fairweather fans.

So, we may not be having the best year in baseball - but how gorgeous are these pictures? ;) Forgive my "abstract" angles and coloring, I was having an artistic moment during a recent family outing to Safeco Field - for my first Seattle Mariner's game since like, 1999 (that is the year I threw my hands up in disgust when I realized nothing could compare to the record-breaking '95 season).

My Dad gives me a hard time for being a fairweather fan; I always shrug it off like it's not a big deal - it's only baseball. But recently I got to thinking about how similar this mentality is, in the Church... or in our relationship with God. I know so many people - close friends, in fact - who are so quick to praise Him in the "season of '95" - but when you're 0 for 3 and boasting a losing record, how quickly we forget just how mighty and worthy our God is... even in our darkest hour.

I want don't want to be a fair weather fan. I don't want to sing His praise only when my life couldn't possibly get any better; I want to love Him when it seems as if everything is falling apart around me. I want to know that in a moment of complete despair, that He is the only thing steadfast and strong, unwavering and perfect. He needs to be the first place we run when things get bad; we need to stand up and sing His praises when everyone else in the world around us would wonder how we can bring ourselves to worship in 'times like this'. When life is busy and chaotic and we can't seem to control anything around us - the CHURCH needs to be our refuge... not somewhere we go only when time and our 'busy schedule' permits.

Casting Crowns' has an amazing song, Praise You In This Storm, that says it best - and completely stops me in my tracks when I hear it...

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.

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

I remember when I stumbled
in the wind You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone
how can I carry on... if I can't find You?

I lift my eyes onto the hills; where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth