The temperatures have been bitter since Monday. This was a shock to the system because the day before it was in the 70's. We have had the privilege of an amazing and beautiful fall season, hence the absence of posts because I've been outside enjoying it. Now it seems to be time for winter, or at least that's what the temperatures and the light dusting's of snow would tell us. I'm not a trained weather person, but I do keep up with the weather forecast since I'm on the road a lot as is my husband. So today as I was looking at the forecast on weatherchannel.com I was surprised to see that we are going to remain in this bitter cold spell for quite some time with below average temperatures. That means if my body is going to function well I will be digging out the warmer/heavier clothes, putting lots of soups, chili, ham & beans in the Crockpot, and drinking hot tea and cocoa to warm up the body after coming in from the cold.
As I reflect on how cold it has been and how it impacts our physical bodies, I can't help but wonder if our spirit's ever go through a cold snap? Okay, so not a time of being really cold, although sometimes our attitudes and actions can seem cold to others - but I was thinking more along the lines of a time when our spirits just don't function well. We seem out of touch with God, like our prayers aren't being heard and everything we do just seems to be out of sync and we feel like life is a constant struggle. I would like to suggest that just as we do something to warm up our physical bodies, that we need to do something to keep our spiritual bodies warmed up as well. Even if you feel like your prayers aren't being answered, keep praying. Spend time in God's word, seek the counsel of a person of faith who is feeling more in tune and grounded than you at this particular moment so they can encourage you.
Finally, trust! Yes, trust that this temporary cold snap won't last forever because God loves you, cares about you, and holds you in the palm of his hand always. He even says in his word that he will never leave us or forsake us. Really He does....check out Deuteronomy 31:6 for the promise contained there.
May you stay warm in the midst of this bitter cold snap, both physically and spiritually.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Snow Day
It has snowed most of the day with winds out of the north and so everything is dusted in white and there isn't much activity outside our windows.... even the birds aren't using the feeder. It makes me wonder, where do the animals and birds go when it snows and storms?
House pets can obviously go inside. Cows and horses always find a wind break or a shelter if they can and they grow thick coats to protect them against such elements, but even then if they are exposed for too long at to cold a temperature or in to deep a snow they will succumb to the elements. Ranchers and Farmers have to keep up with their livestock in these kinds of conditions all the time.
But what about wildlife... they will also perish if the elements are to bad for to long. I guess that is part of the cycle of life as it is called. But I am also reminded that the Bible tells us that God's eye is on the sparrow and He knows if one falls to the ground. I trust that God provides what the animals need, but just to help with that I always keep birdseed out and if more than the birds find it to enjoy that's alright with me.
As I reflected upon this day - I am reminded that if God knows about the sparrow (and every other creature He has made); He certainly knows about me, about each of us as His divine creation - as His children. He is watching over each of us and shields us. Psalm 91:4 reminds us of God's protection: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." What a glorious reminder of how much God cares for each of us.
Hmmmm, snow days are good for something... even when you're an adult. May you feel God's love today.
House pets can obviously go inside. Cows and horses always find a wind break or a shelter if they can and they grow thick coats to protect them against such elements, but even then if they are exposed for too long at to cold a temperature or in to deep a snow they will succumb to the elements. Ranchers and Farmers have to keep up with their livestock in these kinds of conditions all the time.
But what about wildlife... they will also perish if the elements are to bad for to long. I guess that is part of the cycle of life as it is called. But I am also reminded that the Bible tells us that God's eye is on the sparrow and He knows if one falls to the ground. I trust that God provides what the animals need, but just to help with that I always keep birdseed out and if more than the birds find it to enjoy that's alright with me.
As I reflected upon this day - I am reminded that if God knows about the sparrow (and every other creature He has made); He certainly knows about me, about each of us as His divine creation - as His children. He is watching over each of us and shields us. Psalm 91:4 reminds us of God's protection: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." What a glorious reminder of how much God cares for each of us.
