Like a Palm in a Storm

       When I started writing this evening I was thinking about thunderstorms. I absolutely love thunderstorms; the more fearsome the better. Lately some life-storms have come and try to tear me down and it seems like I am bending and moving carefully to avoid disaster. Strategically diving and moving in order for the best possible outcomes to result.

     Then in my mind I was watching a storm on the beach with palms swaying with the wind. It occurred to me that this was how I felt...like a palm standing against a storm. In a stream of consciousness after that I completed a little bit of research to see how palms really react to storms.

      The fascinating thing about palms is their strength. Did you know that a palm tree can withstand winds approaching 145 miles per hour? I never really paid particular attention to the behavior of palm trees during hurricanes. I was more interested in trying to figure out how, whatever brave reporter who had ventured into the fray, was able to stand up at all. (Has anyone else ever noticed that they always attempt to carry an umbrella that blows away inside-out? I digress...) For some reason, I also never noticed that the Bible had anything to say about palm trees until tonight.

Fellow blogger Jayson posted the following in regards to palm tree references:

       "The palm tree bends but it won’t break. Monsoon storms and hurricanes can blow most trees away, but not the palm tree. It’s flexible. It can bend all the way to the ground, and when the storm is over it straightens up again and is actually stronger. You were made to bend, not break. God promises to give you ‘…strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy’ (Colossians 1:11). The unfolding of God’s amazing plan for your life will happen as you show your ability to endure."

and a reference to:

PSALM 92:12-14 

Which is:

¹² The righteous thrive like a palm tree
and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon.
¹³ Planted in the house of the Lord,
they thrive in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
healthy and green, 

(Holman Christian Standard Bible)

I know that even if I lose something as essential as a leaf is to a palm. Like this tree I am sure to work around that loss for a time. The greatest thing is knowing that even if something important is lost it will grow back; better and stronger than before.

God is continually providing for my husband and I as he has promised us. We have a home, food, and clothing as clearly promised and more. We have family and friends who love and pray for us on a regular basis, and us for them I assure you. We may appear to be crazy, but I have never been happier than when I am serving God. This service enables me to not only know myself and the things I need to change in my life. But also allows me the opportunity to impact others on  personal level. Even if it looks like I have nothing to give you I promise that there is something that I can provide-spiritual support. 

Are you afraid of anything? Are you dead inside and feel as if you have lost hope? Do you have a dream? If so are you pursuing your dream? Do you know what your fate beyond death is? Do you know who you are? Do you feel like there is no where you belong?

There is power in prayer-I promise you that God answers your prayers. We have to be aware that sometimes that answer is yes and sometimes no, but no prayer is left incomplete. There is no sincere prayer that goes unanswered. Pray for protection, direction, peace, or even for a sign if that is what you need. If you believe that Jesus is the only way to be rescued then ask him to rescue you! He is waiting for you to say the words....there is nothing too wicked that you can do to drive Him away. People sin, and salvation does not prevent anyone from committing sin in the future. The difference is that God forgives the sin of those who accept Jesus as their rescuer, and if you listen for His voice he will teach you how to overcome the sin in your life every day. You will not be rejected, and you will not be forgotten. No matter who you have encountered, anyone, including some Christians-even if they have ridiculed you....God loves you unconditionally. 

I would be happy to pray for you-whatever your needs or questions are-I would be happy to support you in that way. Just ask. If being in the middle of a storm has taught me anything it is that God comforts, and God provides. It would be my honor to pray for your comfort and your needs.

All the best,

Ashley

 References

Standing in Awe. http://pangjson.blogspot.com/ (accessed May 28, 2012).

Swift, Dannah. How Do Palm Trees Survive Hurricanes? e-How. http://www.ehow.com/about_6643176_do-palm-trees-survive-hurricanes_.html (accessed May 28, 2012).

Appreciation

Right now I am looking into the face of some very real struggles. This month is going to be hard, but I have some great opportunities coming up soon. I feel like this month is going to be a test of our faith, courage, and trust in God's promise. I find that it is typical of God to come through in strange ways, and always when our concerns are staring us in the face.

A loved friend recently brought up a unique concept of what God may be doing in our lives right now. God took me away from my work before, and I panicked. We were watching everything that we worked for shatter, and ended up trying to run away in various ways. We were shocked and devastated at what was happening. We sought God, and he promised to catch us, but we continually prayed in worry, and desperation. It is possible that we missed out on a great opportunity then by running away. God blessed us anyways, but perhaps in a different way than was originally intended.

        Perhaps it is that God asked us to commit this time to him in this way as a new opportunity to do things right. Our attitude is different, our resolve is solid, we come before him without fear, and with expectation. I am not afraid of what is coming--no matter what it is. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and no weapon forged against us will destroy us.

I have miles to walk in this city, and God is not going to let my spirit rest until I have completed His request-to walk the city of Lynchburg, and to pray for the people here. Until recently it was just Gary and I walking and praying for God to really make himself known in this city, and in our lives as never before. Now there are people who would like to join us in our walks, and we will be moving into more of a focus on the people, the businesses, the safety, and the needs in this city, and around us. We are also praying for the town of Erwin Tennessee, and that God would open up the lands there for something incredible to happen. The town is sleepy, but beautiful and waiting for God to renew it. There were several verses in the Bible along with confirmation that we are doing this--I thought you might enjoy the references to what God has done with those who claim ground for Him.

KJV- Joshua 1:3 -Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

Deuteronomy 11:24-(where God tells Moses to claim the ground that he walks)- Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea.

Jerry Falwell from "Building Dynamic Faith"- "I spent many days walking Liberty Mountain alone and claiming every square foot of it for the university. I claimed Joshua 1:3 as God's promise to me personally." (If anyone has this book I'd really love to borrow it )

Anyone who actually heard Dr. Falwell tell this story knows what God did through him. Liberty University, TRBC, the Godparent Home, Camp Hydeaway, and Snowflex all reside on what was once just grass, forest, and a dream. I am not afraid because I know that God is going to do great things through us. I trust that all of my bills are paid, and all of the people, businesses, and dreams that God has called us to support. I may only be able to support them in prayer now...someday soon we are going to do something incredible-I know it.

We will also be starting a Bible study in our home and anyone who would like to join us is welcome to do so. We will be starting the study in June, and are thinking of hosting it on Monday evenings. We know that there are people around here whose lives are really hectic, and who trust, and identify with us. We would like to have the opportunity to encourage them. I am looking forward to beginning this very much!

Today many things are due, and I am watching to see how God keeps his promise, and answers our prayers. I am excited to share how today ends, and what happens.

I am also excited because my in-laws are going to be visiting this weekend. We have not seen them in some time so it's very special. I will also be spending some time with my family soon, and I am really happy to be able to catch up with all of my family like this it's delightful!