January 7, 2022

     Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!! 🌨☃️❄️    The first winter storm of 2022 has come and gone.  Children and teachers have enjoyed their first vacation snow day from school, filled with sledding and making a snow man.   Hot chocolate, boots, coats, gloves, snow angels, and lots of memories for all.  Cars have been parked at the front of the driveway in preparation for the next morning’s drive to work.   Grocery store shelves are emptied of milk, bread, and any necessity for the anticipated storm to come! 

      Do you like snow storms?    Having grown up in a mountainous/high elevation area not too far from Bristol my winters were always a snowy experience.  One of the adjustments I had to make when I moved to Bristol 30 years ago was a winter with significantly less snow in the winter season.  However, I will testify that in my 30 years of residency in Bristol we have seen some significant snow storms, filled with large accumulations of snow, ice, power outages,  and hazardous travel conditions.   One of my favorite memories is last year’s 10 inch snow fall on Christmas!  (Not to mention a couple of 24-30 inch blizzards in the 1990’s!).   

       One of the great things about living in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee is the opportunity to experience four distinct seasons of the year.  Each is unique with it’s own amazing and beautiful qualities.  The changing from one season to the next gives us something to look forward to,  plan for, and anticipate.  It keeps us looking forward, moving in the right direction.  I like that!

       In reality, each season of the year shows us the inexpressible creative ability of God.  Only an intelligence far beyond ours could create such a place as planet earth.  If we honor God and live within his teachings planet earth can be a good place to live, willed with joy and fulfillment.  I became a Born Again Christian in 1975.  Since then I have certainly had some very hard times, some serious challenges (as life always brings!), but I have found Jesus to be a very good friend who will walk beside you in the challenging times.  He has been my friend.  He did not leave me.  Because of him I also have had some very good times.  Some very happy times.  Yes, if we honor God and live within his teachings planet earth can be a good place to live.

       Take some time this winter season to see the greatness of God around you.  Acknowledge him.   Honor him.  Worship him.  Amen.  🙂
-Pastor Jeff Carico
      
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