A gaggle of geese, a raft of ducks! James 1:5-7

Good morning everyone,
Yesterday when I went to bed in Northern Minnesota, the temperature was 62 degrees.  This morning when I woke up, the wind was howling and the temperature had dropped to 37 degrees.  The hotel is on the Big Detroit Lake and the lake will be frozen over with 'ice houses' stationed all over it in less than 4 weeks!  Needless to say, people take their fishing here very serious.  As I look out upon the lake, I notice a gaggle of geese and a raft of ducks floating along trying to maneuver the wind blown waters.  It is interesting to say the least that birds have a tendency to stick together.  As the snow blows sideways, their closeness reminds me of how important it is for each of us to stick together with other like minded people.  God made us so that we can bear burdens together much better than trying to bear them alone.  The ducks and geese get it and they stick together to help the lesser ones to keep up.  We were made to help our brothers and sisters out and to pray for folks when they struggle and have lost their way!  Instead of giving up on the folks that have lost their way, consider that you were once lost before He found you.  Your encouragement may be the difference in whether or not someone finds their way back through the 'wind blown waters!'  Believe that you can make a difference in peoples lives and ask God to show you how to give encouragement!  James 1:5-7 says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.'
Your brother in Christ,
p