The Storm

This morning a friend sent me the following story in an email.  It had been forwarded to her from another friend and that friend had received it as a forward as well.  I would LOVE to give credit to the original author of the story but am unable to but I wanted to take time to share it with you today.  All of us go through storms in life and this really touched my heart and made me think of His faithfulness during those times!


THE STORM

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences..

The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat-Belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence.  Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.  Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke .

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him.  He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly.  "Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.

When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home.
Don't worry!

Ever Faithful

Yesterday during our worship service we sang “Never Let Go.”  Here are a few of the chorus lyrics in case you are not sure what I am talking about…

“Ever faithful, Ever true, You I know You never let go, 

You never let go, You never let go, You never let go”

We have sung this song a few times before but this time was different.  You see during the weekend a brother in Christ lost his battle with cancer but won the victory over death as he entered through the pearly gates of heaven.  While we were singing the Lord was speaking to my heart.  In times of great strife, storms, illness, and the death of loved ones we often times question where is God?  Why has He left us?  Why has He allowed this to happen?  Sometimes it’s hard to remember that He is right there with us during those tough times.

   You see God NEVER lets us go.  Once we accept Him as our Savior He grabs a hold of us and refuses to let go.  What the Lord was showing me yesterday is that it is during those times of storms that He holds on to us even tighter. When we are questioning where He is, He is there holding onto us with all of his might.  In the case of this dear brother in Christ, the Lord showed me that God was there with him, holding on so tight that when the pain he was in was too much to bare Jesus said, “That’s enough, it’s time to come home,”  removing him from the pain and the disease, holding him tightly, never letting him go. 

  If you are hurting today, struggling with “where are you God” in the midst of your storm know this…

God is there! He hasn’t let your side! He will NEVER let you go, in fact in the midst of your storm He is there holding you tighter than ever before!  God’s word promises us, “For the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6b

In His Grip,

Here in Your Presense

 Tonight I just want to sit in your presence Lord!  I want to feel your arms wrapped around me, knowing all things are in your control.  Feeling your touch, wiping all my fears away!  Lord just as the lyrics of this song state, all fear is suddenly wiped away.  Lord you know how I do not like not knowing how events will play out.  There are so many scenarios playing out in my mind and all I want is peace.  I trust You fully and know what ever door you open or even if you shut all of them that you know what you are doing.  Just need your reassurance tonight in a real way!  I long for more of your presence in my life Lord!  More of you and less of me!  


Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed

Chorus:
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You

Bridge:
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/n/new_life_worship/#share

Thoughts

SO many things on my mind....

* Do I need to downsize more for when God moves us?
* What do I keep and what do I give away?
* Where is He going to send us?
* Why must my children scream when in the house?
* What is God thinking? (A church in KS has contacted us as has one in KY)
* What if after everything we end up moving to KS...will I love it there as much as I do KY?
* How can we pay off the rest of our debts the fastest way?
* How can we afford to move?

This is just a few things on my mind...they all  (except one) depend on faith and trust in God.  God alone knows where we are suppose to be, I just don't want to move and then be longing to be back in KY.  So God if it is your will for us to move anywhere but in the state of KY then I pray you will remove the desire to live here.  When we move (we have moved to different homes and states 6 times in 14 years) I pray that it be the last time we move.  I want to set roots in the next place and feel like we are "home"! 

Resting Under His Wings

Earlier this week a friend posted this picture on Facebook.  I immediately thought of this scripture,
Ps 91:4..."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."  My friend Cindy shared that a friend of hers and sent the picture to her and she had no idea who took it. I ask if I could use it specifically for this blog and well here it is.  I just find it comforting to look at.  Reminds me that God is there no matter how far I run, or what I do, if I will turn back to him I will find refuge.  A safe haven.  Anyone else out there need a place to find rest, a safe place to rest?  Thank you Jesus that you cover us with your wings of mercy and protect us from harm.  You got our backs and for that we thank you Lord!

Creaking Door

God has a sense of humor, He really does.  A door that we thought was closed is may now be open again.  Only this time it is creaking open.  We were contacted and now starting the beginning process of the interviews.  We are trusting God to tend to every detail and cover us with his favor.  If you read this blog you know we have been seeking ministry opportunities for some time now (over a year).  This may be the one and it may not but what we do know is it is in His hands and we are trusting Him to open the door WIDE!

