Storms

Last week we had storms. One right after the other. Beautiful dark rolling clouds. About every two hours the sun would burst in and it looked like heaven sought to break through the darkness. Often times we as Christians speak of the storms of life. We speak of how storms come and go in life, that God allows these troubles, and we proclaim how he gets us through them. The sun will come out tomorrow, right? How does he actually do that? Many people believe that the Bible tells us that God will not give us anything we cannot handle. That is a wrong assumption, there is no verse in scripture that gives us that promise. I believe that God does give us more than we can handle, so that we learn to more fully rely on the hope and promises that He does speak of in Scripture. As I watched this particular storm pass through and the next one roll in, I was amazed at how strongly the sun broke right through the darkest cloud, only to be obscured again within minutes as the next storm rolled in. How do we know we can survive when grief and disaster seem to obscure our vision of God? I believe that we must not always rely on our hearts, but to force our minds into action, as difficult as that can be. As I looked at this picture, I realized that even though the clouds came and brought intense rain, cold and wind, the sun never "disappeared". Behind all of those intense clouds, the sun was still there, it never moved from its righteous place in the heavens. As it is with God. In the middle of all that is happening around us, we must remember that God never moves from His place either. His promises are still true, and his vow to grow us into maturity as His beloved children never changes. In Genesis, even when the sun had not been created and the world was dark, we are told that His spirit hovered over the dark waters. That is true comfort. I can truly say now with honesty that I can't handle all situations by own effort. I CAN rely on the God I cannot always see or feel, I just need to remember his unchanging love and comfort, promised to each one of us. I have learned to appreciate the sun when it breaks through the clouds and the weather calms. I have also come to realize that even when the sun cannot be seen, it is still there, never changing.

We'll Remember the Alamo

Blessing. Comfort. Wisdom. Encouragement. Laughter. Fun. Joy. Gift.

Sister in Heart

All these words fit together in the person of my friend Jennifer. We met while our husbands were laboring through seminary, and we were trying to figure out who the heck we were and were about to become. We worked them through to their Masters in Divinity in our fields of expertise, nursing and teaching. Somehow in the middle of it all we found a friendship that would last until our last breath here on earth and beyond. Since semninary we have always found ourselves at least a thousand miles apart. In physical distance that is. In the spiritual realm, she is always with me, praying for me, cheering me on, oh,and free minutes on the cell phone are an extra gift from God. We have 5 great boys between us, even if almost all of them are teenagers. She bested me by having a third. It was for the best I believe. I think of the times we have been able to actually see each other, 5 I think. Everytime has been an adventure and a memory to keep us going until the next time we meet. We have explored the California Gold Country, San Francisco, Blackbeard the Pirate's home town, the Outer Banks of NC, and this time, we headed to the Alamo. If we had just stayed at her home, it would have been adventure enough for both of us! We spent a week working through our lives, joys and uh...small tribulations that disrupt our normal crazy life. We also took a one night trip to San Antonio and explored the River Walk, and the Alamo. History always touches me, to walk where our great Country and imperfect but great men and women trod before us. Best part was just talking, laughing, eating, and buying our way through the experience. I always buy more than Jennifer. I always wish I was more like her. She says she wishes she was more like me. We probably would not be as good of friends if we were. I always learn something of great value in her wisdom and her gentle spirit. She is pretty darn funny too. I need to laugh more. She needs to move closer because I am not going anywhere. Did you read that part Jennifer? I mean it! I miss her so much my heart actually hurts sometimes, but then I pull out the pictures and laugh and cry, and know that God will provide a way for more adventure in the future. Until then, we will still be sister chicks, living in the world of men. The only female contact we have inside the house is a dog. Some people live life with many friends they see all the time, but I have the priveldege of having a heart friend who is only a cell phone away, but in the best way, always there in spirit. Until we meet again, we will remember the Alamo. I love you Jennifer!

Trees

One Generation plants and nurtures trees; Another receives the shade..............

Chinese Proverb

In Memory of Rob Frost

How is it possible to meet a man and get to know him briefly for a week and mourn his passing and feel as though you have known him all of your life? If the man is Rob Frost and you had ever met him, you could understand.We had been connected with Rob through Share Jesus for many years, we had heard so many wonderful things about him, but it was different to meet him. The first thing the boys said was "He looks like Austin Powers!" It didn't help matters that Rob is from Britain either. Then as the week went on, and they experienced the person of Rob Frost, they started calling him Rob.We knew much about Rob, but as we watched him, we saw a love so deep within his soul for his Savior that it burst forth to touch every person at camp. He touched Daniel because of his son Andy, who treated an impressionable young 12 year old as a good friend from the moment he met him, even though Andy was 10 years older. Rob's eyes always hinted at fun and adventure in one moment, and tears for the plight of his fellow man the next. It is hard to put into words how gentle and passionate and funny and sweet he was, he loved to laugh, he loved life, it was apparent that his wife and family were his greatest love on this earth, and that he would go to the ends of the earth to reach other for his greatest love in life, Jesus Christ. I am sure Rob would be the first one to tell you he was not perfect, but it surely seemed that he enjoyed most every minute of his life with passion and joy. I felt as though we could not ever have enough time with this man and his thoughts and heart as we left RCP that year, but yet so thankful that maybe we brought a little of his excitement for Jesus and life home with us. He had so much life in him it is almost impossible to believe that he is no longer with us. His life and work will never end, as it lives on through his closest family and friends, and through those who came to know Jesus through Rob. We grieve for his family, we grieve for a world in need of many more men like Rob. Rob was a man after God's own heart. We thank God for his life. I really do hope there is surfing in Heaven.