Thursday, September 28, 2006

Below are some pics of our recent trip to the Shenandoah mountains. We stayed three nights and four days at Massanutten Resort. We spent some time sightseeing in the national park. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get very good pics because of the fog. We still enjoyed viewing God's creation. While at the resort, we did some horseback riding. That was pretty enjoyable for most of the time, but at the end of the ride my seat was starting to become very uncomfortable. I don't know how our guides ride in those saddles all the time. Anyway, while there, we also enjoyed swimming, playing games, and relaxing. We also spent part of the day at their new indoor water park. We had a great time. Although, I think TJ and I were the only ones there who weren't kids or who didn't have kids. It was still fun, especailly the water slides. We also spent part of one day in Harrisonburg, which was a few miles from where we stayed. We went shopping, saw a movie, and went out to eat. On our way home we detoured through some of Virginia's countryside, which was very pretty. Overall, we really enjoyed our time away together.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Right now, Shannon and I are sitting at the beach, taking up the sun and sipping southern iced tea. Just thought I’d let you Midwesterners know……

Actually, none of that was true! “Deluge” more accurately describes Hampton Roads, today. Tropical Storm Ernesto is has been blessing us with rain for the second day…lots, and lots of rain. Sever Thunderstorm warnings, flood warnings, and tornado watches (believe it or not, tornados often form from Tropical Storms) have been in effect all day and all night. Many of my friends are not able to leave their homes because of the flooding. Makes you want to move to the east coast, right? Actually, I don’t believe there is any real danger from this storm. Chesapeake will NOT be on the weather channel—showing pictures of people sitting on houses. It ISN’T that bad.
I have always loved storms, especially big ones. I love to see the way humans react to it, too. In a storm like this, I think “This is God’s doing; man can not stop it, only run or hide from it. These storms interrupt all the plans that people make. God is breaking into the lives of men, whether they like it or not. Men can prepare, but can not stop it.
Psalm 107 describes the interplay between the Lord and men in the mist of adverse weather conditions:

"Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders.

So, while underwater in Virginia, We exalt His name! What marvelous things our God can do. I’m just praying I don’t have to go to work today!