Turning My Frown Upside Down - Encouragement Café - May 7, 2015

Turning My Frown Upside Down

Café Menu for Thursday, May 7, 2015

Today’s Special is: Lifting My Spirit

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Dawn Mast

Main Ingredient:

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8 NIV

Entrée:

Anyone who knows me is aware of how much I dislike winter. I have friends who are just elated when the air gets crisp, the barometer dips and the snow starts to fall. Not me. I'm a spring girl! Once I get a glimpse of warm weather after a harsh winter (to me, they are all harsh!) I will take the first opportunity and put on capris pants and fling open the windows.

But, the hard part is dealing with month after month of gray skies and cold temperatures. It can wear on someone like me who likes sunshine and sea shores. By about mid-December, I'm usually feeling very low.

There are a few things I've found that have become my favorite things, even in the midst of my least favorite season. Since we are supposed to wear sunscreen all year, I have found that just smelling sunscreen and putting it on even if it's 20 degrees outside, can help me feel hopeful.

Trying to smell like the beach (the good smells!) helps me remember sunny summer even in the woe of winter. I'm especially reminded that Jesus loved the beach! Think about how much time he spent on the shore; teaching, catching and eating fish and ministering to people. If I want to be more like Jesus, I've got to spend more time at the beach!

I also do enjoy snuggling, and that's a lot less enjoyable in the heat and humidity of summer! As much as I complain about being cold, I'll make hot tea, grab a child and a book and we will snuggle and read. With a houseful of children and books, there is almost always someone who needs to snuggle and hear a story. Savoring these moments are treasures to store in my heart.

Remembering that the Lord has ordained seasons and that He is in control of the weather and His universe is helpful. It reminds me to not get too worked up when we are in the middle of a blizzard and I haven't seen the sun or felt it's warmth in what seems like days. I take those times to remember that the God of heaven and earth is still in control, and we find fun things to do indoors while we wait for the temperature to go up outdoors.

Take Out:

Finding just the right thing to lift us up when we are low can be tricky. Not all of my winter weather tips help me, but they get me through some days. Sometimes it helps to have a friend who understands why you are feeling low and who can just listen to your heart. Other times you might find that reaching out to someone in need is helpful for you.

When we give to others, we often receive something for ourselves.

Dessert:

Thank You, Father God that You make us all different. The variety in our families and friends is a blessing and we are thankful that life is full of hope in You. When we are feeling low or disillusioned with the way life is going, we look to You. Please help us to remember that You are our Hope. Help us to not wallow, but to rise above whatever is weighing us down and be victorious in the name of Jesus! Amen!

© 2015 by Dawn Mast. All rights reserved.

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