22 Feb Frozen

Admittedly, I love the colder weather. I love the sights, the smells, the coziness of a fire… and I love the clothes of the colder season! Growing up in Florida, where there is maybe about a minute-and-a-half of “coolish” weather, I longed for a Christmas where I could wear closed-toe shoes and a cute sweater instead of flipflops, a tank top, and shorts; where an umbrella was not a regular accessory to my daily wardrobe; and where my hair behaved in a humid-free environment. Alas, my wish came true, and my Prince Charming whisked me away 21 years ago in the big relo to the great state of Texas where everything is…well, yes, bigger, and the weather is (for lack of a better term) dysfunctional. It’s hotter-than-hot in the summer (highs well over 100° and up to 115°–and that’s not even the “feels like” temp); and winter temps can drop from 75° to 25° in the course of a day; air-conditioning on one day, snow and ice the next. And it’s true what they say, “Don’t plant your flowers before Easter because there could still be snow.” Yep—twice in 21 years I’ve seen snow on Easter in Big D.

All that to say—I absolutely do love the change of seasons and the cold weather! But it’s February—the last full month of Winter—and this winter gloom thing has been a whoopin! Cold and gray for days, dry air, dry skin, no sunlight, no natural vitamin D… all the things. And then you start to feel, how should I say… out of sorts.

Yes, I’ve been feeling out of sorts lately. That’s a polite way of saying I want to take a nap and wake up on March 20th—the first day of Spring! I think the bears have it right—sleep through the cold gray months and wake up happy and hungry (as a bear) 6 months later. Some people take a winter break to avoid the winter funk. I get it. That’s where I am right now… frozen in a winter funk. Can’t really put my finger on any one thing in particular—just feel frozen in the blues and grays and cool tones of this long, cold winter. Scratchy; but not from wool clothing. Scratchy mostly on the inside. Ugh.

My daily lament:

Lord, what’s wrong with me? I ask in exasperation and frustration and agitation, first thing in the morning.

It’s just Winter, says my God who made the seasons what they are—and not a single one without purpose.

Each of My seasons is holy. Now it’s Winter—and I’m doing something in the Winter that I will not do at any other time of year. This Winter season will prepare the earth for what’s to come…and it will prepare you for what I have planned. I’ve already seen to it. Because during these long, cold Winter months, your roots have been growing deep and strong in the soil of faith, being watered by My Word, so you’ll be ready.

And don’t forget, Winter, too, brings my mercies fresh and new—every single day…just like sunlight.

It’s Winter…but Spring is comin’ 🙌🏼

God is always so good and faithful to preach His glorious gospel to us—all the time, every day, everywhere.

Light breaks through the darkness and the world begins.

Evening turns to morning at the first rays of sunlight.

Summer turns to Autumn, Autumn to Winter, and Winter gives birth to Spring’s fresh, new life and new beginnings.

And the Light of the World, after three long days, broke out of cold and death of that dark empty tomb… full of glorious life, and hope, and peace, and joy, and love eternal.

Each season means something. Each season brings something. Winter must come. Winter must stay as long as God purposed it. But then… there will come Spring. There has always been Spring. There will always be Spring. In God’s perfect order, there will be Winter, and there will be Spring.

Oh summer and winter
And springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto thee.

Something to Think About

Are You Februarying?
(This will make you laugh… and cry!)

Once again, my dear friend and buddy, the lovely Michelle Schroeder, has sent me another gem— she so gets me. This excerpt from a talented gal, Kate Strickler, creator of Naptime Kitchen on Instagram, and her website and newsletter (also on Substack)—is SPOT ON!

Kate writes, “…it’s still February. You know that miserable, irritable feeling you get when the whole world is ending and you hate your body and you think everyone is against you but then three days later you start your period and it all makes sense? I think February is sort of like the calendar’s version of PMS.

“I am being funny here, but I also think there’s some truth to it that might help your weary and vitamin D deficient soul. February is historically a very cold and isolating month. The full calendar of the holidays is behind us, the lights and tinsel are taken down, but spring isn’t quite on the horizon. It’s a bit, well, depressing.

“I guess I just wanted to say if you feel irritable, lonely, or simply desperate for some sun on your skin, you aren’t alone. And before you know it the ground will melt and you will emerge with shaved legs and sandals and that joy and hope that spring brings. But right now, we hibernate. So pour a mug of hot tea, plug in your heat pad, and do your best to be kind to yourself (and those around you).

You aren’t crazy. You are February-ing.”

One More Thing

Glory to God… it’s just February and I am Februarying! You too?

As I was writing the Lord brought to my heart Scriptures I’ve loved and clung to over the years— mostly the words David—the King, the Shepherd and Psalmist who poured out his heart to God in prose and music— from his highest highs to lowest lows. God called David a man after My own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), because David’s heart was not perfect, but in tune with the One who made his heart. He felt a lot like we do a lot of the time…and I wonder if he may have penned these lyrics during the dead of Winter. Maybe David was Februarying, too.

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?
Why are you crying the blues?
Fix my eyes on God—
soon I’ll be praising again.
He puts a smile on my face.
He’s my God.

Psalm 42:11
The Message Bible

Until next week— don’t forget that you are greatly and dearly loved by The King! And let’s live our beautiful, ordinary lives like women who believe it!

I love you,
xo – P♥️