Baby, it's Cold Outside.

And to be honest it is not too warm in this big old house today either.  The wind whistling through any tiny crevice it can find to chill the occupants inside.  And I am tired.  The powerful gusts began about 2 am last night waking every member of our household that was present.  The sounds of 50 mph wind gusts hitting a great big square house with no wind break and old doors and windows can be pretty impressive.  And like the old nursery book story goes, it huffed and puffed but the praise be to God.  The Woollard House stood strong. 
 There has been alot of huffing and puffing going on lately in the lives of Christ's Church.  Some come from inward forces and other times the winds blow on us from unknown places. And though we should not be surprised, if we focus on the sound of the wind- it can seem far to powerful to withstand.  And often times it is.  At least on our own.  So, to borrow a phrase from a popular Christian worship song~ we must learn to praise him in the storm.  And know that the God of the Universe holds us in his hands.  And that these storms have a purpose in our lives.  For the Great I Am promised that anything we encounter must first go through His hands.  It must be approved by God. Not that He caused it, but He allowed it for our ultimate good.  He disciplines those He loves.   Just like we, as parents, must do the same to teach our children important lessons.  So I thank you Lord for your discipline and for the chill of howling wind.  I do not fear it.  For I know that you allowed it and I trust you.  Lift us up when we are sinking and thank you for giving us the rock upon which we can stand.  And help us to reach out to each other and bear one anothers burdens.  We were never meant to do it alone.  So yes.
Baby, it's Cold Outside.  But He makes all things new and the smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  Rise in our hearts Emanuel, and in your church.  May we burn brightly for you, ignited by the flame of the Holy Spirit, loving one another in perfect unity.  No matter the weather.  AMEN!