Severe Storm Clouds…

faith

In the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you, the storm clouds that I have been walking through.

When the time is right…I will explain my absence here on the blog. It will all make perfect sense soon.

I am learning through these trials and tribulations…that life can be very tough at times, as most of you know.

But, FAITH can prevail when we allow it to work in our lives.

Here are some of the positive qualities that can literally be burned and molded into your personality as a result of going through some severe storm clouds:

You can click here to learn more.

  • Bravery
  • Courage
  • Boldness
  • Patience
  • Steadfastness
  • Tenacity
  • Perseverance
  • Humility
  • Self-control
  • A kinder, softer, and more caring heart
  • Greater empathy and compassion for others
  • Greater appreciation of the sanctity of life
  • Greater appreciation of the other people in your life 
  • Increase your faith and trust levels in the Lord

Some of these came with me kicking and screaming for the last few months…smile.
I still have a long way to go…but understanding FIRE does refine you doesn’t it?

I would love to hear your thoughts, on how you have handled a past trial in your life.
Laurie
XXOO

 

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83 thoughts on “Severe Storm Clouds…”

  3. Pingback: If It’s Important To You… | Pride in Photos

  4. I know I have grown during these past few years of challenges and past few months of unbelievable stress and turmoil. Prayer is my constant companion. I am grateful my faith has strengthened and enhanced the above qualities in me. Emboldened, I move forward in life and love.

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  5. Reblogged this on Jubilee Journey and commented:
    As a teacher and life-long student I know that learning the same subject through multiple means helps to ingrain this new knowledge, helping us to apply the information better as well as making learning easier. “Free Range Cow” suggested this post as it is similar to what I’m doing this year. I see there are similar aspects to the same theme here. You would do well to follow “Pride in Photos” for more information on learning to change our attitudes.

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  7. My thoughts are with you, Laurie. I see many more are thinking of you and want to support. Feel the warmth from it. Walk in nature’s beauty and cry as much as you need. You are strong – but put your lovely head on good friends’ shoulders. I’m certain they are there for you!

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  9. So sorry to learn this Laurie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I went through some dark times when I lost my mother, father and only brother all within a few short years from each other. The love of my husband, sons and close friends is what got me through. Don’t be afraid to reach out, as you are doing here…you are not alone. Hugs to you.

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  10. I think one steps into a negation phase, where one cannot accept what happened. Then one comes gradually into accepting, but it sometimes it just takes too much time. Watch out, because one can get stuck with the phase of acceptance (not accepting what happened). And then time simply passes you by, and you lose precious moments living int he past.

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  11. The stormy times of life are always so rough to work through. Your posts have always been such an inspiration since I came across your blog so it was sad to see your post that things are not all okay right now in your world. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers to an all-knowing God who knows your needs that things work out soon. ~hugs~ During my 60+ years there have been many ways that I’ve had to find to work through the stormy times. Each was different. I always said my prayers for God to help, but I also had to cope in the meantime before an answer arrived. Sometimes it meant I wanted to just give up, cover up my head and stay in bed, but each time I found I couldn’t so I continued on. Just continue on and through…things will get better.

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  12. Laurie.. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers. No matter what you are facing remember god is on your side and it is clevery apparent that your followers are rooting & praying for you to make it through this tough time in your life.

    When my father was murdered for his vehicle a few years ago I went through a very dark period in my life. My father was one of those people that talked to strangers no matter what walks of life they came from. I could almost say that he cared and gave too much of himself for others. Sadly that is a part of the reason why he died.

    My family, friends & his friends surrounded me with shoulders to lean on. People I never knew would stop by my house with food. Some stopped by just to check up on me and others came by to pray with me. I hope you have a solid network of friends that are there for you and get you through this dark period in your life. Try and stay strong and know that there will be better days to come.

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  13. Hi, Laurie,
    I’m so sorry you’re in this stormy time. Your question made me look back at the last year when we battled my husband’s cancer. He’s well now, as far as we know, but during the times in the hospital and weeks of waiting for lab tests and infections and the ER once again — you know what I hung onto (as well as faith in God, which I know you have)? It was trying to brighten the days of those around us. Say a cheerful word to a tired nurse, thank a doctor, joke with the night shift orderly. Does that make sense? As long as I could find someone to focus on besides me, I could come through. I learned that life can change with one phone call and nothing is certain. But God is in control, and he allows us to help each other through the hard times. Hugs to you xxx oooo

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  16. What a beautiful list of learnings you have Laurie. I have learned some of these too going through rough patches in life. For me, faith has been the greatest support, the silence and beauty in nature another one, and of course friends and family members I’ve been able to lean on. I send warm thoughts of healing in your direction. Hugs

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  18. dice il saggio: chi non è messo alla prova nella vita, cosa sa?
    le difficoltà e la durezza della vita portano alla luce le vere risorse dell’animo umano, la forza di combattere che può essere data dalla fede, ma anche dal credere in se stessi, ti auguro ogni bene
    ventis

    says the wise: those not tested in life, what do you know?
    the difficulties and the harshness of life bring to light the real resources of the human soul, the fighting force that can be given by faith, but by believing in themselves, I wish you all the best

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  19. I am smack dab in the middle of a storm my self. It made me tear up when I read your post. Because it is hard. My faith is what is getting me through and my wonderful husband. I will say prayer for you.

