I can hardly even comment on the tragedy in the south. Its too horrible to imagine. In reflecting on the monumental task of cleaning it up, I think about entering my daughter's room....WHERE DO YOU START!!!???? Godspeed to the people who are making the effort, patience to the thousands who are waiting for help and grace to those who are in positions to take fire in the executing of the efforts.
As we view the images, as we discover how it will affect our lives, as we mourn the loss of those we know, may we unite in prayer and compassion for ALL involved....from those on top, to those in the 'dome', to those still on the streets,to those whose hearts are so hardened by life that they are taking advantage of these horrible conditions.

Did you know that when you actually take the time to listen to God- He can speak really loudly? Recently, I felt God asking me NOT to do something (see my previous blog about slowing myself down). Part of me questioned Him for a moment, since the activity was definitely Christ centered, I enjoyed it MUCH in the past and I couldn't really come up with any earthly reason for not doing it....but I listened, and sat out. It has been difficult to watch the activity go on without me. I have said, I feel like the fat kid on the playground...standing on the sidelines, watching all the other kids having fun, doing what I desire to do....
Anyway- Within the past week I have been asked to take on some other Godly tasks that I would NEVER have had time for if I was to had fought God and done what I wanted to do. I find this new activity VERY fulfilling and it gives me a sense of purpose. To top it all off, I have found a way to enhance the activity that I was involved with before with my current activity.
So often, we can not see the big picture in our lives. So often we focus on the here and now and don't look beyond our immediate needs and desires. As I get older, and my walk with Christ becomes stronger, I find that when I look back on how God has laid out my life, He knew exactly what He was doing (despite my resistance at times). The more I tune in to His will for my life, the easier it becomes.
I'm not saying I am without my days of struggle. I fight myself, God and those around me, but as the new FFH song says, "You drive, I'll ride!" I'm learning to appreciate the role of passenger!

B.U.S.Y.- many in the Christian community see this as Burdened Under Satan's Yoke. On one level- I believe that to be true. On the other hand, I believe God calls us to be productive. The answer lies in finding a happy medium...just as in EVERY aspect of our life. I struggle constantly with staying busy and slowing down to enjoy life and the gifts God has given me. I do know that I feel more worthwhile as a human being when I actually accomplish something during my day. I have to realize though, that not EVERYONE requires the same level of productvity in order to fulfill that need in their life. I need to overcome the guilt of being sedentary for a time.