The Storm

Sometimes it seems that all of life converges on you at once, doesn't it? The last few weeks have been like that for me. Even though they have been filled with wonderful celebrations like my 'forth and final' graduating from High School, going to her orientation at the college she will attend in the fall, and waving goodbye as she left for a 5 week vacation in New Zealand these joys leave behind them a wake of losses for me. These joys also bring up broken dreams that I had for our family which divorce has turned into something, that at these times, still feels like a nightmare. Once I would have brushed these things aside and tried to convince myself that they didn't hurt or that I just needed to get over it. I was the only one who fell for that...that is until I would have this incredible sadness and numbness I couldn't shake. Today I try to meet these things head on. However, when they come in like a wild storm that you weren't expecting it can knock you off your feet. The effort it takes to survive the havoc requires all the strength you can find.

As I tried to process what was going on for me this week the following poem emerged and with it an assurance that all was not lost.


The Storm

completely worn
and undone
up against a storm
and overcome
my spirits weak
and quite frail
some peace I seek
within this howling gale
it’s hard to hear
above the roar
inducing fear
over what’s in store
my way uncertain
debris piled high
a thick, heavy curtain
stretches up to the sky
yet His constant presence
I can feel
His love and essence
is very real
hidden in His palm
until it’s passed
peace and calm
shall come at last

6-22-09


Psalm 139:5
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

For His Glory

For His Glory

When I think about my life
And where I think its heading
Of all the things I want to do
I find there is one thing I’m forgetting
You are the One Who stretched out the skies
And spread out the earth below
You give life’s breath to everyone
By You all things thrive and grow

You are the One Who holds my hand
Sustaining courage, support and strength
You keep me close and guard my way
Loving me at astounding great length

It’s hard to imagine that such a One
Full of power and miraculous ways
Would even remember that I exist
And His character through me display
Yet He called me to reveal Who He is
Shedding light on blinded eyes
Freeing those bound as captives enslaved
Release from certain demise

6/28/08


Isaiah 42:5-8

This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another ..."