Open my eyes, Lord
January 6, 2014 | My Jottings
Well, this “polar vortex” that’s been on the national news has caused our wind chill temperatures to fall to -61 degrees this morning. Unbelievable. I’m ready to emigrate. Alaska sounds balmy right about now and indeed would be a more temperate place to live. When we let the dogs out to go potty they can only be out for less than one minute before their feet start to freeze and they have trouble walking. I’m sure the neighbors found it interesting when I was out on the front deck in my plaid flannel nightgown this morning half bent over at the waist, clapping my hands and urgently calling our Schnauzers to hurry, hurry, go potty, come back in Edith, come on Millie! Then there was more Schnauzer butt-cleaning once Edith was back inside. People who don’t have garages are finding their cars dead this morning. Our governor ordered all schools closed today because of the danger of exposing our skin to the bitterly cold air. But we Minnesotans have our hands held over our eyes, bravely scanning the weather horizon, because by Thursday of this week we’re supposed to be back in the twenties above zero, and that will make us feel giddy and like kicking our heels up. T-shirt weather, some will say.
Edith is still sick and I’ll be taking her to the vet today. I’m supposed to follow her out into the dangerous, flesh-freezing air and knee-deep snow, catch some of her diarrhea before it gets mingled with the snow, and take it to the vet with us. I know that with God all things are possible but I just don’t know about this task.
Yesterday my daughter Sara asked if I had a few minutes to watch something on her laptop, and of course I said yes. She and I sat on my bed and watched this short video of a pastor named Ed. By the time it was over, we were both crying. Watching it was one of those lens-changers for me, when the cloudy lenses I was looking through were taken off and exchanged for some clearer, sharper ones. I hope you’ll watch this and tell me what you think.
This message reminded me that just because Michael is sick doesn’t mean that each day isn’t still full of possibilities. I might need to wear some strong lenses in order to discern what those possibilities are, but they’re there, and I’m thankful this video so gently and powerfully spoke to my heart. Sometimes I need the Lord to open my eyes to what He’s doing in our lives. Sometimes I need the Lord to open my eyes about why we live in northern Minnesota. 🙂
Maybe there’s someone you know who would benefit from seeing part of Pastor Ed’s story too. Feel free to point them to this video.
Wherever you are, I send a wave from The Great Frozen North and thank you for stopping by here today….
I have found in my own life that sometimes it is when I think I am at the complete bottom or at the complete end and am wondering if it is time for Him to come and get me and take me home. It is only then when I see that He has further purpose for me in my life. In Isaiah 46:9-11 He tells me that “I am God and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, “My Counsel Shall Stand, and I Will Do All My Pleasure” – – I have spoken it; and I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; and I will also do it!.” – – When I felt that He was telling me this, He was telling me that there is more for me to do and more individuals for me to reach out to for Him, and there is more that I need to push forward for in Him.- – So you see sister, there is a purpose for your meeting that man that led you to the colds of the North. You would not have been leading or being involved in the Bible Studies you have been with – nor had you not been led there to be with the godly man you now have, and the effects that he has had on your life. In Daniel 4:34-35 The Word says “I blessed the Most High and Praised and Honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His Kingdom is from Generation to Generation. All inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the “Army” of Heaven and “Among the inhabitants of the Earth”. (my addition) No on can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?” I have said all of this sis, because you have been brought there for a reason, and your still there for a reason. He has a sovereign purpose for all things if we just continue to seek him, and right now you are following 1 Timothy 5:8 as He has commanded. I believe that God intended for your being there to be a part of the capstone in one flesh “with Michael” of His divine declarations of future events there and it is to be a declaration to your own family “observed and seen” in all that your are now doing for Him “Michael”, before them. God did not establish your relationship with Michael other than for Him to use the two of you, in times of good and in times of bad. He did not set His love on you, nor choose you because you were stronger that many others, but rather because God had picked you because you were ready to be molded and used. Sis you are still being used, and yes you are still being refined in the fire of His will.
Blessings from your Physical and Spiritual Brother Larry
Thank you Larry. I have always had a sense of purpose regarding marrying Michael and being here, yes. Sometimes that gets a bit lost in the day to day challenges with Parkinson’s, plus myriad other things. 🙂 God bless you…. xoxo
Brilliant. And so needed, as a reality-check on how we must approach our lives—all of it—despite anything that happens to us, our loved ones, or in the world. Thank you for sharing, this heart-felt, uplifting message in the midst of apparent despair.
I thought the same thing, Roberta. And you are welcome! Thank YOU. 🙂 xoxo
Thanks for blogging Julie, and for sharing Ed’s story.
How about a doggie diaper?
Hi Jodi, I never thought of a doggie diaper. I wonder if Edith would be freaked out by it…hmmm. Thinking on this one. Thank you! xoxo
What a wonderful video. Thank you so much for showing it to us – it is so very true and I can see why it spoke to you so powerfully.
I can’t believe your temperatures – we think the end is nigh when we hit -20…minus 60 just doesn’t bear thinking about….brrrrr….can’t imagine what that feels like!
Take care and stay warm my friend!
Helen
x
Thank you Helen! I think Switzerland would be a relief to me right about now. Snow I can handle, piles and piles of it. Temperatures like Antarctica? No. xo
Oh my goodness – such cold! I’m hearing the same from other US friends – that they have never known such cold. God bless you and keep you safe my dear friend – may you stay warm in your home.
And God bless Pastor Ed’s brave and beautiful message and life!
xxx
I just read that our city was not only the coldest in the nation, but colder than Mars today. The damp and chill of England is sounding pretty nice to me right now, Ember. I’m glad you liked Pastor Ed’s message! May you be peacefully installed in Komorebi very soon…. xoxo
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought,[b] neither shall cease from yielding fruit[b].
Ed is right: It ain’t over till it’s over. 🙂
Joss is in the States just now with mates. He was living at the airport for several days but decided the train was a better bet. I don’t think he’s ever been so cold in his life. Heading to L.A. I believe that’s a little warmer…?
Hope Edith is better soon ~ don’t blame them for not wanting to go out in that. My boys won’t go out if there’s so much as a drop of rain.
Thank you for the beautiful scriptures, Ganeida. Ed’s story is unforgettable. Yes, Los Angeles is beautiful this time of year! I grew up 30 miles east of L.A. 🙂 Edith seems to be improving, thank you, friend! xoxo