Though Storms May Come...

"Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them,

I will show you whom he is like:

he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock;

and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly,

is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation;

and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed,

and the ruin of that house was great."

Luke 6:47-49

Capt. Mike and I spent this past weekend at a a Marriage Conference, "Steadfast Through the Storms", it was held at a beautiful resort in South Florida. The accomodations were plush and cushy, far beyond any place we would normally stay, doormen would open the doors, and the attention to detail in this place was incredible - it was definitely a re-"treat". The speaker was a pastor we admire and know to be an excellent teacher, however, we both agreed that the conference itself could have been a bit more "meaty" in content.

Looking around the room and saw several couples from all stages and walks of life, and we began to wonder how many were deeply struggling in their marriages. How many were on the brink of destruction? Would the playful skits and few hours of teaching be enough to bring them through the times that lay ahead? Certainly they would need more than featherbeds and waterfalls to heal the scars in their relationships. Some had been married for 40+ years, and had perhaps survived "hurricanes", some were newlyweds who only knew of the sweet tender "breezes" of a new life together. But there must have been many there who were in the middle of a "tornado", where nothing seems right, nothing feels right, they don't know where to turn, and they don't know what to do. It's easy to say "go to God's Word", but sometimes people have blinders on, and they need help just to find their way to the scriptures - they need to be led there by the hand. It's these couples who could have benefited from one on one time with others who have been through storms, who, along with open Bibles, can lead them out of harms way. Our hearts went out to them, though we didn't know who they were.

Less than a year ago, we went through our own major storm. It was something like a "Tsunami" really...no one could see it coming, it just happened, and it turned our world completely upside down in a matter of moments. It left fragments of broken hearts scattered about and it seemed as though nothing could bring it all back together again. Walls that seemed so solid just crumbled to the ground, and if it weren't for the strong foundation we built our marriage on ~ Jesus Christ, our Rock ~ we may never have been able to put it back together.

Even though it seemed as though we lay in ruins, God was ever faithful. He allowed this to happen in our lives for a reason. He allowed the hurt, the pain, then the healing. Now we are more aware of how Satan takes opportunities of weakeness in our bodies; our guard is down, he goes for the mind, the heart, and tries to destroy what is precious to God. However, what belongs to God is not easily taken, and regardless of the storm that lay ahead, if you build upon the foundation of Christ in the beginning, you will stand. He is faithful, He is amazing, and He is strong enough to hold back the wind and quiet any storm ~ Amen.

Now for the silly stuff....

We drove 4 hours to get to the conference, along some pretty country back roads. For those of you who thought Florida was all about palm trees and beaches, did you know that Florida is one of the largest Beef providers in our country? See...Cows! :)

The Hotel had the most important thing...A STARBUCKS! :) It was called the Kofe Nut (yup, that's me - coffee nut!) :)....or if you wanted water, you could drink the $5.00 bottle of water in your room!!! WHAT? I don't think so.

The grounds were really pretty, lot's of fountains, nice plants, 3 pools and a waterslide! :)

The rooms were plush, Down topped beds, Down pillows, soft sheets, huge bathroom, entryway, coffee center (important), and clean, clean, clean!



Now, about those light fixtures...Where d-ya' get those???

Check your foundation, make sure it's built upon the Rock of Christ...Have a beautiful day!