Friday, February 4, 2011

Frozen

Brrr, it's cold! Even in FL, the sunshine state, they've been experiencing colder than normal temperatures. I recently heard on the news that the strawberry crops were in danger of freezing. You see, strawberries can evidently handle the cold to about 28 degrees. A slight dip below freezing just makes them sweeter. But once it goes below 28, the crops are ruined.

When the farmers hear a deep freeze is coming, they do something that I found amazing. They turn on the sprinklers! As the water covers the berries, it freezes, creating a personal freezer around each berry - keeping it chilled at exactly 32 safe and sweet degrees. The ice actually saves the berries from colder temperatures.

Do you ever feel like your getting a big freeze? Maybe you think God is giving you a "cold shoulder" letting you go through some times that are hard as ice. I can't say for certain, but I do love the idea that by giving us a small does of a cold, hard time that God is protecting us from further ruin, like the ice protects the strawberry.

I don't know, but just thinking about it warms my frozen heart.

Chatty Kelly

Monday, January 31, 2011

I've Got the Music In Me

Ain't got no trouble in my life
No foolish dream to make me cry
I'm never frightened or worried
I know I'll always get by.
I've Got the Music in Me, Kiki Dee, 1975

Reading the lyrics above makes me think, wouldn't it be nice if life were really that way?

"Ain't got no trouble in my life." Truth is, my life is pretty good right now. My husband & I are nearing 15 years of marriage, and are quite possibly having our best year ever. I adore my kids, and have many, many great friends. I'm blessed! But I've had my share of deep troubles, I have smaller things that trouble me now, and I know that trouble will come again.

"Foolish dreams to make me cry?" Well, I haven't cried lately, but some of my dreams do seem foolish at times. Publish a book? Me? Be a dynamic speaker? Make a positive impression for Christ in people's lives? Sometimes it seems like a foolish dream to me and I can get down. Yet I know that God planted those dreams in my heart and I keep chugging along for His glory!

"I'm never frightened or worried." I have children! Enough said! I worry every day about my kids. I hate when they have to face adversity, mean kids, life's injustices, yet I know they are being made stronger through these things. Just like I am when they happen to me.

"I know I'll always get by." This one is true. I am so peaceful and feel blessed that I have faith in my Savior! Because He is in my life I will always get by! I am an over-comer! Every day brings new challenges, but I am up for the task.

And not because I've got the music in me, even though I do. While music does put a spring in my step, the real reason I know I'll always get by is because I have Jesus in me. I have Jesus in me! I have Jesus in me!!


Chatty Kelly