Reading the Bible in a Year

Hello,

Well it’s been a little longer than I would have liked since my last post. Life was crazy for a while and then I crashed and burned.  And now here I sit on my bed on New Year’s Eve in my pajamas nursing a cough.  I plan on ushering in the New Year fast asleep. This year exhausted me.

Before I go to sleep though I wanted to share a New Year’s Resolution. I don’t usually make them, but I will this year. I have been waiting for this for months. Back in 2007 I had a calendar and read the Bible cover to cover in a year. It was a very moving year for me. It was also a very emotional year for me and reading the Bible grounded me. I had been reading it every day, but it was usually just a chapter a day and I would move all over after I finished each Book. I had been thinking about reading it Cover to Cover again. 

And so I invite you to join me.  I would love that!  This year I am going to read it chronologically. I will be posting on instagram (Jennie5973), twitter (hugsnsmile), and facebook every day the verses that I am reading. #BibleInAYear

I strongly encourage everyone to do this at least once. The Bible is an Instruction Book for life. It HAS all of the answers that we are looking for. Sometimes it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s all there. Reading that whole Bible changed my life.  Carving out that time to spend with God every day was such a blessing. I can’t wait to get started again and see how it changes me in 2015.

A sneak preview: January 1 – Genesis 1-3

*****

But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

-Matthew 4:4

The Book of Ruth

Hello,

I have been reading the Bible Daily since January 1, 2006. That first year I read it cover to cover. Since then I have selected different books to read. Generally I tend to alternate between the Old and New Testaments. One that I come back to repeatedly is the Book of Ruth. It is only four chapters, but it is also the one that speaks to me most.

Ruth is the daughter-in-law of Naomi. When the widow Naomi loses both of her sons she tells both of her daughters-in-law to go back to their families. Ruth stays with her. They go back to Bethlehem and Ruth goes to work in the Harvest Fields to provide for them. The fields belong to Boaz. Boaz hears of her loyalty to Naomi and is kind to her. Boaz is a relative of Naomi’s and obliged to marry Ruth. So Naomi sends her to sleep at his feet. Boaz blesses her and marries her.

Ruth’s life is not her own. It is spent serving others.

I identify with Ruth so much. My life has taken me all over. God has had plans for me. My life belongs to Him.  I have lived all over the East Coast.  I have not always known what my role was or who I was sent to help until much later. Sometimes it was a friend or family that needed me. Sometimes it was someone that I didn’t even know until I moved.

It’s an Awesome feeling to know that God uses me to do His work. Now I am back where I wanted to be for so long. I am flourishing in my Bible Studies and Fellowship. I can only imagine what God is preparing me for and how He will Bless me.

*****

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

-Ruth 1:16 

Helping those less fortunate

Hello,

I love being back in Charlotte, but something is really bothering me. Literally every single day I drive past several homeless people. I am not driving uptown. I am on random intersections all around. Sometimes I see the same people.  Tonight I saw a woman with her small daughter on the corner with a sign. I had a lump in my throat.

I have started keeping a dollar in my console and a bottle of water for just an occasion. Tonight I had already given them to a young man that I have seen repeatedly and I just couldn’t drive by without giving him something.

Money is tight for me right now. Unbelievably tight, but I am incredibly fortunate. I have a roof over my head. I have friends and family that are willing to help me.  I thank God every day for that every day.  That dollar can do more for him than me.

This week my phone had to reset to factory default. I lost everything. It was upsetting, but it was just a phone. It was a hassle to set everything up again. It was horrifying to lose so many pictures. Luckily I post all of the good ones as soon as I take them and I’m pretty good about downloading them to my computer. I really just lost random ones and ones that other people sent me. It sucked, but it was just a phone. A dear friend’s house caught on fire recently. Her family of 6 is living in a Residence Inn until February. They lost everything in their attic (including winter clothes) and other things.  Sadly I know too many people that would be flipping out and complaining about their phone for days. It would be all I would hear about.  It was hard for me to dwell on that when others are dealing with so much more.

I feel sick whenever I pass someone less fortunate and can’t help them.

