I am flying around the house making preparations for a large group of people to arrive tonight for dinner. If I were trying to be accurate, I’d call it a “party,” but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, so I prefer to say that “people are dropping by.” Apparently my ER story didn’t garner too much sympathy. :biggrin_wp: (I’m fine, by the way.)

My husband is out securing firewood for tonight. You can’t have a party gathering without ambiance. It’s in the low 70’s today, and I’ve been hoping all day that the temperature will drop further so we can turn the lights down low and enjoy a fire. With the lights lowered, the scuff marks on the walls don’t show as well.

There are three reasons that people live in Florida: November, December, and February. Sure, we pay for it in the summer, but it’s pretty nice right now. So, I caught myself grumbling, “Why can’t we have a little fire…come on, Mr. Cold Front….,” and then I thought of all my northern friends who were wishing for a break in the snow fall.

There is a certain breed of person that we all have in our lives that won’t be happy no matter the circumstance. Can you think of a person like that? You know what I mean—they’re never happy. So, I caught myself today and prayed that I could say with Paul in Philippians, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (4:12)

A fire is such a small thing, a trivial matter. But it is the practice of godliness in daily life that prepares us for the sure trial to come.

As I scramble around the house, I offer up my moments to Him and ask God to renew my mind, to help my attitude be content whatever the lot. After all, I don’t want it to be my name that comes to your mind.