Is it Sunny?

What's the weather going to be like today? Are you ready for the next snow? These are some of the questions I have been asked quite frequently lately. Very understandable as we have had history and record breaking snow fall so far this year in Baltimore, last I heard over 80 inches.

Today the sun is out and the snow is white and beautiful. The roads are pretty much clear and everyone is going about their business as usual.

So, my question today is how does the weather affect your mood, disposition, and outlook? Do you get up, take one look at the snow, rain, clouds, whatever and get depressed? Does the weather set your tone for your entire day or week?

I agree, it is nice to see the sun. Something about the sunshine energizes me. I like to believe it's God's power shining down on His children.

However, I don't use the fact that the sun is not out as an excuse to waste my day. Each day is a gift, that's why they call it "the present". Life is too short to waste one minute of it as far as I'm concerned. We are called to be good stewards of our time. In fact, hanging in my office is a framed photo of a sunrise over the beach shoreline with the verse from Psalm 118:24 that says "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." as a reminder to choose to rejoice each and every day that the Lord gives me.

There is always something positive we can rejoice about, so next time the weather starts to get you down and out, let the joy of the Lord be your strength and go out and have a great day!

What Will You Give Up?

Today is the first day of Lent and many will decide whether to forgo television,chocolate,pizza or whatever. Denying ourself things is certainly admirable.

Then there are those who may want to consider giving up a bad habit such as drinking, smoking, gossiping, busyness, or overeating. These, too, are admirable and bring us closer to who we really are.

Think of those brave men and women dying across the globe fighting for our freedom, risking their very lives in such far away places as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa. What are they giving up?

Now let's think of what Jesus gave up for us. He gave up more than just human pleasures and I don't think He had any bad habits. He gave the ultimate sacrifice - His blood and His life for us.

This Lenten season I plan to give up myself: to give more of myself to the Lord, more time in prayer and solitude, more time meditating on His Word. That doesn't mean we can't have any fun this season, it just means to put a priority on something different for a time. The rewards of seeking the Lord are great and He promises to reveal himself to us when we seek Him. "He who seeks my face shall find me."

My Valentine

Today is Valentine's Day. Some people don't really care about this holiday. They think it's no big deal and just another reason to spend money on chocolate and flowers. Frivolous, they scoff.

For me, Valentine's Day is a very special day. My first husband proposed to me on Valentine's Day many years ago. I have always given Valentine's cards and gifts to others to let them know how much I love them. Even at work, I would drop a small Valentine off at coworkers' cubicles. It made me smile to think of them seeing it. Doesn't everyone need to be reminded that they are loved?

But today, as a single person, I still have a special Valentine. His name is Jesus. He loves me more than any human being ever could. He always listens, always understands, and is always to there to comfort me when I'm down. He is the lover of my soul and my protector.

So, too, beloved, Jesus is your Valentine. He loves you more than you will ever know. He knows your innermost thoughts and He knows the desires of your heart. If you are single today, fret not. Know that God is watching over you and is preparing your special someone just as He is preparing you. If you are married, show your spouse how much you love them in whatever way they need to receive it.

It's only one day a year, but to me, Valentine's Day should be everyday! Everybody does need to be reminded that they are loved.

Angels in Our Midst

During this time of trial in my life, I am continually amazed to see how God sees me in my times of desperate need and sends an angel to help me. Now, I don't mean an actual Angel, you know, the kind with wings and such, but an angel in the shape of a friend and or a stranger.

Just yesterday, for example, I was preparing to venture out to an important appointment just as the snow from the next blizzard storm had begun to fall. My son warned me not to go out and told me to call my neighbor and ask her to take me.

"No, she's busy, and she had a test to take today. I'm not going to bother her. " I answered stubbornly, once again not listening and willful.

Just as I got of the phone with my son, the phone rang.
Guess who it was?
My neighbor!
She had just returned home from taking her test and when I told her I was planning on going out, immediately, she replied,
"I'll drive you. I have an SUV. I'll drive you."
I could tell by her tone she was serious.

Despite the weather and the stress of her day, there she was volunteering to take me out in the snow and rush hour traffic. We prayed for safety on the way.

"Thank you so much, Lord," we both said as we arrived safely home.

"Thank you, dear friend, for being such an angel today.Truly the Lord has brought you into my life for such a time as this."

As you go through your trials in life, be aware of the Lord's provision and grace. It comes in many forms. And maybe, tomorrow, be an angel to someone you know!

What to do when you're snowed in

We're having a lot of snow this winter here in Baltimore. We've had several storms and almost 3 feet of snow from the storm that started yesterday. As I sit here wondering what to do next, I see some folks taking a walk along the snow-covered road around my complex. Two kids are outside playing and making snow angels.

I personally don't mind being snowed in. I always have things to do for some reason. But lately, I have been asking myself some questions like "What is really important for me to do?" and "What is the best use of this gift of time that the Lord has given me?" Sure I could spend it watching movies or being on the Internet, but is that really the best use of this gift?

This weekend, I'm making time for reflection and reevaluation of my priorities. I honestly believe that's what God intends for us to do at these times when He slows us down, either by a weather event, an illness, or an unexpected crisis. To me, it's like God is saying, "Slow down and enjoy the beauty of my creation." The verse from Matthew 6:31 pops into my mind "Do not worry about what you shall eat or drink or about what you shall wear..." and the answer comes to me once again. "Seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well."(verse 33).

Today, may you, too, seek His kingdom and His righteousness for these are things of eternal value and isn't that the most important use of our time after all?

Getting Ready

What are you doing while you're waiting for God to answer your prayers?

I don't know about you but I'm getting ready!!! Getting ready for God to move in a big way in my life. For God to show me new things. To go to the next level, as they say.

I'm cleaning house literally and figuratively. What needs to go? What is no longer working for me? When everything hits the fan, it is time to STOP - LOOK AND LISTEN. Stop the bad habits, attitudes, and thoughts. Look for new ways of doing things, seeing things, and thinking about things. And listen to what God is telling me through His Word, other people and situations I find myself. It is a whole new adventure. My world is being turned topsy turvy and I'm going to enjoy the ride. How about you?

As I often say, there are two ways of looking at things. It is a choice that we make to either see the bright side or the dark cloud. "Choose this day who you will serve...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15).