*****

Luke 3:11 

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

  

Trying to stay positive

Hello,

Every day I start my day with a daily reading and reading a chapter of the Bible. I like to start my day with the Word of God. I randomly choose the book that I am going read from when I finish the previous one. I have been thinking lately that come January 1 I will read the Bible in a year again. That means I will read more than one chapter a day. I will share what I read through instagram and twitter.

For my daily reading I alternate between reading from Jesus Calling and reading from Starting your Day Right by Joyce Meyers. Today I read from Starting your Day Right.  I am just going to quote it word for word:

Speak Positively

Focus on speaking words in faith today; keep your confession truthful but positive. Don't deny the existence of your circumstances, but confess what God's Word has to say about your situation.

For example, if you are sneezing, coughing, and finding it difficult to breathe, it isn't truthful to say you aren't sick. But you can learn to present a negative situation in a positive way. You can say, "I believe God's healing power is working in me, and that I am getting better all the time."

This couldn't have been better timing. I am struggling with a few things right now. In general I am a positive person, but it's been difficult to put on a happy face the past  few days. I have been in a funk.

Last night I found out that I am in a pickle. My stomach dropped when I learned. I immediately wanted to throw up. My stomach was very upset all night.  So I had this physical reaction, but I also heard God speaking to me. He is with me. He has a plan. It's hard to get too stressed out when you know God is working in your life.

I am stressed. My plan is being upset, but God is working in me and I have to honor that. So right now I am in a temporary situation. I have to have faith that He will lead me where I need to be.

*****

Behold, You desire truth int he inner being, make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

Psalm 51:6

What if I was alive when Jesus was?

Hello,

So there is something that I think about on a regular basis. Something that occupies my mind for hours and hours and hours.

It is easy for me today to say that I believe that Jesus is the son of God. Would I have believed that he was if I lived back during his time?

I would like to think that I would, but let's face it, I can't say for sure. I come from a long line of Christians. But, what if I was around when Jesus was alive and preaching the Gospel? I wouldn't have had that background.

Well first off, I would like to Thank God that I was born when I was. I am particularly fond of my rights as a female. That is something to consider. I would not have the same rights that I do now. I would not have the same freedoms that I do now. If I was married, I would be bound to my husband and his beliefs. What if I believed and he didn't? What if he believed and I didn't?

Thank goodness I never have to worry about that, but I do wonder. When I read the Bible I try to imagine myself living during that time. I try to put myself in that place. Would I still be a Christian?  Think about it. There are people today who don't believe that Jesus is the son of God even with New Testament to tell them otherwise. Would I have followed this man who could turn water into wine or would I have thought Him and his followers to be false prophets?

Today people do very strange things and say that God told them to do it. The general response is that this person is crazy. But, God asked Abraham to kill his only son Isaac. God stopped him from doing it, but he still asked. That defense would hardly stand up in a court of law today.

What would I have thought when they discovered his body was gone? I have a curious mind. I am constantly trying to figure out magic tricks. Would I have thought this was one too? I like to think not.

When I stop and think about it, it's pretty much a miracle that in today's world of skeptics and distrust that so many people claim to believe that Jesus was the son of God. Afterall, we only have a book to go on.

But, it's not just a book is it?

*****

 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

-Genesis 22:2

Thankful for my Blessings in the Storm

Hello,

I lived a Blessed Life. I really truly do. I am very blessed with my friends and family. I would do anything for them and they would do anything for me. It all begins with God.

The past couple of years have been very trying personally and professionally. It would have been very easy to get angry and frustrated and dwell in it. And it happened occasionally. I just didn't let it consume my life. I put my faith in God.

It has almost felt like I have been the eye of the storm. I have been calm no matter what is going on around me. I thank God every day for that. I know that He is looking out for me. I know that He is on my side. I know He has a plan for me. I am just going with the flow.

I have been extremely blessed with the generosity of my friends and family this year. Cruises. Concerts. Meals. It seems like every time I turn around someone is giving me a gift or meal. I thank God every time that happens. I was telling a friend recently that it felt like God was rewarding me for keeping the Faith during the last year of a "Crap Hailstorm" that was swirling around me.

