Last week, we were the recipients of the historical snowstorm which blasted Virginia, leaving us covered in almost three feet of snow. After digging ourselves out, many of us rural folks are now frustrated about our internet, which tends to be uncooperative during crazy weather.

I’ve been trying to bring my wonderful readers a new blog post, but my new computer won’t even obey my commands. On top of that, painful medical procedures have been keeping me from doing what I want to do. I have writing deadlines, and things to do in the house, schooling, and there’s never enough time. Needless to say, I’ve been dealing with discouragement in a pretty big way.

Since I knew I could at least upload a photo from my phone, I decided to look for something beautiful to share with you, and I came upon this. I have to think about what God did for my family during a threatening storm. The electricity stayed on, and we didn’t even need our generator. A neighbor loaned us his snowblower, and even though the bolts fell off, we managed to get our driveway cleared just in time. Our sagging trampoline survived, because my husband shoveled off two feet of snow, during the storm. Neighbor children came over to play and have cookies and cocoa, when everyone is usually too busy to get together. I enjoyed the warm, cozy joy of being shut in tight, with my whole family for an entire week, which was pure bliss. And the beauty of the fresh, falling snow was incredible.

The train whistle still blew. Quiet peace surrounded our house. We played games and watched movies together. We saw the most gorgeous sunsets by The Master Painter. There were indigo skies with twinkling stars, and long glistening icicles. I need to think upon such things, when I am feeling discouraged because things don’t go my way. My God is a good God. He covers the ground with snow, and He covers me with His protection and His love.

And now, after a tough weekend, He’s given me something different to share with you instead. I hope it encourages you today. If it does, I hope some of you will take a minute to let me know. I can use some encouragement this week, and I’m thankful for my friends who have lifted me up. Even during hard times, I’m driven to encourage people. My heart wants to encourage you. And I know, that it’s because… encouragement is a gift from God.

Please God, forgive me for being discouraged. With You, I never need to worry, because You are always on my side, and you’re always doing what’s best for me. Forgive me for doubting You. You make everything good. Remove my discouragement in the name of Jesus. Fill me with the joy that only comes from You. Help me to remember to look for the silver lining. Thank you for bringing to mind my favorite bible verse:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.” Phil. 4: 6-8 New International Version