ICY CONDITIONS MAY EXIST!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9

"Flash freeze", ever heard that phrase? I hadn't but I am well acquainted now!  Just yesterday I experienced the scariest fall ever. Right there in front of our own front door Mother Nature had created an undisguised ice rink. Saturday I hadn't been privy to that evening's weather forecast of the impending, fierce icy conditions, day long rain, chilly air, plummeting temps and terrible driving conditions. But thank God when my tumbling ensued I was layered and dressed for wintry weather just naive regarding the hazardous conditions. Off we were to Sunday Worship--I pushed my way happily out the door knowing that my family was following suit. Literally It felt as though I was bouncing happily, anticipating the day. And as soon as I stepped out the door, no further than the landing, my balance was immediately off. Ever been there, startled and (you fill in the blank)?  It felt weird, strange not to be steady on a foundation that was familiar, level, concrete. Mentally I am still trying to collect my thoughts about the awkwardness of it all and how my sure steps were compromised. I recall that it was all happening so quickly, my tumbling down, slip sliding, grasping for security, grabbing at air-gasping in horror, legs tangled, gliding down one step at a time, all uncontrollable. This moment felt shocking, humiliating, publicly becoming disheveled and finally managing to get up! Instinctively I uttered, "I'm alright!"  Was I really?

And so a day later I am resting, recouping and achy but relieved! As I scroll through Facebook marveling at my friends entries, appreciating amazing art, gazing at photos of beautiful culinary treats, shaking my head at the outrageous public antics and then I see  it-pause to read Philippians 4:8, and understand that's God's words are my divine safety net in the midst of all the Facebook entries! It was like a"flash freeze" moment! And for a split second I knew those words were for me, for me not focus on the fall,and who may or may not have witnessed its impact, but instead to celebrate my getting up-rebounding and shaking off all the hazardous "what ifs" when icy conditions may exist!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The fact is that my body is sore from the fall but thankfully the impact of yesterday's fall only left me mildly shaken, nothing extreme, nothing deadly! Friends truly I appreciate God cushioning my fall and allowing me to be transparent. I tried to brace myself, grab hold of the metal railing with no success and hindsight says, that was indeed fortunate. No concussion, missing teeth, broken limbs and busted lips. i survived I bet my fall was minor in comparison to what you've survived!  We do know about some rough patches don't we!

Life's moments can beat you down and tear you up! They may leave you "jacked-up"!  But thank God It's only temporary!  The odds are with us that we will experience some unforeseen mishaps, collisions and/or occurrences but I choose to believe that God will reveal his goodness even when it hurts! He does care for you, Think about how it was evident during what seemed like a most unlikely time in your life! This too is another trans formative season. If you have't experienced it-- just you wait and see!

Oh but you will bounce back and the scars may or may not be visible. But your resilient spirit will assure you that your faith in God has strengthened you! And the bottom line is we'll know and the NaySayers will have to also admit God is a keeper.And in the meantime while you are moving through life re-energized and possibly wobbling read Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you."

Friends go on and trust Jesus, there is no need be overly preoccupied about the icy conditions, the Lord is faithful!

Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
https://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/