Snowflakes

When snow makes it's way to South Arkansas you can't help but try to soak it up like the first day of the summer sun!...It really was one of those "once every 10 years" snow falls this morning with huge, beautiful snowflakes.

The view from my office window over looks Main Street with the steeple of the largest church in town in its landscape...this morning I probably stared out my window a little too long watching the snow flakes. My mind began to wander a little bit. I had just received a phone from my sister about a friend of ours losing her unborn baby very late in her pregnancy, another good friends father unexpectedly passed away this week, we continue to wait for the "call" that our beloved grandmother has gone to a better place, and this week our little cousin, Lilly, started her radiation treatment for the tumor that has decided to grow back . To me it has just been one of those weeks of heart wrenching stories and a time where I find myself spending more and more time with our Lord. How in the world do non-believers make it in this world??? I recently picked up a favorite book of mine for the another read, "A Purpose Driven Life". If you have never read it, it is worth every penny and every minute. It is very similar to a daily devotional for 40 days.....

Day 1: It All Starts with God

It's not about you.

"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in." Colossians 1:16

Day 2: You Are Not an Accident

Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God.

"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2 Day 3: What Drives Your Life?

Many people are driven by guilt.

Many people are driven by resentment and anger.

Many people are driven by fear.

Many people are driven by materialism.

Many people are driven by the need for approval.

"You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 Day 4: Made to Last Forever

This life is not all there is.

"This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Day 5: Seeing Life from God's View

The way you see your life shapes your life.

"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10

Day 6: Life is a Temporary Assignment

Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Day 7: The Reason for Everything

It's all for him.

"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36

Day 8: Planned for God's Pleasure

Bringing pleasure to God is called "worship."

"The LORD takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4

Day 9: What Makes God Smile?

The smile of God is the goal of your life.

"The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." Psalm 147:11

Day 10: The Heart of Worship

The heart of worship is surrender.

"Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13

............there you have the highlights from the first 10 days...maybe I will get all 40 days on here but I promise the book has sooo much more than just these bullet points. I know there are days when I just need to hear the right words or see the right scripture to open my eyes, help me through, point me in a new direction, help a friend, remind me what's important, or just to remind me why I am here.

Today, being a snow day and all I couldn't help capture a few priceless moments of our "not so much a snow bunny" daughter. By the time her gloves (socks, she didn't want to wear her gloves but thought it was silly to put socks on her hands...) got wet she was ready to come back inside to play. And of course, Duchess, the stuffed dog wanted to go play in the snow too!! Then, up went the coat and boots and out came the riding turtle!!

Have a Blessed and Purpose Filled Weekend!!!!