1. With winter half over (meterological winter runs from Dec. 1st to Feb. 28th.), I can begin to relax a bit. With my arm still in the healing phase, I am still limited with what I can do with it. One of the limitations is "no snow blower!" So I am very thankful that to date, our snow fall has been minimum. I do realize that many of our heaviest snow falls come in February. I hope this February will be an exception! But as we are presently in "mid winter" it strikes me as to how quite it can be outside. In just a two months ... the birds will be filling the air with their mating calls and songs. But right now, there are few chirps to be heard! It's just because of the season we are in.
Life is a lot like the differing seasons we experience each year. We go through different seasons of life. I am now entering my more mature season. This season is known for many things ... among which are more physical ailments. For me that has meant a kidney stone attack (Sept. 7th) ... and now a follow up to that kidney stone attack with a surgical procedure scheduled for January 27th, and a surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon (Sept. 18th) ... with a subsequent case of "frozen shoulder" and "ulnar impaction syndrome"). Of these two complications, the shoulder is doing better (about 90%). The wrist and hand have a long way to go yet. So as I have said before, growing older sure isn't for sissies! But through it all, God has proven himself faithful. And even though there have been times I have been discouraged, holding onto to the reality that God is in control has helped me immensely to stay positive most of the time. Thanks for your ongoing prayers!
2. The amount of hatred, violence and strife on this planet must grieve the heart of God! Ever since Cain committed humanity's first murder by slaying his brother Abel, mankind has continued down this bloody path. The ability of some people to coolly and casually take another person's life chills my blood. I would find it difficult to kill an animal let alone to murder a human being. Now ... Jesus has something to say about murder. But he takes it to another level. He states that if we are angry with another, we are guilty of murdering that individual in our hearts (Matthew 5:21-26). Sooo ... can you think of anyone you hate? If you can, it's time to get down on your knees and ask God to forgive you. Then reach out to that person with the love of Christ. After all, if God could love us even when we were defiant rebels, constantly shaking our fists in HIS face, then who are we not to love even those who misuse and abuse us? (see Matthew 18:21-35). Ask God to give you the grace you need to do this.
3. There is a lot of talk about the flu this winter. Apparently this year's flu vaccine is ineffective due to the mutation of the current strain of the flu virus. Numerous places have been placed on quarantine to prevent this sometimes deadly, but always physically debilitating disease from spreading. Oh that there was an effective vaccine for a disease that continues to fester and spread among Christians. I am referring to gossip. Gossip is like a disease because of the damage it does to the body of Christ. But unlike a disease, which often comes upon us in spite of all of our attempts to avoid it, we can say "NO!" to gossip. Just stop talking about others to others! Just today I heard about one Christian accusing another Christian of sinning ... but talking to yet another Christian about it! My friends. This MUST stop! So take that piece of flesh that wags between your jaws and cheek it! Make sure that before it starts wagging, that you think about what you are going to say! Use Ephesians 4:29 to guide your talk. And for help, pray Psalm 141:3. You will be better for it!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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