From Disaster to Divine

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. " 2 Corinthians 5:1

The kids and I drove from Ohio down to Houston just days after Ike tore through Texas and the rest of the United States, leaving an indescribable path of disaster and destruction.  (The hurricane left the path of disaster, not my driving)  :~)

As we drove further south we began to witness scenes of increasing devastation and were in complete awe at the power of nature.  Although I had literally watched on television as the storm landed and tore through Texas, I had not even begun to grasp the reality of the damage.  

As we all heard on the news, there are so many people who lost every earthly thing they had; some, even their lives.  Within just a few short hours people's lives were changed forever.

To be in one of the areas hit hardest was so surreal ~ never can I again doubt the power of His hand. 

And, just as there were stories of complete horror, there were amazing incidences of human strength, love and spirit.  Just as His power filled hand reached down to touch so many lives, so did His nail-pierced hand.  There are stories of disaster to divine everywhere I turn.

How about you.  What story do you have that started as a total disaster but evolved into one of divine healing, power and love?  Is it a story of a relationship changed, an emotional healing, an answered question, or literally damage to your earthly tent of your home or body? 

As I have shared so many times before ~ our albums are perfect places to share with future generations the work of His hand both on this earth and for eternity.  What an opportunity for those who suffered through Katrina, Ike, cancer, or other terrible damaging events to share that even through disaster the Lord does work.  It may be as miraculous as a tree that just missed your child's bed, or a man who provided a generator and air conditioning for your ailing child, or simply a woman who held your hand as you took the news in.  Share these stories.  God works in and through the disasters, we only need believe and look.

• Share where you saw His hand reach down and work.  Include your thoughts, prayers, and, emotions.
• Include 2 Corinthians 5:1 above as you journal the promise of a new body or home in Heaven built by our Heavenly Father.
• Use John 14:1 ~ In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  Journal how you envision your Heavenly Home ~ ( big yard or small / trees with leaves that stay fall colored yet never have to be raked / a big wrap around porch with a swing and rocking chairs etc.)
• Include before and after pictures, storm / radar reports, newspaper clippings, doctor's notes / tests, cards of encouragement from praying friends, and any scriptures / prayers that you clung to and claimed.

As much as disasters are a part of our human experience, so is the divine power of His loving hand.  We need only look through eyes of trust and expectation to see His work.

PS ~ To those who have emailed and even called to see where I was, thank you so much for your thoughts and encouragement.  I am so sorry for the absence ~ He was workin' on me to get back.  There is much to share ~ isn't He amazing and a little crazy in His working?  Scrapping season is upon us, so, let's get back in the saddle again :~)