#SnowBound

#SnowBound

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/01/20/d-c-area-forecast-serious-winter-storm-likely-friday-into-saturday-snow-showers-possible-today/





Well... looks like all of the inside-out-pajama-wearers have gotten their wish in the Capital Region and just about all of Maryland!  We've been quite lucky to have a warmer than usual winter season to date. To any readers who are still lucky enough to be without snow... be thankful... and if you have been dealing with the frigid temperatures and snow already into the winter season, then we are just catching up to you!

I just thought I'd take a moment to wish everyone well. Be safe and smart. Here's a checklist of things that may come in handy in the upcoming days for you and your family to stay on top of things.


#SnowStormEssentials

1. Batteries

2. Flashlights

3. Warm Blankets (also good to keep a few in your trunk along with First Aid and non-perishable food items like granola bars, water, etc.)

4. Shovel

5. Snow Blower

6. Aspirin

7. Generator

8. Gasoline (for the generator/snowblower)

9. Full tank of gas in vehicles

10. Full pantry/cupboards

11. Water

12. Charged up electronic devices

13. Movies

14. Books

15. If possible, leave a trickle of water to drip, so that your pipes won't burst during these freezing  temperatures. 

16. Don't overdo it... If you're out shoveling once the snow event is over... take your time. Pace yourself, and stop when needed. You don't need to go anywhere fast...it's a major snow event forecast... many roads will not be passable for a while. Many heart attacks and strokes occur due to folks trying to clear the way after a storm. Pay attention to your body.

17. Ice Melt/Rock Salt

18. Layers

19. Hot beverages (cocoa, tea, coffee)

20. Each Other (It's always best to be snowed in with family!)

Be safe everyone. If you're Snowbound... it's still a blessing... God gives us fluffy white sunshine...I love when it's just falling and everything is still. It reminds me of  Psalm 46:10a "Be still, and know that I am God:".


As the beautiful flakes fall and rest all over our region... might it be nice to reflect on it's beauty and just how unique God has made each and every one? No two snowflakes are the same... how incredible is that? Makes me smile... hope it makes you smile too.


Note to self: Check on my neighbors... the elderly need us most at this time.

Peace and Blessings,

LaShawna

Online photo courtesy: MiddletonStreamTeam.org



#MoteInYourEye

#MoteInYourEye 

 

 

Anyone who is walking upright, with life and breath knows what it feels like to have a speck of dust, or an eyelash settle into his or her eye. It is the worst nuisance, and one that can consume you to the point that you end up with a very painful situation or a bloodshot orb.

There are oftentimes distractions that we tend to allow to cloud our vision, sometimes becoming a mote, or dust or speck.  We live in a world in which folks are quick to point out the mistakes and misgivings of others, but do not see the thing that is weighing us down.  There’s an interesting scripture that provides an excellent metaphor for this… Matthew 7:3 from the International Standard Version: "Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?”

I am doubtful that many of us have lived our lives without pointing our finger at someone, overlooking the remaining three that point backward toward ourselves at some time.  It’s human nature to shed the blame, or deny responsibility… whether it’s intentional or not, it happens.  My thought today, is that we can kindly help one another out by providing a little “Visine” to our friend, as he or she helps to pull the eyelash out of our eye.

I have made the mistake of stumbling and speaking about the actions of someone in my household who shall remain nameless (D.M.) –smile-- in front of my daughter… she stood eagerly listening as children do. She said to me after a point, “Well, sometimes you do that too, Mommie.” Okay, okay… I must admit that I am super anal about items that are out of place in my home; I do fluff pillows behind people no sooner than they’ve left the sofa or armchair…I do sweep the entryway several times…in an hour…wipe walls, countertops… straighten curtains… yes… anal. However, this one particular time, I had spoken about how this and that was out of order… and my sweet cherub corrected me! This may be trivial to some, but I am learning every day to not point fingers, and to make sure that there’s not a thing in my eye before I look for something in my neighbor’s. What have you so eagerly pointed out about your brother or sister that you could have easily overlooked, or offered your helping hand? My prayer is that I can remove the proverbial speck of dust before it blinds my own vision.

 

Peace and Blessings,

LaShawna

 

*Note to self: It's not that serious.

Photo: Online Image

#SheIsBlessed

Thanking God for another year!

I am blessed to see 40 years, or as my daughter said this morning... 4 decades!

God is faithful.  I love Him, and vow to make Him smile this year. I appreciate my parents for the life they've given and the rearing that has made me the woman I am today. It is their day as well. Love you Mommie and Daddy! Looking forward to a great day with my husband and daughter, and the remainder of the week/weekend with family.

I am grateful to live this life... one that has given so many opportunities to share God's love and encouragement through song and prose.

Thank you all for your encouragement and I pray that this day is also great for my readers.

Peace and Blessings,

LaShawna

Note to self: Keep on living, smiling, loving and serving!