In the beginning....GOD

Genesis 1:1-3
John 1:1

That's my foundation for belief.  God initiated Time.  He was there in the beginning and will be with us through the end.  And then we will be with Him for eternity if we hold fast to our faith in Him.  As we see so much that is awry in our world I cling to the good news that God is with us and holds us close to Him - in life and in death.  

'And God said'...and that's enough.  My confidence is in Him and Him alone.  

Of course the best good news is that God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for Sin and redeem us through the blood Jesus shed as the final sacrifice ever needed.  Truly, God loved the world so much that He literally took on flesh and came to earth to become that sacrificial lamb....  What amazing love.  

In praying for those who are being devastated by the current massive disasters of Harvey, Irma, fires and other storms He is the only one we can turn to, and our faith is distilled to the basics:  He is God. He loves us.  He is still in the soul-saving business.  He contends for mans' souls.   

My prayer is that in the hour of desperation, many hearts will be inclined to Him and find His ultimate peace and comfort.  He truly cares....and is there in the midst of the storm.  In times of trouble people either turn to God as their only source of strength - or they turn away from Him in anger and blame Him for their circumstances.  

None of these storms come as a surprise to Him.  In His Word He has forewarned that terrible times would be the beginning of the birth pangs that usher in the end of the world and His return to gather those who believe in Him.  

I am praying for those who are affected by the storms, and those who are going to storm-affected areas to help - to be God's hands extended to the oppressed.  We have never seen such a time of devastation.  

I have been tenderly touched by the outpouring of kindness and care that I have observed in the Texas weather crisis.  People  being the America I have always known and love - - and it gives me hope for our country!

BEAUTIFUL FALL COLORS - BUT WE NEED RAIN!

This weekend I attended a 'Girlfriend's Getaway' Retreat for the women of the church I attend - Faith Assembly of Lacey.  It was a good retreat - with wonderful bonding opportunities and great times of prayer and hearing from the Lord.  Along the journey home, I noticed how spectacular the Fall colors are this year - - and this tree in front of my house proclaims that, so I am sharing it!   I didn't take many pics over the weekend - - most are just of the indoor rock climb (which I posted on Facebook).  But after I had been home  for a couple of hours and I noticed how gloriously beautiful this tree is, which is out by the tractor at the entrance to our circular drive, I grabbed my camera and headed out for a picture postcard shot!

This is the longest dry spell ever recorded in Western Washington for as long as records have been being kept.  We have had no significant measurable precipitation in Olympia since +-July 20.  The info online says there was a trace on July 22, and .04 inches total in August....which must have been condensation from fog, because we certainly didn't have anything dripping off of the rail on the deck, which is how we identify measurable or memorable precipitation!  Multiple times rain has been promised in the long-range forecast, only to have it altered by the time the date arrived, with rain-producing clouds veering off to the north steered away from us by prevailing winds. 

Forest fires popping up as close as Shelton, where trees are more accustomed to the threat of root rot from soggy feet, brings the threat of risk all too close to home!  We have expected the fires for Central Washington where trees have been killed in massive numbers because of a beetle infestation - - deaths preventable by spraying to kill the beetles, which foolishly was not done.  But that's another soapbox! 

But Western Washington - - the epitome of green for the Evergreen State - - has never been more at risk in all of recorded history.  We expect earthquakes.  We don't expect tinder-dry conditions that can wipe out forests in moments, with healthy trees bursting into flame!  None of us want to complain about having too much beautiful weather!  This is an unusual, but primarily welcome, event!  But we need rain!  There I said it!  But until it comes - - enjoy!  Soak up the sunshine and the Vitamin D!  And when the rains return, rejoice! 

Spiritually I see the long span of dry weather like a mountain top experience, when we feel so incredibly blessed by the sunlight of God's love  - - but we need the valleys in life to develop tenacity, fortitude,  endurance, faithfulness in spite of circumstances.  That's when we grow!

I love looking out my window and seeing the sun, but I realize how much we need the rain.  We need balance.  We need both!

Holy Spirit, rain down.