"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool." ~Isaiah 1:18
Just a mere week apart, another winter blast hits all the way from Georgia up through the Carolinas. Even Florida is looking at record breaking frigid temperatures. I can imagine all the snowbirds who fly south for the winter asking themselves why in the world did they leave their northern climes in the first place?
Although parts of North Georgia get three to four inches, we in Kennesaw receive only a dusting as featured in the header photo. I'm not complaining as this is what our driveway looks like after a real snow storm.
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Can you even see the drive at all? If I didn't live here, I know I couldn't. The downside is our temperatures are brutally cold, so much so, that our pastor decides to call off in person worship for yet another Sunday. With a predicted low of 15*, I'm so glad Danny doesn't have to tote his guitar outside for any reason whatsoever.
I'm absolutely thrilled, however, for our three grand-girls who live in North Carolina. Here are two photos taken a week ago Saturday.
And this past Saturday? Well, you can see for yourself!
I'm so glad they have the chance to experience a real snow, something they haven't see since 2022.
Sadly, after getting out in the cold and wet yesterday, both Virginia and Savannah are feeling under the weather. I'm sure they're disappointed that they can only marvel at the snowfall from their windows.
What I love the most about the snowfall is the way it blankets the dull, drab winter landscape with a pristine layer of white. The irregularities and blemishes of yards and forest floors are smoothed and purified, reminding us that when the Lord covers our sins, He transforms us into His likeness in Jesus, His beloved Son.
And just as the earth surrenders to the new-fallen snow, may we, in obedience, surrender to Jesus and His will for us. If we do, He is sure to make our crimson sins as white as snow.
Amen!
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Snow can be so beautiful as your photos show so well. No snow over here - but still very cold.
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph is excellent. Thank you for the reminder.
God bless you and your family.
Thanks so much, Victor, for your kind words here. Hope you stay warm in your home across the pond!
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Until I was 26, I'd seen snow exactly three times -- when I was in second grade, seventh grade, and my senior year in college. And less than an inch each time. That's how rare it was in southern Louisiana and southeast Texas.
ReplyDeleteI certainly hear you on that one, Glynn. Snow is rare in so many U.S. states when things are "normal," but we sure have had an abnormal winter this year. I know I'm ready for the white stuff to stop.
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Sweet granddaughters!
ReplyDeleteThey're much bigger now, Christine, but still as sweet as ever.
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Just for the record, I am SO done with the snow. Springtime can't come too soon this year. Amen!
ReplyDeleteI'm over it, too, Linda. I know the groundhog said six more weeks of winter, and he's probably right - lol! - but it will be so nice to enjoy a bit warmer weather when it finally gets here.
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I was just remarking to Tom the other day, what an unpleasant surprise for those tourists who planned warm, sunny vacations on Florida's beaches.
ReplyDeleteLoved your girls' expressions of joy ... snow is definitely for the young at heart! Tho' I still profess to love the white stuff, it's only by watching from the safety of my little home's front windows. I'm so glad your pastor postponed services, so Danny's health wouldn't be put in jeopardy!
I thought the same thing about all those folks who flocked to Florida thinking they could get a respite from the cold and snow, Myra. And I'm in your camp, too. Snow is great when we can admire it from a window in a warm house. The girls certainly enjoyed playing in it, though. When they're happy, that's all that counts.
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I thought the same thing about the snow - God replaces our filthy rags with the robe of righteousness. Great analogy, Martha.
ReplyDeleteOh, how wondrous that is, Debby, that our God replaces our filthy rags with a robe of righteousness. He absolutely remakes us into the image of His precious Son. So glad the analogy spoke to your heart.
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Amen! Your sins though like scarlet shall be white as snow, so glory to His name, pray your granddaughters pick up. God's blessing on all snowed in. Shaz in Oz.x 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤗
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is the only One who can cleanse us of our sins, Shaz, and save us from ourselves. Yes, there are still so many suffering here from these storms and the prayers of you and everyone are most appreciated.
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I’m so thankful God washes us white as snow when we turn in faith to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am, too, Diana! What would be our hope for the future if we didn't have Jesus in our lives?
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They must have been overjoyed! Did they get any school days off? Love the big heart they made.
ReplyDeleteThe youngest, Alexandra, was the one who made that heart in the snow/sleet, Ginny. God threw away the mold when He made her! Yes, they have had some days off from school as the roads are unsafe in NC. I'm hoping to FaceTime with them tomorrow.
