Thursday, July 31, 2008

Storms

"When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise up from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses."
Jeremiah 10:13
Last night, I let Reece stay up after the little two were asleep and we sat outside watching a thunderstorm. He was a little scared of the loud thunder but we talked about how God is in charge and how God controls the wind and thunder and lightning. Reece was in awe of the power displayed in every boom or bolt of lightning.
Everything is under His authority and His control.
Even the storms.
The ones outside... and the ones inside our lives.
I am determined to teach my boys everything I can about God so their little minds process life through this filter as they grow and become the men God is calling them to be. I want them to see God in the storms and in the gorgeous clear-skied sunsets. He is creator of both. I am, however, learning in my life that weathering the storms make the sunsets even more beautiful.
That doesn't mean it isn't hard not to shiver with fear when the thunder booms in your "life storm". But know that He is in complete control of every thunder and every wind and every lightning bolt. We have to trust Him. We don't know what sunset he is painting on the canvas of our lives that will be revealed to a lost world. He will also shelter us just as Reece and I were sheltered. The storm was right there but we were completely safe in our refuge.
God is so big that he keeps the winds in a storehouse and yet longs to reveal Himself to me and to you.
I love spending one-on-one time with my boys. It is pretty rare but I am determined to do it more often because it is so special for me and them.



"Defeat may serve as well as victory
To shake the soul and let the glory out.
When the great oak is straining in the wind
The boughs drink in new beauty, and the trunk
sends down a deeper root on the windward side.
Only the soul that knows the mighty grief
Can know the mighty rapture.
Sorrows come to stretch out
spaces in the heart for joy."
Edwin Markham

May we ALWAYS trust Him.

5 comments:

HennHouse said...

Just beautiful. The photos. The sentiments. The writing. All of it. And your heart.

You mentioned yesterday that you are reading through the Bible. I wondered. Every time I drop by, you seem to be on the same exact page as me.

The Drama Mama said...

OK, I think it's about time I left a comment. I have NO idea how I found your blog a few weeks ago...but you seem to inspire me every time I stop by! I think it is so amazing that you use every opportunity possible to teach your children a lesson about HIS word...it makes me wonder how many opportunities I have let pass by. I just wanted you to know you have inspired someone in Texas! You guys are raising a great bunch of handsome young boys! :)

Diana Simpson said...

ok girl you rick! and I miss you. what a good momma you are. d

Leslie Davis Reynolds said...

Steph, I know it has been many years since I have seen you but I found your blog and I have been reading it for awhile. I just wanted to tell you that I am always so touched by the things you share. Thanks for opening your heart and your thoughts to everyone. I for one have been sincerely touched by your words.

maryanne420 said...

those are beautiful pictures of you and your son. who took them? i agree with you, it's very special and very important to spend one on one time with each child.

i love, love, love your back porch!

btw, how do you like the homeschooling book that you're reading (curry?). you can email me at maryanne420@msn.com.

have a wonderful weekend!