While my home country is still trying to recover from the devastating typhoon, here is yet another natural disaster in other parts of this globe (in south pacific ocean)...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090930/ap_on_re_au_an/as_pacific_earthquake_23
We might find it difficult, somehow, to comprehend why we (esp. those in affected areas) are experiencing these heartrending events. But the scripture says such things are bound to happen. And God expect us to take courage over these (Jn16:33). He promised that He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb13:5).
Earlier this morning, as I recollect the troubling aerial photos of the after effects Ondoy has brought, I couldn't help but imagine our Heavenly Father also looking down from above and seeing the actual scene similar to the aerial photos I'm browsing. Then I remember the story my friend shared (actually just a snippet from the book "Embraced By The Light" by Betty Eadie). The author said, as she shared, that when people prays it produces light.. a light that our Sovereign God sees. And the light our prayers will emit depends on the sincerity of our prayers. Following that idea, in these trying times I believe a simple utterance of "God please help me" or "God please help them" will surely send forth bright lights to heaven. If we all pray continuously, I'm picturing God seeing not just floodwaters.. but floodprayers!
With that in mind, we can consider looking at these trials as.. "God wants to unite us through prayers" So I encourage everyone to continue sending bright lights to heaven.
God bless you c",)
My Heart Will Trust
Artist: Hillsong United
I'll walk closer now on the higher way
Through the darkest night will you hold my hand
Jesus guide my way
O you mourn with me and you dance with me
For my heart of hearts is bound to you
Though I walk through valleys low
I'll fear no evil
By the waters still my soul,
My heart will trust in You
My heart will trust in You
O You counsel me and You comfort me
When I cannot see,
You light my path
Though I walk through valleys low
I'll fear no evil
By the waters still my soul,
My heart will trust in You
My heart will trust in You
My heart will trust in you.
Here's how I visualize the color of our prayers.. just like the earth lights at night :)
(image courtesy of www.almostsmart.com)
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The Color of Our Prayers.. |
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Lift Me Up... |
Rich or poor, male or female, young or old.. all that won't matter when calamity strikes. I still feel depressed seeing aftermath pictures of the typhoon Ondoy. They said its Manila's worst flood in over four decades. Though the storm has abated, there are still a lot of houses submerged in already-polluted rainwater. I was so worried when I learned last Saturday afternoon that my brother together with his wife & 2 kids were already on the roof of their rented place, drenched and has nothing to eat as the terrible storm sprang up in an hour. I'm just glad they're okay now. But we're still praying for comfort and protection, not just for them but for all other families that were directly affected by the flash floods as well. I'm delighted to know that there are a lot of people volunteering to help.
This disaster is really traumatic. Saying a prayer for them is the best help we can offer. And if, apart from prayers, your heart would like to bless these victims by other means, you can do so as there are various institutions organizing fund-drive to help our Kababayans, like these (just click to visit the link, and God bless you as you help):
VCF Philippines
GMA-7 Kapuso Foundation
Let's continue to help one another and lift each other up in prayers.
"The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." (Ps28.7.NIV)
Flood
Artist: Jars of Clay
Rain, rain on my face
It hasn't stopped raining for days
My world is a flood
Slowly I become one with the mud
Chorus:
But if I can't swim after forty days
and my mind is crushed by the thrashing waves
Lift me up so high that I cannot fall
Lift me up
Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again
Downpour on my soul
Splashing in the ocean, I'm losing control
Dark sky all around
I can't feel my feet touching the ground
[Chorus]
Calm the storms that drench my eyes
Dry the streams still flowing
Cast down all the waves of sin
And guilt that overthrow me
[Chorus]
Lift me up - when I'm falling
Lift me up - I'm weak and I'm dying
Lift me up - I need you to hold me
Lift me up - Keep me from drowning again
(Here are some heartbreaking pics during and after the storm)
