We’ve all had those times in our lives when we felt completely lost… like no matter what we did, or what we tried, we could not find our way. We’ve all had those difficult times when nothing seems to be going our way. We’ve all had the days when we’ve sat and wondered where our life is headed. What is the point to all of this? Why is this happening to me and my family? Why, God, did you deem it necessary for me to have to endure this? When are things going to get better? Why am I being treated so badly? Why does no one care… about me? What in the world are we supposed to do when we just don’t know what to do? It’s in these times that we want to give up. It’s in these times that we want to just take the easy way out, whatever that may be. The desire to just leave it all behind and start over is ever so enticing, because after all, the grass is always greener on the other side… isn’t it? How do we react in these make-or-break moments of our faith? Do we just sit and wonder why, doing nothing? Do we run from it, trying to just avoid the whole situation? Do we confront it, and meet the challenge, difficulty, or problem head-on, trying to figure it out for ourselves?

Or do we pray?...

Do we turn it over to almighty God who knows all things, and can do “exceedingly, abundantly above ALL that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20)? Do we hand our problems to Him and say, “God, you love me and only you know what is best for me. I trust you to guide me even in the valley of the shadow of death, and I trust you to lead me in paths of righteousness. I have no need to worry, because everything is in your hands.” Do we trust Him that much? If we can just learn to let go and let God, suddenly those big problems won’t seem so huge anymore. Those dark days will turn to brightness. The stress, worry, and anxiety will float away. The unhappiness will turn to glee, and the discontent into a peace that passes all understanding.

Can we learn to count our blessings?

The fact of the matter is that most of these dark times come because we are focusing on ourselves and all the “unfairness” that surrounds us. We think about all the bad things instead of focusing on the good things. In any and every situation we can find something to be positive about, although the negative is much, much easier to dwell on. Too often we forget that happiness is found in serving God. Too often we forget that the joy in life is found in the little things. It is found in the time spent with brethren and loved ones. It is found in the memories that are made sitting with a cup of coffee and conversing, watching the little ones run around, or spending some time doing the things we love with our spouses. These are the blessings that God gives us that make life worth the living. It’s not found in monetary things, social status, or a better situation there rather than here. We need to learn to trust in God because, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28).

– JL

It started about 10am yesterday and went til about dark and tapered off. It's started again this morning and is supposed to go til about noon. We've probably gotten 2 or 3 inches. It's not much, but it makes me happy, especially cuz Amber's school cancelled classes today so i'm gonna work from home (since the roads are bad anyway) and we'll get to have a nice semi-long weekend together. Yay for snow!

?

I'm not saying we would've won had Colt played, and we can "what if" til next season, but what did that really prove?

Nada.

Poor kid did the best he could. Too bad his receivers couldn't catch balls placed right in their hands. I bet from now on Mack Brown decides it's a good idea to have his 2nd string QB ready to play in an actual game.

And finally, for the record, Mack Brown & Colt McCoy = classy. Alabama & Saban... not so much. Way to give God the glory, Colt.

This time it was unwelcomed.

It snowed heavily on Christmas Eve eve and into Christmas Eve so that I awoke on Thursday to 4-6 inches of snow and treacherous roadways. I was supposed to fly out at 9:15am. It didn't happen. Nor did it happen on Christmas Day. I was stuck in Lubbock without my family on Christmas. By the good graces of some friends from church I didn't spend Christmas completely alone, and thanks to webcams I was able to at least physically "see" some family and some gifts being opened, but it's just not the same. Amber finally got home on Sunday.

Now it's Tuesday and it's snowing again. This time I'll take it. They're saying 1-3 inches today and it's not so windy this time. Things shouldn't be as bad except there's still snow and ice in some places leftover from last week.

I was at the office this morning, but with the snow coming down, I went ahead and came home so as to not get caught again by treacherous roads.

Although it ruined our first Christmas as a married couple, overall winter is still my favorite season (because really, it wasn't winter's fault at all).

The end.

(J|L)

It snowed this morning. It's supposed to snow more tonight, and maybe a little on thursday, too.

Snow = Awesome.

Thanksgiving also was wonderful.

(J|L)