(See all the snow outside?)
"(Do not) grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer." ... 1 Corinthians 10:10
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Oh the sun! But still, it's 1:00 in the afternoon and only -1 degree and remember in The Long Winter where the elderly Indian man warns the settlers that every 21 years the winter gets really, really bad? Well, where was he this year? Buffalo could have used his warning around October.
Or maybe I should have figured it out myself, since it's been around 21 years since I last recall these kinds of cold temps which will not go away. Or because, hey, Buffalo winters always feel rough and I should certainly be mentally and emotionally prepared for them by now. (If you've never lived in serious snow country, you do not understand what it's like. No really, you don't.) :)
But why complain? Sunshine pours through my windows and I have actual flames in our fireplace, for I finally became brave enough to burn the gel cans. I can watch travel shows on Netflix like Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations *** as he walks and sails through lands where grasses and trees are actually green.
We've not seen anything green-green outside our windows since November.
Have you ever watched (by way of Netflix), Off Limits? The host explores old places where the public is not welcome and oh, the Buffalo episode! Want to know some reasons I love living here? Watch that one. I lived in California and Nevada for 34 years and never remember seeing ancient (relatively) architecture like that, yet I've driven past those places shown in Off Limits a hundred times. Is it 'old hat' to me? Never. No, never do I tire of those buildings which survive winter after harsh winter and come out standing, strong. (There's a lesson in that, also.)
Anyway. I have groceries in my cupboards, enough cat food to adopt another one, heat, books, electricity, tv shows, hot water, warm clothes, an imagination and helpful neighbors.
Why complain about what I don't have? About it being too cold to drive down to the supermarket? Or that Tom's a million miles away in a place where it's 100 degrees warmer? I believe complaining about anything makes God sigh and wonder when we're gonna 'get it.' When we'll finally understand where to put the emphasis in Life and how to use our words His way.
And trust me, each Winter shows me I still have a ways to go. But at least I'm farther along than I used to be, thank God (literally), and much happier now, as well. Watching your words carefully will do that for you.
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"If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it."
~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." ...Proverbs 18:21
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." ... Ephesians 4:29
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*** Now, good ol' Anthony's language can get dicey, I'll warn you. If I knew him in-person, I'd squirm a lot because there'd be no beep to drown out the naughty words. But for whatever reasons (his well-written narrations being one), the guy and his series' fascinate me.
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I LOVE watching people who thoroughly enjoy their jobs. Here's a quickie video of one of those guys which totally delighted me early this cold, dark, -8 degree morning.
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Tom's still not feeling quite well. Your continued prayers would be appreciated, especially since he has a presentation to give to students tomorrow. Thanks so much!
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Free Kindle books:
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We have a lot of snow and cold here as well. We also have visiting family. My son and his kids are working on an igloo in the howling snowy wind. Although the temps are below zero the task seems to be making every one involved to feel warm.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying watching from the inside!
Praying that Tom will feel better.
Oh Debra, I know the winter storms are rough on you all that live there, but I would love to be there sitting by the fire and looking out the window!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that you have a well stocked pantry! Spring is coming, but it does feel a long way off! And I know Tom does, too, but you are right not to complain. And to encourage others not to, either!
ReplyDeleteBe well, Debra! Keep on finding the blessings in every day!
And I am praying for Tom!
ReplyDeleteMaBeane--an igloo! Oh my. I would definitely just sit inside and watch them from the window. :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth--it would be extra cozy if you were here, too! It *is* nice sitting by the fire, but after months of it, it does get old. Trust me. :)
Kristi--thanks so much for praying for Tom! Can you believe there have been days when it's been a one hundred degree difference between where he is and where I am? Wild, huh?
Thanks, Everyone! Blessings, Debra