    Hugs~

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  21. Faith, faith and more faith Laurie! That is what has gotten me through in the past and what gets me through every day…lots of prayer! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs! Robyn

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  22. Laurie, people really connect with you. They want to help ease your pain and in so doing, I think they in turn, are helped. Does that make sense?
    I’m a very private person, it’s a curse sometimes, especially during dark moments, but other times I revel in my cloak of iron! I admire that you are able to reach out to people and be open about your pain. In answer to your question about how I’ve handled or handle trials in my life. I walk. Like Forest Gump ran, I walk, very fast. It’s true! I put on my headphones and listen to terrible music from the 70’s and 80s, and I walk like a madwoman. I pray, sing and walk. And in the middle of doing that, and smiling to passers by…I start to feel better.

    I’ll end my ramble with this story. For several reasons, the past few years have been difficult. One really down day a few months ago, I took the dogs to the park and an elderly man came up to me and said kindly, “I see you in this park almost everyday, and you always have a smile for everyone. It’s not so easy to do some days, is it? I was startled by the perception of this total stranger, but touched by his reaching out to me. I forget what I responded, but I will never forget how healing his words were. For you, Laurie, I wish the same guardian angel will reach out and touch you as he did me!

    xoxo
    Elisa

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  23. I can’t even begin to tell you what I have endured in my life and continue to deal with every day. But my feeling is my tribulations have made me an extremely capable and adaptable person. I believe nothing lasts for ever and we are meant to learn from everything we go through… good or bad.

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  25. Oh, Laurie, I’m saddened to hear that you’re walking through a storm. I know how strong your faith is and that rainbows are on the horizon. XO!

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  26. I am so sorry you are going through something terrible Laurie, but I do know you are a strong and determined woman with a positive attitude and that will see you through~ we lost our youngest son, who was 18, 9 years ago and for days I couldn’t even breathe. The comfort from friends and family kept me putting one foot at a time forward. After 5 years of crying I made the decision that I didn’t want to cry any more and made my mind up that I would know longer let my loss define my life. The mind is a powerful force. I will be praying for you
    Jenna

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    • Jenna, somehow I didn’t realize you lost a child..sigh! Thank you for sharing this with me my friend. When we lost our granddaughter and not getting out of bed for weeks, I too made the same resolve. This storm will pass…this I know. Thanks for your beautiful words.

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  27. Laurie- what to say? I clicked on the like button but am not at all sure why. It sounds traumatic, hon, and I know you’ve had your share of heartache. I don’t have any good coping mechanisms to offer. Just my very best wishes that you can see your way through this soon.

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  29. Oh Laurie, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch… I come here to see your glowing photographs and read your joyful posts and your optimism and faith are always palpable. Whatever you’re going through, may you get to the other side ever more optimistic and faithful and strong my friend…

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  31. I’m so sorry that you have been in a rough place. Those times are never fun, but I know you have the faith to see how all things work together. I hope and pray that you have come through the worst and feel peace in whatever has been going on. I hope everything is ok.

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  32. I know the feeling hon and I feel for you. Just live in the ‘now’ – from minute to minute and replace the negative with positive. That’s how I get through. 😀

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  33. I’m sorry to read of your troubled times, Laurie. Thank you for letting us know you are going through a difficult time. It looks like you have an amazing community here.

    I don’t have any magic formula for getting through. Some of the darkest days seem oppressive. Crying is good for the soul. It releases tension in the body and allows us to grieve. Then we can dust ourselves off and move on, knowing we’ll have setbacks. I like the analogy of the spiral staircase. We go around and around, seemingly back to the same spot, when we are actually climbing higher and higher. Be well.

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  34. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been faced with some difficult challenges. Life has a tendency to throw us a curve ball when we least expect it. Family, friends, and faith will help you deal with that black cloud.

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  38. I’m in tears reading through your post, Laurie. Be strong and take care of yourself, you are in my prayers… Thank you for sharing these inspiring words!

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  39. Thank you for the encouragement, Laurie … The struggless does wear one down in periods, yet it is in the eye of the storm, that we learn that God does provide – we have, what we need, in Him, for the moment at hand … and that is how we get by. My prayers are with you dear sister!

