What Storms Threaten Your Life Today? Praise Him in the Storm!

Here I am – comfy, cozy, warm, dry, safe and sound – while so many people on the East coast are reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. More tornadoes, more surges of over 9 feet, power lines down and no power for hundreds of thousands of people. And then seeing the thousands of people in Haiti, who had so little in shelter and comfort anyway, who lost what little they had.

Living in Oklahoma, where tornadoes can be abundant and seeing the loss of homes, precious loved ones lost, and then the thought of rebuilding in those areas brings trepidation – “What if it comes again?”

Sincerely, our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone in harm’s way today – whether here, there, or in places and countries of turmoil and risking their lives on a daily basis. Our awareness of hurting people becomes even stronger in times like this. And our need to pray for their peace, comfort and resilience becomes heightened.

There will always be storms in our lives. It’s predictable – whether they are from the forces of natural disasters, those that come from raging battles and wars, or from those that come from the pain of broken relationships, disappointments or the discomfort of illness and loss of loved ones. But in all those storms, no matter what comes our way, there is only one Constant that can carry us through each and every storm. We can be hope-filled conquerors because our trust is in THE SON, Who is always shining in our lives.

Last night I watched a news report where a group of people in Nassau, Bahamas, with their church destroyed, still praising God in the middle of the storm. In my own life and those who put their trust in The Almighty…..know that homes can be rebuilt, healing will come to families and life will carry on once again, because we KNOW the Prince of Peace, who brings peace and comfort and joy once again. We will carry on -- and we'll even find the beauty that is found, even in tragedy. Yes, we may not know what our future holds.....but we do know, WHO holds our future.

Maybe life seems overwhelming to you today in the storms you may be in. I've been there..... and each time that I found myself in places like that, I found my answers, my peace and my comfort in the One who is the Rock, and I realize those overwhelming circumstances were ultimately for my good....because they drew me to the Source of answers, the stable foundation, my shelter and my SOLID ROCK. I urge you to go there for your place of refuge today In Jesus' words to the tremendous storm where the disciples were reeling in fear and despair, we pray He speaks to the storms in our world today "Peace, be still". In the meantime, let's PRAISE HIM in the storm!

It's the REAL THING!

Day 54 of Photo Inspirations -- It's the REAL THING!
There were so many "awe and wonder" moments at the ACTS Retreat that I attended last weekend, but one of the highlights was hearing Monsignor Dan Mueggenborg, a gifted and eloquent speaker.  Msgr Dan holds a special place in my heart.   Currently he is Pastor of Christ the King Church in Tulsa, but, formerly he served a six-year appointment to the Vatican in Rome. He was on the faculty of the North American College (Seminary) when my sweet husband and I went to Rome on our 40th Anniversary.  He was so gracious to give us grand tours of the college, the city and we enjoyed an authentic Italian meal at one of his favorite restaurants.  Such sweet memories for me, accompanied his amazing "talk".

He shared that when he was studying Theology, as a student, years before at the North American College, Mother Teresa would often come to Rome and he had the tremendous opportunity to meet with her.  In fact he had a private breakfast with her -- just her and him.  He was so humbled to be in her presence, and before their time together ended, he asked:  "I really want to have a memory treasure of this time with you.  Would you please sign this prayer card for me?"  And, she graciously did, and being slightly forward, he asked if she'd sign a second one for a fellow priest who sincerely loved Mother Teresa and followed her ministries.  She was so kind again, to sign the second card.  Msgr Dan framed his card (shown here) that was signed "God bless you, Mother Teresa". And he mailed the other  signed card to his priest friend.  He waited to hear back from his friend, but never did.  Later, he went to see his friend and asked if he had received the prayer card.  His friend said, "Yes, I did, but I already had one."  Msgr Dan asked "You had a signed original?" His friend said. "You know they make hundreds of those cards. They're just reprinted, so I threw it away since I already had one."  Msgr Dan exclaimed, "You THREW IT AWAY?  I was with Mother Teresa and she signed that card and you threw away an ORIGINAL!     IT WAS A PRECIOUS TREASURE!"

He went on to compare that precious treasure being thrown away to how callously and carelessly we often dismiss Christ and the gifts He's given to us. We discount His presence in and with us.  He is the REAL treasure.  He is THE ORIGINAL.

After that beautiful, inspiring talk, I felt on-purpose to do my best to keep Him in a place of honor, as the HEAD of my household and my life.  He's the REAL deal!  I believe in Him.  He is the ONE Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.