I used to be anxious and stressed all of the time. I still have my moments, but for the most part I am living in God's Grace and relishing every moment.

My life has completely changed in the past couple of months and I owe it all to God. I have been able to move back to North Carolina. I am no longer behind a desk all day. I am helping people. I am thriving in my old Church. I feel like I am a flower blooming. I am not making the money that I used to and you know what? It's okay. I make ends meet and quite frankly because I am happy and content with myself and my life, I don't want for more. Funny how that happens.

Have a Blessed Night.

*****

Matthew 8:23-27New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Calms the Storm

²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Finding my Church Home

Hello,

It's funny. All week long I think of things that I want to blog about, and then when it's time to sit and write my mind goes blank.

This week was a good and confusing week for me. Before I moved back I struggled with which direction I would lean. Would I go back to my Charlotte church or would I search for a new church? There were a couple that I possibly wanted to check out.

Last week I went to my former church because it fit my time frame. I cried the whole time I was there. I felt like I had come home. Now since I had left back in 2007 several things had changed, but a lot was still the same.

I missed it a lot. Even though I have enjoyed the non-denominational churches, I have missed it. Now this church has a traditional service at 8:30 and a contemporary at 11. I only went to the contemporary once when I was here the first time. I like 8:30, but I would like to check out the 11 and see how it feels for me now.

This week started the Sunday School classes. I didn't know which to start with ( I didn't see the list). So I literally just walked into the Parlor and asked if I could join. I learned that this particular class would be a dvd and discussion group. As it filled up I felt the love and the welcoming. I recognized a few people and it was nice to meet some new people. I was excited to have the discussion.

One of the things that I miss is the liturgical discussions. That means a lot to me. I also love how community involved my former church is. Love thy neighbors. I felt like there was no discussion. I found my church. Hopefully the contemporary service will be the combo that I need.

And then yesterday I was in the locker room at the gym and a woman was getting ready at the mirror. She had music playing. It was one of my favorite song's "Glory is Yours". I mentioned that it's my favorite. And then she asked if I go to a church that I had been considering visiting. I still want to visit. Maybe I can go there once a month or double dip on Sundays.

In the meantime, I will be diving in and soaking up as much as I can.

*****

An update to a previous post about music: if you get a chance to listen to Brad & Rebekkah please do. They are on Youtube, itunes, and Amazon. They sing at my Aunt's church regularly and they are just wonderful.

*****

The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
-Mark 12:31

Being a Christian Model

Hello,

So we are now finished week 2 of my new Bible Study. I am so glad that I was invited to participate. I am getting a lot out of it.

We are studying Thessalonians. One of the things we are focusing on is the use of the terms: We, You, and They. Who do they represent. Thessalonians is a letter written by Paul, Silas and Timothy to the Church (believers). It is to encourage them. For as believers we should imitate God and provide models for others' behavior.

I am so glad we are doing this. I think about this every day. I try very hard to be a Christian model for others. Gone are the days of heavy drinking. Gone are the days of watching morally irresponsible television shows and movies. Gone are the days of gossip. Gone are the days of bad mouthing others.  Gone are the days of foul language. Gone is the negativity.

On more than one occasion someone has told me that one of the things they like about me is that I don't have a bad thing to say about anyone else and that I am always positive. I am very proud of that. Sometimes I slip, I am human, but for the most part I am able to stop myself before I say something bad. And then I ask God for forgiveness for thinking it.

My Christian Faith has grown so much over the years. I used to be a quiet closet Christian. I didn't talk openly about my faith. Now you'll be hard pressed to get me to stop. Because part of being a Christian is to testify. I used to think that was a horrible phrase. People get so offended by that. But, there is more than one way to do it.

I don't approach people and ask if they believe in Jesus Christ and tell them they are going to hell if they don't. In my opinion, that's not going to get a lot of positive responses. No, instead I just openly talk about my faith and church. I'm not going to reach everybody, but if seeing and hearing how much peace and joy I get from it leads one person to a personal relationship with God, then I have done my job.

