As I have shared before the kids and I read every night before bed. We will usually pick an entertaining book and then we read out of each child's bible. This really caught on big in the last few weeks because they each got new bibles. They each had the small New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs, or the little baby bible with pictures in it. My son was going on his first camping trip and has moved up in classes at church, requiring the use of his bible. Plus, he is learning to read. It was time to move on to a full bible. So, we went bible shopping. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the shopping experience of looking at all the different bibles they have to offer now.

My son ended up with one that comes with four covers that he can change as he pleases. My daughter ended up with a very princessy bible with all the royal colors of a princess, purple, pink, light blue, lavender, all shiny and sparkly, with butterflies all over it. It closes with a magnet. She is very proud of her bible and takes it with her everywhere. My youngest, the two year old, ended up with yet another picture bible, as she cannot read yet. It has very short stories in it with the most magnificent pictures. These pictures remind me of masterpieces that you would find hanging in a famous museum in France.

As we came across the story of Jesus calming the storm found in Mathew 8, Mark 4, and others, we came across a beautiful picture and it has dawned on me that I have found probably my most favorite story and promise of Jesus.

In the picture the artist uses robust prominent color. You see a raging sea in the background and a boat with frightened fishermen at the bottom right hand corner. Sheer terror engulfs their faces. Standing behind the fishermen is the peaceful and powerful Jesus, with a glowing radiance. In His eyes is assurance, love, power, and protection. It is instantly that I realize how much I love this promise. This wonderfully and beautifully created artwork depicts the promise and faithfulness of our Christ Jesus to carry us through the storm. Did you hear what I said? I said “carry us”, through the storm. Please notice that I did not say prevent our storms, remove us from our storms, or stop our storms; a detail that I have been incapable of describing to others before as it now came to life for me by the strokes of an artist's brush.

I believe that I would like a painting such as this hanging in my living room. I also believe that this is why my secret place, which isn't a secret anymore, is standing at the edge of the sea. My favorite time to be there is when a storm is approaching. You see, God has carried me through so many storms in my life. He did not prevent the storms or make them stop. He did not remove me from those storms. In fact, He rode them out with me. Don't get me wrong, there are times when He will stop them or remove you, He does have that power! I felt His presence which is what carried me and gave me strength. The relationship I have with Him has allowed me to recognize His voice and His presence. There are times when maybe I have waited a little longer than I would like to have waited. However, He always shows up.

Now, mind you, I explained the storms still come. So, if the storms still come and He is with me, does that mean the storms are a piece of cake? No way. The trials I have faced before I truly knew God were awful and painful. I would never want to encounter another experience like that again. The storms I have encountered after knowing God are different kinds of storms. Storms that are not of my control first of all.

In other words, they are not storms that I brought on myself. Such as a a pregnancy out of wedlock, drinking alcohol under age, lying to my parents and others, hiding from the truth, turning from God, etc. The storms I was facing then were dark, raging, and terrifying. I was not clear what the future would hold or how I would come out of those storms.

Today, with Christ as my Lord and Savior, the storms I face are of a different nature. I have faced multiple miscarriages, children with unknown illnesses that were causing disturbing symptoms, death of loved ones, a husband who is constantly deploying on missions and walking in the face of danger, raising four kids alone more than half the time, my own medical problems that have arisen lately that we have no clear answers for yet, and yes, even marital struggles.

Through all of these things I have searched and looked for God's face and His will. I would pray for wisdom, understanding, patience, perseverance, and strength. There have been times when I cannot explain my faith or my calmness in the midst of a terrible storm other than Jesus was carrying me. It was not a human calmness or strength. It was one that can only be found in the reliance on a Savior.

I still suffered pain and sadness. But, with that pain and sadness came the growth, the strength, the courage, the wisdom, and the perseverance to not only keep going during that storm, but to also make it through the next storm. This strength came only after meeting Jesus at the boat. There have been a couple of occasions when I tried to go it alone. My friends, it does not work. I was unable to clearly see through the dark clouds and have a clear understanding of what it was I was supposed to gain from the storm. I had no clear understanding of what I was supposed to do or not do. I reacted inadequately without divine wisdom from the Father. The end result would prove to be a blunder and done so on my accord. I am realizing that as soon as the clouds begin forming it is time to get on my knees and seek His face and wisdom. I need to stay in constant communication with Him. There are times, when much like an unpredictable tornado the storm lands without notice. Constant communication is key. If I remain in constant communication with my Father, I am more prepared for the unannounced. Much like the emergency weather warning sirens. It may not be pleasant, but it will be manageable.

I thank God for the storms as it draws me even closer to Him. If it had not been for the storms that He has carried me through, I would not have a keen and personal understanding of exactly how much He loves me and how much He is willing to do for me. If you haven't sailed the raging seas with a divine, powerful, and faithful Super Hero like Jesus Christ, and then landed on dry ground with clear and sunny skies, you may have no idea just how powerful He truly is! Go sailing with Jesus. You must invite Him though. May God bless you and may God bless America!