Praising God While the Storm Rages

Things seem to be calming down somewhat, Praise God. It's still somewhat tenuous on the medical front, but if this is as good as it gets, I'll take it.

Our landlord has decided to "evict" us. Technically, he's breaking our lease and wants us out by May 31. This too is evidence of the grace of God. I could be scrambling for the month of May while kids are graduating from school, so I am grateful for the small breaks.

It just means we pack up and head to Texas sooner rather than later. DH is going to end up staying in California for at least the month of June, if not the entire summer. We went to make an offer on a house in Texas and found the covenants and restrictions were a little "too California" for our taste (really? You "can't do anything on or around your property that will annoy the neighbors?" What the heck kind of a deed restriction is that ???) I'm already renting with neighbors on that kind of a power trip. I don't need to be buying in that kind of neighborhood. I choose to recognize the grace of God in preventing us (last minute info) from additional grief.

What looked like an unfortunate event (babysitting drying up) in hindsight, was a blessing this past month as it meant I had the entire month to devote to my daughter and clearing out the garage for our move. I replaced part of the income with baseball, and hopefully will be able to replace all of it.

The church down the road from us are having another charity drive: just in time for me to get rid of stuff ! Very excited to be getting rid of excess books, matching chairs, etc etc. without having to deal with freecycle. I choose to recognize the grace of God in helping us purge useful items but which we won't have to move.

I really need someone to cook for us for a while. Or else I need to invest in a bunch of frozen 'fast food.' I am exhausted by the time dinner should be made. Or else I just need to make dinner in the morning, and re-heat it at night. 

God lives. He loves us and blesses us. I heard a really great song today (and even went and bought it on iTunes.) It's by Casting Crowns and it's called "Praise You In This Storm." 

"I was sure by now, God you would have reached down and wiped our tears away, 

stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say "amen" and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls, I barely hear you whisper through the rain: "I'm with you."

And as your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, 

and you are who You are, no matter where I am.

And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand: You've never left my side.

And though my heart is torn: I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when, I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You and raised me up again.

My strength is almost gone, how can I carry on if I can't find You?

And as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain: I'm with you.

And as your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, 

and you are who You are, no matter where I am.

And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand: You've never left my side.

And though my heart is torn: I will praise You in this storm.

I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth

I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, 

and you are who You are, no matter where I am.

And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand: You've never left my side.

And though my heart is torn: I will praise You in this storm.

And though my heart is torn: I will praise You in this storm."

I hope you enjoy it: http://youtu.be/L5bLvVjJ4MA?list=RDL5bLvVjJ4MA