Snow Days

I like peanut butter!

Our Big Helper

It snowed 8-9 inches here in Placerville, CA yesterday. They haven't had this much snow in the past 10-15 years. It was beautiful to look at and fun to play in, but difficult for people needing to get on the road and drive to work. At the Morris household we were without power for the day, so we heated water on top of the wood stove and in the evening we had a candlelit dinner.

I've been reading a book by Joni Eareckson Tada, "A Step Further", and one of the things she shares is how God taught her the way she reacts and handles trials can have an effect on the people around her. She said, "We are onstage. Others are watching. We can do our part well, building up the entire audience. Or we can ad-lib by acting out our own bitter feelings and bring dishonor to the Playwright. The choice is ours." As a result of a diving accident, Joni became paralyzed at 17 and for a few years after her accident she battled with depression, suicidal thoughts and wondered, "Why me, God?" But over the years the Lord has revealed to her that in God's Kingdom nothing happens by"accident," the Lord has a purpose for everything. She has been able to minister to people who are paralyzed and have other handicaps that I may not be able to as effectively as she does. And the Lord has made her more like Christ through it. Throughout her book, she has reminded me not to remain glum and discouraged whenever a trial comes, but to count it pure joy. And to know that the Lord has allowed this trial in my life for His good and for His purpose. Even when you feel hopeless, He will use your trials whatever they may be, to make you more like Christ. Refining and molding you into the beautiful creation of God that you were made to be.