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Great pictures and picture of what God does for us Martha! I never tire of hearing how God makes me white as snow (even as I tire of seeing snow in my state of Indiana).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bill! I never tire of that knowledge either. Oh, how I need to remember that I am cleansed of my sins only because of Him. And I hear you about the snow - it's raining here right now, and I'm grateful for that as we've warmed up a good deal.
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You're right, gosh, it got really cold this year! We went from 80* to it feeling like 8*. Very unusual for SE Georgia.
ReplyDeleteNice photos. Sorry the kids are under the weather though. Maybe some hot tea with honey will make them feel a little better. Hope they're better by now.
Blessings. ❤️
I hope they are, too, Sparky, but I'll be talking to my daughter tomorrow on FaceTime, so will know for sure. I think she would have let me know if any of them was the worst for it. My brother lives in Brunswick and shared a video of some snow flurries they had during this arctic plunge. Hope you are doing better than okay in this unusual weather we've had to endure.
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Jesus does cover our sins, and we are again pure as snow. Great analogy Martha. It has been so cold this past week and now we are warming up! Your three granddaughters are beautiful by the way. Sorry two are sick, but glad they got to play in the snow.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad they got to enjoy the snow, too, Sandie. Every year, we would hear their hopes for enjoying the arrival of a decent snow. It's hard to believe it's been so long since a storm like this has come along. Like you, I'm grateful beyond words that Jesus covers our sins when we repent and ask for His forgiveness.
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I had not thought to ponder how snow illustrates God covering our sins -- but how thankful I am that He does!
ReplyDeleteOh, Barbara, I'm so thankful for that, too! We don't deserve it, but because of His grace, we know our crimson sins are transformed into pure and dazzling white, reflecting His light.
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I cannot imagine living somewhere it snows
ReplyDeleteIt can be quite the challenge, Jo-Anne, especially where we live in the southern part of the States where getting a huge winter storm is not a regular occurrence. We simply prepare in advance and make sure we stay home.
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Dear Martha, these photos are beautiful. Children are amazing and can teach us.so much about living in the moment. While many adults complain about the weather, they are out embracing and enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteUnless we become like little children comes to mind.
Such a lovely post, dear friend. ❤️
That same thought came to my mind, too, Linda. Snow can bring out the joy and sense of wonder in us that we innocently possessed as children. As pure as the wind-driven snow is something that also came to my mind as I read your comment and thought of our grandchildren. May we, the older generation, remember to live in the moment with them.
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Thankful to be retired and fortunate that I only needed to go out once in the last two weeks, what with the bitter cold. (Most of the 10" of snow had been shoveled or plowed by then.) But it does create a beautiful scene out the back windows! / Hope your girls are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteIt happened again, Martha. The above comment is from Nancy Ruegg. I guess from now on I'll have to sign off with my name!
DeleteI'm sorry that happened to you again, Nancy. Blogger can sometimes pull all kinds of odd tricks and detours we don't expect. We are so thankful to be retired, too, and are so grateful that we didn't lose power. So many across TN and MS have not been so fortunate. Let's pray for all those who are still suffering with no power or light.
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The way you connect the beauty of snow to God’s grace is so peaceful and uplifting.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Melody, for your thoughtful words here. Snow can bring such peace and serenity to the landscape that nothing else can. I thank God for that gift.
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Lovely snow pictures. It has been crazy cold here in central Florida, but thankfully no snow! Fun photos of your sweet grandgirls!! As for the 'snowbirds' they have been seen, here in my community, walking in shorts and a jacket, while we permanent residents are bundled up in coats, gloves, knitted hats, and fuzzy socks in our shoes! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness, Terri, that's so 'snowbird' of them! Isn't it funny how our bodies will acclimate to the temperatures we are used to on a regular basis? We've noticed here that once we got out of the freezing range and experienced the 40 - 50 degree temps, it felt like a heat wave! God certainly has made us adaptable to whatever environment we face. I loved those photos, too, and glad you enjoyed them.
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Love the snow photos, Martha. Glad the girls got enough snow to play in. We received 8-9 inches here in East Tennessee and frigid temps. Starting to warm up just a little and hoping for the big thaw soon. The snow is beautiful, but now it's enough. Ready for some warmer weather. It's been some kind of winter this year. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI think we're ahead of y'all in the thaw department, Karen, as we are welcoming a gentle rain this evening. You did get a substantial amount of snow, but as I said before, I'm so glad you maintained your power at your house. We'll be doing a FaceTime call with my daughter tomorrow afternoon, so I'm looking forward to hearing about the grands snow experiences first hand. Continuing prayers for Mike and you!
