May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Job 37:5-7
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
So that everyone he has made may know his work,
he stops all people from their labor.
Snow sprinkled the ground like powdered sugar.
Winter
arrived in southwest Ohio in the form of an ice and snow storm. For three days
moisture froze and covered our little corner of the world. Rain moistened the
ground, sleet piled on sidewalks and streets, ice pinged the windows and coated
the tree limbs, then the snow fell. Flake after flake tumbled from the sky and
a beautiful white wonderland stopped everyday life. Schools closed, businesses
shut their doors early, and the roads turned dicey. For a moment in time life
slowed down.
On those
days, as I walked Rosey and Olive over the frozen tundra, I stood in awe at the
wonder of God's artistry. If you don't know, I'm a winter person. I love to
walk in the snow and see the earth coated in pure white. As I trekked along the
snowy street, I thanked God for the beauty.
The snow
will melt in a few days as the temperature rises, but the wonder I experienced
will stay with me. This morning I picked up my Bible and read from the book of
Job. The seventh verse struck me as one I need to remember. When the weather
changes, a downpour opens from the clouds, a snowstorm hits the area, or the
humidity hits an all time high, God wants us to stop and consider Him.
Not too long
ago, we all had to stay at home due to the pandemic. Perhaps that time, when we
were all stopped in our tracks, was a time to better know God and His work. A
time to ponder God's power and glory.
Even as I
walked in the snow and gazed in awe at His works, I knew God gave me the time
to recognize Him as the Creator.
Take time to
see God's creation and the power of His mighty hand.
Book Description:
She's always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment
may destroy her.
On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and
welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters' marriages and an
upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged
father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the
strong sister, and she can't give that up now.
When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter
Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and
they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long
recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she
keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than
his heart can take.
As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and
Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find
strength.
My Thoughts:
When I chose to read Ever Constant, I didn't realize it was book three
of a series. It didn't matter, as I read, I learned enough about the other two
books to understand this beautifully written story. Whitney is an amazing and strong
woman, who raises sled dogs. She had taken care of her family for years and
tried her best to always be strong. Dr. Peter Cameron is the perfect hero,
flaws, fears and all. The two of them try so hard to make up for past mistakes
while heading into difficult situations. I read the story during a winter
snowstorm here in Ohio. While I can't imagine living in Alaska in the early
1900s, tromping out in the snow with my dog brought a better picture of what
life might have been like for them. Peterson and Woodhouse have created
memorable, strong characters, addressed an addiction, showed family love, and
amazing faith in this wonderful story of perseverance. If you enjoy historical
fiction with heart, you'll like Ever Constant. I received a complimentary copy
of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Proverbs 16:23-24
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
The purple powder puffs attracted bees.
Along the shore of Lake Erie, on a Port Clinton beach,
nodding thistle grew. Their purple heads bobbed in the breeze as bees buzzed
around them. The little winged creatures sought out the sweet nectar the
thistle offered. So content to collect the liquid from the plant, the bees
ignored me as I snapped their photo. They were intent on gathering the
ingredients to make honey, a sweet reward.
Unfortunately, in our busy lives sweetness doesn't always
abound. Have you ever said something you wished you could take back as soon as
the words left your mouth? I have. Instead of lifting someone up; I said things
that hurt. In junior high school, before I became a Christian, I remember
saying something offensive to a girl I barely knew, to this day I wish I hadn't
said anything. I not only hurt her feelings, but I carried the burden of speaking
without thinking with me. I don't even remember what I said, but I know it upset
her.
Maybe it's a good thing the pain I caused stayed with me—as
a reminder that God wants me to choose my words wisely, to run what I say
through His filter and determine if it is hurtful or kind. The lesson has stuck
with me for years.
Every person is going through something. Difficulties have
touched everyone, especially during the pandemic. Proverbs tells me gracious
and kind words sooth and heal. With February proclaimed the month of love, help
me spread love, kindness, and joy to every person. Instead of spitting negative
thoughts into the air, let honey pour from our lips.
Speak with the graciousness and spread God's love.
