Praise You in this Storm

This past week I have experienced one of the hardest, most emotional storms of my life. I have been blessed with supportive family and friends who have given me encouraging and inspirational words. While I'm still struggling with trying to get answers from the Lord about why and how to move on, I have had this song running through my mind constantly:

Praise You in this Storm
by Casting Crowns

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
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and 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
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and 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 lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
I lift my eyes onto 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
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

Goodbyes

Well, my summer is officially over, so I must say goodbye to sleeping in, afternoon naps, and the free time to do whatever I want. This has been a fun summer! We didn't go on any big vacations or anything, but we still got stuff done. We started our summer by celebrating Mike's 30th birthday! I can't believe I'm married to a 30 year old :-) Here he is with his the traditional cookie cake...yummy!

We are still in the process of renovating the kitchen - we have the granite, sink, & faucet installed, but we haven't decided on a backsplash yet. I'm hoping to get this done soon rather than later. Mike and I also enjoyed a quick getaway to Memphis. I am sad to see summer go, but am looking forward to being back on a normal schedule. Is it bad that I'm ready for it to be November? The end of the year seems to be the best!

I also had to say goodbye to my Granny, my dad's mom. She was an amazing, christian woman! Since her death was so unexpected, it was extremely hard on our family. Plus, this is the first grandparent that I've lost. I've included several pictures of my dear Granny throughout the years - from raising her 3 boys to seeing my graduate from the U of A. I love and miss you Granny, but I know I'll see you again.

My dad with his parents and brothers - this is a cherished picture because it's one of the few of my granddad before he died.

Granny with her boys

Granny with her parents & her boys

Celebrating a Taylor family Christmas

The whole Taylor crew outside Granny's house in Center Hill

At my 2006 U of A graduation in Fayetteville

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens". ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus". ~ 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful". ~ John 14:27