Another letter from Katie...

How to sing in the storm...

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Hello Tersia,
They say there are three things of utmost importance to human beings, health, love and money. And that the lack of one of those things is enough to throw your life into a storm.

They also say that most marriages face only 1 major crisis, but if it comes early in your marriage, you may have another.

While this may or may not be true, I can tell you that we've had our share of storms and crisis' in the last 13 years. And as we've learned to praise the Lord for his goodness both in and out of the storms, we began to see a pattern.

Praise brought healing where there would have been anger and bitterness.

Healing allowed us to share our story with others, giving them hope for God’s healing in their lives as well.

Praise, Healing and Hope. Those are all God things, and they are all designed to bring him glory.

I don’t know what your storm or your story is, Tersia. Perhaps like us you’ve weathered such storms as pornography, depression, deputation, miscarriage, stressful work, separations, cross-country/international moves, public slander and humiliation, abandonment and rejection, betrayal, criticisms, loneliness, accidents or poverty.

You know what we've learned through those storms?

Our God is faithful.
He is good.
He is soverign.
He is not surprised, but rather calmly in control.
He does care for us and provide for what he calls us to do.
He does love us - immensely.
His approval is the ultimate blessing, and the only necessary one.
He is trustworthy.
He can heal.
He can give hope.
He can give joy.
He has a plan.
He can turn solemn weeping hearts into hearts of praise.
And he may allow a storm, in part, because someone else is watching who needs to know he can be trusted both in and out of it.

Of his presence I’m aware in pre-storm balmy air.

In the midst of howling winds, determined, I trust Him.

Waves crash upon my dreams, and all hope is lost it seems.

He speaks to seas and whispers to them just as to me, “Peace. Be still.”

The waters calm like glass. I know my safety never lapsed.

In confidence I ask, “Lord, why DO you send the storm?”

And he smiles.

“A chance to show my power, my love, my tender care -

That in your non-storm hour with others you will share

your story for my glory - That I may give them peace, my child.”

("Your Story for My Glory", ©2016, Katie Hornor)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 11-13 (ESV)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:1-2 (ESV)

The purpose of this course has been to boast about who God is, and to give you hope. To challenge you and encourage you praise him in every circumstance that he allows in your life. To be a catalyst for praise and for healing, so that God's glory and hope can spread to others through your story as well. It is my prayer that he has worked healing and hope in your heart through our stories and His Word. He is worthy of praise.

Most of the lessons in this e-course have been short. If you are looking for another great resource that will be deeply refreshing you and keep your mind on the Lord and his Word throughout the day, but like this one only takes 5-10 minutes, go purchase Putting On the Spirit: Ten-Minute Devotions for Busy Moms. It's a 30-day study that will continue the challenge of praising the Lord through the day to day circumstances of life as well the teaching of dependence on him for your joy, patience, kindness, gentleness and strength.

What is the message the Lord has asked you to share with others? Do you need help or guidance to share it? Over at ComoBlog.com I am teaching women everyday to increase their reach and get their message in front of more and more people for a greater impact. If you would like personalized help check out my coaching packages or if you'd like group coaching as part of a supportive community of women, I invite you to join the Como Blog Connection. Your story is unique. Your message is needed. What will you do with your story for his glory?

Praising Him,

Katie

PS. If at any time throughout this course you would like to email me your questions, or ask for prayer, I would be honored to correspond with you. Just hit reply to the email and let me know what is on your heart.

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