I'm convinced that God must know how to smile — maybe even laugh right out loud. I think that's one of the reasons he gave us puppies.

I enjoy snow, even though I view it with the realization that there is always work connected with it, shoveling, etc. I think it is wonderful to look at and thoroughly enjoy its beauty. We have a 7-month-old, black Peek-a-poo puppy and this week we had our first snow. As she went outside, we watched curiously as she ventured out into snow for the first time. At first somewhat tentatively putting down her feet, but after about ten minutes she decided that she loved it. She began bounding around in the deepest snowdrifts she could find and in moments she was completely covered with snow. All we could do is just laugh at her sheer joy in discovering snow.

When was the last time you had that much uninhibited joy in life? When is the last time you appreciated some gift of God as common as snow? When is the last time your heart was so filled with joy that you bounced up and down with enthusiasm? When was the last time you counted your blessings?

The Bible tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always ..." (Philippians 4:4) because "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17)

When was the last time you counted your blessings?
Now you may not bounce around like a puppy (Then again, you just might!), but start today to try and appreciate some of the good things our God has given us!

May God grant each of us the ability to find something to "rejoice" about today.