IN MY WORDS – Yes, it is November and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.

Do we all remember what that is about?

Besides all the food and festivities? BEING THANKFUL!

• I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship God in this country.
• I am grateful there are no planes dropping bombs over my home.
• I am glad I have a home, a place to create a cozy nest to rest and renew.

And I refuse to discuss any more politics during this upcoming holiday season. Will you be with friends and family? I imagine there will be differing opinions about our latest world news.

Don’t do it...don’t get pulled into those discussions. Take control over your corner of the world and show kindness, grace, mercy and truth. Repeat after me….NO MORE POLITICS. There are so many other more pleasant topics of conversation. Like listing all of our blessings that we take for granted. 

Heading towards the Christmas season. Hmm…Jesus came to us in the midst of political upheaval and turmoil.

And so He comes to us again reminding us…”Focus on Me, I am the only One who brings Peace.”

Holidays are approaching. Jesus Reigns.

THE WORD – A familiar scripture. And as we grow older and wiser, we understand…this is life.

We can fight and kick against change or we can welcome and embrace whatever good we can find in it. Each season presents its own beauty. Summer lends itself to cheery sunshine, vacations and activity. Spring is a time of rebirth and budding flowers turning to beautiful blossoms. Autumn showcases a stunning display of God’s creativity and unlimited color palatte.

Winter? Hmm…I’m trying here, folks.  Winter is a time of shelter. Often our pace of life has to slow down due to weather. With icy roads and snow swept highways we may choose to tuck in at home and catch up on all those things we never have time for. We are challenged to slow   the   pace.

I often find it ironic when people think they can control everything and everyone around them, yet a barrage of tiny snowflakes can eventually thwart the best laid plans. A simple reminder…we are not in control.      God holds it all in His hands. 

To welcome the winter season, I cozy up my house. Heavy curtains on the windows. Warm throws and sweatered pillows scattered throughout the rooms. Of course, Christmas gives us a welcome break with sparkling decorations, glittering lights and the life changing promise of our Savior coming to save the world. Plus the opportunity to catch up on all the new Hallmark Christmas movies : )

I plan to embrace the quiet winter nights when the pine branches out front droop with fresh snow and the icicles on the gazebo frame sparkle in the moon light. I will adjust my wardrobe accordingly and add in the toasty sweaters, sassy scarves, leopard print gloves and rugged yet fashionable boots with my long skirts and leggings. Though winter may be a harsher season, it can still afford a time of healthy change. As long as we work with it, and not against it.

Seasons of life, seasons of change. I pray God continues to work in all our hearts this winter season.

If you’re like me and you struggle with freezing temps and heavy snowstorms, what do you do to embrace this time of year? Please share your thoughts in a comment.

IN OTHER WORDS – This title is in the words of Judy Huitt, a fitting expression for her book of Bible Study meditations. I met Judy years ago at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. There was an immediate kinship and our friendship has lasted through the years, in spite of distance and circumstances.

I was thrilled when Judy’s book was published. I remember her sincere heart while attending conference and the deep passion she had for her book project. Her book features “forty Bible-study meditations in an easy-to-use method designed as an aid for deepening prayer and illuminating the Word.”

It is not a book to skim through quickly. Each section features “Prepare your heart for the Word, Ponder God’s Precepts, Principles, and Promises, Probe the Word, Plumb the Word, Pray the Word and Practice the Word.”

A combination of scriptures, personal experiences, and thought-provoking questions, the book is a wonderful addition to your personal Bible Study. Following are two links to purchase this book. Judy’s pure and sincere love for Jesus shines through on each and every page. You will be blessed!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-beloved-our-friend-judy-huitt/1111748277

http://www.christianbook.com/beloved-friend-explore-experience-share-ebook/judy-huitt/9781490895949/pd/83660EB