When we were leaving tonight they asked if we lead a life that others can imitate. I am proud to say yes.

*****

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

-1 Thessalonians 1: 6-8

My Daily Prayers

Hello,

I pray all day long. For me it's more of just having a conversation with God. That works for me, but sometimes I wish words could come to me like they do other people.

I know you shouldn't be jealous of other people, but I am. When someone says "Let's pray" and then the most melodious words come effortlessly out of their mouth, I wish it was me.

I have a little OCD so my daily prayers are pretty routine. I start with the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and forever.

It's a good guide for me.

The first people I pray for are those who are lost. I ask God to help find their way to them. And then I give Him a list of the people I would like to help guide to Him.

Next I pray for those who are fighting for our country. I pray for their safety and that their leaders make the right decision.

Then I pray for those who are sick or suffering. I pray that they can heal and that their suffering will ease. And then I give Him a list of people that I care about that need healing.

Next I pray for our World leaders. I pray that they turn to Him for answers and guidance.

Then I pray for those who are battling addiction. I pray that they turn to Him instead of their addiction.

And finally I pray for me. I pray for His guidance every day to make the decisions that He wants me to make. I pray for patience and not to let others get to me. I pray for strength to fight the Devil. He pops up every day and it's not always easy to walk away.

And then I Thank Him for everything. I thank Him for my friends and family. I thank Him for Choosing me to believe in Him. I thank Him for all that he has done for me. For being with me at my darkest times. For being with me at my most joyous times. I thank Him for loving me.

These are my prayers in the morning and when I am in bed at night.

For the rest of the day I talk to God like He is in the car with me.  Sometimes it's out loud. Luckily for bluetooth it no longer looks like I'm talking to myself.

I also pray that one day the words will flow from my mouth with the grace that they do from others.

*****

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

-Matthew 21:22

You hurt me. I want you to hurt.

Hello,

I am a Christian. I am a Nice Person. I am a fairly positive person. I am a compassionate person. I am a sympathetic person. So why is it that there are some people that just bring out a rage in me that I really don't like?

I am not kidding. There is a rage. Even thinking about that person makes my blood pressure rise. It takes me a while to calm down. I never wish harm on anyone. I don't. But, sometimes a little discomfort maybe.

You hurt me. I want you to hurt.

This is a normal reaction. Immediately after I feel this rage I always sit and pray for them and for me. I pray for the strength not to let them get to me. I pray that I can forgive.  I pray for them that they may find peace with God. No matter how much they hurt me or angered me, I won't let them win.

It is a rage. It's not just me being upset and angry.  I want to punch something. I want to kick something. I want to damage something. I am able to control it, but it eats me up inside.

Now before you get worried about me, this is not an every day thing. It's sporadic. It happens every once in a while. I have managed to distance myself from these people, but not gone completely.

I thank God every day for choosing me. If I did not have God in my life, I shudder to think how I would respond.

So do what you want to me, but I will not let you break me. God is on my side. I will just pray with him that you let him into your life. It's so worth it!

*****

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-Matthew 6: 14-15

When God's Plan conflicts with mine

Hello,

The past couple of weeks have been a tough one for the world. We lost someone who made us smile and laugh for so many years. It's been difficult for people to understand how someone who brought us all so much joy could live in such a dark world.

Robin Williams was one of a kind. It's as if the lights went out for us all, but hopefully something good will come out of this. Hopefully it will shed light on Depression and Suicide. Hopefully many others will be able to be helped from this.

It's very hard when something like this happens to understand God's plan. It doesn't make sense to us. We all loved him. It makes it harder when more and more stories come out about what an amazing human being he was. It's heartbreaking to think about the circumstances that would lead someone to take their own life.

Very often I struggle with what I want my plan to be and what God's plans for me are. I moved from Charlotte back to Philadelphia in 2007. I was heartbroken when I left and within a year I wanted to move back. It was difficult. I ached to move back, but I could not find a job. I was in a constant state of longing. I did not want to be where I was.

Little did I know that God wanted me where I was. I am a helper and some of my friends and family were going through really tough times. Some I would not have met had I not moved back. I did everything I could to be there for them. I did a lot of counseling for them. There was a lot of listening and some advice.

