Good Morning Ladies...We had our first snow of the season last night. Hard to believe winter could be here already. Well, I was up early this morning so I thought I'd take a little time to write and hopefully encourage anyone who may be going through a struggle today. When circumstances come, that's often all we see-it consumes our thoughts and clouds our vision. It's very easy to sink into a depression and think there's no way out. But, as our minister said last week, when circumstances come we have a choice...We can give into the depression of the circumstance or give it to God and let Him bring you through. While reading with my kids this week, I was introduced to Kirtland's warblers or "birds of fire". These birds nest in jack pine trees but the pinecones only open and release their seeds when it's very hot. So, in order for these birds to have trees to nest in, the local forest rangers purposefully set controlled fires near these trees. The fire is needed to make trees grow so the birds can have homes. Now, I had never heard of these birds before and it sounded kind of strange to me. But, when you think about it, God does the same thing with us. He allows "fires" in our lives so we can grow spiritually. How many times do we pray, "Lord, help me to grow in you." and then BAM, we're hit with a trial. Trials come to test our faith and to help us grow stronger in Him. Jesus asked the question, "Will I find faith?" when He returns. Your trial, your battle could be right in your own home if you have a family member who isn't serving God, or at your job with a co-worker, or your finances, etc. When you're faced with that everyday it can be hard. But, I want to encourage you to make that choice to give your situation to God. We cannot solve the problem ourselves and we don't always know what the right answer is. But, God does and if we put our trust in Him, He will see us through. Shine your light wherever God has placed you. Rejoice!-Rejoice in your salvation, that Jesus set you free by His blood. Let your light shine-don't let this problem cover your light so that no one sees it. People are watching you-they're watching to see how you'll handle this and if your God is really real. So, get busy doing something-sing, pray, read, look for someone to help, exercise your faith. The devil's time is short and he knows it so he's pulling out the "big guns" to try to bring you down. Remember who your battle is really with, and fight him spiritually-on your knees. That's what's going to set our loved ones free and bring them to salvation. So, Keep on Walking!
