Storms

Clouds gathering in the sky,
the sun now hidden says bye,
distant thunder draws nigh,
lightning flashes by and by.

The wind comes from who knows where.
There's the smell of rain in the air.
Rain drops
start to plop.

Rain drops turn into sprinkles, then
sprinkles turn into showers, then
showers turn to pouring rain.
Will the sun ever shine again?

The temperature cools
as the storm comes through.
Vegetation
taking a beating.

Limbs sway
all which ways
as trees take a shower
in nature's awesome power.

Torrents of rain
and thunder reigns
as this afternoon storm
leaves leaves and limbs torn.

Puddles form
before too long
then flooding from the downpour
as thunder continues to roar.

The sky is laden with gray.
Nervous dogs are heard bay.
Though rain was needed, 'enough already'.
The storm turns into a shower steady.

Sooner or later the storm blows through
then the clouds make way for skies of blue
for behind the clouds, the sun
was waiting to shine all along.

When the sun does finally shine through
a rainbow's spectrum will surprise you
with a promise,
nature's kiss...

lovingly bestowed
on everything below
assuring that God is in control
even when storm clouds continue to blow.

* * * * *

Yes, behind the storm clouds the sun
was hidden but still there all along.
Yet our focus was on the storm,
of our new fears being born.

Behind our personal storms the Son
is forgotten, but still there all along.
His focus is always on us
even when we forget to trust.

Sometimes it takes a storm
for us to finally learn
that the Son knows what is best.
It's when we learn His faithfulness.

Next time there's a rainstorm
think about this lesson learned,
that the hidden sun is waiting to shine
and the Son is there for you - all the time.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love.
Psalm 107:29

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging water;
the storm subsided, and all was calm.
Luke 8:24

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotton Son
that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 KJV)

For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son
and believes in him shall have eternal life.
John 6:40

The life I live in the body,
I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son
to be the Savior of the world.
I John 4:14

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,
and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.
This is how we know that we love the children of God:
by loving God and carrying out his commands.
This is love for God:  to obey his commands.
and his commands are not burdensome,
for everyone born of God overcomes the world.
This is the victory that has overcome the world,
even our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world?
Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
I John 5:1-5

Peony after a rain storm.