Fury of Life & Nature

The week of August 22-28, was a crazy week of experiencing the fury of nature. Here in Virginia we have experienced some wild events.

 Earlier in the week we experienced a 5.8 earthquake. This was the first earthquake I have ever experienced, or at least actually felt. There were a few aftershocks that followed, but nothing too major. A couple days later we had violent thunderstorm that felt more like Tropical Storm conditions. All of these things occurred while we were listening to the forecast of the giant Hurricane Irene on it's way. Hurricane Irene is now going through Virginia and we are feeling some of her power. On top of that we have heard of tornadoes touching down due to the force of Irene in different parts of the country. I’m waiting to hear of a sudden snow storm….

With all these crazy weather patterns happening lately, I can’t help but relate them to our lives. There are many storms that we go through in life. Some examples are broken relationships, family issues, work problems and identity failures. We are never sure of what kind of storm we will face next, but we will face them eventually. This week in weather, is like having a really hard week in our lives. Sometimes we get hit with storm after storm and we start to lose hope, we start to give up. We figure the storms are too large and are out of our control. Instead of going to others for help, we close up shop or we check out. Where do we go and what do we do…

The answer to all of these storms is God. We know that we have no control over the weather and we know that we are never really ready for the storms of life. If we have a rock, a solid foundation to stand on, we can be sure that we will be safe. Instead of isolation and worry, we can put our trust in Him that everything will work out for good. If we can recognize that we don’t have control of the storms, we can give Him control. We can allow him to handle the storms for us. He will guard us.

Stay safe everyone! And Pray for all those in need!

The Power of Nature

In light of all the preparations for 9/11 and of course the giant Hurricane Irene coming up the east coast.
Who would have thought an earthquake was on the horizon? The answer: No one on Earth.

Right before the earthquake hit, I was walking my job site. I was reviewing the building, and seeing what preparations need to be made for the hurricane. Material needs to be covered and tools need to be stored or strapped down. As much as we think we can prepare for the hurricane, we have no idea how much of a punch it has in store for us. About 10 minutes later, the earthquake hit. A rare east coast quake that gave millions of people an unexpected jolt. In perspective, the jolt that hit Japan was about 60,000 times stronger. We should all consider ourselves blessed. Things like these hurricanes and earthquakes makes us wonder how much control we really have...

Conclusion? We have no control. As much as we try to control our lives and dictate what happens. We never, really, know what is around the corner. From the simple everyday things, to the power of nature below and around us. Hurricanes can be forecasted, but we have no control over the power or direction. The wrath that it holds is in question until it gets to its destination. An earthquake gives us no warning at all. We are at the mercy of the earth and its raw power. All of these events should be a reminder to us all to wake up. If these events are even a glimpse of the power that God holds. We are all in for something beyond imagination and certainly beyond our control. These are but the birth pains.