There were some scary times. I felt helpless. I worried a lot about their safety. A lot. And it turns out that I had reason to. There were suicidal thoughts on their part. In one case they were expressed to me and then they disappeared for 48 hours. Those were terrifying hours. I couldn't breathe.

I know that every case is different. Not everyone can be reached. I am so very grateful that God had this plan for me. I don't know what I would do without either of these people.  One of them periodically thanks me and lets me know that they would not be alive today if it weren't for me.

I was miserable because I wasn't living my plan, but God's plan for me was way more powerful than I could have imagined. I am so blessed to have these people in my life. It's worth putting my plans on hold.

I am moving back to Charlotte this week. It's what I want. Yet, there's a hesitation. What if I'm still needed here?

*****

 ^"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

My Amish Follow-up

Hello,

In my last post I referenced sometimes wishing I was Amish. At the time I was writing I was a little sad about the Tony Stewart incident. I should have elaborated on the Amish bit.

I am a reader. I love to read. I will read just about anything you put in front of me. I have recently started reading Beverly Lewis novels. She grew up in Lancaster County, PA and her father was a Pastor. She writes many novels based around the Amish life. I grew up a couple of hours from Lancaster and was familiar with the Amish. But, I spent almost the last two years much closer to them. I lived within a couple of miles. I became fascinated.

So it was only natural that in due time I would start reading her novels. How can you not be fascinated by people that don't use modern technology in today's world? We take it for granted. There are so many advancements in technology that we benefit from, but there are also many that harm us in the long run. If I had to I could live without a lot of it. I do remember life before cell phones and the internet. I managed to graduate college without either. I remember life before cable TV. We lived. Now I would not really like to give up air conditioning and treadmills, but if I had to I could. Modern refrigeration might be tough.

There's so much more to the Amish community that fascinates us than technology. The practice of Shunning and Excommunication is hard for most of us to understand. It's not an option for most of us. But, that's also how it is with understanding different cultures. It's difficult when it's not something you practice.

The idea of shunning is completely strange to me, but then again to be so set in beliefs and have such a strong sense of faith is nice to me. We live in a country where people profess to believe in God, but they don't always live like they do. We live in a country of freedom. We have the freedom to do almost anything we want. We are encouraged to embrace our individualism ad nurture our talents and desires. There is nothing wrong with that. It is wonderful. So to see a culture of people who have such a strict way of living is hard to understand. Everything from their clothing to their gender specific roles to their simpler life is hard for so many to grasp. I struggle with the gender roles, but I also understand that it is their culture.

Theirs is a community of faith, love, and help. They are peace loving. They come together to take care of each other in a time of need. Regardless of how they feel about each other. They are taught to forgive. They forgive even the most unspeakable acts. After the Amish Schoolhouse Massacre the world saw first hand the act of forgiveness. It's powerful.

They believe that the modern world is full of distractions. It's hard to argue that. I am a Christian. And yet how many times have I lost hours or days playing on the computer or watching marathons of pointless television shows? We are constantly bombarded with Fame and Fortune. It changes people's priorities. I could go the rest of my life without watching another Reality show and be a better person. Our society glorifies fame and money. It's easy to forget what's really important. People tend to worship money and things instead of God. I guess things would be different if God had his own Reality show.

It's hard to say which is the better way of life. I think I am a little too headstrong and individualistic to be defined by my gender, but I wouldn't mind a more simpler life to focus on what really matters. All that matters is honoring God.  It's refreshing to read about people who prioritize their life around God. I am not sure that I could adjust to that way of life full time, but I wouldn't mind an Amish vacation.

*****

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
-Proverbs 1:7

Sometimes I wish I was Amish, but I love Twitter too much

Hello,

I have a confession to make. I Love Social Media. I really do. I especially love Twitter. I could Tweet all day long.  I love the world that I live in with all of the freedoms that I have, but sometimes I fantasize about being Amish.

They are very forgiving and kind.

