I guess it's my turn for this...

Up until yesterday I dodged a series of 'bugs' floating around the office and circulating at recent family get-togethers. At least the next couple of weeks will be fairly quiet at both work and home, giving me a chance to properly medicate and sleep this cold away. First thing this morning I made sure I had a good supply of kleenex, along with enough daytime and nighttime relief. I had to chuckle when I noticed that one of the side effects of my daytime drug of choice is "loss of appetite". How long before that one kicks in? I could use a little help jump-starting the New Year's Diet :)

Well, it's here 'weather' we like it or not.

The beginning of Winter has come and I'm already ready for the end. It took a good bit of priming and fiddling to get the snowblower running the other day, but I'm very glad I messed with it when I look out the window tonight. Michigan weather is hardly predictable and even less certain when factoring in lake effect. But one thing is sure... Winter is upon us.

Prayer for Road Safety

"God of safety, keep me and my loved ones safe on icy roads. Help me pay attention and drive cautiously. Grant me energy and patience if the drive takes longer than usual. Keep me warm and safe from harm. Be with me, be with me, be with me, in Your loving and precious name. Amen."

What do you take for granted?

I have never lived in a home that did not have running water, electric, or heat in the Winter. Those are a few of the things I take for granted. And although my furnace has been acting up lately, at the very most, I may be inconvenienced for a day while waiting for it to get serviced. But even then, I have many options for staying warm during that waiting period - blankets, electric space heater, visiting mom, Starbucks, etc. I know that my furnace is an advanced mechanical system that is usually trouble-free, so I don't get too panicked when it occasionally needs some maintenance.

This is very different from my experience last night. One which made me realize how quickly we adapt to new technologies and then take for granted that they will always be there. Also, one which had me far more upset than my misfiring furnace. It was my internet... or lack thereof. For the entire 45 minutes that I couldn't get online, I felt as if I was cutoff from the rest of the world and stuck on a dessert island. I know! That sounds ridiculous and I'm exaggerating a lot, but I was a bit embarrassed at myself for the feelings I was having during the internet outage of 12-5-10.

I have been blessed beyond measure and tonight I am thankful for these brief interruptions in service to help remind me of this.

 

"I have orders to bring you to God... heathen" - John the Baptist

Last night I watched the 1965 movie, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" which tells the story of Jesus Christ in warp speed... well not really, the movie is over 3 hours long. But as I watched it, I tried to figure out how they decided which parts to include about Jesus, and which parts to leave out for the sake of time. Weren't they all important?

I got a kick out of Charlton Heston. He plays John the Baptist and is heard throughout the movie saying, "REPENT! REPENT!" I chuckled just a little to see him dressed like a caveman, but he's got the legs for it :)

One thing that stood out to me was that anyone watching this movie would have to have a pretty good base knowledge of the life of Jesus, or it would not make any sense at all. I suppose in 1965 the chances were pretty good that most would be able to follow along without too much trouble. I wonder if that same assumption could be made today.

Finding the calm in a crummy day...

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CEV)

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.

 

 

 

 

Winter Driving Day 1... Survival is worth celebrating!

For me, my survival celebration consisted of a $3.99 frozen pizza and some great Michigan wine. I could have spent more time fixing something a bit healthier, or paid for convenient take-out, but this was exactly what I needed to calm down after the drive home. It started out fine on the highway, just a bit slower - like 30 mph slower :( It wasn't until I took the exit that things got dicey. I should be used to it after 30 years of driving Michigan roads, but c'mon folks! It seemed that I was the only person who noticed that there was a sheet of ice on the pavement. Good grief! Thankfully, I was able to "get out of the way" of those who still need more practice.

Be Safe! Save the wine until you're safely home. With Winter just beginning, you're gonna need it.