Storms

I was thinking about the storms in Oklahoma and have heard several people over the course of the past couple days talk about the devestation. Many mentioned that at a time like this people question where God is in the midst of this, how He could allow this type of thing to happen and how a loving God would "kill" small children and rip them from the arms of their parents. 

It got me thinking. The Bible says in Matthew 5:45 " That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." 

The storms of life will hit all of us at some point or another. That doesn't mean that God doesn't care, that He doesn't love us, or that He is out to get us. Bad things happen to good people. The storms or life make us stronger.

I'm thankful for all the storms I've weathered in my walk with Christ. My heart is heavy for the families in Oklahoma and for many people around me who are right in the middle of what feels like a hurricane. 

Take comfort and know that Jesus is the Peacespeaker. He controls "the winds and waves" and He can and He will see you through every storm! 

You may feel like the sailboat in this picture! You may see the waves coming for you to swallow you up, but remember in the midst of the storm Jesus said he never leave us or forsake us! 

Deuteronomy 31:6 says

⁶ Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Thirteen

It feels like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital! 

Our sweet first born son. Being a mom has been the greatest blessing to my life. 

We could put him in one place and he'd stay put! He was the happiest baby I have ever seen. 

Before we knew it he was brushing his own teeth and jabbering! Making us smile and had us all wrapped around his little finger! 

 

All too quick he went off and started school and the years have flown by. 

This year he earned his high school letter in the 7th grade! And he's growing up too fast for me. 

Last night at his 13th Birthday party surrounded by our family and friends, Jason proclaimed a blessing over Noah and we prayed for him before we sang Happy Birthday. And yet again another reason that I'm thankful for the Christian husband and father that we have in Jason! 

I'm so blessed to be Noah's mom! 

Love Story

So much truth in this ! I'm so thankful to have my husband home safe. I'm looking forward to the day with him and preparing to celebrate Noah's birthday with friends this weekend. 

Joy

Conclusions

Jason talked about perspective in his first blog when he was finally on Israeli soil. Over the past 11 days I have had the chance to examine some things in my life and this is what I have come up with .... 

• Sunday mornings waking up with out the smell of coffee and the sound of him praying the heavens down....sad :(
• the Parsonage has STRANGE noises in the middle of the night.
• It's ok to say NO to family, friends, church members and strangers. I have always struggled with allowing myself to take on more than I should and to feel quilty about saying NO. Not anymore. Thank you Jesus! I am realizing I CANT do it all and the Lord doesn't expect me to.
• I am surrounded by some of the most amazing people. I have the best girl friends in the world. Even when the enemy tries to tell me I am alone I am surrounded by the very best.
• The trip last year to General Assembly that we took was truly ordained by God. In a whirlwind of hurt, and anger probably the hardest year in our ministry thus far, God encouraged us. But he also showed FAVOR! Anyone could have won this trip to Israel. but GOD knew it was for Jason. I know he will never be the same.
• We have the very best of the best when it comes to a leader and Pastor at LCoG and NOT just because I am married to him. Its just NOT the same without him
• My boys have an amazing daddy and they love him, admire him and even though his "job" isnt like their friends dad's jobs they LOVE who he is. GENUINE.
• I have missed my husband more than I can express in words. We are a team. I don't do well without the other half of me. I love him.

Tomorrow's THE day! I am so ready!

Israel

If you have not been following my sweetie's blog you are missing an awesome opportunity to see through his eyes the Holy Land!

Check it out!

www.RevTJasonThomas.blogspot.com

I Wish It Would Rain

I promise it feels like its been raining for weeks. I'm starting to think that Noah may have to go find some gopher wood. I hate to complain but we are OVER this rain every weekend. The plus to this is beautiful green grass and my flowers blooming. I know come summer time we are going to be praying for rain again.

Today on this early Sunday morning as we are doing something extremely unusual: missing church, getting up at 5:15 AM and driving to Atlanta to drop Jason off at the airport we just want it to slack off!

The adventure begins for him today and for us. Twelve days without him. I think this is a trip of a lifetime and I can't think anymore who deserves it more than him !

Suitcases

Jason is preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Israel. I'm getting nervous as I see the suitcases beginning to fill up. At the same time I am so excited for him and this fabulous opportunity. The favor of the Lord truly has rested on him with this trip.
Please pray for a safe trip, good rest and the experience of a lifetime! I have a wonderful support group here at home that's going to help us stay the course while he is away.

Stay tuned for more news....

WORD!