Windy nights

I've just finished watching to film version of Doubt, and I still can't decide if I like it or not. But it has this whole thing with the wind in it and since its windy tonight I can't seem to get windy images out of my head. I felt like writing some of them down and since the computer was the closest thing I figured I should use it.
Generally the wind signifies change, sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen. I'm reading Charlotte Bronte's Villette and Lucy, the main character, says that windy nights always signify change in her world, usually change that means uprooting one's life and moving somewhere entirely new. I haven't finished the book yet, but I like this idea. Stormy windy nights often change the physical appearance of the outside world. Whether it be by bring snow and ice, or knocking down trees and homes, the wind brings physical change.
But it also changes the way things feel. As a child I loved windy days in the summer because it meant I could fly my kite. Watching that simple colored diamond soar high in the air always made me feel like I too could fly far above the earth and see things from way up high. Wind in the winter generally meant a snow storm was on its way, and what child doesn't pray for a snow day late in February? To know that you get to sleep in makes you feel so fabulous!
I grew up in the shadow of the Big Horn Mountains and when it rains there, it smells of pine trees and earth. Good clean fresh earth. The wind would carry that wonderful smell for miles down the valleys into the plateaus where we could enjoy it. I miss that smell.
Wind doesn't always bring positive things. Often times it can be destructive, deadly. I have seen what power the wind has when it reaches hurricane force. I have experienced driving along the interstate and the wind nearly blowing my tiny little car into the ditch. I have seen the wind blow over semi's, trees, and homes. The power of the wind reminds me that I am not in control, and sometimes, that's more frightening than anything else.
But we can use the power of the wind, they've been doing it for centuries, windmills. Now with the Go Green craze we're beginning to harness that power on an even larger scale.
Wind can be scary, it can power us, it can remind us of good and bad days. It will always be the agent of change in my mind. And for now, I will let it sing me to sleep.

Finding Joy

I've been in rather low spirits lately; frustrations with work and such, plus loneliness weighted me down so much I could barely breathe some days. Finally I decided that part of my problem was my attitude and that that had to change! I spent a lot of time talking with God and confessing my sins to Him.

During this time He reminded me of my love of encouragement. So I have set out to cheer myself up by cheering others. He even blessed me with a larger tax-return to use on cards and candies to send out.

I've been able to send His love via snail mail to a friend who is hurting after a terrible break-up, another friend who has lost a grandmother, a mentor who has been in low spirits, as well as just sending cards and letters to good friends who have supported me through my own troubles.

I find that I gain more pleasure in sending letters, cards, packages, etc than receiving them. I am so thankful that God has reminded me that only by giving of my heart do I gain anything in return. The simplest thank you on Facebook absolutely makes my day.

So, if you are feeling down, go do something sweet and unexpected for someone else. You will feel better I promise! Find joy in sreading it around!