Snowy Silver Linings

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

Snow seems to be one of those things that you either love it or hate it. I know it can be a nuisance. Not everyone loves having to shovel it, it isn't safe to drive in it, and many times plans must be changed or canceled all together. Sure snow is not convenient most of the time, but I must admit that I love it! I was recently asked to find the silver lining for a snow storm just as spring is about to approach, so I am going to try to present 10 reasons to argue my case.

1.  Biblical reminder
• Above I quoted a Bible verse from Isaiah. Whenever it snows, I find myself thinking of the sacrifice Christ made for us my shedding His blood on the cross for my sins. My heart full of sin has been covered in white because He paid the price. It is a beautiful reminder.
• About a year ago we were hit with a snow storm and the light for our flag pole was covered with snow, but the light shined through. It reminded me that the light we find in God's love can never be hidden.
  
2. Family Bonding Time
• Growing up I have fond memories of snow days. I especially liked the snows that were so big my dad could stay home. We would work together shoveling, go sledding, make hot chocolate, eat grilled cheese and soup for lunch, watch movies together. It was an unexpected day to enjoy precious time with my families. To this day I enjoy it. A few years ago my youngest brother and I faced the elements and built a snowman together. Fun times!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
3.  Friendship and Good Times
• Not everyone can be with their family on a snow day. Maybe you don't live with your family, or perhaps you have a job which requires you to brave the elements. I still believe snow can be fun. Maybe you can go sledding with your neighbors, or build a pillow fort with your roommate, maybe your business slows downs and allows you to enjoy time with your co-workers. I loved playing with my neighborhood friends when I was younger, and I always enjoyed snow days at college with my friends and roommates there.
  
  
  
  
4. The joy of childhood
• As a teacher I get to experience the joy that is found in children when it snows. They light up when they talk about it. They love to sled, build snowmen, have a snowball fight and so much more. I love watching them experience it, and I know I loved experiencing it as a child.
  
5. Changing of the Seasons


• I love living along the northeastern coast. Experiencing the changing of the season thrills me. I get to see the leaves change colors in the fall, see the flowers grow in the spring, experience the adventures to be had in the summer heat, and my year would not be complete without snow fall in the winter.
  
  
  
6. Snow helps the environment
• Snow does help moisturize the earth's surface. Farmers can appreciate this as it will help their crop grow. My mom's theory is it helps kill germs. I can't tell you for sure if this is true, but it does keep children home from school for a day or two which may help stop the spreading of germs for a little while anyway.
  
7. Slow Down
• Life is busy. Sometimes I think snow is God's way of telling us to slow down. I know not everyone can take a snow day, but many of us do. We may not like it all the time, and sometimes I must admit we have too many snow days. However, I think every now and again, we need some time to stay home and spend time with our families. No running here and there, but just staying in and enjoying what we already have.
  
8. God's power displayed
• Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Whether it be a thunder storm or a snow storm or anything in between, we can know we serve an all powerful God. To think, with all this power, He loves us all and sent His Son to die for us, so we can live with Him forever if we believe. What a humbling thought!
  
9. Winter Sports
• Just remember, if there was no snow, there would be no sledding, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, etc, etc. I love the Olympics and how sad would it be if there was no winter Olympics.
  
10. God knows what we need
• Last year I had a really bad cold, but I was going to push through my second job. I wasn't sure how, but I thought I needed too. Right as I was getting ready, I get a call that don't need me because business was slow due to work. It was a God given miracle. Last month I had a horrible stomach bug. I never had to make up plans for the substitute because we had a snow day. Also I'm pretty sure that most teachers can attest to the fact that every once and while, the kids and the teachers need a break from the long winter. Snow can be a blessing in disguise if you are looking.
  

There you have it. Ten reasons why I love the snow! I know it isn't for everyone, and I am so grateful to the first responders, medical personnel, utility workers, snow plowers and so many others who must face the elements to help others. I also know that too much of anything can be a bad thing. We do need to work, and we all have needs which need met through our employment. I am not saying I constantly wish for a week long blizzard. I just find joy in a good solid snow or two each winter. I see it as another part of God's Creation, and I believe there can be much to be learned and enjoyed from it.