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I love snow. Grew up with it. That said, I'm one of those freezing people in Florida. I think upstate New York did me in as far as snow tolerance--but my kids beg to go see the snow every year. My husband left the sprinklers on (accidentally) during the night and we woke to icicles on our tree. The kids loved it!
ReplyDeleteI'll bet they did, Crystal! I've been worried about all my friends in Florida during this highly unusual cold snap, but I think everyone has survived just fine. The only time I've been around lots of snow growing up was the year we lived in MA - the snow was simply amazing!
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Prayers from last week were answered - thank you. Through that ice storm we did not lose our power - hallelujah! Nothing worse than having no heat during a polar vortex.
ReplyDeleteI love that scripture from Isaiah. Over the past couple of years I've been memorizing chapters and passages from the Bible. My word for this year is "Come," as this word is a bridge, an open-arms invitation from God to humanity. And so I'll be memorizing them all. That's my spiritual homework assignment.
I hope you didn't lose your power during the ice storm. Soft snow is one thing; and icy landscape is treacherous.
Hallelujah is right, Debra! I'm thrilled to know that you didn't lose power, and we never did, either. Your word for the year is perfect, and I love that you've been taking time to memorize scripture. Such a worthy and worthwhile use of your time. It would certainly behoove me to do more of the same.
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Here I am, Martha, last to the feast again, but so glad to see the beauriful pictures and to vicariously enjoy the fun with your "grands". And the Scripture you began with is one of my very all-time favorites. It holds a special place in my heart for lots of reasons and it brings blessing and gratitude with it every time I see, hear, or think about it. But the thing that makes the idea so wonderful is that when God applies His righteousness to us, it isn't just a temporary covering--it's a permanent and total transformation. Not only. that, but snow--as wonderful as it can be to see and play in, is uncomfortable to hold and a substance we have to make special preparation to stay close to for very long--not so with the righteousness our Savior confers on us. That state is one we can and will embrace and rejoice in forever.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, my treasured friend, forgive me for allowing an absolutely hectic and frustrating day yesterday to get in the way of reading your post when it came in. I love the visits to your home and the insights they always bring. May the God who blessed us with these recent reminders of the beauty He can bring to this world grant you and Danny a special dose of His grace and peace as we wait together for Springtime. Diane and I can hardly wait to witness once again what the marvel of rebirth looks like.
No apologies needed, Ron. Our day was hectic and overly full yesterday, too, and it wasn't until early evening that I was able to respond to the lovely comments folks left up to that point. These days, it seems I'm playing catch up more than staying ahead.
DeleteI love, too, how you expanded upon this verse from Isaiah, pointing out that God's covering is not temporary, but a permanent and total transformation. Exactly! The girls enjoying the snow does remind us all of the joys of winter brought when we were young. Now, I completely understand how for many of us in our older years, spring holds even more promise than ever.
Blessings to you and Diane!
Oh how I love the words in your last paragraph. Isaiah 1:18 "Though you sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." So sorry that the girls are feeling ill. Glad they were able to spend some time in the outdoors though. You all did get some snow/ice. It is beautiful
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to know that the last paragraph here spoke to your heart, Shug. Fortunately, the girls have recovered enough to continue to enjoy the snow. They got lots and lots of it!
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Nice words, Martha. It is like God giving us another opportunity when he covers the land with the whiteness of the snow I like that! Stay warm, it's cold here too with some strong wind.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Bill! I love your analogy of God giving us that opportunity to be as white as the pristine snow when we confess our sins to Him. What could be better than that?
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I love that verse. And I had my first snow experience last Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI love it, too, Lux. Your first snow experience was just last Sunday? Wow! I do hope it was amazing and memorable for you.
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Martha, you write so beautifully. I have complained about this packed snow and ice but after reading your post feel a little different about it all. Thank you. I'm so happy the girls got to play in the snow. Hope they are feeling better now and not sick.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Henny Penny, for your kind words here. Yes, the girls did get to feeling better and were able to enjoy the snow just as children should. I'm so glad this post changed your perspective on snow, too. That means so much.
