The First of the First...

This morning as I drove to work, I starting thinking, maybe I should start a blog. You know, post family updates, upload some pics of my handsome boys, spread the word about our cute and trendy little online store and maybe share some favorite recipes.

And then I got to thinking, what in the world will I write about? I mean, it's pretty easy to post a bullet statement on Facebook, upload a mobile photo or tweet something in 140 characters or less, but a whole blog? Will I be able to capture an audience and keep them interested to read the entire post? Why, of course I can (or at least I hope so)!

Before I was introduced to Etsy I don't think I had ever read a blog. And then I seen tons and tons of blogs about Etsy shops, handmade enthusiasts, parenting, babies, prayer request, diapers, organics...you name it, someone has blogged about it! So today, I've decided to convert from a blog reader, to a blogger. The first blog I ever read was after reading an article in The Storque on Etsy. Tears strolled down my face and my heart ached. How could life be so cruel? Why do bad things happen to good people? The more I read, the more I was amazed and inspired by the faith this family has and how they have completely leaned on the Lord to carry them through this grim dark chapter of their lives.

As I ponder over the grim dark chapters of my own life, I realize that my chapters and trials are not so grim. I also realize that not trusting in the Lord makes them seem more grim. I start to feel that I'm carrying the whole world on my shoulders. It makes me think of an all too familar song...

I was sure by now,

God, that You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away,

Stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen and it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God

who gives and takes away.

All too often, tragedies and circumstances in our lives create barriers between us and our personal relationship with God. Instead of clinging closer to Him, we tend to push Him away. We start to question God. Is He listening? Why isn't He answering? Why is He letting this happen? God has a plan. And no matter how hard we try to convince God that the little plan we have in our head is great and best for us, His plan is ultimately the best. It is the grandest of them all. The chorus of this song is a vivid reminder of exactly what we should do during these troublesome times:

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands

For 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