Praising HIM through the Storms of Life!

Rainbow after the Storm

Have you ever fallen asleep distressed, worried, troubled by something happening in your life or someone else's...only to wake up the following morning with a song in your heart and at the tip of your tongue soothing your worries and reminding you that God is still in control? Or, just fallen asleep knowing God's goodness (not troubled or worried) and waking up to a song confirming His glorious power and authority?

I woke up to the following song that seemed to sooth my thoughts and confirm God's goodness, love, and power over my life. What a lucky girl I am to know Him! I felt the need to share the words to the song on this blog because someone out there needs to be reminded to praise Him in good times and in bad. Through the storms of life God is still able--Praise be to God! 

"Purple"

by Donnie McClurkin

When we praise heaven responds with open arms

When we praise heaven abides within your heart

Praise unlocks the door it breaks every chain

Praise releases dreams it's all in his name

Just praise through your struggles and through your pain

Just praise through the storm, yes through the rain

Beyond every dark cloud, Beyond all fear and doubt

There's a blessing, a promise awaiting in your praise

When we praise God will do the impossible

Just have faith he can do the improvable 

Tell of his awesome works, Speak well of his name 

Jesus, oh Lamb of God forever shall reign

Just praise through your struggles and through your pain

Just praise through the storm, yes through the rain

Beyond every dark cloud, Beyond all fear and doubt

There's a blessing, a promise awaiting in your praise

We lift our voices in one accord

Sing these praises to you oh lord...

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

New Bible Verse ~ Sunday, July 29th

New Bible verse posted as of Sunday, July 29th. Have a great week!

Proverbs 16:7 (ESV)

When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

God Bless!
T Denise Clary

New Bible Verse ~ Sunday, July 22nd

New Bible verse posted as of Sunday, July 22nd. Have a great week!

Isaiah 32:17 (AMP)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.

God Bless!
T Denise Clary

My Summer Blog Series - "My Child's Need of Repair"

"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

My Child's Need of Repair

It's not as if our summer wasn't busy enough, but nothing can slow you down more than having a child with a medical need! My 3 year old, Chloe, was born with an umbilical hernia. Not too uncommon as I too was born with one. I have read that about 10% of children are born with umbilical hernias and about 90% of them heal on their own by the time the child reaches the age of 3 or 4 (as did mine). Chloe's pediatrician had advised us early on that if Chloe's hernia didn't heal itself by the time she reached 3 years old, he would recommend a surgical consult for an Umbilical Hernia Repair.

Well Chloe turned 3 years old this year and as predicted, her pediatrician advised us to get a surgical consult because her hernia had not repaired itself. Although I was a little apprehensive about consulting with a surgeon (and the thought of my young child having to undergo surgery), we already knew it was something we had to do, especially for the long term benefits if nothing else.

Chloe's outpatient surgery was yesterday and I am happy to report that she came through it like a champ! She is still in recovery mode, but she is resting fine at home. Thanks to those good ole meds that were prescribed, she slept most of the day yesterday. She is doing a lot better today than yesterday. I asked her if she remembered some aspects of the ordeal, but she doesn't remember any of it. I am thankful to Dr. Bloss, her surgeon, and the rest of the medical staff for doing a great job on her surgery and making Chloe feel at ease with the whole process. And of course, I am forever thankful to our Lord and Savior for giving me peace to know that everything would turn out fine. Thank you Lord!

Here are some pics...

Chloe and her daddy in the "play' area of the waiting room at the surgical center.

Chloe with one of her nurses before her procedure.

Chloe with her surgeon, Dr. Bloss.

The toy squirrel the surgical center staff gave Chloe before her procedure.
She still opted for "Puppy" that she had brought, lol.

Chloe moments before they walked her back to prep her for surgery.  :-(

Resting at home, Chloe and "Puppy" after the surgery.
She was still in a zombie-like state...

She slept most of the day with her puppy by her side.

Today Chloe was well enough to venture outside in the backyard and eat leftover watermelon from our 4th of July party. What a trooper!

What a difference a day makes...and meds! :-)

Smiling again! :-)

There is nothing more precious and heartwarming than seeing your child smile, especially after undergoing a medical procedure. Chloe's smile had disappeared for awhile after the surgery and I missed seeing it. Now it's back and mommy is happy again...and smiling! :-)

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26 (NLT)

My Summer Blog Series - "In the Midst of a Storm..."

"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

In the Midst of a Storm...

My family and I arrived back in town on Sunday from a visit to Florida. We initially traveled by plane to Tallahassee to visit  my husband's sister and family for a few days and then we drove to Tampa to attend my cousin's wedding. It was a great visit! We attended a beautiful wedding (indoors, thank goodness!) and both Tallahassee and Tampa were wonderfully scenic. However, halfway into our trip, the weather turned downright dreadful. We were able to see and experience some sites while there (mainly in Tallahassee), but Tropical Storm Debby (along with the many tornado warnings) put a little bit of a damper on our visit while in Tampa. Not to mention, trying to fly out in stormy weather didn't exactly give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Through prayer however, I was able to be at peace in the midst of the storm and relax during the two hour plane trip back home.

In spite of the stormy weather, I was still able to capture some fantastic pics of our trip...

- TALLAHASSEE -

"Walking in the park with Auntie Kim"
My husband's sister with our 3 yr old.
Tallahassee, Florida

We embarked on the River Boat Tour at Wakulla Springs State Park along the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

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The kids enjoying the River Boat Tour on the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

The beautiful sites along the Wakulla Springs River Boat Tour.
Tallahassee, Florida

One of the MANY gators we spotted.
Tallahassee, Florida

Although difficult to see in the pic, this bird was HUGE with its wings stretched out across the river branches.
Tallahassee, Florida

A family of ducks in the Wakulla River.
Tallahassee, Florida

- TAMPA -

My cousin Sheldon (pictured right) and his beautiful bride-to-be Tanya. Taken the day before their wedding.
Tampa, Florida

The happy couple moments after the wedding ceremony.
Tampa, Florida

The view from our hotel suite at the Grand Hyatt hotel. You can see the overcast clouds as the storm was rolling in.
Tampa, Florida

I couldn't help but notice the amazingly picturesque Florida skyline (as shown in a couple of pics above), yet in spite of it's allure, it was also a reminder that a storm was approaching. How ironic that in the wake of a storm, God's grace can still show a glimpse of beauty. That little reminder of God's grace gave me all the peace I needed to enjoy the rest of my stay in Florida despite the stormy weather. Whether rain or sunshine, it's good to know, "God's grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 -- or in this case, a storm! :-)

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

New Bible Verse ~ Sunday, April 22nd

New Bible verse posted as of Sunday, April 22nd...Have a great week!

John 14:27 (NLT)

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." 

God Bless!
T Denise Clary

New Bible Verse ~ Sunday, Nov 27th

New Bible verse posted as of November 27th...Have a great week!

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.



God Bless!
T Denise Clary

New Bible Verse ~ Sunday, Sept 4th

New Bible verse posted as of September 4th...Have a great week!

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


God Bless!
T Densie Clary