Hmmmm, snow days are good for something... even when you're an adult. May you feel God's love today.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Footprints in the snow
We received a little snow overnight, not much maybe 2 inches...just enough to make the ground white and look clean and new. When I first looked out this morning I could see rabbit trails all over our yard. This made me smile because I know they are around, but I don't always see them...the tracks confirmed my thoughts. I started a pot of coffee then went to use the treadmill and when I came back upstairs from my workout, with coffee cup in hand, went to look out the window again. This time there were new tracks, my neighbors have a lovely black lab and she is the most curious dog I have ever met. Her tracks were now all over the yard as well. She has a morning routine, just like we humans do. She starts from their house and travels through the trees that are behind our homes, makes her way through them to the west side of our house, through our front yard and all over the east side of our large lot before heading to her own yard to explore. I watch her do this daily and it always makes me smile. Humans aren't the only ones who are creatures of habit. Her footprints in the snow were telling of the route she takes every day.
As I sat down to spend some quiet time with God after watching her antics, it made me realize that sometimes I get stuck in a rut and although I would like to think I am flexible in my schedule and available to others, how many times do I get stuck in the same routine or in my responses to others. In light of that, my prayer this morning went something like this... Lord, I don't want to be so stuck in what is familiar to me or comfortable for me that I miss other opportunities. Open my eyes to what it is you have in store for me today and nudge me if I need to break out of my comfort zone. Amen
If my daily routine were to be recorded in snow, would the pattern reveal that I am up for new things, or am I stuck in the same old thing? Something to think about, thanks to a very curious neighbor dog.
As I sat down to spend some quiet time with God after watching her antics, it made me realize that sometimes I get stuck in a rut and although I would like to think I am flexible in my schedule and available to others, how many times do I get stuck in the same routine or in my responses to others. In light of that, my prayer this morning went something like this... Lord, I don't want to be so stuck in what is familiar to me or comfortable for me that I miss other opportunities. Open my eyes to what it is you have in store for me today and nudge me if I need to break out of my comfort zone. Amen
If my daily routine were to be recorded in snow, would the pattern reveal that I am up for new things, or am I stuck in the same old thing? Something to think about, thanks to a very curious neighbor dog.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year - New Posts
I realize I have not spent much time on this blog last year. That is because I have been spending a lot of time on the road doing ministry work and simply haven't had a lot of time in front of the computer...or when I am on the computer I am writing a sermon or a funeral message or something ministry related. All very important in my line of work as a Pastor. We did get to take a vacation in late October to Wyoming/Idaho and we had an incredible time while there. We were able to stay in the cabin of a friend. This cabin is more like a house and it overlooks Palisade Lake in southeastern Idaho. Stunning mountain scenery surrounded us and we were witness to many bird species flying overhead, including Osprey and Bald Eagles. It was truly a time of refreshing and renewal for my husband and I. It was much needed time spent with God for ourselves, away from the demands of ministry for two Pastors. We love what we do, but didn't realize how run down we had become with the day to day tasks and the amount of time we devote to ministry between the two of us.
Our time in Idaho - was restful simply because we chose to truly rest on this vacation. We didn't sleep in a lot, but we didn't pack our days with 100's of things to do either. We just enjoyed the area. We went for several very short drives in an area we'd never explored before. We found little creeks, ponds, lakes, beautiful stands of Aspen in full color, wildlife, and fishing spots. We discovered Turkeys at one of the creeks, fished for trout in the Snake River, found Moose tracks around our cabin, spent an evening star-gazing and actually had time to read a good book (both of us read a book of our choice). We also attended a small local church called Chapel of the Valley and truly enjoyed worshipping together (which we haven't been able to do since we both became Pastor's four years ago). Did I mention how wonderful this whole vacation was? (Insert huge satisfied smile and sigh here.)
We chose to take only a couple of long full day trips - one was in the first week we were there. We traveled to Yellowstone National Park, the other was to Grand Tetons National Park in the second week.
In Yellowstone we were blessed with a beautiful, warm day of about 55-60 degrees (very unusual for that time of year). We were able to witness God's creation in all its beauty and were very fortunate to see a lot of wildlife. We saw a herd of Bison, Elk, Coyotes, a Red Fox, Eagles, and a Grizzly Bear. Yes, a Grizzly Bear, something my HH and I have always wanted to see in the wild. It was amazing and breathtaking. As an amateur photographer, I was on cloud nine with the opportunity to take pictures of a Grizzly Bear in its natural habitat and surroundings. To say we were awestruck doesn't even begin to describe how incredible this experience was for us. We were giddy with excitement and uttered thanks to God for giving us that glimpse of something he created. The whole trip was one of praise and adoration.
