms (literal storms) or troubling times, remember God will see you through it and give you peace. Let me leave you with this verse: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. the Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
(A thunderstorm has just started here so I better get off the computer, but I don't think it's going to be a bad storm and we are being blessed with much needed rain!) Talk to you later!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
"HE STILL MOVES STONES"
I'd like to share a devotion I read today by Max Lucado from his book He Still Moves Stones.
The Lord is close to everyone who pray to him, to all who truly pray to him. Psalm 145:18.
"Healing begins when we do something. Healing begins when we reach out. Healing starts when we take a step. God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it. Nothing results from apathy...God honors radical, risk-taking faith. When arks are built, lives are saved. When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble. When staffs are raised, seas still open. When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed."
I'm not sure he is just talking about physical healing. Perhaps he is talking about a broken relationship or a church that is sick. Perhaps one of you out there needs to take a step and try to mend a "broken fence" with someone. Perhaps God is asking one of you to take the initiative to start a new ministry in your church or to pray for your husband to have the courage and faith to "raise that staff" and ask your congregation to be willing to make some needed changes in order for your church to reach more people by becoming more involved with the folks in your community. Getting outside the walls of our churches and "eating with tax-collectors" or "talking to a Samaritan woman with a bad reputation" can be scary and risky. Put that in today's language and see who God might be asking you or your church to try to reach. Pray. Take that first step if you need a relationship healed. Step out with that radical, risk-taking faith and see how many thousands God will feed!
The Lord is close to everyone who pray to him, to all who truly pray to him. Psalm 145:18.
"Healing begins when we do something. Healing begins when we reach out. Healing starts when we take a step. God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it. Nothing results from apathy...God honors radical, risk-taking faith. When arks are built, lives are saved. When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble. When staffs are raised, seas still open. When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed."
I'm not sure he is just talking about physical healing. Perhaps he is talking about a broken relationship or a church that is sick. Perhaps one of you out there needs to take a step and try to mend a "broken fence" with someone. Perhaps God is asking one of you to take the initiative to start a new ministry in your church or to pray for your husband to have the courage and faith to "raise that staff" and ask your congregation to be willing to make some needed changes in order for your church to reach more people by becoming more involved with the folks in your community. Getting outside the walls of our churches and "eating with tax-collectors" or "talking to a Samaritan woman with a bad reputation" can be scary and risky. Put that in today's language and see who God might be asking you or your church to try to reach. Pray. Take that first step if you need a relationship healed. Step out with that radical, risk-taking faith and see how many thousands God will feed!
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