Well, the obvious answer is water… But I’m talking about in-depth, what’s in a cloud. It’s been dry here in SW Michigan and HOT! That’s not a complaint just a fact. When you spend so many months on the cold and cooler side you start to melt when temps get to the mid 80’s and that’s if the humidity isn’t very high.

I start to melt in higher than normal temps and it ain’t pretty!! After a nice hot week, I woke up this morning to a cool breeze. As I was walking around the farm checking out the garden, wondering

if I needed to water, I noticed the puffy white clouds and their beauty. I watched as the wind pushed the clouds across the sky slowly, creating a lovely breeze and panoramic view of the farm.

To which, I did my best to try to capture what I saw. Still working on my panoramic picture-taking skills, but pretty pleased with the way this one came out.

This morning was a gift… I needed to take a few minutes in creation with my creator.  I don’t take lightly the responsibility of being a representative of Christ on this earth, therefore, I am slow to speak concerning the present state and situation of our country. However, this morning, I was looking to God for some clarity…”What is my role? Where do I fit in? How do I become part of the solution? How do I convey your (God’s) plan? How do I walk in peace? What do I show my children?” All of these questions have been rolling around in my head for weeks and when another tragedy hits the news I start the process all over again. I don’t want to walk around with blinders on and act like everything is ok. I struggle to have simple meaningless conversations, which I always have so that’s nothing new, without wanting to dialogue about our world. This isn’t the world I wanted my children to grow up in. How did I not see what was coming down the track? I have sat too comfortably for too long. America is great, but America is also lost and broken.

It is easy to watch the news and separate yourself from what is going on in areas and regions far from you. Don’t get me wrong, we feel the pain of those affected, we may even change our profile picture for a week or two to reflect our concerns for people touched by the recent tragedy and there is nothing wrong with that. We should mourn with those that mourn, but what’s next? What’s “my” responsibility?

As I lay all these questions before my gracious, holy, and sovereign God, he speaks this..

 Col. 3:12-17

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” ~Jeremiah 32:17