Praise Him in this Storm

The end of October- I cannot believe how quickly Autumn has come and gone. It is quickly turning into long and cold winter days! My week has been both frustrating and overwhelming. I am homesick and craving time with my friends and family. Despite being overwhelmed with homesickness this week, the Father has proven to be faithful to my presence here. I had dinner with several students this week and some great conversations! One of my students, Alison, bought me dinner on Wednesday night. She is absolutely precious! She is shy and timid in class so I was surprised to find myself invited to a meal with her! She expressed such excitement at eating with me and I felt honored. I thanked the Father for my meal as usual before I ate, and when I looked up, I was surprised to find her looking at me with excitement, "you a believer?" Shocked, I replied "yes! yes! Are you?" She broke into a huge grin and replied, "yes yes! My parents and I go to fellowship every Sunday". I about peed my pants!! No way was this happening! I got a bit ahead of myself and began rambling about starting a Word study with her, and I think I startled her. So, I have been advised to take my time and be patient by first building a decent relationship with her. And that is exactly what I hope happens because she is an absolute doll! I also had one student who would not participate in any activities in my Monday class and I asked her what was wrong. She said that she was sad and would participate next class. My heart went out to her and I asked if she wanted to have a meal together- and she said NO! haha I was completely shocked that she denied me, but then again, all in the Counselor's divine timing right? Anyways, my class this morning went horrible as well. My first really bad class experience. The students would not listen to me or quiet down during the lesson. It was frustrating. But as I closed the door to my apartment following my morning class nightmare, I couldn't help but completely break down. I can't do this. I am incapable and incompetent on my own. But the Father was quick to remind me of His steadfast hand in my moments of panic and tribulation. As I sat on my bed, my computer was playing music on shuffle left on from when I left the room earlier this morning. The song that began playing "Praise you in this Storm". It was literally and figuratively music to my ears! These words caught my attention, "You are the One who gives and takes away- You are Who You Are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried you hold in your hand- you never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise you in this Storm". He always hears my cry and lifts me up time and time again in the storms' of life. The song continues, "I lift my eyes until the hills, Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Father, the Maker of Heaven and Earth!" Can you believe we can claim this, my brothers and sisters?! We claim this love, we claim this spirit, we claim this Power!  He provides. He loves. He listens. I want more of Him as I sit here in my storm. I would be lying if I thought this year would pass without rocky seas.

"You will keep in perfect peace Him whose mind is steadfast because He trusts in you! Trust in the Father forever,  for the Father, the Father himself is Rock Eternal!"