MY ODE TO SNOW

Having lived in North Carolina since my early educational years, I know the anticipation of frozen precipitation that excites school children of all ages.

The chance to sleep in, go sledding, throw snowballs, eat snow cream or drink hot chocolate just seems so much more enjoyable when you know that without the white stuff on the ground - you’d be sitting in math class, reading poetry or eating cafeteria food. I think God definitely wired us for snow days (would that be what that whole Sabbath thing is about?).

I can remember getting out of school for an entire week due to snow. I also recall missing the chance to play outside on snow days due to a case of the mumps. As a young adult, there were a couple of romantic Valentine Days in the snow. Oh yeah, I’ve had my share of bump-ups on bad roads and cold nights without power. But you know, there is still something that causes each of us to sleep a lighter tonight and sneak a peak out the window any time after midnight.

So whether or not your kids sleep with cotton balls between their toes tonight, the kid in each of us waits in wide-eyed anticipation to see what God has planned for us tomorrow.

By the way, when you see me in the grocery store tonight, we really are out of milk!

HOW'S THIS FOR A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?
-borrowed from Rick Warren


Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering. I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.
Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.
When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.
Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!
I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
What does this mean?
Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to his plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes.