Happy December!

Well, it's official. Whether the calendar admits it or not, it's winter here. The ice, plus 8 inches of snow, plus ice makes it official. Neener neener! I'm lovin' this... Although my husband would say I only love it because I wasn't the one out there trying to clean it up for four hours yesterday.

Anyway, I'm still reading in Hosea and this morning I made it through chapter 4. I'm amazed at the way that God is delivering this message to Israel through Hosea. Many would read this section, the language, the description of Israel's wayward choices, and say that God is being harsh. He uses some pretty strong metaphors against His people here.

But I'm still intrigued by Hosea's position. It's one thing to have to proclaim God's strong words to the people. But to be asked to live it out by his choices?! I wonder if Hosea thought it was "fair."

I've never been a fan of putting myself in the place of others in the Bible. Through various Bible studies I've been asked things like this. "How would you feel in John's position?" "Can you imagine being Daniel here? How would you have reacted?" I never like these questions because I'M NOT THEM. I'm not even in the same category as these Godly people. On a number of levels, I can't compare myself to them and I don't like being asked to do so.

But I do wonder what Hosea thought. I mean, he was a man of God. A prophet. He knew he was called to do things other people wouldn't have to do. And I can't help but think he just knew he'd always have to put God's will and God's words first. He'd have to put his own will and his own thoughts aside so that God's could shine through. He had to know there wouldn't be room for himself.

This is hard to imagine. In today's society where we are overwhelmed with self-serving messages such as "You're worth it," it's a daily choice to put God's will first. But it seems harder when we're faced with tough life changes. There is a good possiblity my sister and her family will have to move out of state. My selfish side wants to find someone to "blame" or to get upset with. I wonder why God would do this to our family and why He would cut off my left arm by taking my sister away.

This is when Hosea's unselfish attitude is encouraging. If my sister has to move away, I have to choose to remember that this move has nothing to do with me. Moving would be the career answer we've been praying for in regard to their family.

Our society wants us to think everything is about us. Things can impact us, but it doesn't mean it's about us. Does that make sense? I'm not sure I'm saying it right. (My headache is getting in the way this morning.)

When my husband found out he was losing his job 2 weeks after we moved into a new home in a new town an hour away from our families, it wasn't about me. But it did change me.

When my dad tragically fell and was taken Home, it wasn't about me. But it did change me.

When my mom struggled with depression years ago, it wasn't about me. But it did impact me.

When my best friend made poor life choices that broke her family's heart and ended her marriage, it wasn't about me. But it did impact me.

God has His will for every person on this earth. And though those decisions may impact us, it's not always about us. It's hard to remember that in the midst of trials, but if we are looking to Him, we can choose to remember it.

Have a great wintery morning!