WHITER THAN SNOW


After several days of rain - about seven inches of it - I arrived home just in time yesterday. School was called off at 1:30. I finally was able to leave at 2:30. When I left, firing up my little red Mini-Cooper, the precipitation had just changed from pouring rain to some solid stuff. I thanked the Lord as I hurried home, not knowing how my little car would fair in snow-covered roads. As I pulled into the garage, and went upstairs, changing my damp clothes, I peeked out the window to discover the largest flakes of snow I have ever seen. We even had thunder-snow.

As I watched those flakes cover the ground, I was struck by how pure and white it was. I couldn't help but be reminded of the verse from Isaiah 1:18b: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

Now I try my best to do a good job with my laundry. I try to insure that my whites stay white and the colors stay colors. But, let's face it, when you have a stain like blood or grape juice get onto your nice white shirt, sometimes it just won't come out. And, it is hard to keep the whites really white and not become a bit dingy over time.

But, God doesn't have trouble with his whites. When He says that He makes something white as snow, it's white.

That means dirty and sinful ol' me was washed as white as the snow outside my window today when I asked Jesus into my heart. Is that not exciting? God says that even though I was really stained - scarlet sins - I will be white as snow.

Have you experienced this cleansing? If not, seek out someone to tell you how to gain this cleansing from God through Jesus Christ.

If you have been made white as snow, just reflect a moment on what that really means. Here's a few more snow pictures - thanks to my daughter.

Really think on what it meant when God changed your scarlet sins into a white just as white like snow. Thank Him today for doing something only He can do. Praise Him for making this cleansing available.

Oh, and God, by the way, do You have any suggestions for my laundry whites?

Plan, plan, plan.

Are you a planner and organizer? I can be a little fanatical when it comes to organization. Everything has its place, and I want it to be there. This works out well until someone messes with my organization. What do you mean you don't think this is the best place for this?

This just normally spills over into planning. I like to have everything planned out so as to insure the best outcome.

Now, planning and organization aren't bad qualities in and of themselves. But, I know you will find this hard to believe, especially those who really know me, sometimes I can be a little too planned and organized. Ouch! That smarted to say.

God expects me to use the brain I was given in being a good steward of my time and things, but He also warns against getting too wrapped up in planning the future. God knows the road ahead, but Paula doesn't. Argh!

In Sarah Young's book, Jesus Calling, the January 12th entry begins: "Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it." God sees all and knows all. I can only live in this moment. I can plan for my day, but only God knows exactly what will occur. This is why I need to let God be the planner while Paula follows.

Ms. Young continues in this entry to explain that we humans say we would like to see what the future holds so we can plan, but God isn't willing to show us that. But, He will equip us to accomplish everything we face.

So, what's my job? Faith and follow. I have faith in the Ultimate Planner because He has my best interest in mind. His plans are best which means the outcomes will be more than I could have planned for.

Paula can still be a planner and organizer - the plan is to trust God and organize my life by His Model.
  

Breathe First


How many of you have heard this speech while getting ready to take off in an airplane?

In the event that our cabin pressure should change, an oxygen mask will be released from the overhead compartment. Please place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping small children or others who may need assistance.

This might seem a little selfish at first. I mean - making sure you get the oxygen mask on yourself first - aren't we the important one? But, the reason for placing the mask on your face first is not selfish but obvious. If you faint from lack of oxygen, you can't help anyone.

I've been reading the book, One Month to Live, by Kerry and Chris Shook. They use this example in Day 5, and it really made me think.

Those words from the airline to first take the oxygen for yourself has a spiritual truth within it.

"If you're going to make the most of your time on earth, living a no-regrets lifestyle, then you need to engage fully with those around you. You want the people you love to know just how much they mean to you. You want to be a healing agent in the lives you touch, leaving behind a legacy with eternal impact. But the only way to accomplish these goals of authentic living is first to take time and focus on yourself. If you're not healthy spiritually, physically, emotionally, and relationally, how can you move beyond yourself and invest in others?"

This struck me as a perfect way to explain the fact that I, as a Christian, must sometimes step back and analyze myself. Do a little health check. Am I where I need to be in my spiritual walk? Am I connected to my lifeline - the Lord? Do I see the responsibility I have to care for my temple? Do I pray for self-control for my emotions? Do I approach relationships as God would have me to - a servant?

I cannot give away what I don't have.

Right now, I'm taking some time to breathe deep first so later I can help others.

How about you? Do you need to grab that oxygen mask and breathe?

A NEW YEAR - NEW POSSIBILITIES


With the start of this new year, I've read many blogs and articles on making plans and setting goals. Of course some are realistic in knowing that making resolutions doesn't mean those promises will be kept.

Often that new diet fizzles before the weekend. And, the promise to exercise can be put off indefinitely for one reason or another.

What about those lofty goals in your career? Can those be realized?

Scoot closer to your computer screen because I think I've found the answer to keeping all those resolutions. Here it is straight from Proverbs 16:1-3:

"Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place."

Hold it! You mean I can draw up a beautiful chart listing my plans, but it could be for nothing? I'm afraid so. Read the verse again. We can plan and plan, but God has the last word because His plan is the master plan.

Did you catch the next two statements? We humans are so often satisfied with something that looks good, but God may have the best awaiting us.

So, how do we make plans that align with God's will and make sure we get the best, not just settling for good?

We must put God in charge of our work. How do we do that? We start this new year by spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer. We give Him control. Let Him lead. We surrender our agenda to Him. As we do this, His will for us becomes ours.

I know, a different perspective on the whole new year's resolution thing. But, for me, it's all about emphasis. Instead of putting the emphasis on setting those lofty goals, I need to emphasize my relationship with the One who is in control of all things.

In light of what I've learned from this verse in Proverbs, I suppose my one word resolution should be: surrender. I'll surrender to His will and put Him in charge so that what He and I have planned will take place.

Please hop on over to Emilie Hendryx's blog and check out the interview I did for her.

Thank you, Emilie, for the opportunity to appear on your blog.

You might discover a few things you didn't know about me like snack preferences during writing and if I believe in resolutions for the new year.


http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/01/paula-mowery-writer-wednesday.html

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Dare To Be Different


Please humor a proud Mama and scoot on over to the pre-teen girl's blog, samie sisters, for an article written by my daughter.

She always said that I was the writer in the family, but she's done a great job with this challenging article. And, even though the blog is directed towards pre-teen girls, I think we could all stand a little being different this year.

http://www.samiesisters.com/

Go and Glow!

The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service was great. It just wouldn't be Christmas to me without it.

This year my daughter and my children's choirs sang a song - Five Little Fingers. They did a fab job. We sang carols and my husband delivered a message reminding us that God's gift to us was the perfect gift - Jesus was just the right size to fit our need for a Savior. Then, we had communion which always makes us remember the true purpose Jesus came. At the end of the service we always light candles and sing Silent Night.

I really enjoy this part of the service. Since I interpret for our deaf members, I am always facing the congregation. I love this vantage point when the candles are lit. My pastor/husband lights a candle from the advent wreath's Christ candle. He then lights the deacons' candles who move down the aisles lighting the people sitting on the ends of the pews. The light is passed down each row.

Why do I enjoy such a simple thing? From where I'm standing, I watch as the light spreads and a glow is cast upon each face as his or her candle is lit. Not only is it a beautiful sight but symbolic.

The world was dark and then God sent His Light - Jesus. Each Christian contains Christ in their heart. We are told to be light in a dark world. We are Christ's representatives.

This means we are to go and glow! We Christians are to take Jesus wherever we go and shine His light for others to see and believe.

I hope you have a truly joy-filled Christmas. But, don't forget to glow!