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Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Sunday 22 February 2009

Spiritual Sundays~ Winter Blahs


Good morning and Happy Spiritual Sunday!
As some of you are aware, I have had my son, his wife, and their five month old baby here for the past two weeks. Life has been rather busy so I haven't been blogging much lately and I wondered what, if anything, I could share today.
While reading a devotion from "Our Daily Bread" the other day, I came across this wonderful reading and thought I would share it with you today.

Don't forget to click on the picture on my sidebar to go to other Spiritual Sundays testimonials and stories. The Lord bless you!

CREATE WINTER
I love living where there are four seasons. But even though I love settling down with a good book by a crackling fire when it's snowing, I must admit that my love for the seasons grows a little dim when the long gray days of winter drone on into February.
Yet regardless of the weather, there is always something special about winter: Christmas!
Thankfully, long after the decorations are down, the reality of Christmas still lifts my spirits no matter what's happening.
If it weren't for the reality of Christ's birth, not only would winter be dark and dreary, but our hearts would be bleak and have nothing to hope for. No hope for the freedom from guilt and judgment. No hope of His reassuring and strengthening Presence through dark and difficult times. No hope for a future secured in heaven.
In the winter of a troubled life, the psalmist asked, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" The remedy was clear: "Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance"
{Ps. 42:5}. In C.S. Lewis' tales of Narnia, Mr. Tumnus complains that in Narnia it is "always winter and never Christmas." But for those of us who know the God who made the seasons, it is always Christmas in our hearts!- Joe Stowell
When our lives are heavy laden,
Cold and bleak as winter long,
Stir the embers in our hearts, Lord;
Make Your flame burn bright and strong.- Kieda
LET THE REALITY OF CHRISTMAS CHASE AWAY THE BLAHS OF WINTER.

13 comments :

  1. I'm so happy for you that you had time with your family. Living where it seldom get chilly, I still need the reminder that Christmas chases away the gloom. Thanks for sharing. Happy Spiritual Sunday.

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  2. Just took a minute to look at your blog. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I love your blog look. Guess because I love teacups.
    I need to get ready for church but I want to go back and read some of your older post. Have a good day!

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  3. Thanks for sharing. Living in Arizona we don't experience much in the way of seasons. This is a very interesting post and beneficial.

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  4. Spending time with family is always so nice.
    Thank-you for this story, we don't have season's here but I'm sure it would be kinda hard at times. But never the less I wish we had 4 season's.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  5. In Florida we don't have much change in seasons either. Some great points were brought out through this devotion. May we always center our thoughts on Christ.

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  6. Hi Sandi,

    This is a wonderful post for today. Without hope we would be the most miserable of all creatures.

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  7. I'm glad you chose to share this with us. It is probably easier to keep Christmas in your heart when it is snowing outside. It is so important to remember though even if it is 75 degrees outside like it is supposed to be here today.
    Have a great week.
    Charlotte

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  8. Beautiful post. I love how the scripture says that hope in God is our remedy. That is something I definitely need to keep in mind!! Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you!!

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  9. Sandi,
    You are such an encouragement to my heart my sister!!! Thank you for this post, although we don't get to experience the four seasons except summer all year long, there are seasons in my life where I do feel the blahs. but isn't it awesome to know we can refresh ourselves with God;s word and prayer and fellowship with sisters like you.

    Hugz Lorie

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  10. Thanks for the inspiration.... may you be blessed...

    cielo

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  11. Thanks Sandi- I must admit winter has not been my favorite season- it has grown much more likable for me in the last 2 years- you are so right much of Christmas lingers and this year I saw more Christmas lights staying up longer- continuing that feeling of love and joy pass December. Great post.
    Blessings

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  12. Sandi, I also read "Our Daily Bread" every morning for my devotions. They are always insightful and interesting. Enjoy the time with your family!

    ~Jean

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  13. Thanks Sandi, I took the award since you always inspired me and you'd been among the list of my inspiring friends.. Thanks a lot for sharing.

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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