Praise You in this Storm

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns)

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Have you ever heard this song? It is incredible! Today, a need arose in our lives and I sent out a prayer request to our life group. God is so good! It reminded me how much I love that group, and it reminded me that God's grace is evident in everything. Just knowing how much He loves us, and knowing what amazing friends we have, it has just lifted us up. We know we will make it through yet another challenge in our lives. It may take some sacrifice on our part, it may be hard, but we WILL make it through.

I can't express how awesome God is! I heard this song on the radio while Dustin and I were driving home this evening. It struck a chord in me. Then I came home and found THE most encouraging emails from some of the people Dustin and I love and respect the most.

God is good!!! If you are going through something tough right now, I encourage you to find this song and really listen to it. Go to your Creator and know that He is working out everything for the good - because HE is good!

God bless you all! And to those of you who were mentioned here (you know who you are) thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything! We love you all so very much!

Side By Side

In our small group we are studying Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Last night we talked about men's need for a shoulder to shoulder friendship with his wife. It was a very enlightening discussion. Those always seem to help more than just reading the chapter. So after small group, Dustin and I proceed to leave and go to our car (Annie was parked behind us and she was talking to Karen, so we weren't going anywhere) where we sat and just talked about what we got out of the discussion and where we saw we were both not always around each other. It showed us that we needed to work on our friendship. I know I like to be where Dustin is, but I always felt it annoyed him, and I could think of so many other things I could probably be doing or would rather be doing. So I would leave and do my own thing, not knowing that it was slowly hurting not only my marriage, but my best friendship. I also realized we do not always like each other, even though we do love each other. That hurts, you know? I kept asking myself "When did this start happening? Where did we make a wrong turn?" It's funny. I kept saying to him, we need to build a friendship, because I don't feel like we have one anymore. But we didn't know how to do it...until last night.

So as we talk, Annie finally finishes her conversation with Karen, and leaves, Dustin and I following her out. Our talk just kept getting better and better. We stopped at Walmart for a vinyl shower curtain liner and some dinner. Usually, we part ways and each go get something on the list to get it done faster, but last night, we stayed side by side. We checked ourselves out, got home, and made our dinner. While it was baking, I watched him play a computer game until dinner was done. We got our plates and headed to the living room and we watched the rest of the Clemson - FL State football game. During that time, I asked him why they always say 1st and 10 and how it proceeds to 2nd and 6, 3rd and 2, etc. So while we watched football together(which I usually really hate doing), he was answering my questions so I could understand even better what was going on. That was so awesome! I enjoyed just learning from him and I actually enjoyed that game. Clemson won by the way...barely! From there we went to bed, where we actually held each other - and told each other how much we LIKED one another. Today, he got home from work, and I was in the office, checking email and such and he came and sat in here with me and read a book while I did my thing. It just made me smile and I told him again "Dustin, I really like you!" He smiled back. So, I signed into my google account to write this blog.

One small victory. I know that we will focus on building our friendship on a daily basis, now that we know what to do. Our small group has been a blessing from the very beginning! This is just another point to how God uses our group to bless everyone in it. Thank you everyone in our Life group, for choosing this book to study! It has been an answer to many prayers! We love you all!