We Will Praise Him In The Storm

It has been a long time since I blogged and I must admit, I have missed it.

As with all of us, as time goes by things change daily.  Yes change, the one thing you can always count on.  Some are for the good and some are not.  And thus my need to blog.  

My sweet Mom passed away last May.  One of those not so good changes.  And my precious Dad came to live with us in October of the same year.  One of those good changes.  These changes to our life, while difficult at times, have been for the good, until this past month when we found out my precious Dad is dying from cancer.  This terrible disease has rapidly progressed and is taking a terrible toll on my Dad.  Yet through it all I know that God is still in control and I wanted to share the following thoughts with you. 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

The book of Habakkuk ends with these beautiful verses, following two chapters of complaints about injustices around him. God’s solutions didn’t materialize like Habakkuk anticipated, but in the end, he learned to trust God’s wisdom. 

We’re like Habakkuk, aren’t we? At times, we’re convinced God has somehow gotten it wrong. After all, we’re faithful, go to church, give to the needy, volunteer, and forgive transgressions…We’re Christians…We deserve to stay on the mountaintop, right?  Mountaintop security is an illusion. True security doesn’t come from a paycheck that could dry up tomorrow or from a house current on its mortgage.  Our only real security is God himself. 

The Bible says rain falls on the just and unjust. Christians suffer just like non-believers, this side of heaven. Living in a fallen world, we’re destined to trek through valleys. However, many promises in the Bible point to God not letting the faithful suffer unnecessarily, nor for an indefinite period of time (though it feels like it at times).  

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12.

Some people appear to suffer more trials than others or more than what seems fair. I don’t have an answer for that, except to say our Father is sovereign, and we have to trust Him to do the right thing. He supplies all our needs, which may look different than we expect.

God is still on His throne. More importantly, He’s on the throne of my heart and never once has He deserted me. 

Does it feel like our Father has deserted you? Consider this:

The toughest thing He asks is for us to die to self and be willing to sacrifice everything for Him. Please hear what I’m saying. It doesn’t mean He’ll always take it. 

In the Biblical story of Abraham, he’d waited his entire adult life for a son, and what did God ask of him? “Put Isaac on the altar.”  God had no intention of taking Isaac, but he wanted Abraham’s whole heart and obedience. 

Out of our Father’s love, He points to whatever our Isaac is and says, “Lay it on the altar.” It’s difficult to do when we can’t see the end result. 

Job lost everything, and his wife said, “Are you still holding onto your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job’s answer was, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:9-10).  

The next 36 chapters of Job are filled with Job suffering and his friends giving him bad counsel. Finally, Job 38:1, says, “Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.” 

God answers all prayer—in His perfect timing.

In both Abraham’s and Job’s case, Father honored their obedience. This doesn’t mean we can’t cry out to Him, even when we have no words to express our pain and outrage (Romans 8:26). He can take it.  He will never forsake you. 

We have a choice. We can go through life with our Father or without Him. I don’t know about you, but I’d hate to try to live in this fallen world without Him, regardless of what He asks me to endure. I need His comfort. When I can’t trust what the world hands me, I can trust Him. 

Are you waiting on God for an answer to a difficult life situation?  We are!   And we know, no matter the end result, our Heavenly Father did hear and answered according to His infinite wisdom. 

Whether our precious Dad, Phil, Pop, or Pappy, is healed or goes home to glory, we will continue to praise our Him through the storms of this life.  And remember, it’s a WIN-WIN for Dad either way.  


We love you all and pray continued blessings over you.

Amuck, Amuck, Amuck

Do you just every have one of those days where you brain is running full steam ahead and you just don't seem to be able to stop it? Then welcome to my world!

It is only 10:37 a.m. and so far these are just a few of the things that have been running through my head:

YAY it's Friday - really wonder what I am going to wear to shoot the wedding -What to wear today - bought new shirt - looks like I'm 12 in it - o well - doesn't need ironing - Should I wear capri pants of goucho - did I put hair glue on my hair - Need to do the dishes before the housekeeper comes, should I wear gold sandals - hurry and get in the car - did I get my cell phone - stop and get a coke - why is this girl giving me a thank you gift, just smile - did I forget something- if I had lots of money I would build my own subdivision - make a note streets, curbs, sidewalks a must - need to stop at cleaners - Precious Jesus hold my hand I need thee every hour dah, dah, dah (singing) - did I run that stop sign - wish I could buy Scott a nice truck - I should name the street Memory Lane - did I get my cell phone - if I had lots of money I would help out everybody I know, give it all away, maybe buy some land - man I just missed my exit - why do people day dream - can I exit here - where to park - did I get my cell phone - if I had lots of money, there's a parking place - etc, etc, etc, - my gosh my head is hurting and this crazy brain of mine won't stop - I wonder if there is a drug to help put your thoughts in some kind of order - Need to look into discovering/making some kind of drug for this - Do you suppose your head can explode if your thoughts stop all at once - man that would be a mess - if God hears all these thoughts does it drive him as crazy as it does me - I really love the term hedge of protection sure could use one for my brain you know so it won't explode if it stops all at once - what's this clients name-Betty, Besty, I'll just call her mam - answer the phone - I need to go to the potty - Besty yes that's it - etc, etc, etc. Amuck, Amuck, Amuck - where did that come from - etc, etc, etc.- maybe if someone would just slap me I would finally land back on earth - does the Twilight Zone really exist - only in my head - Precious Jesus take my hand dah, dah, dah - One way Jesus dah, dah, dah, - I should write a song and just use the word dah, dah, dah - country music or maybe southern gospel - I sure would like to go to the big O - YAY it's Friday, man I need to go to the potty, etc, etc etc . . . .

