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

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)

My Summer Blog Series - "Hail of a Summer!"

"SUMMERTIME SERIES"

Hail of a Summer!

Even though it was blazing hot outside earlier, it didn't keep the rain clouds and eventual storm from blowing in. Today was definitely a busy day for the kids and I, but we managed to get everything accomplished prior to the storm hitting. I'm keeping my kids busy this summer by showing them how to plant a garden. Not that I really know how to plant a garden myself, but we are having such fun with it!! I'm learning right along with them (I will post about our summer garden and its progression in posts later to come). We brought all of our 'infant' plants inside the house about 2 minutes prior to the downpour. 

Lots of rain, thunder and lightning out tonight, but at least the weather wasn't as bad as it was just about a week ago when it hailed. YES, it's summertime, warm weather and...HAIL!! Here are a couple of pics of the hail my son collected from outside...

The hail was jagged and actually looked more like clear rocks. They were very solid too! My husband accidentally dropped one on our kitchen tile floor and it didn't break, crack, chip, nothing!!! Wow, no wonder they can break windows and cause all kinds of other damage!

My kids were excited about the hail only because it was the closest thing they had to getting snow, LOL. My son placed the hail he collected in a cup and put it in the freezer. Not sure what he plans to do with the hail, but he was excited about it! Although my kids were excited, ME, not so much. I was more worried about our roof being damaged by hail for the SECOND time! Thankfully, there was no new hail damage.

And as far as the storm happening tonight as I type this blog post, I am confident that the Lord will keep us safe in the midst of this storm and ANY and ALL storms! And/or at least equip us to handle anything that may come our way! :-)

God Bless!

T Denise Clary

He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. - Psalm 107:29