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Somehow I am running behind on my reading this week. I love this post, and the analogies you made to the snow and how Christ covers our sins that are like crimson, and makes us whiter than snow. That is such a wonderful reminder to us to rejoice in the amazing grace of God. So happy for your grandgirls to have had a good time in the fresh fallen snow, but so sorry they are now suffering from the aftereffects of enjoying the snowy atmosphere a little too much. I hope they are feeling better by now. I do hope the big snowstorms and ice storms are over, but I'm not so sure...seems like there's still more winter heading our way. This has been winter for the books, for sure! Take care and stay safe and warm!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, a winter for the ages, Pamela! All the girls are feeling great and actually returned to school today. And yes, they were able to get their fill of snow. I am so glad that these analogies spoke to your heart. The Lord so desires our purification that His kingdom would be put to rights. May His love cover us like a blanket of redeeming snow.
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Yes, praise God, freshly-fallen snow covers a multitude of faults! It's a beautiful word picture of He redeeming love for us.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, it does, Barbara! And it reminds us of how many sins we need to confess to God, knowing He is the only One who can make us as pure as the driven snow. Thanks for you beautiful words here.
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Such a beautiful reflection, Martha! ❄️ I love how you connect the snowfall with Isaiah’s promise--it’s a powerful reminder of God’s grace covering us completely. Praying your grand-girls feel better soon, and may we all surrender to His will and be made “white as snow.”
ReplyDeleteThanks for your complimentary words here, Veronica! Isaiah's words are definitely that powerful promise that God will cover us with His mercy and grace when we confess our sins and turn to Him. We will definitely be made as white as the newly fallen snow.
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I am not a fan of shoveling snow but I do love the pristine look of it on surfaces. I spent three days clearing it from the sidewalks and the driveway and alley.
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I agree, Jim, that snow is so lovely to look at, but shoveling it? That's for a younger generation to tackle! I'm impressed that you did so much clearing of it around your house. More power to you!
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love your last paragraph and the fun photos of the grandkids. We are having an old fashioned hard winter in Ohio. Lots of frigid temps, snow and drifting at times. There is a beauty but its appeal had faded and I am ready for spring!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear you, Jean! I have a friend in Iowa that tells me they truly need the snow there for moisture in the coming spring. Could y'all send some her way? LOL! The photos, of course, aren't current, but I thought they reflected the joy that children exude when snow abounds.
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Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteLinda postagem. Jesus nos purifica de todo pecado. Que bom que as suas netinhas se divertiram na neve. Um forte abraço.
Jesus is the only One who can make our sins as white as snow, Lucinalva. Yes, the girls had fun years ago and just recently. Love seeing them at play!
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Glad your granddaughters got a real snow! We didn't get much in Alabama either, barely a dusting. I would like one real snow this winter, but I won't hold my breath. A beautiful snow does make everything look so magical.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa, yes, the snow always makes everything look so magical and other worldly in the most beautiful of ways. When I looked at those older photos of them enjoying the snow, it only accentuated how quickly they grow up before our eyes. I'm glad y'all stayed safe in Alabama, though. You do NOT want ice storms!
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Oh my goodness, Martha...the girls must have been so excited for the "real" snowfall. I am so glad they were able to enjoy it before they became ill. Perhaps it will be a quick one with a fast healing! Good call on your pastor's part - as they say, better safe than sorry. My daughter and her family live in Florida (Miami) where it has been unusually cold and rainy. Here in Portland, Oregon we have had so much sunshine! You were kind enough to leave leave a comment on my most recent post; however, I pressed the delete button in error before I had a chance to read. Your comments are always so sweet and thoughtful! I am so sorry. :(
ReplyDeleteNo need for any apology, Carrie. We all make those mistakes from time to time. Just know that I'm happy to see you here! Yes, the photos I featured in the last part of this blog were, as I said, when they were much younger than they are now. Oh, how they grow so quickly! Yes, they recovered from whatever was ailing them and did enjoy their most recent snow to the fullest.
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Snow gives great fun to all children. We are having snow today, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is such fun for the kids when they can play in the snow like our grands did. Enjoy your snow day, RTC!
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Snow is beautiful, but it's been very cold in Missouri. We've warmed up for a few days now, finally, but winter's not done with us!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Cottage Cozy blog.
I hear you, Laura. We are here in GA and I do hope the worst of winter is behind us. Stay warm!
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