Storm clouds can be both terrifying and beautiful at the same time. I don't understand the details of what I see, nor do I know how and when each of these ever-changing clouds will cease to be.
These summer storm clouds whisper to me of our family's walk through 2014. There have been many, many good things to be grateful for, however my husband has had major health struggles through this year, a culmination of 24 years of eczema, cortisone over use and withdrawal. He has been unable to drive since February, unable to work since early April and unable to read properly for the last eight months. We've walked through each storm as it has come along, often feeling rather battered, thinking it will be the last - then another hits, and another, and another.....
But I'm choosing to be grateful for the rain and growth which results from the storms and for friends who have prayed and that I know we never walk alone.
I'll keep watch for the promises, peace and hope which 2015 will surely bring - while remembering that each day truly is a precious gift and a new beginning. Wishing you all a bright and hope-filled New Year!
Sharing at SkyWatch Friday.
I hope the new year brings you much joy watching your children grow and hopefully your husband's health improves. I too have a husband with many health issues which he was able to cope with until we returned from USA and now he is battling.
ReplyDeleteMay 2015 bring good health for your husband Karen I am sorry that this year has been stormy at times for you. I admire your outlook and how you have written this post. I will remember these words and take them with me into 2015. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI was sorry to learn about the difficult health problems your dear husband has encountered through the year.
ReplyDeleteI hope that the storm clouds now pass over him and that a period of calm and better health ensues during 2015.
I hope 2015 brings peace and good health to your family. The photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration Karen! Wishing you peace, happiness and good health in 2015! And for your husband too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your husband's health problems. I wish you a healthy and happy new year 2015.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skies and after the storm you get always calmer weather. I wishes the best for you, your husband and all your children.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen, what a year you have indeed traveled. Blessings my friend{{}} and praying hope is precisely what happens in 2015{{{}}}xxxxx
ReplyDeleteWhatever the storms are that batter our lives, we know that God is always with us. He uses everything in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
ReplyDeleteI pray that 2015 will be a year of joy, peace, strength, love and healing for you and your family.
Those are beautiful photos!
FlowerLady
Happy New Year! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThat's what this year is full of: promise. I like the title of your post. Happy New Year! :-)
ReplyDeleteJust prayed for strength and for peace for your family xx
ReplyDeleteI hope the New Year brings showers of peace, health and calm for you family.
ReplyDeletexo
Wishing both of you all the best this year. Good to know that there is still beauty in the storm. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThese are goo intensions in the title. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images! ;)
You are so right that each day truly is a precious gift. Wishing you, your husband and your family all the very best for 2015.
ReplyDeleteBonne année :-).
ReplyDeleteHolding good thoughts for you and your family for the year! Each day is indeed precious! Your skies are awesomely beautiful and you've captured the beauty!!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Beautiful shots. I know that storm clouds are are scary especially when they are to the west, here in Oklahoma.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your husbands gets healing.
It's always about finding the gift hidden in each ordinary day. Wishing you a Happy New Year! Wishing you a break in the clouds for 2015!
ReplyDeleteGreat sky.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular shots Karen - thank you for sharing. Praying for your husband's healing and strength, courage and trust in the meantime. It is through fierce storms that trees bend and demonstrate their resilience (perhaps excepting hurricanes and tornadoes!). Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had a tough year too. Your post is beautiful. Feeling for you with so many challenges. Praying strength and peace for 2015. xx Lots of love xx
ReplyDeleteWow, these are gorgeous captures of the storm clouds.. Beautiful photos and post. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy New Year!
ReplyDeletenydelige bilder Karen, godt nytt år !
ReplyDeleteWow all those leaves on plants. Our trees are bare and I don't see any electrical storm for a good six months.
ReplyDeleteRight now there a good ground covering of snow here in North Idaho.
Coffee is on
A wonderful and moving post of hope and gratitude to kick off 2015!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures and words are beautiful, as always. Wishing you and your family a beautiful year. And special thoughts for your husbands health...
ReplyDeleteHappy new year Karen!!
ReplyDeleteDear Karen, I would like to wish you and your familiy a Happy New Year 2015. Hope it brings health and a lot of good things .....
ReplyDeleteChefs, Heidrun from Augsburg
I hope your hubby will get better, I for sure can understand hard times as you know. Hugs!
ReplyDeletehttp://tinajoathome.com/
Wishing you a much better year. Fantastic photos as usual and so well tied to your post.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read of your husband's health issues. It is so difficult seeing your loved one suffer. My prayers are with you and your family on a blessed New Years. And PS those storm cloud captures are magnificent!!
ReplyDeleteWOW...those clouds are spectacular!!! Here's hoping your husband's walk through 2015 will be one to better health. Happy New Year...
ReplyDeleteDoesn't God create some amazing palettes???
ReplyDelete