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Monday, July 21, 2008

Rain Down




It was a PERFECT plan. A minor league baseball game, and afterwards....fireworks, and since we were with the "Grands" there was certain to be all the peanuts and "Cracker Jack" that our hearts desired.

We arrived for the "perfect Fourth of July" evening and sat down in our seats. Overhead a dark cloud loomed, but since the state of South Carolina has been BONE dry for sometime now, we had no thoughts of concern. The welcome thundershower sent us to the bleachers above where the overhang protected us.

THUNDERSHOWER over, and we returned to our seats.

The next cloud blew in and again we sought refuge under the cover....again.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11

This time however there was a SHIFT in the wind current and the rain began to come into the bleachers from the SIDES and no one under the cover was safe from the storm......We huddled together, and did the only thing we could do...laugh, but by the time that 10 minute storm had passed over the stadium, we looked as if we'd spent the time under the shower head....

Top to bottom, inside~ out, we were SOAKED! Completely drenched!











We regularly sing a song during worship at church, and my mind IMMEDIATELY went to the words of that song....
Rain down, rain down,
rain down your love on your people.
Rain down, rain down,
rain down your love, God of life.

Faithful and true is the word of our God;
all of God's works are so worthy of trust.
God's mercy falls on the just and the right;
full of God's love is the earth.

God POURS out His love....that night He literally "rained down" His love.

Into each life we are certain that "showers" and "storms" will unexpectedly "pop~up," even when the sky ahead looks clear, as it did that night. I was reminded as I stood there literally dripping, of the words of Peter.

"Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure."
1 Peter 1:6 (nlt)

What I perceived as the "perfect" plan for that night, was Not HIS plan for our family! We laughed, and tried to drip dry. We literally "wrung out" our clothes in order to sit down and watch some of the game....I have to tell you, it was a bit uncomfortable...much like our Faith Walks at times...a little messy and uncomfortable.

Was all that "uncomfortableness" worth it....Ask any of my family members and I can with certainty guarantee they would say "YES!" How in the world could standing in the midst of a storm and then having to wring out your clothing constitute a "worthwhile" time at the ball park? WE MADE MEMORIES; we laughed and laughed until tears ran down our faces! We will talk about that night long after my parents are gone....It's one of those childhood stories that my kids will fondly tell their kids. You see, God's plans for that evening were much further reaching than my own "perfect plan."

God works the same way in each of our lives. The parallels were just so amazing to me. God allows the storms and interruptions to the "perfect" plans that we have concocted, and in His infinite wisdom He gives us so much more than we ever could have planned on our own.

I'd have never dreamed that a "soaking storm" could allow us to have a fabulously memorable night....but then again, "I'm not GOD!"

The next time one of those unexpected pop~up thunderstorms blows into my life, I pray that I recall this real life 'storm' and rest in the peace that God has it all under control....ready to reveal the "perfect plan," in His time.

Questions for Reflection;

Storms in life are inevitable. What storms are you in the middle of today?

Are you at peace that God's perfect plan is at work in the middle of these storm?

How can we "prepare" our heart for those unexpected "pop~up" showers?

Father,
As I stand here today, I know that storms can blow into my life at anytime, often without warning. Help me to always seek you in the storm. As the storm winds blow help me to know that You have plans for my life that are for good, and not to destroy. Help me to patiently ride out the storm with you at my side. Father, the storm is never comfortable but I know at times it is necessary, gently remind me of that when I find myself facing the rain.
Jesus bring the rain as it is necessary to renew and refine me.

Amen






join Lori daily at her personal blogspot, where she welcomes the rain....


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12 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

Amen, Jesus bring on the rain.

July 21, 2008 at 4:27 AM  
Blogger Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Great post. I've literally had to tell my self not to cry over spilled milk. Sometimes it's the little things that tend to irritate us but we need to find some joy in all things.
Blessings,
Kim

July 21, 2008 at 6:12 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You continue to bless me Lori. Finding the joy through the rain and pressing on towards the goal... thank you for this awesome reminder!

July 21, 2008 at 6:55 AM  
Blogger LauraLee Shaw said...

Wow, this is so true. Though I can barely eek the words out of my mouth after a long spiritual rainy season, I'll try to say it with you: "Lord, bring on the rain." Eeek, that was hard. INcredible post.

July 21, 2008 at 7:56 AM  
Blogger Laurie Ann said...

Lovely post, Lori. God's plans are amazing and I'm so glad that He used this storm as a springboard for a devotion that truly blessed my heart. God bless you, Lori, for sharing your heart with us.

July 21, 2008 at 8:26 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

Lori,
These words remind me of something someone told me years ago. I needed to remember. Lots of thundershowers coming and going here in life. It's hard not to see it all as a "damper"... It's hard to see that anything good will come from them.

Thank you for reminding me.
Hugs,
Julie

July 21, 2008 at 9:21 AM  
Blogger Susan said...

Hey Lori,

This was just great. I'm so blessed God did interrupt your perfect plans, and His prevailed that night.

I know your kids will never forget this special memory.

Now, I don't think I would of handled it as good as you, hmmmm, my hair would of been ruined, OH MY. A crisis! Then I would be needing my I-V!!

Well, God knows who can handle his blessings after all!!

Blessings my sweet friend♥

July 21, 2008 at 10:52 AM  
Blogger Carmen said...

Y'all look good soaked!

Bountiful Blessings, Sister...

July 21, 2008 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Amy said...

It is the middle of the afternoon. Not my usual quiet time, but for some reason I decided (as my kids are all napping) to check out the Internet Cafe. I am so glad I did!! Thank you so much for this reminder.

Our small town was recently hit by a tornado that National Geographic called, The Mothership cloud. Our home was hit pretty hard, but livable. Today we got news from our insurance adjuster...NOT so good news. This month has been hard for me. It seemed as though the tornado that swirled my home was swirling my life also. Thank you for reminding me that God is in charge, and this is just another thunderstorm. We shall march on and keep our heads up...maybe even get a good chuckle out of it!! Your post changed my day! Thank you!

July 21, 2008 at 3:12 PM  
Blogger windycindy said...

I really enjoyed reading your thoughts today! They ring so true!
I have having to make a decision on whether I am ready to have my first of two knee replacements. Life does throw those pop up storms into our lives. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

July 21, 2008 at 3:26 PM  
Blogger Christi S said...

Oh, how I needed this today! Thanks for the reminder, and I commented on it at my "Showered by Blessings" blog!

July 21, 2008 at 7:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

(I LOVE pictures of your crew! Such a smiley bunch!!!)

Thank you friend for the following reminder . . .

"Lord, Help me to always seek you in the storm."

Is there anything I need to be reminded of more often? (Nope!) How do you always know?

July 21, 2008 at 10:06 PM  

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It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

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