Here Comes the Sun

I broke out my sunglasses again yesterday for the first time since our little snow adventure last week. What a beautiful day yesterday was! The electricity was finally turned back on, although there are still a few hundred people in the dark today. Thankfully, we are not among them.

The sun was warm and friendly yesterday, and I enjoyed every minute I spent in it. The snow has nearly completely melted away, and our dog, Sheba, spent most of the afternoon soaking up as much of the sun's warmth as she could.

One of the sweetest sounds I heard yesterday was the rhythmic whirring of the washing machine as I ran the first load since the power outtage. There are so many things we take for granted, and I noticed as I was getting ready for work this morning how many of the commercials on tv were aimed at making me feel like I need more stuff to make my life complete. Well, I have been gently reminded this week that my life is already complete.

There is nothing that I could purchase or experience that could ever take the place of the precious people in my life - friends and family who love me, laugh with me (and at me), cry with me, and make my life richer by the day. And it goes without saying that my most intimate relationship, that with the Lover of my soul, my Creator King, could never be compared to anything this world could ever present to me.

Are there things I'd like to have or experience this side of eternity? Of course. But all in all, if I never own or experience any of those things, I can honestly say even now that I am bountifully blessed.

I think I'll go outside now and experience a little sun-kiss. My cup runneth over.

-Rachael

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Okay, so maybe for someone who lives in the northernmost regions of this great nation of ours, this isn't cold, but for this Texas girl transplanted into the Arkansas River Valley, baby, it's cold outside!

Today is Saturday, and wow! How things change in a week! Last weekend, the temperature was in the mid-seventies. On Monday, the temperature had dropped twenty degrees, and we received 4.5 inches of rain. On Tuesday, the temperature had dropped even further, and we got 4 inches of snow. Wednesday, it all melted off.

On Thursday, it started snowing again, and by the time it finally stopped mid-morning on Friday, we had over 9 inches on the ground. Now it's in the upper twenties, and we have not had electricity since a little after midnight Thursday night. The electric company, whom I was finally able to reach at 2:30 AM this morning, assures me that we should have it restored sometime today, and as we were driving into town this morning, we did pass a convoy of power company trucks headed in the general direction of our neck of the woods. Hopefully, this little adventure of ours is about to come to a close.

As my routine, plans, and sleep habits have been tipped over during the last couple of days, I can't help but think of something my dear friend Wendy has said to me many times. On more than one occasion, I have turned to her listening ear when my applecart has been overturned. After patiently listening to me whine and moan about my current crisis, she almost always begins her response with these words, "God was not surprised by this." I find great comfort in being reminded that no matter what potholes I stumble into or what obstacles present themselves in my path, I serve a God who is never taken by surprise. His gentle and loving way of guiding us through the day-to-day situations that try us, test us, and perfect our faith in Him overwhelms me sometimes.

So, while the house was dark and cold yesterday morning, and as David worked to dig his truck out of the snow (an attempt which, by the way, was unsuccessful), I stepped out onto the front porch to snap a few pictures of our winter wonderland. Sometimes, when we face situations that are beyond our control, we have no

choice but to sit back and enjoy the view. So I did.

Note: We were able eventually to dig my car out and make it into work for the day.

As for now, my mission as a heat-seeking missile proved successful, and I have been at the office for a while now. My toes are thawing out, and my outlook is improving. No matter what comes my way, I am never out of His sight.

"She (Hagar) gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:

'You are the God who sees me,' for she said,

'I have now seen the One who sees me.'

That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi

(the Living One who sees me)." Genesis 16:13-14

Blessings all over you and yours,

Rachael