snow

Snow Storms and Celebrations

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Our first home had a spectacular view from the top of a high ridge in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. However nice as that view was in Summer, we paid double for it in Winter. Can you guess where the snow piled up in drifts several feet deep? Yep you got it -right outside our front door!

Then in 1993 a snow storm attacked our state and we went through 3 days of everything being shut down and the roads being closed. But we discovered the sweet reality that as long as our wood supply was stacked safe and dry in the garage and Nancy had flour for baking bread we simply turned that storm into a time of celebration!

God offers us the same sweet reality and much more in today’s verse. Notice first He doesn’t say that storms won’t attack us but that when they do He has a blessing in store. We can trust Him because He is totally and perfectly prepared for whatever comes. The warmth of His love and His Living Bread from Heaven will always be in abundant supply and He will raise up a banner turning our greatest trials into our greatest celebration!

White as Snow

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Why is snow so white? Maybe because it has fallen from the sky and has never been mixed with the colors of earth.

It is not like the memory of our sin which tinges everything it touches. That reminder clings to our attitudes and mixes with our words. No matter how we try we cannot remove its indelible deep red stain.

But God offers a way to exchange that sin for forgiveness. He sent us the reddest blood of Jesus to wash us clean. It washes with a purity that comes only from heaven. His is the gift that alone can make our hearts as white as snow.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord , “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 NKJV

No Winter is Forever

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We in the Northeast are so worn out with winter that even our local radio talk show host broke down during the weather report. “Snow again today accumulating 1-5 inches.” she began then there was a pause. “I just can’t read this!” she suddenly blurted out. Then over the radio came the sounds of paper being crumpled up accompanied by nervous laughter. It was the best local broadcasting I had heard all winter!

Sometimes my life feels like that, replete with it’s unending prognosis of gray skies, snow showers and overnight temperature in the 20’s. Don’t we all harbor a dark deep longing for a warm snow drift melting rain? Wouldn’t it be lovely to look out the window and see even one robin? Are you struggling like I am to recall the colors of daffodils and tulips? It’s okay because God has written into our hearts and souls that desire. It is neither sinful nor childish to wish for spring. Are you facing a seemingly unending wintery time? Those piles over snow covering your flower beds will not last. God promises us a springtime. The song of the turtledove will again be heard in your life. If Christ is our hope then no Winter can last forever!