This weekend a very bad thing happened involving my favorite Nascar Driver, Tony Stewart. There was an incident on the track and another driver was killed. It's heart wrenching. One of the reasons I love racing is because of the thrill. You secretly want a crash, but you don't want anyone to be hurt. It's a weird thing.

Now, you either Love or Hate Tony Stewart. He's had a reputation over the years. Sometimes he's a little aggressive and that rubs people the wrong way. I love it. It's what makes him a great driver.

I tried to read a couple of the articles today because I wanted to know what happened. And then I saw some of the comments on Social Media. For the most part people were supportive and sad. And then there were some people that just wrote hateful comments. They were spiteful and downright wished him harm.  

I just don't understand this. I am a Christian. I may not agree with other people and I may be upset by a situation, but I would never ever spew hate at anyone. What good does that do? Does it make you feel better? Probably not.

The day that Tony Stewart started his Twitter account was one of the best days ever. Not only is he an amazing driver, but he is funny.  He is also a very good guy. He may lose his temper on the track sometimes, but he is a very generous man. He is very charitable.

I saw some nasty comments on Facebook today. I'm guessing that Tony is not reading these comments. I hope he isn't. He has a lot to deal with. He doesn't need to see these hate fueled comments. There is no reason for them. This is a horrible situation, it needs healing not hate.

I have seen nasty comments when celebrities post pictures of their children. There is no filter. So many times I have tried to walk away. It just gets so ugly. That's not why I use social media. For all of the bad there is just as much good if not more. And so I try to use my platforms to help build people up or bring them a little joy. There is no room for Nastiness and Hate in my life.

The Amish may not have electricity and modern conveniences, but they most certainly have the right ideas.

Sending prayers to everyone involved in last night's tragedy.  And sending prayers for all of those who are writing these hateful things. Clearly they need God in their life.

*****

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
-Ephesians 4:32

I Am

Hello,

I am very excited that we have been singing a new song in church. It's new for this church, but not new to me. I mentioned this song in a previous post, but I do love it so much.

'I Am' by David Crowder.

There's no space that His love can't reach
There's no place where we can't find peace
There's no end to Amazing Grace
Take me in with your arms spread wide
Take me in like an orphan child
Never let go, never leave my side.

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to You.
In the middle of the storm,
I am Holding on,
I am

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to you.
In the middle of the storm,
I am holding on,
I am

Love like this, Oh my God to find!
I am overwhelmed what a joy divine!
Love like this sets our hearts on fire!

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to You.
In the middle of the storm,
I am Holding on,
I am

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to you.
In the middle of the storm,
I am holding on,
I am

This is my Resurrection Song
This is my Hallelujah Come
This is why to You I run
This is my Resurrection Song
This is my Hallelujah Come
This is why to You I run
There's no space that His love can't reach
There's no place that we can't find peace
There's no end to Amazing Grace

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to You.
In the middle of the storm,
I am Holding on,
I am

I am,
Holding on to You.
I am,
Holding on to you.
In the middle of the storm,
I am holding on,
I am

The lyrics are simple and so powerful. 

 

For so long I would only turn to God and talk to him when I was sad, hurt, or angry. I would ask why. I would express my displeasure when I was in the 'middle of the storm'.

 

Then things changed. When I was in the 'middle of the storm' I started to ask God for his guidance. I know He is with me at all times. I know that He loves me. And so I take a deep breath and hold on. He will get me through the storm.

 

I love the line 'I am overwhelmed what a joy divine!' It is just joy to live with God's love. I talk to Him everyday. I thank him for the love that he shows me. 

 

I think about it like other relationships. I have friends that only dwell in the negative. It's draining. Sometimes you don't want to answer the phone. When they are happy and sharing their happiness it's so enlightening. I feel bad for the time in my life when I didn't share my joy and thank God every day. I am just grateful that He has always Always been there with me in the Storms.

 

*****

 

There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.

-Isaiah 4:6

There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Storms#sthash.FJUbUH4M.dpuf

 

There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Storms#sthash.FJUbUH4M.dpuf

There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Storms#sthash.FJUbUH4M.dpuf

There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Storms#sthash.FJUbUH4M.dpuf