And Then It's Winter

Joe's Home Teaching Message for August

Day to day living in these times can be very trying, confusing, and discouraging and sometimes very scary. Sometimes it’s like paddling your rowboat toward a distant lighthouse in a severe storm with the water splashing over the sides.

And Then It’s Winter

“You know . . . Time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.. .”

“But, here it is ... The winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. . .”

“But, here it is ... Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done, things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. . . "Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.”  (circulated on the Internet; unknown author)

"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord God…"  Psalm 71: 4-5

Two thoughts come to my mind – the hymn “Be Still My Soul” – “The Lord is on thy side” as long as I try to stay on His side.

And the hymn, “I Am a Child of God” -  “Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday."  I Am a Child of God.