The Last Hurrah!

Winter's last hurrah came last night.  At least I hope it's the last one!  Another winter snowstorm, this time with high winds and several inches of snow. The storm took with it one huge branch from my massive white pine (Cleo, named by my niece).  I hear a chain saw in my near future!

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion!

So, this ridiculous winter continues here in NE Ohio.....one of the worst I can ever remember.  Oh, how my heart longs for SPRING!!  I did notice tiny buds on the forsythia yesterday....can't wait for that burst of yellow! 

In the Face of Fear

I love it when God brings hope and insight in his word.

I opened the year talking about fear....and what I discovered in Genesis 3 to be the first emotion attributed to man (Adam).  And now I read the story of Jacob.

Jacob is by no means the perfect example of a man of character.  He certainly made errors in judgement.  And yet, in Genesis 32 is a turning point.

Jacob finds himself face to face with his brother, Esau, and 400 of Esau's men. Years before, Jacob had tricked Esau out of his birthright. Now, he faces the brother who had earlier promised to kill him and is "greatly afraid and distressed." What does Jacob do at this crossroad? In complete humility, he cries out to God for deliverance. He bows himself before his brother in regret. Ultimately, God bestows blessing on him and makes him the father of the tribes of Israel.

What a contrast!  In his fear, Adam hid from God, blamed others, and eventually was cast out of Eden.  Jacob confessed to God, confronted his fear, and found favor and reconciliation. 

"Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."  

Wow.