It is an interesting moment for me just now.  Outside there is a storm beating on my windows! The rain is pounding and the weather alerts are flashing across my TV screen.  This storm comes just after a supreme court ruling yesterday that stunned our nation - for some it was perhaps unexpected great news, and for others it brought a great realization of a country's compromise to the teachings of the Bible.  

I am not sure where we are in the great span of time and eternity.  I have many questions about many things.  But what I do believe with all my heart is that life has storms.  BIG storms.  I know that we cannot escape without experiencing the rain and the rumblings of the sky when it opens and releases its downpours!  

I also believe that our response to those storms is very important.  It seems to me that we are in very stressed times where tension and disagreement is at a level I cannot ever remember in my life time.  It would also seem that darkness and light are clashing and calamity is abounding.  Many days my heart feels heavy for my country and for people who do not seem to have hope for tomorrow.  There is killing, great disfunction, greed, political deception, dishonest leadership and greed rolling across this land like dark clouds.

Some days heart-wretching cries work their way from deep inside me and go before the God who already knows and sees the huge ominous picture.  But today - in the rain - I somehow know that He is in control.  It seems miraculously clear that through the lightning and swirling wind, the same powerful hand that brought the heavens and earth into existence is still holding the universe - and my quaking heart - together!

My little world has its own storms.  Trouble, heartache, pain and transition fill the air.  But today - as the sky is falling in the form of rain and hail - I know who I have believed and by His grace trust in His unfailing love that never fails.  When thanksgiving is brighter than the rain, THAT is where I want to stay!