A week of horror. Days of voices of doom until the anticipation was painful but the reality far worse.
I have had a fear of storms since I can remember. I have very early memories of making a mad dash for the storm cellar (which seemed far, far away), with lightening flashing all around and the wind swirling...only to arrive in the blackest black, smelling of deep earth and the feel of many spider webs catching in my hair. Absolute nightmare. I think many people would have appreciated that storm cellar in the last couple of days.
Watching videos of tornadoes touching down in Alabama and other states is fearsome and unbelievable. The devastation is heart breaking, and that's from viewing from afar. I cannot imagine the shock of seeing your neighborhood flattened, of being unable to account for family members or friends. My heart aches for the loss these people are experiencing, not to mention the injuries and the deaths.
When I see the total destruction from the sheer power of a tornado, I think, what could be worse than that. These tornadoes, I fear. Most people do. Most will heed the warnings given and take cover to protect their lives. Yes, much power in a tornado. We recognize it and fear it.
But there is a power more fearsome than a tornado. Our God is an awesome God, with more power than anything we can imagine. Fear Him. We need to heed His warnings and protect our souls from devastation. We need to give Him the respect we give the terrible storms.
Lord, I ask you to wrap each person affected by these storms in your loving arms, giving them peace and strength to get through the days ahead. May each one recognize that you are all powerful and all loving and that their faith in you grow as they lean on you. In the name of Jesus.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
And This is My Prayer...
A member of my family is missing also. Oh, physically, she's there. But spiritually, she's lost. She's lost her way in this world, spiraling into the abyss and has no idea how painful it will be. Words bounce off and fall away because physical desire and nearsightedness are consuming her and the voice of truth cannot be heard...and I am so afraid. No public prayer event has been organized but prayers have been offered by many in her family circle.
Prayer. Much talked about, much requested. A verse in Mark has been coming to me in email, Facebook postings, devotionals...you name it. I seem to have been bombarded with it.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)
...believe that you have received it...Faith with a capital "F"! Oh, Lord, how do I reconcile my wants and needs, for myself or others, with Your will? How do I let my faith soar to higher heights when what I pray for may be selfish, self-serving, convenient, or even comfortable, if I do not predicate my plea with Thy will be done in all things?
I want and I pray for Holly to be found in good health and brought safely home. I desperately want my niece to wake up to her deteriorating life and recognize her creator and do His will. But how can I know the plans He has? He knows things I cannot know. He sees things I cannot see. My faith in God tells me when I ask for guidance and wisdom, He will provide me what I need. I pray tonight that He gives these two young women what they need at this hour, this day, His will be done.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Feeling Adrift But Still Tethered
Time. Effort. Energy. Accomplishment. Beneficial? Constructive?
I have an on-going debate in my head. I go through motions and wonder if I have a heathy balance or distorted sense of importance. I miss continuity, the pleasure of sameness, the pleasure of being and of belonging. I ache for the day of spiritual purpose as my heart and mind seeks the will of God through prayer and watchfulness. I feel somewhat adrift.
Setting your house in order after a move is essential but robs you of precious time, energy and good humor. Don't get me wrong, I am no different from you, and my desire to have a presentable home is my goal where my family and friends can gather and feel comfortable. But where do I draw the line in the importance of "presentable" before it becomes too much a "focus in myself." Where do I draw the line in taking pleasure in material things and items of comfort for myself and my husband? How do I know when ordinary care becomes an obsession?
I think I know.
When I have nagging, persistent thoughts that I am neglecting my spiritual soul, that my time usually spent in Bible study is decreasing instead of increasing, that I am craving the fellowship of my sisters in Christ...then I KNOW I am focusing too much on the world and not enough on my Lord. Hurried prayers are sometimes essential, but are not a substitute for devoted, thankful, concentrated, and yes, even gut-wrenching pleas of direction and guidance.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." (1 Cor. 10:23) Yes, Paul, I see what you mean. Setting up my home is good and necessary, and even my duty as a wife. I want my husband to be content in his home, and I know my efforts are to reflect God's glory...whoa, what? To the glory of God! "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col. 3:17)
What a blessing to be able to go the Word and instantly be edified and comforted! To know that our God sees my internal struggles and provides for me while I'm not looking! Just as I know this home will eventually be "done" and the moving completed, He will provide the church family that I yearn for here, for the sweet sisters waiting on a new relationship, for new doors to open and for opportunity to grow in His spirit.
With tears stinging my eyes at the thought of God's love and compassion...on me of all people...as the sun rises through the windows of this room, I am renewed with hope. I can balance my life...purpose will return...as whatever I do, in word or deed, I do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father through Him!
I have an on-going debate in my head. I go through motions and wonder if I have a heathy balance or distorted sense of importance. I miss continuity, the pleasure of sameness, the pleasure of being and of belonging. I ache for the day of spiritual purpose as my heart and mind seeks the will of God through prayer and watchfulness. I feel somewhat adrift.
Setting your house in order after a move is essential but robs you of precious time, energy and good humor. Don't get me wrong, I am no different from you, and my desire to have a presentable home is my goal where my family and friends can gather and feel comfortable. But where do I draw the line in the importance of "presentable" before it becomes too much a "focus in myself." Where do I draw the line in taking pleasure in material things and items of comfort for myself and my husband? How do I know when ordinary care becomes an obsession?
I think I know.
When I have nagging, persistent thoughts that I am neglecting my spiritual soul, that my time usually spent in Bible study is decreasing instead of increasing, that I am craving the fellowship of my sisters in Christ...then I KNOW I am focusing too much on the world and not enough on my Lord. Hurried prayers are sometimes essential, but are not a substitute for devoted, thankful, concentrated, and yes, even gut-wrenching pleas of direction and guidance.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." (1 Cor. 10:23) Yes, Paul, I see what you mean. Setting up my home is good and necessary, and even my duty as a wife. I want my husband to be content in his home, and I know my efforts are to reflect God's glory...whoa, what? To the glory of God! "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col. 3:17)
What a blessing to be able to go the Word and instantly be edified and comforted! To know that our God sees my internal struggles and provides for me while I'm not looking! Just as I know this home will eventually be "done" and the moving completed, He will provide the church family that I yearn for here, for the sweet sisters waiting on a new relationship, for new doors to open and for opportunity to grow in His spirit.
With tears stinging my eyes at the thought of God's love and compassion...on me of all people...as the sun rises through the windows of this room, I am renewed with hope. I can balance my life...purpose will return...as whatever I do, in word or deed, I do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father through Him!
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