As a former resident of the Twin Cities during the winter, even if it was for just 3 months, I know the bone chilling effects of cold weather. Each evening, I ran 3-5 miles when thermometers dipped below zero. On a night in February, it was close to -20 without the wind chill as I started my jog. A couple of blocks down the road, my hair grew icicles. After a quarter mile, I felt my body beginning to shut down. Without a thought, I made a quick u-turn to head for home.
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19.
One of the most obvious cures for the cold is the creation of shopping malls. Beside Woodfield Mall in Chicago, nothing compares to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Built on the old site of Metropolitan Stadium, former home to the Vikings of the NFL and Twins of MLB, this mall contains an amusement park, movie cinema and 400 stores. In this wasn’t enough, an expansion project looks to add an ice rink, dinner theater, hotels and waterpark.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me, Psalm 51:10.
However, there is another cure for the cold that is often overlooked. This one focuses on warming up a cold and weary heart. Sure, a hot cup of chocolate, warm fire or steaming bath will provide a temporary fix. Yet, what can you do to re-energize your soul? When I come inside to a numb heart, the best remedy I can recommend is a quiet time with God. Opening the Bible, you will find nourishing words of encouragement. May the promises within get you through the dreary months of winter.
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord, Psalm 112:7.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 