The Long Winter Stretch .....  Christmas is over. New Year’s is past. The winter blues have set in. My husband laments the fact that he hates winter. “I want to move south,” he says seriously. He will attest that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing. 

The answer to these blues isn’t moving south . . . but merely remembering the truth. The truth is that these coming days with your family are the best days and that winter isn’t a season to be endured, but a time to be enjoyed.

It’s going to be over before you know it, and then you can lounge your winter away on some tropical beach somewhere . . . wishing you were back with your children and grandchildren.

In Philippians 4:12-13, ESV, Paul writes:

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,

abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Paul could live in any circumstance because he knew the secret of true joy is that Christ strengthened him in all things. When we look to Jesus, we can live joyfully through anything, even snow, gray skies, and sleeting rain.

Overcome the winter blues by thanking God.  Acknowledging what the Lord has given you will turn your heart towards gratitude and contentment.  Praise God for each day.  Move around and get out of the house.  Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a prison!  Stay in the Word every day and maintain a personal time of Bible reading, prayer, and meditation.  “​​Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Hard times don’t last forever. In the end, all things will be made new (Revelation 21:5).

Our hope is in Jesus, and he will never let us down (Romans 5:5).

You can make joy a lifestyle.

~Blessings~  Nancy

P.S. Some of my favorite oils to help me through the winter doldrums are: Valor, Joy, Believe, Harmony, and Dream Catcher.

Try my Winter Wellness Kit to help keep you well through this winter season!