blanketed in glory.

We've been enjoying some milder winter temperatures (and conditions) until last night, when the wind blew in some beautiful, fresh, white flurries.  There is something pleasingly peacful about falling snow...

               forming
                                                                                                                                        frosting  
                          silencing                                                       covering
                                                falling                                                                
                                                                                                         billowing
                                                   thickening
                                                                                                                                 coating
                layering                                                                   creating

As we were driving through the snow, Matt and I were talking how God lavishes His blessings upon us even when we haven't loved or obeyed Him as we ought to.  He blesses us, provides for us, shows us His goodness.  How many times have I not had a good attitude towards my current situation, yet "somehow" things have worked out in the end?  How God can turn something ugly into beautiful (when I honestly don't deserve it) is mind-blowing, almost unreal.

My eyes were then drawn to the downy white falling from the sky, and a parallel was made.

We can be in continuous states of "flurry" as we live our lives.  Focusing on the dangerous white-outs, our road's bad driving conditions, honing in on the lack of tractions we feel.  Failing to recognize the magnificent landscape of miracles, wonders, and GLORIES that God and His powerful love transforms around us.

He covers, frosts, and coats us with grace.  He forms, creates, and layers new promises and opportunities in our lives.  His love billows and thickens for us daily.  He gives us times of silence.  He allows for us to fall into His arms for protection, comfort, and strength.

He blankets us with His glory.

Look at your life today: I can guarantee that the glory and love He wants to reveal to you is there.

"He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane.  I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.  When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by GLORY, and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me...."

~ John Mark Mcmillan - How He Loves

pic pix: a warm snowflake, 09.Jan.2013