And as the morning goes on my brain hasn't slowed down but I remember where Amuck, Amuck, Amuck came from - the movie Hocus Pocus:



Help my brain is running AMUCK AMUCK AMUCK and it won't stop.

AMUCK, AMUCK, AMUCK

Man I need to go to the potty!

Things of the Past

Well I guess that blogging has become a thing of the past and I must admit it makes me sad. I don't get to talk to you ladies very much and blogging was a great way of keeping up with you and your family, your coming and goings, your victories and your struggles, and everything else that was going on with you. Best of all it was a fantastic way to hear from your hearts.

I know that I don't blog much, but I check out blogspot (and will continue to do so) daily. I love reading Brandi, Rachel and Annie's writings and hope they will continue to keep posting. I promise I am going to get better at blogging as well.

So ladies, please continue writing!!!! I love you all.

Ok Fran - I am doing this just to help you out -

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To

1. Tim's graduation from HSU, Saturday May 9th
2. Taking a vacation this year to anywhere
3. Retiring from this job (only 9 years to go)
4. Remodeling my bedroom
5. Doing my photography business full time
6. Seeing my son Scott married to a godly woman
7. Spending the rest of my life with my sweet husband
8. Seeing my brother-in-law's cancer fully gone

8 Things I Wish I Could Do

1. Retire today
2. Take Photoshop Classes this summer
3. Sit on the beach this year
4. Have a full time housekeeper
5. Get my portfolio completed
6. See the foliage change in Maine and Vermont
7. Go to Bethel in Redding
8. Buy a dishwasher and have it installed

8 Shows I am Currently Watching

1. 24
2. Ghost Whisperer
3. Fringe
4. CSI
5. The Unit
6. Cold Case
7. Without a Trace
8. Law & Order - SUV & CI

So I am tagging Annie, Julie and Amanda . . . please do this!!!

Ever Leigh Robinson

I have lots to blog about, and many things I should share, but my heart is so blessed today to share anything but this would be a shame. God gave his very best to me this week and all the other news can just take a backseat to this.

Ever Leigh Robinson was born March 5th at 12:51 pm, she is 19" longs and has stolen my heart.

Thank you God for such a wonderful blessing.

QUICK UPDATE

I'm still here! Bet you're glad to know that! I have been so busy with life in general and I'm loving it. Home is great, life is great, photography is great, and my God is great! I am looking forward to the things that God is already doing this year - and I am believing that they will only get better as the year goes on.

I am still in the process of trying to get my portfolio together, so if I haven't contacted you yet, know that you are on my list (all of you Brandi, Fran, Pam, and everyone else)to have pictures made. I am finishing up Erica's wedding (which by the way was to awesome for words)and then I will be making calls. Hope you're all ready. I have found some really unique places to shot and I am looking forward to putting this portfolio together.

Now on to other things - tax season is here again (UGH!) - but I am happy to be employeed, even though my heart wants to be retired. God knows my heart on this and He already has it worked out, so I just have to wait for His timing - not mine - which is like asking a child to wait on that cookie until after supper! It seems like it takes FOREVER. But in the end, I know it is going to be worth it.

As I ramble on - I am excited that IGroups and WOW are starting back up. I truly miss everyone when we are off like this - and with the new year comes the excitement of a new BFW - And speaking of excitement - Julie and Jeff are getting married on March 14th. Isn't it amazing how God works - you pray and pray for something and then when it happens, you are so surprised it nearly knocks your socks off. And that's just what has happened here. This guys shows up at life group meets Julie, and the next thing you know, he is asking to date our daughter, WHAM-BAM turn around three times and, he is asking to marry our daughter. Nothing like God's timing! And the wedding is on. You know how much I love the wedding thing, the only problem is we need a photographer. Doesn't that sound funny? So if any of you are interested in being the photographer at the wedding, let me know. Seriously, please let me know.

Well, there is so much more I could and should talk about, but I'll save that for another day. (Bet you're glad) I just wanted to say "HEY I'M STILL HERE".

LY

Portfolio - What Portfolio?

ME, IN YOUR PORTFOLIO?

SURE!!

As all of you know I'm totally into the photography thing and people are constantly asking me to see my portfolio. What portfolio?

I have tons of photographs that I have taken! I mean by bugging my friends and family to death I have acquired photographs from some of the finest events (nothing being off limits) - like family gatherings (and arguments), pre-surgery pictures (no makeup), labor and delivery pictures (no pain meds), quiet times in front of the TV (in flannel pj's), playing in the yard (mud fights), driving down the road (eating - mustard on face), sitting on the potty (reading), mowing the lawn (zoning out), working on the cars (smashed finger shot), washing dishes (sprayer broke), putting on makeup (1/2 face), etc., etc., etc. You name it, I've probably shot it. But with that said, I hate to admit that those special photographs aren't what I would call good portfolio photographs.

Surprise, that's where you all come in! I am in desperate need of volunteers to have their photographs taken (FREE) for use in my portfolio. I would like to take 10-20 shots each of the following:

1. Mother and her daughters, and Mother and sons (1 younger and 1 older - generational)
2. Father and sons, Father and daughters (1 younger and 1 older - generational)
3. A family (2 large and 2 small)
4. Sisters ( 9 and under, pre-teen, teen, older)
5. Brothers (9 and under, pre-teen, teen, older)
6. Brothers and Sisters together (9 and under, pre-teen, teen, older)
7. Couples - 20ish, 30ish, 40ish, and older
8. Pregnancy
9. Newborn
10. Women (all ages) Men (all ages)

(The good news is I have plenty of senior, engagement, bridal and wedding pictures)

So ladies, if you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please give me a call (829-6660) so we can set up a time. I will also give you a copy of all the pictures on a disk.

P.S. - Begging doesn't look good on me!! But I can if I need too!!