We're havin' a heatwave ...

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"I absolutely love when the air is so cold that it literally cracks my skin open," said NO ONE EVER. Okay, so an arctic blast has hit the U.S. pretty hard recently, particularly the upper part of the lower 48. Hmpf and brrrrr....

You know, I could live very happily ever after never again having to hear the words/phrases "blustery," "bitter cold," "wind chill factor" and/or "below zero" as part of the nightly weather forecast. That being said, after a bit of whiny self-pity, it occurred to me, this blustery winter morn, that I do not know what it truly means to be cold. Sure, my fingers and toes turn blue regularly due to my Raynod's disorder but that's not cold; not really. Not when I get into my heated-seat vehicle after exiting my warm home and rising from sleep in a toasty, electric-blanket covered bed. Man, I'm a spoiled brat for complaining. Shame on me.

With any luck, I'll never know what it is to actually suffer from the cold ... or to be hungry ... or homeless. Most importantly, I have all that I need and more because I have my family and friends. And for all this goodness, I am infinitely grateful to the Lord above. Let's all remember how very blessed we are each and every day of our glorious lives. #Heiswithus

Warm thoughts, y'all!

Reading 1 Is 54:1-10 Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.  Responsorial Psalm Ps 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me. R Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment;a lifetime, his good will. You changed my mourning into dancing; O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks. Alleluia Lk 3:4, 6  R. Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.