Then while in Grand Tetons National Park we were able to witness some amazing things as well - we went for a hike and as we came around a corner we discovered an alpine lake that was completely still and the mountains were reflected in it. Again the camera came out and I snapped several pictures of this pristine setting. Again, we began to praise God for the beauty that surrounded us. Fresh, crisp air. Crystal clear water, so clear you could see the trout clear across the lake (which made my fisherman husband drool). As we finished our day, we were then blessed with the sighting of several pronghorn antelope, more bison, and a huge bull moose. Needless to say my very patient HH stopped again and let me take a ton of photos and we were again left in awe at our awesome God and how creative and caring He truly is.
We chose a different route home so we could see some different country - we came home via southern Wyoming and Northern Colorado. We traveled through Craig, Steamboat Springs and over Rabbit Ears Pass to Walden, then down through the Poudre River Canyon to Fort Collins. While in Wyoming we saw countless Pronghorn Antelope. Then in Colorado we were treated to Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and another Red Fox sighting. Not to mention the beautiful mountains in all three states. Each step of the way we thanked God for not only what we were seeing, but for the time to be together and for the safe travel.
As I reflect back on that trip it makes we realize just how important it is for all of us to have times of refreshing with our Heavenly Father. So in this New Year, you will see new posts about the times I get to spend with God and how they refresh, renew, and revitalize me and my HH. Hopefully what I share will renew and refresh you as well.
Blessings on the New Year and all God has in store for you.
Our time in Idaho - was restful simply because we chose to truly rest on this vacation. We didn't sleep in a lot, but we didn't pack our days with 100's of things to do either. We just enjoyed the area. We went for several very short drives in an area we'd never explored before. We found little creeks, ponds, lakes, beautiful stands of Aspen in full color, wildlife, and fishing spots. We discovered Turkeys at one of the creeks, fished for trout in the Snake River, found Moose tracks around our cabin, spent an evening star-gazing and actually had time to read a good book (both of us read a book of our choice). We also attended a small local church called Chapel of the Valley and truly enjoyed worshipping together (which we haven't been able to do since we both became Pastor's four years ago). Did I mention how wonderful this whole vacation was? (Insert huge satisfied smile and sigh here.)
We chose to take only a couple of long full day trips - one was in the first week we were there. We traveled to Yellowstone National Park, the other was to Grand Tetons National Park in the second week.
In Yellowstone we were blessed with a beautiful, warm day of about 55-60 degrees (very unusual for that time of year). We were able to witness God's creation in all its beauty and were very fortunate to see a lot of wildlife. We saw a herd of Bison, Elk, Coyotes, a Red Fox, Eagles, and a Grizzly Bear. Yes, a Grizzly Bear, something my HH and I have always wanted to see in the wild. It was amazing and breathtaking. As an amateur photographer, I was on cloud nine with the opportunity to take pictures of a Grizzly Bear in its natural habitat and surroundings. To say we were awestruck doesn't even begin to describe how incredible this experience was for us. We were giddy with excitement and uttered thanks to God for giving us that glimpse of something he created. The whole trip was one of praise and adoration.
Then while in Grand Tetons National Park we were able to witness some amazing things as well - we went for a hike and as we came around a corner we discovered an alpine lake that was completely still and the mountains were reflected in it. Again the camera came out and I snapped several pictures of this pristine setting. Again, we began to praise God for the beauty that surrounded us. Fresh, crisp air. Crystal clear water, so clear you could see the trout clear across the lake (which made my fisherman husband drool). As we finished our day, we were then blessed with the sighting of several pronghorn antelope, more bison, and a huge bull moose. Needless to say my very patient HH stopped again and let me take a ton of photos and we were again left in awe at our awesome God and how creative and caring He truly is.
We chose a different route home so we could see some different country - we came home via southern Wyoming and Northern Colorado. We traveled through Craig, Steamboat Springs and over Rabbit Ears Pass to Walden, then down through the Poudre River Canyon to Fort Collins. While in Wyoming we saw countless Pronghorn Antelope. Then in Colorado we were treated to Elk, Bighorn Sheep, and another Red Fox sighting. Not to mention the beautiful mountains in all three states. Each step of the way we thanked God for not only what we were seeing, but for the time to be together and for the safe travel.
As I reflect back on that trip it makes we realize just how important it is for all of us to have times of refreshing with our Heavenly Father. So in this New Year, you will see new posts about the times I get to spend with God and how they refresh, renew, and revitalize me and my HH. Hopefully what I share will renew and refresh you as well.
Blessings on the New Year and all God has in store for you.
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