Bittersweet Beauty
I wrote the bottom post yesterday, but it just didn't seem right to publish it with all that had been going on in Oklahoma and back home in Arkansas. I am thankful the Lord showed me his goodness yet again.
This picture is obviously not the greatest quality; however, the sky was incredible last night. I tried to somewhat capture its beauty with my iPhone. It is amazing how the Lord provides glimpses of himself in the darkness. The weather in the Midwest is unpredictable, to say the least. There is a constant battle of hot and cold air that crashes together to create tornadoes and strong storms. The past few days have been typical for those of us in the Midwest. Ever changing weather and the rage of clouds as they gain momentum.
I have been in a constant state of prayer for the individuals affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes the last few days. One of my best friends, a friend who was in our wedding and grew up with me, lives in Moore, Oklahoma. She and her husband left their home to head for shelter in a nearby bank's vault. After the storm had passed, she told me their home only had minor damage, but the home across the street was a complete loss. It is incredible that such a strong storm can draw such a distinct line.
The battle between the clouds is a constant reminder during this time of year of our battles in life. I am so thankful for the image above, an image of hope and beauty. This image would not exist if the clouds were not at war with each other. Recently, I posted that we cannot know joy without pain. We also cannot know silence without noise. When storms rage around us, we must find the stillness of God. We must find the shelter of his wings, as the Psalms encourage.
The toil of spring brings about summer. The storm has a purpose. Everything has a purpose. The beauty that comes from storms is bittersweet.
This time in my life has been a joyful one. I felt selfish yesterday posting the images below, because I was joyful, thankful, happy. I realized today that people experience different seasons at different times so that we can relate to one another, spur each other on. We must share our burdens and our joys with each other as Christians. We can't keep one or the other from each other.
This weekend was an absolute blur for me.
On Friday evening, I graduated from my Master's program where I received my MA in Communication from Missouri State University.
On Saturday morning, Carlie graduated with Honors from Bentonville High School.
On Sunday, our church had "Senior Sunday" where all of the graduates were recognized. Later in the afternoon, we had a reception/party for Carlie at our house where friends and family gathered to celebrate.
Tye spent the majority of the weekend on a float trip for a friend's upcoming wedding (he left immediately after my graduation Friday and drove in EARLY Sunday morning to be at church with us).
This picture is obviously not the greatest quality; however, the sky was incredible last night. I tried to somewhat capture its beauty with my iPhone. It is amazing how the Lord provides glimpses of himself in the darkness. The weather in the Midwest is unpredictable, to say the least. There is a constant battle of hot and cold air that crashes together to create tornadoes and strong storms. The past few days have been typical for those of us in the Midwest. Ever changing weather and the rage of clouds as they gain momentum.
I have been in a constant state of prayer for the individuals affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes the last few days. One of my best friends, a friend who was in our wedding and grew up with me, lives in Moore, Oklahoma. She and her husband left their home to head for shelter in a nearby bank's vault. After the storm had passed, she told me their home only had minor damage, but the home across the street was a complete loss. It is incredible that such a strong storm can draw such a distinct line.
The battle between the clouds is a constant reminder during this time of year of our battles in life. I am so thankful for the image above, an image of hope and beauty. This image would not exist if the clouds were not at war with each other. Recently, I posted that we cannot know joy without pain. We also cannot know silence without noise. When storms rage around us, we must find the stillness of God. We must find the shelter of his wings, as the Psalms encourage.
The toil of spring brings about summer. The storm has a purpose. Everything has a purpose. The beauty that comes from storms is bittersweet.
This time in my life has been a joyful one. I felt selfish yesterday posting the images below, because I was joyful, thankful, happy. I realized today that people experience different seasons at different times so that we can relate to one another, spur each other on. We must share our burdens and our joys with each other as Christians. We can't keep one or the other from each other.
This weekend was an absolute blur for me.
On Friday evening, I graduated from my Master's program where I received my MA in Communication from Missouri State University.
On Saturday morning, Carlie graduated with Honors from Bentonville High School.
On Sunday, our church had "Senior Sunday" where all of the graduates were recognized. Later in the afternoon, we had a reception/party for Carlie at our house where friends and family gathered to celebrate.
Tye spent the majority of the weekend on a float trip for a friend's upcoming wedding (he left immediately after my graduation Friday and drove in EARLY Sunday morning to be at church with us).
I am thankful for all of the "joys" we are experiencing right now..hard work concluding with the acceptance of degrees, the celebration of friends, love, life. I am thankful for the health of my family and the mercy of my Savior. Bentonville (my hometown) experienced what was left of the Oklahoma storm's strength. Storms vary in size, strength, and length. We can't always be ready for what lies ahead, but we can rest in our Father already being there.
I have found that true happiness comes in contentment of the present. Today, I am content. I am thankful.
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