The official start of Summer is not until June 20th, but as far as I'm concerned....Summer has begun!!
We have had so many (what I call) Summer storms already! Again yesterday morning, we woke up to the sound of thunder and rain, and this weeks calls for several more days of rain.
One thing I know.... is that the Texas sky can be so deceiving, especially during the Summer months. One minute it's all sunshine and blue skies, and the next.....clouds are rolling in and the sound of thunder acts as if it has something big to prove.
I think in my case, the storms have taught me that a simple Summer storm doesn't mean that the entire day is ruined. It might mean that God sees something in need of care. He knows when the soil is thirsty, when the trees need a drink, when my flowers or drooping or when the creeks need to be filled. And you know what? Sometimes, it's not just the land, but our hearts that need a quiet soaking.
I will be the first to say that storms might feel inconvenient (especially when we have outdoor plans) but they often refresh what we didn't even know was running dry.
My flowers are all thriving from the rains!!
👏👏👏
In my life, Some of the most fruitful seasons didn't come after the long stretches of sunshine. They came after the storms....the grief....the uncertainty....the prayers that I wasn't sure God heard. BUT HE DID!!!! He always does.
"He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses." Psalm 135:7
God doesn't panic when our skies grow dark. He is the creator of the rain and the One who nourishes the earth. He is also the one who can instantly clear the skies....... So, if it rains or storms today....I am going to choose to reflect on the Grace that God pours out upon us everyday. His Grace stirs the winds before it stills the heart.
Shug....
Beautiful rain illustration and message. Wonderful Bible verses. Gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteAn encouraging message! Thank you. I am sitting here with my great-niece having watermelon. A perfect summer (almost) day!
ReplyDeleteI like how you brought your message home. Our sermon yesterday was that miracles don't always happen all at once - sometimes it is pieces at time - like your rain.
ReplyDeleteGreat application Shug! We do grow through those storms, even though they aren't fun in the middle of them.
ReplyDeleteI used to enjoy the summer storms in Tennessee when we’d visit our kinfolk. God must hate California because He created our climate to be dry for 6-7 months of the year! Just kidding. It’s been about 2 months now of dry weather and with our temperatures we could sure use the rain. Everything is dry and the hillside grasses are golden.
ReplyDeleteCome on Shug, you must be a writer/author of devotional books and are staying incognito. You are one talented gal. Is there anything you can’t do? You are the most talented blogger I have ever read! Keep it up. I love what you write.
Hugs
Thank you for these words Shug, we are currently going through a time a decisions, rather large ones. Your words have helped me today. Thank You!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Carla
Hello my friend. I love your outlook on storms that you've shared with us here. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though you had a pleasant and fun weekend. Loved seeing the pictures.
I also scrolled back to Saturday's post that was an update on Sam's health. Thank you, Shug, for taking the time to do that. You shared much wisdom. And you know that I am praying. xx
we had rain yesterday, and again today and todays has been all day long. we also had a lot of thunder and flashing going on, but I was just standing watching our grass grow. I can see it getting taller while I watch. the earth loves water and FL really needed it.
ReplyDeleteI always love to hear when other states get lots of rain. California always rejoices when the rain comes, as we look back on the droughts in the past. Our lakes are filled now, but we remember. I like when you said, "Sometimes, it's not just the land, but our hearts that need a quiet soaking." Those are special words, as the rain seems to come at just the right time. Your flowers are coming along wonderfully. I enjoyed your 'summer storms' post very much, Shug.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful first week of June.
~Sheri
You are so right, Shug! Your flowers are beautiful! We got our rains last week.
ReplyDelete"His grace stirs the wind before it stills the heart." Oh, Shug, these are such beautiful, wise words! This especially touched me as grace is my word for the year. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are so pretty and yes God can do what ever he wants, he is in charge!
ReplyDeleteYour message brings much encouragement!
ReplyDeleteWe're getting a gentle rain as I write this. We love it!
ReplyDeleteI love a good stormy day though. Sun, shine, rain, it don't matter to me. It's all good and each one has good bits about them. Happy Summer. PS: Our heat kicked on this morning and then in the afternoon, the air.
ReplyDeleteYep, I sure remember those Texas storms! I love your way of expressing what most of us know but simply can't put into words.
ReplyDeleteGod is always listening.
Wonderful analogy and very meaningful and true. Our summer storms are very similar...clear blue skies one minute, and storm clouds/thunder/lightning/rain rolls in the next, then it sends down its rain and moves on and the sun comes back out again. You are right...God know what we need and when we need it. We are blessed to be His children. Amen.
ReplyDeleteWe had a lot of rain last week. This week is a little nicer. I don't mind the rain but when we get too many days in a row of it, I long for sunshine.
ReplyDeleteWeathering the storms of life makes us stronger. My middle daughter has had an extremely tough year and I feared for her, but she came through it all.
ReplyDelete