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

~ Psalm 51:7 (ESV)

Senior Year...What?

So this week I have been reflecting on my college career. It is going by much too fast, and I have finished the first quarter of senior year. Between projects, holidays and breaks, I will be back for second semester student teaching before I know it. God has been so good as always through this semester. He has given me strength to stay diligent and has provided new and exciting opportunities. I am just loving senior year!

As far as student teaching goes, right now I know I will be teaching at Wood County Christian School in the 6th grade - yikes! I always imagined myself teaching 2nd grade or below, but I'll roll with it. Everything else about the experience has been orchestrated so nicely, so I believe that God will be with me for this new challenge. The unknown actually has me quite excited which is much better than stress. I am excited to be living with a family I know of in their loft. The mother of the family works at the school so my ride is provided. I am really looking forward to updating about this experience once it arrives.

School has been amazing like I said. My friend, Sarah, got to come and visit me. It was a short yet wonderful stay. Rooming with Melanie has been a lot of fun. I give her a hard time, but it is nice to have a good friend around. The hardest about leaving for student teaching will be saying goodbye to my church down here. They are wonderful and I will miss them! So many other experiences I could report about if I was better at this whole blogging thing, but oh well.

Right now, I am starting to feel inspired about some upcoming lesson plans and I'm listening to Christmas music of all things. It is a beautiful relaxing feeling, and I can't wait to see where this journey will lead. It's been a wild ride, but I'm thankful for every minute of it.

Acknowledgments

So this summer I was busy reading and writing in preparation for a Literacy class I'll be taking this coming semester. It's hard to believe that senior year has finally arrived. I have been thinking of some thank yous I would love to leave if I had the chance for an acknowledgment page in the children's book I wrote:

To my mama, thank you for being my inspiration! You are such a godly example to me of a Christian wife and mother and if I could be half the teacher you are, I think I will be well off. Your humor keeps me smiling.

To Daddy, thank you for the adventurous trips to and from school and I live for our heart to heart conversations that come up every so often. Nothing beats a good history film to watch with you, and learning more about you through reminiscing your college years have been special.

To Jonathan, thank you for the constant phone calls. Chatting with you bring a smile to my face even on the worse of days. I will always appreciate your Toby Keith and Beach Boy sing alongs. Road trips with you are among my favorites - just watch that road rage.

To Matthew, you are your father's son and I also appreciate you on our college trips. Thanks for being my buddy on some of our summer outings and I don't know where I would be without my personal tech support.

To Me-Mom, thank you so much for your spiritual encouragement. It has helped me more times than I can count over these years. Your letters of love and encouragement arrive when I need them most. Your prayers are also appreciated.

To Aunt Nancy, Aunt Sherry, Aunt Roxanne, Uncle Bunk and family, thank you for your support whether it be financial, encouraging words, phone calls, e-mails or visits. I have been blessed beyond all measure in my family and I look forward to holidays just so I can see you all!

To Kati, my fellow el edder, it is nice to know someone outside of school going through the same thing as I. Thank you for also explaining the football games to me. Your patience is overwhelming.

To Megan, wow, what a ride but I've enjoyed every minute. This past summer has been awesome and I can't wait for the houses to become more than a bike ride. Thank you for my new HP love as well. ;-)

To Kyle, thank you for putting up with me

To my CBC church family, thank you for the constant love and prayers and amazing care packages over the years. I love coming home to you all.

To Regina, thank you for work and for being an awesome person. I have made a lot of good memories these past 3 years, and you are in a lot of them.

To Sarai and Emily, thank you thank thank you for being world's best illustrators. This book would not be possible without you and you are both amazing. I am so thankful for our many memories this summer. You are the voice....

So many others I could thank for making these college years special especially me roommates, Anna, Kelly, Bethanna and Melanie, my college friends, my BRBC church family and our staff at school. What an awesome ride, and I cannot wait to see what senior year holds.

How can one girl be so blessed? Thank you to my Heavenly Father for leading me this way and for providing so many ways of encouragement and wonderful people in my life.