Our God, indeed, is POWERFUL!

‎Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,

and he brought them out of their distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm,

...... and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 107:28-31

The state of Alabama, sweet home Alabama, has been devasted by numerous tornadoes that swept across the state last night.  The damage is incredible and widespread.  I have never in my life seen such grusome pictures from such a vast area. As we watched the weather last night, every city that was mentioned as the storm made its way brought another face, another friendship, another family member, and another soul to my mind.  My heart ached and grew more anxious as the afternoon continued. My heart hurts for the state, for the families who lost loved ones, for the souls that didn't know Jesus, and for the mass clean up that is underway.  I celebrate with those you have arrived in their permanent home with their Savior, and mourn with the people who are left without them.  I pray comfort and encouragement for our friends and family who lost houses, cars, special momentos, co-workers, and neighbors. I PRAISE THE LORD BECAUSE HE IS STILL GOOD. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ALIVE AND WELL. Even if there was worse news, He is still Sovereign, and He is still Good!

Here are pictures from some of our close friends' experience.

From one of our best friends. His house in Tuscaloosa.

One of my dearest dance friend's "car." This was taken in Pleasant Grove.

A family's house in Pleasant Grove who used to go to church with us.

 This storm was personal to us, but our God is a personal God. He is Good. Now, Christian... it is our turn:

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:2-4