1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
There is no need to write you, friends, about the times and occasions when these things will happen. For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief comes at night. When people say, "Everything is quiet and safe," then suddenly destruction will hit them! It will come as suddenly as the pains that come upon a woman in labor, and people will not escape.
As a thief comes at night . . .
It could be said, and then some, about the thief of a snow storm that recently hits our region of Georgia. Our trusted weather gurus, with all their state-of-the-art computer model predictors at their disposal, completely miss the mark.
Completely!
With forecasts ranging between a dusting and a possible 1 -2 inch accumulation, we here in Kennesaw end up with eight whole inches!
And that's just the snow that collected on elevated surfaces. The consensus is that at least eleven inches fell in totality. Everything "quiet and safe?" Hardly!
Oh, yes, it starts out harmlessly enough.
But as the day goes on, it's snow, snow and more snow!
We know we are indefinitely stuck in our Little House in the Big Woods, with its Driveway of Death and Cul-de-sac of Doom!
Yet, we feel so blessed. We have power, while many of our neighbors, unfortunately in these freezing temperatures, go without. We have the obligatory bread and milk on hand, and thankfully, many other provisions. And we are hemmed in on all sides by breathtaking scenery.
As I reflect upon the pristine beauty of freshly fallen snow, the unexpected and early white Christmas I always dream about, I'm reminded once again that the season of Advent is not just about Jesus coming into the world as a helpless baby. It is about His coming again in glory, to rule once and for all as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Coming when we least expect it . . .
So let us be watching. Waiting. Aware. Awake.
For the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. May it not, like the snowstorm, catch us off guard.
Amen.
yeah...better you than us. Oops that's not very neighborly of me is it? LOL Couldn't happen to nicer people? Nope that isn't very nice either. But one good thing: with that blue sky shining down on you it won't be around very long. Not like here where that much snow last awhile because it is not only snowing but turning cold. We were in the teens last night I believe. thanks for the great pictures martha.
ReplyDeleteYou were right about the snow not staying too long, Bill, at least on the roads and that's a good thing. We are out and about like normal, though there is plenty of snow left to look at. Lost LOTS of pine tree limbs because of the weight of the snow, but at least none fell on our house. Whew!
DeleteGlad you liked the photos!
Love and blessings!
This happened to us last winter, so I understand exactly what you mean! It is beautiful, isn't it, especially when we have power and are well stocked.
ReplyDeleteI love that image of watching. There is a verse in The Book of Mormon that says "their labor was to look." And I love the Bible verses that admonish and encourage us to watch and wait. That is our job, isn't it, to watch and wait for God.
It truly is our job to watch and wait, Galen. I love that phrase "their labor was to look." Perfect!
DeleteAs I told Bill in the comment above, I'm so grateful the roads are clear enough so we can get out. It's too easy to contract cabin fever. LOL!
Love and blessings!
Martha, Nothing like those snow events that even the highly trained experts miss by a mile (or more!). Some people are better at predicting weather (joint and other pain) than meteorologists! Your photos are stunning!! Thanks for sharing them--it has been a long while since I've seen that much snow. Snowy landscapes are breath-taking.
ReplyDeleteYou're words about Advent are spot-on. To be ready, watching and waiting for our Lord's return!
Love and blessings!
So glad you enjoyed the photos, Kim - most are Danny's, although a few are mine. :) Thanks, too, for saying my words regarding Advent are spot-on. That means a lot!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Snow may be beautiful when it first falls, but the consequences can be dire. Here in the UK we have had snow for the past few days - roads closed, trains not running, power cuts, airports closed and ships and ferries not sailing.
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray you are safe where you are.
I have a plastic sheet which I use to cover the car windscreen to stop it frosting over overnight. This morning, with the snow and ice, the plastic sheeting was totally stuck to the windscreen.
Happy Advent and God bless you all.
Oh, wow, Victor! It sounds like you all are having a brutal winter (hey, and it's still fall). Hope you thaw out sooner than later.
DeleteYes, as I write this, we are in the clear, but the temperatures? Still very cold and icy.
Love and blessings!
Wow! That's a lot of snow, Martha. Here in the Midwest, we had about an inch, but it's all melted already. Freshly fallen snow is breath-taking, so untrodden by man. It often causes me to pray - "Lord, wash us and make us whiter than the snow!" As do these beautiful pictures showing His glory. :) Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI thought of that same verse as I watched the snow fall, Trudy. It's perfect! And yes, this was the most snow we've seen since the Blizzard of '93 - quite impressive to say the least.
DeleteWe are safe now as most of it has melted, but it was beautiful while it lasted.
Love and blessings!
So happy that you are safe and warm in your home. My brother and his wife and other family members were without power for a while. (They live in Woodstock area). It certainly looks beautiful...and cold..but so lovely. Thank you for sharing with us. We are chilly here in Florida, but no snow. Thankfully, I think!
ReplyDeleteYou're kidding, Pamela - Woodstock??? Kennesaw is a hop, skip and a jump from there! Glad their power came back on; some folks went days without electricity in freezing temps. Brrr!
DeleteThe snow was gorgeous while it lasted, but I'm relieved it's all mostly melted now.
Love and blessings!
Beautiful post, Martha! Stay close and safe in the warmth of your home.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks so much, Lulu! Thank goodness we've had enough melt at this point to be able to get out and about.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos, friend! I love a winter storm that keeps us homebound and all cozy and warm together with no place to go and no way to get there.
ReplyDeleteSafe and sound, we count our blessings, grateful for the respite from the daily routine.
Stay safe as you dig out and venture forward!
;-)
All I can say is, great minds think alike, Linda! I don't mind being snowbound in the least, well, as long as we have power, that is. It's all melted now, but it sure was beautiful while it lasted.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the photos, too!
Love and blessings!
Wonderful analogy. Our Father gives us so many reminders that point not only to Him, but to His sovereignty.
ReplyDeleteThere's blessings in all circumstances when we see with the eyes of our Father.
Thanks for the reminder. And the beautiful pictures.
Oh, yes, Floyd, our God who reigns, in all and everything, is our answer for each and every day. May we remember this well.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What beautiful photos. Snowed here last night but the trees didn't look as great as the ones you captured with your camera. Surprising, amazing storm and gift from God!
ReplyDeleteStorms can absolutely be gifts from God, Jean. He is telling us that He is walking through them with us. I'll be sure to let Danny know you enjoyed his photos. May the pending New Year grant us grace and joy!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for visiting my Blog.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Always, Victor, and thanks for visiting mine.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, being from Southern California, I so loved these pics. I can usually drive to the mountains (an hr. away) and go to the snow, but not so far this year. It's been warm here.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your "white Christmas".
Beckie, we did enjoy our early White Christmas, and so unexpected gift from above. It has only served to remind me how we are not in control, but God is in every day and time.
DeleteLove and blessings!