January 2018 - The New Year

January 2018 - The New Year

It's a brutal cold snap here in Ohio Amish Country and most folks are inside.  We have had lows down to about -22F with windchills.  There is always the option on a slow day to go find some warmth inside at Lehmans Hardware store in Kidron or going to gather up groceries.  I'm finding time spent inside reading is the best option so far.  For the beginning of the year, this unique cold, I feel, was God's idea to get families indoors.  It is a time of reflection and to spend time with loved ones forcing us to gather, talk and think and meditate on God's Word.  I'm currently reading several selections alongside the Old and New Testaments, but also the weekly edition of The Budget and Farming Magazine.  I've restocked on Elderberry Juice to help being proactive against colds and flu;  I'm praying God's natural ways keeps me and my family from the winter bugs going around.  We have been blessed thus far (Glory be to God).  The Plain folks have their horses wrapped up in blankets lately while trotting around horse-and-buggy and I'm sure the lap robes are being pushed to their limits.  This cold is here for another few days and then a warming trend into the upper 20's and low 30's.  We'll see how it goes.  For now, a little homecooked meal at Mrs Yoder's Kitchen in Mt Hope will do to help with the wintery greys.  Stay Warm out there!

Bible Meditation for today:  

James 1:26-27

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.