Thursday, May 17, 2018

When Storm Clouds Gather . . .

It's been just lovely here in Idaho, the weather has been perfect...in the morning and in the afternoon.  Of course we all know that warm days sometimes bring storms in the evening, and that's just what we have had the last two days.  In my backyard, I have a perfect view of the western skies and I can always see the big storms that move in from the South.  Tonight, we had storm warnings and so I grabbed my camera and headed out the door!  I know, not too smart, but really, who doesn't love a good thunder storm?!


This is how it looked when I got outside.  There were reports and some really amazing photos of funnel clouds in Southern Idaho, so I knew this would be a really turbulent  storm.  I know that sounds crazy, and I hope that no one was hurt and that there wasn't any damage.  Tornado warnings are becoming more and more common here in Eastern Idaho. 


I thought these clouds were just so beautiful!


Just 30 miles south of us, where two of my children live, there was a lot of thunder and lightning,  and more rain.  Where I live we didn't get any rain, just lots of wind.  It was amazing to watch!


And you know how it is, after a storm, when the sun comes out, and everything has been washed clean...it's beautiful!


 My lilacs came through the wind unscathed!  They are almost in full bloom!  I wish they would stay this gorgeous all year because the air is just filled with their wonderful fragrance, I love it!

And last night after the storm, the sunset was so pretty!



These storms remind me of the storms we all encounter in our own lives.  When our storm clouds gather, we need to remember there is someone who can bring peace when we are being tossed so hard that we feel like we can barely hang on.  Sometimes in life, we just try to outlast the storm, but don't forget to call on the One who can calm it!  

One of my favorite hymns is, How Firm a Foundation, and this is my favorite verse...

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand…
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.


Have a wonderful and safe week-end!

Hugs and Love,
Barb


7 comments:

Saimi said...

Barb you captured some amazing cloud pictures!! Looks like the storm we just had visited you or it was your storm that visited us. We got the wind and rain but unlike you, we stayed inside and just watched out the windows. I'm glad you braved it and grabbed your camera. It's funny how it just comes and then goes like nothing ever happened. Your flowers are so vibrant and pretty as is the sunset! I too love that song it's just perfect isn't it!

Cindy said...

Those cloud pictures are incredible! I'm glad they didn't turn into anything dangerous for you.

Cindy said...

I hit 'Publish' too soon! I wanted to add, I love the One who calms the storms!!

Marie Rayner said...

That is one of my favourite hymns Barb! Love your allegory about storms. Whenever the storms in life hit ire I d myself that after the storm there is always some sunshine and sometimes even a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end! Love you my sweet friend. Your photos are brilliant! Xoxo

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Those are impressive photos! You should send them in the localnews8.
I love Spring in Idaho. It is just amazing at the many seasons we enjoy in a day.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

What gorgeous photos. Love those storm pics. And those vibrant lilacs so close up and personal.

A wonderful old hymn with comforting words to see us through life's storms.

Wishing you a beautiful day...
Brenda

LeAnn said...

This was such a wonderful post. Your pictures are awesome and of course, I will want to steal a few for a graphic. You are a favorite source. The big problem is getting time to actually do a blog post.
I loved the storm analogy with our trials in life. It is so true. We have to forge through the storms of life to finally reach the sunshine moments. Thanks for your uplifting thoughts today. You are such a favorite sister of mine. Sending loving thoughts and hugs your way!

Happy Spring!

  Outside my window . . .  Two weeks ago this is what it looked like.  We had a  huge winter storm, and got 12 inches of new snow!  It was c...