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  41. Just know that you are thought of each and every day by me. Miss you. We have all gone through many issues in our lives, and sometimes just a good old fashioned cry can get it all out. I did that many years ago while I was going through my horrible divorce from an abusive husband while my Father was dying. I pulled over on the side of the freeway and cried my heart out, then got back up, picked myself up, and said that I am going to get through this, and I did. Hugs…

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  42. Laurie, I’m so sad to know that all is not well with your world. We all go through trials and tests of faith in our lives, some more so than others. There are always valuable lessons we can learn from these trying times, and you sound as though you’re prepared to embrace those “positive qualities’ which you speak of. Holding you and your dear family in my heart, and sending you much love and warm hugs. Sylvia

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  44. I find comfort in the words of St. Therese, the little flower: “The world is your ship, it is not your home.”
    I am so sorry you are having difficulties and I wish you strength and understanding in the journey ahead, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

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  46. Knowing that, “this too shall pass” and struggling really hard to image ‘a year from now’ has always helped me. Where there’s a future, there too I find hope and the will to plan a way to go there. Thinking of you xK

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  48. Trials are definitely trying. That’s when we need to deepen our faith in God. He will heal our broken hearts and give us personal peace and comfort (I speak from experience). With your beautiful spirit I know you can come through this all the better. I’m not very good at expressing my feelings but I’m praying for you at this time.

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  49. I’m walking through a brain injury now . . . three months after a freak fall outside my home . . . I’ve been digging in my heels trying to get myself better and it’s not working . . . and have now just “accepted” or submitted to this new journey for me. My photography has been on hold to . . . I’m grieving the role I had in people’s lives and now don’t . . . I’ve submitted to the fact that this is my season of rest and I want to find that by drawing closer to God . . . people are telling me this is my season to sit in God’s lap and I am on a journey trying to find out what that means as I have been so, so busy over the last few years. I can’t wait to hear your journey and the encouragement you may have for others in the midst of their own storm. Whenver I have been through a storm, there was always something amazing on the other end and my faith grew so much. I can’t wait to see what is on the other side of this and for you too.

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    • Deborah, Deborah….I just finished reading the book “Brain on Fire”…this is what came to my mind when you said you had a brain injury. I surely understand about the photography being put on hold, I have had to stop my business for the time being also. God wants total dependence on HIM, this is not easy for women like us, who are independent and like to get things done☺ I surely don’t have all the answers, but looking to Him to provide them as the journey goes. Keep the faith my sister in Christ.

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  53. Laurie, sending love and good thoughts. Trials come and go but there always seems to be one left hanging about; I wish we could put an expiry date on some of them ,or a ‘use by’ date, so they would know when their time was up 😉

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  54. Oh, yes the fire refines… but, that does not lessen the burn. Still sending prayers for you, Laurie. We are doing inspections on the prospective new house today… one more step closer. But, I’m taking nothing for granted this time. big hugs and blessings ~ tanna

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  58. When life itself gets too heavy to carry, i picture myself handing the bundle over to someone much higher and wiser than me and acknowledge that I don’t understand the journey I’m on and I need strength to move forward. Here’s hoping you get all the strength you need to push forward and that you know your readers do care and miss you. Best to you and your family.

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  59. Laurie,

    I am learning that the only way to bear a burden of great magnitude – in my case, the death of a spouse – is with prayer, faith, steadfastness and thankfulness. When one is tossed unwillingly and unprepared into a journey of painful self-discovery, the destination suddenly doesn’t seem to matter any more. What matters is the current moment in the journey and our ability to survive it, to take the next step.

    People will tell us time heals all wounds. It doesn’t. It may teach us how to live with the wounds, but there is no guarantee of healing.

    People tell us to hold on to our memories, not understanding how joyous memories turn painful; becoming like sharp knives, stabbing the heart repeatedly with cries of “nevermore”.

    Simple things transform into complexities. Complex things become incomprehensible.

    You cry, “Not fair!”. Heaven echoes back its agreement with your assessment and points to the family of sufferers that populates the earth, reminding you life will never be fair so long as there is selfishness in the world.

    There’s an urge to give up and it drives me to my knees.

    Despite it all, I still have love. No matter what else gets hurled at me, no matter how painful memories may become or how difficult it may be to see tomorrow, I still have love. Nothing can undo the fact of the life we shared, the 22 years we were as one. When all is dark, I seek the light of that love and the promise of my faith for a future reunion. When that day comes, I want it to be said that I carried our love into the world and used it as a source of inspiration, compassion and motivation to serve others; that I did my best to overcome my own selfishness and to be fair. That I used it purposefully and gave it back rather than hoarding it in a dark, quiet corner where it could not grow. To do otherwise would be to render the love we shared as having been in vain, and that it can never be.

    People say love conquers all. Perhaps they got that one right. I’m counting on it.

    God bless you,
    Earl Harris

    http://shutteratthethought.com

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  60. Faith always, which helps to bring us to acceptance, and gives us the courage to continue on. Gratitude always plays a part as well, for all the moments given us and the understanding that our challenges help us to grow spiritually. You are in my prayers Laurie.

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  62. Laurie, with a smile and tenacity… one has to believe that in every severe circumstance there has to be some good some where, and with that in ones mind all can be overcome…

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  65. The first one that comes to mind is tenacity. It is so important not to give up on what you are striving for – no matter how many obstacles comes your way.
    May you find your in the storm you are currently weathering.

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  67. Believing that you will come through the clouds and back into the light. All of those things you’ve mentioned have gotten me through some dark times. Those and crying and having friends I could lean on and talk to…or cry on helped. And then there were moments when nothing but crying out to the Lord, feeling some despair, but continuing to carry on was what I did.

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