The breakfast dishes are being finished up and the floors being swept when the excited shout rings through the dining hall "IT'S SNOWING!!" Immediately the entire room empties into the streets of the Ranch and stand, dance, jump up and down, sticking their tongues out to catch the white fluffy flakes as they gently float from the skies. It has finally arrived, the long awaited (and somewhat dreaded for those used to the warmer climates ;) snow. It brings a mixture of emotions of ecstasy and also the knowledge that it is truly farewell to the warm sunshine and hello to the cold and wet days of winter. But in light of how winter aids in the renewal of our world I am content to say that I am happy to see it arrive. In the same way I am learning to love the winters that God brings into my life as I know that they are designed to mold and grow me. The spring that comes after a cold spell is incredible. God has been teaching my heart to not dread the conviction or the trials, but to look forward to them as they are bringing me closer to Him and His love. It isn't always easy or fun but who ever said they would be. Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you....Pick up my cross daily and follow me....I will not leave you nor forsake you.....Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.....Come unto me and I will teach you my ways..." (multiple verses paraphrased or shortened) It is such a comfort and a blessing to know that God has my path completely planned out and all I have to do is just trust Him. :) I am constantly laying myself down at the foot of the cross with everything He lays in my path and saying "Lord, I am fully and completely Yours. Take me anywhere and walk me through this!"
This month we are studying Virtue and Thoroughness. Virtue goes back to having morale excellence/righteousness. What exactly is that? Well it boils down to your character. Are we modeling Jesus Christ and are we living fully as He would? Thoroughness is doing something to completion. Are we thoroughly (completely,utterly, perfectly) seeking out Christ's character and mirroring Him to the best of my ability? It is constantly challenging as God walks me through different situations and I am tested on what am I doing to truly mirror Christ? Am I choosing to allow the winters that God bring into my life to bring me to greater wisdom of God's love and character?
Remember that God never brings anything into our lives that we can't handle and there is no winter that doesn't have a warm spring ahead if we choose to accept God's promptings and let Him lead us through the cold storms.
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