Morning rambles on January

 Winter is a fun time of the year. I can see some of you shaking your head in unbelief. Others of you are smiling and shaking your head in agreement. Still others of you are sitting there, wondering what is this rambling old preacher talking about on this Tuesday morning.

Here it is, the 11th day of the month, and we have had a variety of types of weather. It has been below zero at one time, with wind chills that were brutal. Then today, it is supposed to get up to 50 degrees. Rollercoaster ride, for sure. Ups and downs. Snow early on, then no snow. It is extremely dry and we need moisture. I would prefer that we would get snow, then have it soak it when it melts, rather than getting rain. Rain at this time of the year is cold and miserable. It makes the top of the ground a slimy, muddy mess, because of the frost in the ground making it impossible for the rain to soak in. If you think I am crazy to say we need moisture, come and look at the cracks in the ground in my backyard. It looks more like a summer yard (without the grass growing because of the hot, dry summer) than a winter yard. Bring on the moisture.

There are those who love winter sports. Ice fishing. Skiing. Sledding. Snowmobiling. Then there are those who love winter indoor activities. Puzzles. Sitting in front of the fire. Reading. Drinking hot chocolate (with lots of marshmallows). We are on our second puzzle of the season.

Winter is fun (all right, a little sarcastic) when I walk through the kitchen and one of those Japanese ladybug things is flying around the lights in the kitchen. What? It is January 11th. These bugs are not supposed to be bugging us (pun intended). The thing just flew in front of my face. Grrr. It is time to get into all out war to get this bug.

Enjoy the day. I want to remind you of this - no matter what the weather, Jesus is still the Lord. He is still our Savior. He still loves and cares for you. That will never change. Keep that in mind. If you feel lonely, know that He is with you. If you are sick, He is there to hold you and then when it is time, grant you healing. If you are caught up in a sinful behavior, He will help you to turn from that sin. He will forgive you as you confess your sins. He will embrace you. He will hold you. He will comfort you. Keep that in mind.

Blessings to you as you continue to move your way through this month of January.