Oh, Good - February!

It's in the newspaper, on the TV news, in the office conversations, and in the frozen fog. Winter Blues. The stats on depression, anxiety and suicide are impressive. I even heard that a psychologist in Finland has done studies an determined that January 19 through February 21st are the most depressing (suicidal) days on the planet. Just this weekend I have heard several Christian responses to this trend. Sunshine for your soul!

Here's the cure for Winter Blues:
1. Know and say out loud - God's promises each day.
2. Practice your Spiritual Gifts (notice I did not say 'talent').
3. Give credit to The Godhead (The Trinity), in unity for your gifting.
4. Remember that your gifting shows (manifests, incarnates, highlights, exposes), the Glory of God. It also show community in unity.
5. Remember, that the gift giving usually requires sacrifice. That's why the greatest gift is love.
6. Hope - Spring is on its way.
7. Faith - vision to perceive the world with God's eyes.

Until then, here's some of my favorite summer shots of Cental Oregon in the Newberry Crater National Park, 2007.
Your Word is like streams of living water to my soul.

I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and keep you from harm.

Behold, the Lord our God is one. His ways are Holy and merciful and mighty is He.

Everlasting to everlasting - His love endures forever.