Fresh Beginnings Current mood: content   What is it about snow that is so relaxing? what is it about the soft white cold stuff that sets my heart at ease? That brings a sense of peace? Is it seeing my children delight in it? Is it being reminded how it was when I was a child playing in it? Is it the sight of boots, tennis shoes, coats and hats drying on the radiator that brings me warm smiles of contentment, and a heart at peace? Well, as you can probably guess, it is snowing here in our part of the world. Something of a rarity for how south we are in the UK. It falls lightly, and never seems to stay long enough, but I love it. It is a special treat! a special excuse to drink more hot chocolate and tea, a special reason to get out and play with the children. Something new to watch them explore, learn, and challenge. Something to remind me to let go and live the day as it comes, a gift within itself. Maybe it's more though,.... It is so beautiful falling down. Graceful white flakes, gently gliding down, revealing where invisible wind currents are. It is a silent reminder of the beauty of Christ. Really I guess that is where my peace comes from. From who He is. The snow a simple reminder of all He has done, and continues to do for me. I was born to a nature of sin, a heart blackened with selfseeking and self perservation. And He came for no reason other than He loves us and took it all upon Himself. He took my place for the punishment of sin, so I could take a place beside Him before the Throne of God. Forgiven. Washed. Clean. White as this snow. I know it is an old analogy, but it amazes me, how He still cleanses me. I still choose my way many times each day. Being harsh with my husband, or stubborn to apologize after a disagreement. Holding bitterness to those whom have hurt me in the past, instead of choosing to forgive them and try to be understanding. Being selfish and lazy instead of being servant hearted. Or with the children, instead of being understanding of them, I lose my pateince. I may yell and frighten them, or be too hard in disciplining. And yet He teaches me how to make it right with them,... the worth of an apology from a parent to child carries the weight of gold. He teaches the correct things to say and do when the next time arises. He changes my anger to understanding, and thier anger and hurt to forgiveness.He redeems me. He washes away my guilt when I fail. Guilt carries an emmense weight you know. It can crush a soul. And He takes that away, leaving me feeling as light as freshly fallen snow. How undeserving I am... For a love so grand it redeems, For a grace so amazing it *continually* covers, over and over again. And how very, V E R Y thankful I am... for the peace found in Fresh beginnings. For a clean heart. And for a Savior who rejoices in giving second chances, over and over and over again... "Come to me, all whom are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~Matthew 11:28-30 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow, Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."  ~Isaiah 1:18