TREE SILHOUETTE SEPIA © Alexei Novikov | Dreamstime.com

As my fingers find these keys I am listening to the howl of the wind outside my window.  It doesn’t blow very often here, not like it did in my hometown during my childhood, but when it does I am always amazed I could ever have grown accustomed to it.  Tree branches whip sideways creating shadows that speak of turmoil and a mighty battle raging for their place in the air.

I remember learning of a windswept journey across a lake long ago, how the disciples were terrified and feared for their lives in the presence of a storm. How Jesus slept as the war raged around their boat, tossing and turning in violent winds and churning waters. How the anxiety mounted and threatened to overtake His friends ~ hearty fishermen, accustomed to the roiling seas ~ until they finally woke Him, pleading for help in the midst of certain destruction.

WAVE CRASHING DURING WINTER © Kevin Panizza | Dreamstime.com

And how Jesus, master of heaven and earth, God-with-us, had no fear of it. “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?“, He questioned.  Then He rebuked the tempest, and the wind and water became completely calm.  After following Jesus, living with Him and knowing Him and seeing His power displayed before their eyes, they were still amazed at the command He had over creation.  “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” 

Lord Jesus, give us faith to rest assured in Your power over any storm that blows through our lives.  Grow our trust in You until we can rest in You in the midst of the storm, knowing we are safe in your Mighty hands.

And let the winds blow…

My 1,000 Gifts ~ #216-228

216.  a warm bed on a cold night

217.  marshmallows melting in my hot chocolate

218.  hearing His voice in the words of a friend, whispered graces

219.  the teachers who love my kids and point them toward their Savior

220.  stillness, resting in the quiet, refreshing my soul

221.  the joy of connecting with new friends, lacing heart-strings with some I’ve previously known only through their words on the page  ~ will you come bloom with us?

222.  laughing with my husband and kids over silly things, shared jokes that only we understand

223.  the way patches of sunlight filter down through clouds on an overcast day, like the joy of Christ’s provision shining through tears

224.  cooking a favorite meal for my husband, just because he loves it, just to say “I love you still”

225.  conversations that carry long into the night, how it soothes my soul to lay bare every now and then

226.  realizing again and again that my Father knows me intimately, that He supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

227.  reading Goodnight, Moon just one more time

228.  drifting off to peaceful sleep, safe and secure as the winds howl…

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

What bountiful blessings has He given you this week?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments!