As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13-14 ESV)

It is sundown on the mountain and I stand over the stove with coat on, stir the pot with gloved fingers, see my breath linger cloud-like in the dining room as I set the table, call my husband to dinner. The fireplace burns golden in this home meant for spreading out in summer. Insulation paper-thin and missionaries can’t afford electric heat, so we buy a cord of wood for a month. It barely lasts two weeks.

We run bathwater hot, turn on the electric blanket to warm the bed in the room with frost on the inside of windows. Just long enough to get the bed warm so we don’t feel winters sting on the skin. Body heat, it spreads out nice under those blankets piled high for newlyweds.

Just when the refrigerator opens bare and we ask God how, paper bags of groceries appear mysteriously on the stilted front porch. Enough food for a week and we smile inside out. The neighbors invite us over for dinner.

And now, as I sit covered up with blankets in front of the fire, help my girl write letters to ask for support for summer missionary dreams, I am Paul echoing his words of truth.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. ~Philippians 4:12-13

As you begin a new week, dear friends, may you find the secret of true living, experience the warmth of His embrace.

Also linking with Fresh Brewed Sundays, and Scripture and Snapshot and Still Saturday.