Weather Talk

We had the most beautiful weather this weekend. Saturday was so sunny there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was warm enough to go out without a jacket. I felt like I had to be outside so I wouldn't waste a great day. It gave me a great excuse not to do housework!

Aren't you thankful we have weather? Because as long as we have weather, we always have something to talk about. Maybe you aren't conversationally challenged like I am, being a quiet person by nature, but sometimes I'm not sure what to talk about. But I've noticed that everyone can always talk about the weather, for example....it's a beautiful day today; I wish it would stop raining; oh, it's so cold out there; this heat is killing me; etc., etc. If we can so easily talk about the weather to anyone and everyone, why is it so hard for Christians to say something out loud about Jesus? I mean, think about it, how many times at work do you bring up the name of Jesus to your co-workers? For me, it's really not very much. I do with my friends who I know are committed Christians, but with other people, I just talk about the weather or other unimportant things. Jesus is "God with us" and he went to the cross and died there, taking the punishment for my sins, and then was resurrected. His tomb is empty! This is exciting! Why am I not telling every single person I meet about what He did and how He can change their life? Am I afraid of what they'll think about me? If I tell people about Jesus in a loving way, then I shouldn't even have to worry about what they think about me. I should be more concerned about what God thinks about me.

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

Storms

This morning I heard on the news that there is a snow and ice storm from Texas to Pennsylvania. Every time I hear something like this I immediately look at A Plea for Purging’s schedule to see where they are supposed to be that day. When I heard this report I was hoping with all my heart that they weren’t going to be in the area where the bad weather is. Tonight they are scheduled to be in Abilene, Texas. I’m not sure exactly where the ice begins, but I know there seems to be some in the panhandle part. If I’m reading my map correctly, I think Abilene is south of there so I’m hoping and praying that the guys are not going to be traveling in the icy areas today. Last winter, they were in Amarillo, Texas and Oklahoma at the exact time a horrible storm hit. I try so hard not to worry because I know my worrying won’t accomplish anything. But when I know that my son, my only son, is traveling in possibly hazardous conditions, it does give me the opportunity to completely trust God to take care of him.

Here in Alabama, we are having extremely mild temperatures today – a high of 80. I had to pull out the summer clothes. Are you in any of the areas across the country being affected by this storm? Are you having ice or snow?

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

Counting blessings

It's still hot here in Alabama. We had twelve consecutive days of temperatures over 100, and then we got a few days break where the highs were only in the high 90's. Yesterday it was back to 104 and is supposed to be like that again today. And we haven't had rain. We are having I think the worst drought that I can remember in my life. Every evening my husband stands out in the yard with the hose watering and watering and watering. I'm not looking forward to our water bill. Our last power bill was the highest one we've ever had. But I know that things could really be a lot worse. I mean, what if we didn't have any air-conditioning. Yes, a $211 power bill was well worth it to keep me cool and comfortable. I know that things could be a whole lot worse than some hot temps. I keep seeing news reports of other states where they are having too much rain, and even floods. I think I better stop complaining about this heat and count my blessings..... (1) I have an air-conditioned home and workplace so I can get out of the heat. (2) I have water to drink. (3) God has blessed us with the finances to be able to pay for power and water. (4) My car has an air-conditioner. (5) The cable guy came last night and fixed my internet. (6) God is in control....I could go on and on.....

Isaiah 55:8-11
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

There is a radio station that I like to listen to a lot and it is from Nashville, Tennessee. It is called WayFM. I'm not sure how many states pick up their broadcast, but if you have the chance to listen, I would highly recommend them. The people on the morning show have a blog you might like to check out. It is Jeff and Stace in the Morning! Visit them if you have a chance and leave them some comments. Have a wonderful day!

Broken Records

I've always been fascinated by weather and sometimes wonder if I maybe even missed my calling in life and should have been a meteorologist. I don't like hurricanes or the damage and destruction they cause, but they do capture my attention when they are in the news, especially when they are in the Gulf of Mexico. But the weather event that has my attention right now is the extreme heat that's happening in my state. The high temperatures have been breaking records during the past week, and yesterday two records were broken. Yesterday our temp was 104, breaking the record of 103, but it also broke the record of the most consecutive days of temps in the three-digit range. It has absolutely been unbearable to be outside on these days.

But yesterday I noticed that I have become desensitized to these extremely high temperatures -- not in the way it feels outside, but in the way I think about it. Anytime in the past when I heard that our temps were going up to 100, I thought it was unbelievable. I remember just last week when they said the high for the day was going to be 103, I was in shock, but when they forcast a high of 106 I absolutely did not believe it was even possible. So yesterday I looked down at the little "weatherbug" on the computer to see how hot it was outside right then and when I saw 101, I was like hmmm, big deal. A fact that had amazed me just a week ago, now didn't mean much to me. And to think that I'm looking forward to Saturday when things might cool down to 99, well, something is wrong here.

I think this desensitization toward the weather is a lot like what has happened in our culture. Years ago, things that were considered unacceptable and wrong are now accepted as normal and even as good in some cases. Over the years, little by little, we have seen things on TV, movies, and the news that have desensitized us to what is right and what is wrong. So, why have things changed from the way they were in the past? Did God change his mind about what he wrote in the Bible concerning right and wrong? The way I see it, God is still the same as he was at the beginning of time, and his Word has not changed. We are the ones who have changed. I believe the Bible and that is where I have to go learn the truth about what is right and what is not.

If you read this and you are not of the same faith or beliefs as me, that is okay. I am not trying to change anyone -- I can't change people. But I do believe the Word of God. I would like to challenge you to read it if you haven't and let me know what you think.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12