Storms

I'm so incredibly sad! Galveston was hit hard! The pier in my previous picture is indeed gone! The destruction is massive. Having dealt with flooding in my own home (minor compared to this) I know what water can do but to experience it at that magnitude is beyond my comprehension. Thank God we live inland. Tornado's are one thing but add water to them and it's a whole new ball game. I keep thinking of a Casting Crowns song every time is see pictures of Galveston and Houston, not to mention the other smaller communities effected. It's called Praise you in this Storm. Here are the lyrics:

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
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

So fitting If you ask me. This song constantly reminds me how much we NEED to rely on Him during our storms of life. How we need to thank him for the storms of life even through the tears and sorrow. Even though we are going through storms, He is still there whispering "I'm with you." and drawing us to Him. Lord, Help me to continue to praise you in my own storms of life!

P.S. My friends in Bryan, TX came through Ike without much damage but my aunt, uncle and cousins were also fortunate in a way. Their homes lost portions of the roofs and my aunts garage roof was caved in. My cousin's house had quite a bit of roof damage where it caved in at certain areas of the house but no standing water. The fences are gone and outside play sets are nowhere to be found. My aunt said that their housing addition was completely flooded except for her house and a couple of houses around them. It was a miracle. All of the damage is fixable. I'm just thankful that they are all safe. Houses, roofs, play sets fences, trees are all replaceable, their lives are not!