Praising in the storm...

I was talking to one of my best friends this morning on the phone, and as we re-hashed the situation in Tuscaloosa, AL, as well as what came through our portion of MS yesterday, I couldn't help but be more humbled than I was prior to the phone call. 

There is no other way around saying that God had his hand of protection on us during yesterday's storms. I don't know why we have been spared, but I do believe there is a reason. The town of Tuscaloosa has been devastated - people lost their lives, other people missing. Clearly there is no cell service or electricty - and yet so many of us think the world is ending due to not having any power in some portions of our area. 

How could we be so selfish? 

How could I be so selfish? 

I asked myself this a dozen times once we got off the phone. 

All of my friends are safe, and although I have family members close to Tuscaloosa, they are all safe as well. 

I had to take a moment to stop and be thankful, grateful, and although sometimes I fail at practicing both of those things - I had to give praise where praise was due. 

I should remind myself to do that more. 

This was our radar & predictions for Wednesday. Apparently "spotty" red is worse than red all together because all of those winds are working against each other or something? I'm no meteorologist, and I sometimes forget what I hear. Anyway... :

The following photos are a photo-journey that my Daddy & I set out on just minutes after our area was cleared from the "warnings", probably right around the time that Alabama's lives were changing dramatically. At the end, there is a video of the tornado going through Tuscaloosa. 

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" & it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls, 

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you". 

& 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

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You 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 

& you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You 

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you" 

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am 

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You 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.

 And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am 

& every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand.

You never left my side, 

and though my heart is torn...

I will praise You in this storm.

"Give thanks in all circumstances."

 - 1 Thes. 5:18

new blogger, youtube, tornados, and tv shows.

First of all, I should apologize for not posting a DISCLAIMER on my last entry. I looked horrid, no makeup, wild hair, crazy attire, and you weren't even warned. Welcome to my life. Oops. So, sorry - better late than never, right? On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't have apologize because that's me on a fairly regular basis. Hm...

Okay. Whatever. Onward.

I have been trying to convince a young grasshopper that I know, also one of my best friends, to enter the blogging world. She & I read an UNREAL amount of blogs on a daily basis, and while I've been blogging around 4 years, she has resisted the pressure that I've put on her. That is, ...until now!! So, without further words on this small upgrade in the world -- go check out Hollie's blog! Leave her an encouraging comment! ;)

If you are wondering about all these random photos of the country, these were taken the day after the tornado I mentioned in my 2010 Recap, and I forgot I had taken them. Oops! 

I really didn't even capture the seriousness of the storms repercussions. In some places it was completely devastating to see.

The sky (on the other hand) was phenomenal on Saturday. I "forced" Megan to ride around with me while I harassed the damaged areas that had been affected (effected??) by the storm. *THANKS, BEST FRIEND!! =)

I used to be really firm in the belief that Google could answer all of my questions about anything! I still believe that it provides helpful information, and I am ALWAYS googling something (which usually leads to me Amazon-ing it), but lately I have been investigating products, movies, books, etc, on YOUTUBE. I love hearing other peoples opinions on things, and that makes it really easy. 

Is anyone watching the Bachelor? I'm not sure how I feel about Brad, but I will say that my favorite girl is Emily. She is so genuine & sweet, but Brad seems a tad bit sketchy to me. The way he says "Hello" bothers me too, and he always acts OVERLY concerned about each girl. I don't know. Maybe it's too early for me to form a true opinion, but as of right now - I think he's putting on a show. He SEEMS to be sincere, but I kind of feel like he's trying too hard to BE sincere & it's resulting in ... fake. 

In that same sense, I think these girls should chill out over the fact that he didn't pick anyone on the last season he had because 1.) at least he has some boundaries for himself 2.) everyone has made mistakes of their own in the past; they just may not be publicly displayed on tv. tres.) that's 3 in Spanish. Only one person will understand that, and they will more than likely never read this. 

And why am I concerned about Brad the Bachelor? Because I have nothing else to be concerned about tonight. Really. 

Class resumes tomorrow at 11. I will be the first to say that one day & a half of a morning out of school spoiled me; especially considering the fact that we JUST started back to class last Wednesday, and it wouldn't even qualify as a TRUE class period. Except for Bio2, but that was to be expected. 

Last - but MOST definitely not least .. My main man Garth has been serenading me at home during this "snowed in" holiday we've had for the last few days. I fell asleep with his playlist going on my computer last night, and when I woke up this morning I had a sudden urge to dance. That's totally normal at 9am, right? Well, when you listen to Garth -- anything is possible. :)

Have a good night and drive safe tomorrow!