Quite a week, right? Quite a year.

People in factions, divided, thronging, railing against each other.

People demanding, hopeful, hateful, joyous, resigned, controlling, proud, controlled, judging, glad, corrupted, censored, used, relieved, propagandized, unsettled, afraid, deceitful, vindictive, certain, confused.

People of every color and creed, with emotions swirling like the leaves in a November tree-stripping gale.

Like the storm outside my windows this very minute, already blowing itself out.

Because tempests pass, you know. This one will, too.

Regardless of how this election storm unwinds, you and I can trust that God’s allowing it.

Can trust that he works all things—all things—together for our good. For good—for us who love him and say yes to his call. (Romans 8:28)

I expect it will last awhile, this hurricane,

and we may not understand it until later.

In the meantime, friends, there are things we can do. Things that will make a difference when nothing else can.

WE CAN DO THINGS LIKE THIS:

Search our hearts.

Learn the Word like we never have before.

Reach for our God in ways we haven’t taken seriously for years.

IN WAYS LIKE THIS:

Confess. (Whatever your heart search uncovers.)

Repent. (Turn from it.)

Forgive. (You know who. God’s got this.)

Worship. (With relief. Celebration. Joy. Wonder. Awe.)

Pray. (Instead of worry.)

Love. (Always. Always.)

And keep Someday in mind.

“There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

—Revelation 7:9-10

Dirt Storm.

(Blowing soil in Whitman County, WA.)

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

—1 Corinthians 13:12

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And in an eggshell, online posts from earlier this week:

When Heaven Votes.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.”

—Mark 12:17

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When The Wind Shifts.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

—Hebrews 13:8

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Mudslinging.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

—Ephesians 4:29

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Drink Deep.

(Mid-bridge at Vantage, Columbia River).

“I will make … rivers in the desert.”

—Isaiah 43:19

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And the 20 year celebration continues! This week’s WINNER of THE VIEW FROM GOOSE RIDGE, is Blaine Stigen! Congratulations, Blaine:). Please send me your mailing address and I’ll get a copy right off to you.

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Welcome friends, I’m glad you’re here.

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks.