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I did this painting about 25 years ago and it makes me shiver with chills every time I look at it.
But it also has a peacefulness about it that is calming to my spirit. Hopefully the gentleman 
who purchased it enjoys its’ serenity when he gazes at it. 

That makes me think of how winter can be a both chilling and peaceful. Just Think. All the 
wintery Christmas cards and pictures we like viewing also have a quiet serenity to them 
and going to the snow to play, ski, or just retreat can create a warm and exciting mood.
But, in reality snowy weather is very cold. 

Guess it’s a kind of dichotomy.

Living in Southern California, we seldom get snow or temperatures below 45 degrees, so
our idea of being in that kind of environment is mostly romantic. My husband grew up in

Maine, and when asked if he liked the cold snowy weather, he would likely respond as he

always does: “It’s a nice place to be from.” 

So, if it weren’t for cozy warm coats, snow-shoes, and hot chocolate, we might not like

being in the snow.

Too much of a good thing is hardly ever good. Although we’ve experienced a 

lot of warm comfortable weather for the past few years in So Cal, we’ve also had a 

terrible drought. Thankfully, our parched and thirsty land has been getting a lot of 

rain lately and it’s been a welcomed relief. However, as I write this, we are getting 

flash flood warnings and strong winds. 

NOT GOOD!

While checking on the potted plants and furniture in our backyard, I was relieved

to see our large patio umbrellas were closed and tightly secured to the sturdy posts

of our patio cover so the wind wouldn’t blow them away.  

Much like the weather, going through stormy times in life can also be hard. Few, if

any of us, crave or welcome troubles. Like you, I’ve had such times too. If you read

my latest blog. “Shaky Paths” you’ll get a clue about one such trial I’ve been dealing

with. Mathew 5:45 says: God “makes the sun rise on the evil and the good and 

sends rain on the just and the unjust.” 

It sounds like another dichotomy doesn’t it? 

I’ve always tried to see the good that can come out of life’s storms. Maybe it’s because

my name, Iris, means rainbow. And one of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28, “for

we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God

and are called  according to his purposes.” To me, it says that trusting in God means

staying tethered to Him. And when we do, no matter what storms come our way, we can

have peace knowing that He is working out his purposes for us. 

And THAT’S GOOD!

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and snuggle-up to a warm cozy fire as you contemplate 

God’s secure and loving hand in your life. In the meantime, I pray the climate of your

spirit remains peaceful, the condition of your heart, warm, and all the rainy weather

is the kind that comes from the Holy Spirit with replenishment, refreshment, and

the filling of your thirsty soul.

#snowyweather #winter #rainyweather #inspirationalwriter #purpose #peacefulness #rainbow 

#drought #artist #purposeful #Holyspirit #rain #storms