The Meaning of the Snowflake

Every new snowflake comes to the earth

as a picture of our Saviour’s birth,

because they are sent from up above

and remind us of God’s care and love.

Each one is so intricate and small

because Christ sees the details of us all,

and just as two are never the same

the Lord knows and calls us each by name.

Snowflakes gently cover the world in white

and hide what’s unlovely from our sight,

showing us how He covers our sin

and gives us His grace when we come to Him.

So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind

and in every bit of white may you find

a reason to celebrate anew

and a reminder of His love for you.

My refuge!

I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
before Him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.

Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.

Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
(Psalm 142:1-7 NIV)

Subtleness of God’s Seasonal Changes

It was, by this time, within an hour of noon, and although a dense vapour still enveloped the city they had left, as if the very breath of its busy people hung over their schemes of gain and profit, and found greater attraction there than in the quiet region above, in the open country it was clear and fair. Occasionally, in some low spots they came upon patches of mist which the sun had not yet driven from their strongholds; but these were soon passed, and as they laboured up the hills beyond, it was pleasant to look down, and see how the sluggish mass rolled heavily off, before the cheering influence of day. A broad, fine, honest sun lighted up the green pastures and dimpled water with the semblance of summer, while it left the travellers all the invigorating freshness of that early time of year. The ground seemed elastic under their feet. . . .

The day wore on, and all these bright colours subsided, and assumed a quieter tint, like young hopes softened down by time, or youthful features by degrees resolving into the calm and serenity of age. But they were scarcely less beautiful in their slow decline, than they had been in their prime; for nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy, that we can scarcely mark their progress. 
—The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

Just as God does in nature, He also changes the seasons of our lives.To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; . . . a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing. — Ecclesiastes 3:1-5The answer for changing times is to put your faith in God, who does not change (Malachi 3:6). Solomon said that God makes “everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He transforms the winters of our lives into spring. When we accept the changes and ask God to make them beautiful, our faith grows and blooms like His landscapes in springtime.While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease. —Genesis 8:22

Picture: Artwork in Acrylic "Quivering Spring" by Me

I believe! Yes I believe!

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”
― Bob Marley

Your Mercies in Disguise!

We pray for wisdom, 

Your voice to hear

We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt your goodness, 

we doubt your love

As if every promise from Your word is not enough

And all the while, 

You hear each desperate plea

And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are 

......Your mercies in disguise

When people betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not,

This is not our home

It's not our home

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

.....Are your mercies in disguise.

- Laura