WINTER TREES

     I absolutely LOVE Winter Trees!  Trees without leaves show the masterpiece of God's work.  As I look at the details of each branch behind a beautiful sunset, my heart smiles!  It's good to shed the leaves in our lives and show the strength God has gracefully given! Leaves can be a camouflage of what lies underneath.  Being exposed without that covering is uncomfortable for some.  So many people I know do not like winter,  do not like the cold grey dreary days, do not like the snow and ice and long for summertime.   Many deal with seasonal depression and winter can be a long season of sadness.  I LOVE winter and all it offers and I've always felt this way.  This cold, ice, snow, freezing rain, school closings and delays are wonderful and I look forward to it each and every year.  The bitter cold reminds me of what is important in life...the basic essentials.  Food, clothing, shelter and let's not forget companionship and love of family and friends!  God tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself.  It's so therapeutic for me to spend time at home cleaning, cooking, laughing, watching movies, sitting by the fire, snuggling, spending quiet time with God and listening to the silence.  Snow is magical and exceptionally beautiful and the peace that falls from the sky is simply magical!  The excitement I feel waiting for it to arrive takes me back to being 10 years old!  Winter trees is the beginning of a beautiful season of reflection and wonder and I savor each winter day of the season!  Enjoy the stillness and quiet moments once the snow falls and look for the blessings!  Take a look where you are now and where you want to be and what you are going to do to get there! Bundle up and take a walk,  stay in and make a hot beverage, have a conversation or not,  light some candles, take a nap, run a bubble bath and soak, play some music, eat something soulful and savor the goodness!  I'm thankful to feel God working in my life and I'm thankful to feel HIS strength every day! Blessings beyond belief!  Much love y'all! <3 Jodi 

F.E.A.R

F   E   A   R

Forget Everything and Run

                        Or

Face Everything and Rise Up

Thoughts:

I saw this quote and fell in love with it!  This is so very true.  When I hear the contaminated words that leak out of the mouths of some and witness the actions of some…at times I shake my head briefly and ask WHAT IN THE WORLD is going on in their lives???? (Remember, we are all fighting a battle)  However, some are fearful of facing the reality in their lives and this translates into a clouded mask over one’s heart.  When you are fearful, hate can brew and spill over into the lives of innocent people.  When you face your truth, you are then enabled to rise up, climb the mountain and conquer your challenges.  I wish more would choose to rise up instead of brewing and running from reality.  “You cannot change what you don’t acknowledge”(Mcgraw) and I know this to be truth for sure.  God has a plan for your life and He never promised it would be easy!  Who’s going to face your FEAR and RISE UP?? If you choose to do this…God will be with you every step.  If not… then all that running will eventually wear you out, so either way, get ready for a work-out!  God is good!  Much love y’all! 

The Cross

I am who I am because of the cross!  God is so very good always and gives purpose in all things!