You Reap What You Sow

A friend of mine sent me this in an email.  I hope it touches your heart, makes you think and makes you want to act like it did me!  ***************************************************************** Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground. The man slowly looked up.   This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled.... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." " This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived... The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled....... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, maam. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus...... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.... "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee." ! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

Steps

It's October!  I can not believe this year is slipping away and I feel as if I can't reign it in.  It's a crisp cool day here in Ky, 46 degrees and I am for sure NOT ready for these temps!  Thankfully by the end of the week we will be back up to the high 70s low 80s.   I prefer temps in the 70/80.  We are still seeking God about ministry.  Just waiting on Him.  We are doing our part, sending resumes, praying, believing for open doors.  Not sure there is anything else we can do.  Sometimes, most of the time, I wish God would give us a manual telling us what to do next.  Oh I know we have the Bible and it is a manual for our lives but I am talking about what to do in this process of knocking on doors.  I just want to know the next step.  Trusting blindly in full faith that His plan will be revealed.

And yet....

We will still praise Him!  We have sent out a total of 12 resumes to churches seeking a new pastor and so far have had 5 doors close. The sweet sound of silence is sometimes golden and other times it is troubling.  It is when the silence is broken and then a door is closed.   Many times its the waiting in the silence that is more aggravating than the closed door. This process of applying and then waiting for an answer is .... well .... it's just plan frustrating.  Sometimes those in leadership at the churches we apply to are kind enough to let us know they received the resume, other times they are kind enough to send a letter letting us know they have elected a pastor.  Other times we get NO RESPONSE at all even after we have tried contacting them a few times.  Personally I would rather have a disappointing letter than no response ever.
   Well regardless how many doors shut in our face we will praise the Lord.  He is worthy of our praise PERIOD!

Transition

So instead of writing here I wanted to share what I wrote over at Pastoring Partners Network about the Season of Transition.  I am one of the guest writers there along with other women that are in ministry.  It is a great place to be encouraged and challenged as women in ministry.  You can also check out the message boards to see what people are talking about.  It's a place to find support, encouragement and help from women who "get it." You can be yourself or you can sign on undercover to protect your identity.  Come and check out what PPN is all about!

He is so Faithful

After a year of trying to get a better position with higher pay, in the company that Sean works for, Sean has finally been rewarded for his hard and dedicated work!  YAHOO!  God came through again.  He always does.  I can spend my days stressed and worried or I can chose to trust Him to do as His word says and that is "He shall supply all of our needs!" I am learning and it hasn't been an easy year but I am learning to put all of my trust in Him and not in what we are able to do!  Thank You Lord for once again proving yourself to us.  Not like You even have to do so but because You love us you do it over and over and over and over again!

Surrendering to YOU

My dear friend Pastor Tara posted this song on Facebook tonight.  You can read her blog here!  I highly recommend reading Tara's blog called The Fight Within.  I do believe I have found the song of the year for my life.  I will share it in a second or you can just scroll down and click play.  But this past week has been an awesome week!  Have spent this past week watch General Council and the Influence Conference for the Assemblies of God via the internet.  You can listen in on the sessions via videos now at General Council. Anyway they were very powerful messages.  God got a hold of my heart like never before... uhm ...well not in a long time have I surrendered everything to Him the way I did this past week.  I am so thankful for His touch and His Holy Spirit that has been gently calling me to Him.  God has set me free of some things this week that I am not going to share here but this song I am sharing really explains a lot!

A Dream I'm Dreaming

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Closed Doors

Closed doors...a year ago a couple of weeks ago I would be complaining, throwing a fit, doubting what God was/is doing and most definitely would be questioning why God has closed yet again another door.  I can't say that in the future I won't wonder or question. I don't think there is anything wrong with questioning God and asking why and what His plans are as long as my heart is in the right place and that is a place of trusting Him.  But I have had to repent and ask Him forgiveness when I have done a lot of complaining!
   Anyway today we learned two doors to ministry have been closed.  I am not stressed, worried or even releaved to be honest.  Just thankful that God has closed those doors.  It means He has another plan, a better plan and in that I am very thankful!  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.  Those plans are to give me a future, hope and will bring glory to His name!  I know what ever door He plans to open He already has it prepared for us and is preparing us for it!
   In Your will Lord that's where I always want to be!