Monday, July 21, 2008

Opposite Extremes

Greetings on this Monday morning!

While I don't normally give a weekend recap on my Monday posts, this weekend provided such contrasting extremes, I just have to share!

I love taking photographs. I carry my camera in my purse at all times because you never want to miss a great photo opportunity! All summer, I've been trying get some good butterfly shots with no success...until Saturday. = ) I was running errands and had to make a stop at Home Depot. As I walked through the garden center, I saw the most beautiful butterfly! So what do you suppose I did? = ) I took a quick inventory to see how many people were about to see me make a fool of myself, then shamelessly began chasing this beauty with my camera. The result was well worth it. I got several good photos, but this was my favorite...

How I love these amazing creations! So gentle, carefree, beautiful and delicate...they are truly one of God's most creative gifts. They never fail to captivate me. (Perfect in beauty, God shines forth...Psalms 50:2)

Now, we move to the extreme...Yesterday afternoon, we were at the home of my in-law's (Bob & Millie) for dinner. There was quite a thunderstorm kicking up as we arrived, with lots of heavy rain, wind and lightning. After about 15 minutes, it was all over, the sun returned as we continued helping to prepare the meal. The clouds returned during dinner, and by the time we were cleaning up, it was obvious we were in for another storm. The men were watching golf on television and I heard my father-in-law say something about a tornado warning. That quickly got everyones attention. Then the electricity went off for just a moment and then came back on just as the tornado sirens began sounding. As a few family members headed for the basement, I noticed that several others had walked to the patio. I was starting to get concerned. I kept saying, "c'mon guys...we need to get to the basement!" No one seemed to be listening. I finally walked to the door of the patio to see why they were waiting. I immediately saw what had everyone so mesmerized. I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped this photo. (I only wish I would have thought to record a video so that you could see what we saw...the funnel cloud coming down was actually rotating!) This was literally just a couple of hundred yards away!


I have never seen (firsthand) such an amazing display of God's power! The local weather reports say that although there were many "wall clouds with rotation," and funnel cloud sightings, none officially touched down and became full fledged tornados. (Praise God!) There were about 10,000 who lost their electricity, a local home was struck by lightning, and some very large trees were uprooted about 45 miles away. Gratefully, no one was hurt. (Our local news network posted some other amazing photos from viewers, click here if you'd like to see them. )

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:11

18 comments:

Natalie said...

I LOVE to take pictures as well! What a great contrast! The sky looks so eerie and mysterious.Great shots!

Paula V said...

That is a gorgeous pic of the butterfly. I went to a butterfly garden place once and it was so hard to get a photo with the wings open. I actually have a photo of one landing in my hair. Pretty cool. This one you shot is beautiful and that pop of pink color...amazing.

You must not be too far from me. We had storms last night also. I sent you an email about your location, did you get that?
Paula

LynnSC said...

I love the pictures. I am not a picture taker... I wish that I could be better at it. I did buy a camera several months ago... wish me luck.

Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful pictures with us.

Lynn

Julie said...

Oh....I LOVE the picture of the butterfly.... Papa God knows that they speak so much to my heart. He sends them to me all the time in special ways. That's an awesome picture. I have pictures of butterflies in my house, even. I looked through hundreds to get them, so I know butterfly pictures. This is a beauty!

Hugs,
Julie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Most of us would run to the basement, but I'm like you. I carry my camera everywhere. I'm so glad that you got this shot, but even more glad that no one was seriously hurt in the pursuit of the perfect shot.

peace~elaine

Laurie Ann said...

Great contrast, Tracy. The photos are amazing. God's beauty and power. Wow. So glad you were safe. No way would I stick around to snap the second pic. You're Brave!

Shirley Mary said...

Wow! What a contrast in photos!
The delicate butterfly and the powerful winds of nature!
Great pictures!

The scripture from I Chronicles expresses it well!

I wanted to thank you Tracy, for your prayers and the scripture that you left in regard to my brother. The MRI did not show cancer and we rejoice! It was a week of roller coaster emotions.

Tricia said...

Those truly are great displays of God's power and majesty, such contrast but both completely amazing!

Thanks for sharing and I am so thankful you and your family had no damage or injuries!

Blessings!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I stumbled on your blog and have been blessed by it. Your post on "your mission" was so authentic. Your love for the Lord is very evident.
Love the photos...wow...Home Depot was good to you.:)
Jen:)

Anonymous said...

love both pictures!! Butterflies and skies are two of my favorite things!

Addicted to Beadz said...

Tracy,

What a weekend! Don't you LOVE those tornadoes? They are interesting to see from a distance and when they don't actually cause damage! Living in Oklahoma I've seen and been close to more than I'd like. But, Praise God we've never had damage ourselves.

I love the picture of the butterfly, too.

I came over to congratulate you for your award today! It is awesome to see God working through you and your blog.

Have a great Tuesday!
Cheryl

Victoria (Vii) said...

Beautiful post!

Peggy said...

Tracy, Praise God you are all alright and that safely you took TWO beautiful photos of God's wonder, power and creation! You are aMazing that you carry a camera ready...I tried doing that and somehow my batteries always run out right when I need it!

Your Scripture verses add so much!

Not sure where you live but I pray this Hurricane Dolly is not whooping up some more storms for you! Poor Mexico is in for a BIG
hit and flooding! They never are ready or prepared or protected by their government! I pray the Almighty protects ALL! Stay safe!

I came looking for your Tuesday meme! But this was awesome! I don't have anything new...blog fasting til Thursday or Saturday!
But I am praying and reading!

God bless & protect you!Definite extremes!!! GLORY to POWER! I'll look for the GLORY in the beauty
from a safe distance or closeup!

Melanie said...

Hi, Tracy. Those pictures really do such amazing extremes. It always amazes the extremes God has given us in nature.... truly awesome!

So glad you shared these with us... great pictures!

Aunt Angie said...

MY STARS!!!! Tracy---first the butterfly was beautiful....second...I would have been scared to pieces!!!! Bad weather like that and I immediately think of all the storm/tornado movies I've watched!!! (It is a favorite thing to do--watch a "weather movie" on a Saturday when the weather is rough....but I prefer to keep it in the movies!) I am SO glad you were all safe! Did they ever go down to the basement???

Becky said...

Ohhhh, Tracy...those are FABULOUS photos. Great shots!

The heavens truly do declare the Glory of God. Wowzer...that is incredible!

Nancie said...

Tracy, these pictures are beautiful! Great shots. I enjoy photography too. Always wonderful to catch glimpses of God's power and majesty in creation and nature. So glad you and family are safe. Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day!

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

Tracy, your photography is truly breath taking! I love taking photos and some day hope to take some classes.
The butterfly was amazing - like contest winning beautiful!
The tornado picture was also remarkable. I have a slight fear of tornados... My parents lost their home to an EF5 tornado a couple of months ago. We are so thankful that God's protection was surrounding them!!
By the way, this is such a serene place to visit. :)