Skip to main content

Wintery Seasons...

Some may think I'm crazy.  Some may agree with me.  Some may be sitting on the fence.  I have really loved being back in the states during this winter season.  Even though they are saying it has been a mild winter, I have enjoyed it immensely.  I love the snow.  I always loved playing out in the snow, making snowmen, snow forts, having snowball fights, and sled riding.  I love the beauty that snow creates over a barren landscape.  I love how it clings to the bare tree limbs, on the evergreen trees, the ice cycles hanging off the buildings.  How it creates peacefulness in my soul.

I was driving last Sunday to Sheakleyville Church of the Nazarene which all weekend long it had been snowing.  But this morning the sun was out with blue skies and as I looked around me I saw beauty everywhere.  One beauty that really caught my eye was some brush alongside the road.  It was covered in ice and the sun was shining through it and made it look like crystal.  So regal and beautiful.

I know many do not like winter because of the bitter cold, driving in the snow and/or ice, and no sun which causes some to become depressed and down during the winter months.

The beauty of snow reminds me of God's purity and our own when we ask for His forgiveness and He cleanses us with the blood of Jesus.  It reminds me that even when I am going through a tough spot in my life (barren and bleak land), that God can create a beautiful masterpiece.  Like the sun shining through the iced brush making it look like crystal, Jesus, God's son shining through us will be breathe taking to those around us.  The beauty of winter gives us hope we need to endure until spring arrives.

Yes, Punxatawney Phil told us that there is only six more weeks until spring but we do not need Phil to tell us that to give us hope.  Our hope lies in Jesus Christ who is our Savior and Lord.  All you have to do is look around you and see God's beauty everywhere.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

October Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

August Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Camp News! Cherry Run Camp is my green pasture and quiet waters where the Lord continuously restores my soul.  This camp was even more special as I was invited to be the missionary in residence for the nine days of camp. Sharing with all age groups about missions and how as believers and followers of Christ we are all called to go and make disciples by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a week that was fulfilling to be with my family and the family of God as we fellowshipped one with another. As missionaries, we first need to make connections and build relationships with people before sharing the Good News. The youth were given the mission to level up: 1) make connection by introducing themselves to people and making them feel welcomed; 2) ask the person what they need prayer for; 3) the youth to pray with the person on the spot; 4) the youth to share their testimony; and 5) the person is asked to share their testimony.  The yo...

January Newsletter

    SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside.  Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones.  It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul.  The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace.  Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter.  What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve.  It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging.  It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...