Peace in the Storm

We had a huge set of thunderstorms roll through last night.  Thunder, constant lightning, rain, but mostly wind.  Wind gusts up to 70-80 mph.  After losing power and restlessly going to sleep in the hot house (Virginia was around 104 degrees yesterday), we heard a crash outside, and my husband said, “There went a tree.”  We awoke this morning to sun, blue skies, and an intact house.  There are leaves and branches down everywhere, and one small tree came down in our side yard, but God was good.  No major damage.

As I was laying in bed last night, listening to the winds howl, I felt strangely fatalistic and amazingly peaceful.  I know that God controls the winds and the rain, and I also know, I’m not sure how I know but I do, that He loves me also.  I just kept singing in my mind, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…”  and somehow I fell asleep.  Now I know compared to storms that others have gone through, this one was a small one.  But at the time, it was scary.  And Jesus was my peace, my calm, in the midst of it.  And I am thankful for that this morning.  Praying that all of you are safe and secure this morning.   Slainte, Lisa

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”  (Mark 4:39)

 

On the Edge of Ireland

My husband felt like he was falling off the edge of Ireland as he got this shot, especially with the fierce wind pushing him in that direction also.  But isn’t it amazing?

Near Bray’s Head, County Kerry

Have a wonderful weekend, filled with long walks, air conditioning if you live near my part of the country, swims, bike rides, great conversation, amazing food, and topped to the brim with lots of God’s love.  Slainte, Lisa

The Way Things Look Vs. The Way Things Are

Things aren’t always what they seem.  I heard that saying so much growing up.  Wise words with much behind them when you really think about it.  The older woman who still feels 28 inside.  The “old soul” 9 year old child who feels more comfortable around adults.  The disreputable-looking man who is quite nice and safe, but no-one will get close enough to discover that.  The polished, attractive woman who is sour and mean inside.  Here are some pictures that are not what they seem.

In this picture, I appear to have a very short body and big head. No snide comments, please! haha 🙂

My son appears much farther away than he really is.

Jesus said once, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39)  This verse really makes me think, because I know I’ve been guilty of this sometimes in my life.  Trying to polish up the outside and make it look good, while inside I’m full of not-so-attractive thoughts.  I am so thankful that God is still working on me, and He will never give up!  🙂  Be encouraged!  Slainte, Lisa

Keeping the Door Open

“Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”  – Jesus, Revelation 3:20

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Jesus, Matthew 7:7-8

As my family stood at this open door near Cahirciveen, there was no hindrance to our coming in or going out.  It stood open all the time.  In real life, there are many shut doors that try to stand in our way.  And the biggest one is usually the one we try to erect in our heart between ourselves and God.  But He is waiting, right on the other side of that door of pride and independence, waiting to let us know how much He loves us.  He will never leave us or forsake us, and for that, I am so thankful today.  Slainte, Lisa

Far Away

“Far away, there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”

-Louisa May Alcott

Keep dreaming, and praying, and reaching.  Slainte, Lisa

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”    (Psalm 37:4)