SNOWED IN

Last week, this was what I was greeted with one day when I came home from work. The snow mound left from the township plow made my driveway impassable. It made me think of life and how problems can add up to make life seem impassable.

Sometimes problems seem to pile up and up until there is a seemingly hopeless mound of troubles. Instinctively, I try to solve problems on my own with the same results that I would get if I took a shovel and tried to move this mound of snow.
Then, I surmise I got this just like when I jump into our ancient truck with the manual transmission and haphazardly move the snow just enough to get in and out of the drive. I imagine this quick fix must make God chuckle. My efforts are about as effective as a bandaid on a gaping wound.
The really awesome thing is what happens next when I realize DUH, why am I trying to do this on my own? Just like the apostle Peter proclaimed in I Peter, I need to cast all of my anxieties and worries on Jesus because He cares for me. Once I seek out God's help and guidance, things fall into place so much easier AND He carries all of that stress and worry for me. For that, I am so thankful! Kind of like the thankfulness I feel when my husband comes home and expertly plows our yard.

Calm Before the Storm

Be still my heart, heavy, leaden air before the storm.

Heart pounding, smothered breath, fight or flight.

 Terror, loneliness startle me as if early morn.

Till I look to my Comforter and Father and Son.

  
Heart takes a metronome beat.
He comforts me so calmly.
Whatever will be, will be.
Worry relents. Peace for me
No more fear will defeat me.

Regardless of the situation, I have learned to look to God for my comfort and strength. When every thing around me seems so wrong, I am comforted by the promises found in God's word. As the Psalmist proclaims, God knew the types of woes his people would face

Monday Madness or Meditation?

Another Monday of madness! But, instead of letting it stress me out and bring me down, I choose to meditate on the positive things in my life.... like the enjoyable things I did over the weekend.

This peaceful, serene waterfall is a short hike from home .... it's a huge blessing it to be able to "getaway" briefly from the stress of life.
Moments like these remind me that it is my choice to think good thoughts and not let the bad things get to me.

It must be what the disciple Paul meant when he encouraged the church members in Philippi to focus on good and positive things.