Digging deeper

My first post was in the winter when I had a lot of free time. I ended the post, which was on our wedding anniversary, with a description of the anniversary gift I had given my wife. A picture of me with an audio reminder, my voice saying, "I love you very much". After 31 years together at Thanksgiving, my ex-wife announced to me that she wanted a trial separation. But she said that I had to keep the secret until after Christmas. As per her arrangements, it was then that she moved out. The day after Christmas. I rented a U-Haul truck and helped her move to an apartment, etc. A long and painful divorce followed.

 Wow, I have learned so much from it. First, the painful realization that some people are not who you think they are. The love of Christ disappears from them and you are the next victim they can kick, while down, to boost themselves up higher in the game of self-righteousness. And oh do they laugh and make wisecracks... in the House of God too. This might not sound like a reason to smile but it is. The light shines in the darkness, in the contrast of the darkness! Sometimes we understand more of who we should be when we can clearly see, although others can't, who we should NOT be.

 Having been a foster parent and then an adoptive parent to many different children. I did not love them because they were the best of the best or self-righteous and proud. I loved them as they were. I understood who they were and I wanted them to be comfortable as they were. It is actually easier to love and be loved by those that are humbled by their needs than those that think too highly of themselves.  Everyone is a unique work of God.  God loves them very much and the meaningless things that we see are temporary but can work a great eternal glory.  That is because the first will be last and the last will be first. God has stated it so many times and so many ways but that sums it up well enough. The proud will be brought low. Those that say, "I do not have time for God", or "I do not need God" may have the world by the tail but are losing their soul. In contrast, the humble or broken-hearted are saved by God. He is near to them.

 So, some of the reasons to smile are: for the arrogant, there is still time to learn humility and see reality. It is God that controls every situation and with great blessings comes great responsibility. Like realizing that God gave the increase and should be glorified for it. For the humble, "the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will quicken our mortal bodies as well." The promises, the future as God has stated, are for the humble and contrite! Those that are already so thankful that God is merciful and benevolent. That really know Godly contentment. That really have a strong faith in God. That know what God seeks of us is the opposite of what the world will judge us for. In the end, he is looking for his children that knew him well. (That He covered ALL of their sins) That trusted Him to take care of them and therefore gave to (loved) others that are so needy that they can't give back what has been given to them.

 There will be arrogant, self-righteous individuals that thought they did not need to be told, they knew just what to do and how. However, when their true purpose is known, or the lack of love is known, they did not know or walk with God. So, smile because you know. Smile because you can love others unconditionally. Smile if you are already doing here on earth what God's children will do in His presence one day. Thanking and praising Him continually for all that you are and all that you enjoy. Smile because there is a righteous justice and His mercy has brought you into full justification. Smile because whatever happens in this temporary life, God has given you an opportunity to receive an eternal life with Him.

Wow, last week it was 57 on Tuesday, tonight (Wed.) it will be -9. And I didn't have to travel to experience this variety of weather. : -) Last night my wife and I used our electric blanket. It is so relaxing, I had to get tough and throw off the covers, wait to cool off and then reached the switch to be free of the warm bed. Life can tough and you have to be tougher still. After getting soaked in the snow I can't seem to get warm again. So, it is back to that electric blanket tonight.


I took a break to change out of my wet pants and when I came back the snow thrower wouldn't start. I had to push it back into the garge to warm it up for tomorrow. I did get enough of it cleared to get our cars out. : - ) So rejoice in that the first snow of the season, the difficult adjustment, is past. On the sad note, I have to get a more shear pins. Also on the good side, the flat tire has been repaired. Should have a traditional white Christmas. The green grass was too odd but because of global warming it maybe more common.

I have been looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places lately and finally I heard the answer again in Church. The sermon was on passion, vitality and enthusiasm. I had lost that. My bible study at work had not met for a long time because I and everyone else was too busy at work. I was disappointed by a series of unfortunate events at work that really stopped me from "getting into it" and left me wondering where I could turn to get my career back on track. Well, that wasn't all I also had hit a wall at home. I was stuck in a new rut of doing stuff and entertaining myself. The bible study I had gone to was off for the summer and I was just doing chores or watching TV.
I think of the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean where the captain and crew have lost their purpose of taking souls to the next life. Instead they are a cantankerous group of trouble makers and in general very ugly. Well I wasn't at all like that, that's not my purpose. Altough I look pretty scrappy sometimes. I got an internal transfer to a better job. Everyone made the bible study this week and my Monday nights study will start next week. Just in time, my spirit was getting pretty sad and lonely. I love reading the scriptures and getting something more from them or just sharing what it means and what other passages back up that idea. That is the sustenance that I need, fellowship with God and his family.

salsa spray

My wife handed me a jar of salsa and said, "Try to open it." At first I am thinking the lids on tight, so I grasp it and twist hard. It freely spins around so then I decide to spin it while lifting up to get the groves to engage and lift off the lid. I put to much into it and salsa flies onto my pants and shirt as the lid pops off. My wife laughs and leaves, so I promise to get revenge(even though I know she didn't plan it.). She also had a good laugh about that. But if I can get some creative ideas, I just might...Have any?

More snow. Another 4 inches but the snow plows cleared the streets quickly. The snow was light, powdery and therefore easily removed. Played basketball, went skying and had a great time. The sun was not bright and the cold was just below freezing without a breeze so what more could we ask for? No travel mishaps, the vehicles are working well and the house is warm. It is so much fun to entertain family and friends over the Christmas break. And nice to be able to find the time to recover from it too. Caucus time and the real important info starts to appear more as time draws to a close and the candidates seem to take a clearer stance in order to gain a certain share of votes.

Drifting snow, and it will be here for awhile.

The snow arrived and drifted us in. We have lots of time to tend to those activities that have been left undone for so long. We also decided to open a Christmas gift to entertain our selves. Lots of smiles for something they had wanted. We have been baking goodies and getting ready to host family on Christmas day. Maybe I'll move more snow later on today. No need to travel so we can wait until the weather is better. I worked on a new picture for this blog.

The storm threatens to be a blizzard.

Just a few quick attempts to photograph the snow as it falls past the lights. I failed to capture it but I am not trying again because it is blowing ferociously, as you can see by the red ribbons hanging from the post on the porch. The good news is that I had a great time with my family on my 22 anniversary on the 22nd. I gave my wife a photo frame that plays me saying, "Happy anniversary, I love you very much."