Seek Him First

One of my employees asked me this week “Do we have vision insurance?” I replied “Yes, you have dental and vision!” Another employee said “We do?” Instantly, I was thinking wait, you haven’t been utilizing these? This morning I was thinking how people, employers, parents make sacrifices everyday that go unnoticed and unused. Not in anyway is this to shame or call out my guys that work for me. It’s to make me aware of the sacrifice’s that the Lord and others have made for me that I’m oblivious to. It’s to make me see and know that I personally have benefits being a child of God that I do not utilize. Just because you have something doesn’t mean it benefits you. Until we make the appointment and go to the dentist or doctor then will we see or reap rather the benefits. Lord, forgive me for not asking, caring or utilizing the things you provide for me! Also, thank you for our employees! These guys make our business what it is, help me to communicate better to them. Lord, thank you for daily lesson that teach me, guide me and lead me to you, I don’t want to miss out! Amen

Heard this song last night, I was undone.
Lord let me not take the words of this song
or you for granted

Son of Suffering

Oh, the perfect Son of God
In all His innocence
Here walking in the dirt with you and me
He knows what living is
He's acquainted with our grief
Man of sorrows, Son of suffering
The blood and tears
How can it be?
There's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Some imagine You
Are distant and removed
But You chased us down in merciful pursuit
To the sinner You were grace
And the broken You embraced
And in the end, the proof is in Your wounds
Yes, in the end, the proof is in Your wounds
Blood and tears
How can it be?
There's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Oh, blood and tears
How can it be?
There's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me, even me
Sing hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Hallelujah
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes, my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood, still speaking
Your love, still reaching
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God forever
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes, my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood, still speaking
Your love, still reaching
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God forever
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes and my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood is still speaking
Your love is still reaching
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God forever
Glory to God
(Glory to God forever) glory to God
(Glory to God forever) all your blood, your love
(Glory to God forever) your cost, glory to God
Glory to God forever
Oh, blood and tears
How can it be?
That there's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Sing hallelujah to the Son of suffering, who gave up his life
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Sing hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes, my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood, still speaking
Oh, it's your love, is still reaching
Give your praise (King Jesus) yeah
Give glory to God forever
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes and my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood, still speaking
Your love is still reaching
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God forever
Your cross, my freedom
Your stripes and my healing
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God in Heaven
Your blood is still speaking
Your love is still reaching
All praise King Jesus
Glory to God forever
Give glory
Give Him all the glory
To the love, to the blood, to the cross
Give Him all the glory

Rest…..

It’s commanded that we do it

Rest…..

Why do we feel guilty for it?

Rest…..

We long for it but neglect it

Rest….

We avoid it, when we need it

Rest….

We must make time to rest!

At the end of last year I took a two month break from Social Media and I can honestly say… I enjoyed life more! Many of you know I have written a book that has been submitted to my publisher. For those that want to follow my journey and want newsletters and book release dates please email me @ [email protected]

Home | Seek Him First Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I’ve had the opportunity to go to Nashville a few times the past month or so. I’ve been to Nashville many times over the years with different people and have taken in many of the sights. These last few trips have been much different, I’ve only gone into the east side of Nashville. Everytime I leave, I leave with my heart full saying “I love Nashville!” but kinda grinning realizing I’m not technically “in” Nashville I’m just getting a small glimpse. I can honestly tell you besides country music and song writers I don’t know much about the town. I do not know the history, the sports teams or what universities are there but I do know the Lord is using the area and people I see! As I was driving home today I thought about how this is so much like our walk with Christ. Some people have lived in that town most of their lives, some people know the ins and outs of that place and have even written books and songs about it. Me on the other hand I know very little about it yet.. I still love it! I’ve only gotten small glimpses of this big ole town yet the Lord uses the people and places to grow me! Sometimes, we wonder are we really making a difference in this big ole world? I believe we are! One person at a time, one day at a time, one prayer at a time! I may not know the history of the Old Testament well, I may not know the geographical locations of the places I read about nor will I ever go to seminary but I do know Jesus! I may not have the same talents as you but I know God has a plan for us all. He continues to show himself to me, He continues to send people in my life to encourage me and to grow me in my walk and in my ministry. He humbles me daily! I’m not sure where you are in this “town” meaning your walk but there is so much to be seen, explored, learned. I think if we all quit our jobs and dedicated all the time we have left to Him we still couldn’t touch the surface of all of Him but I’m going to spend what time I have left trying!

It was a blessing to host this lovely group of ladies!

https://www.facebook.com/100002601510073/posts/6761576537272330/?mibextid=cr9u03

Good Morning ladies and what gents we have here! I’m so thankful I created this page for multiple reasons. Mostly, I knew I would be spending less and less time on my personal page as I progress in my assignments.

I’m definitely entering into yet another new but exciting chapter. The Lord purposely had me in an isolated season but only to open new doors. I’m attending a bible study during the day mid week near my house, they are covering the book Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. I’ve never done this study although I’ve had the book for quiet sometime. Day one the quote was “When God tells me what He wants to do through me, I will face the crisis of belief. Boy, if this hasn’t described all my fighting the Lord! Sometimes, we like to tell the Lord to what degree we want to be used, let me rephrase that sometimes “I” like to tell the Lord to what degree I want to be used!

In this season I’m having to be very intentional! Intentional with my time, my conversations and my headspace. The Lord has been so good to not just lead, guide and show me what to but to confirm what I’m doing! I’m so grateful we serve a God who loves us enough to give us the confidence to keep moving the direction He is calling.

I read “Disobedience often reveals lack of faith” I would wholeheartedly agree and in my case obedience also revealed insecurities I didn’t know I had! We’ve heard those stories of the Lord refining us. I know why I fought what I did because it’s a painful process. I don’t want to be a wimpy Christian but I was being that way! It’s like I was dreading what I didn’t even know was coming!

This past week in my weekly bible study we talking about doing the impossible that God called us. We drag our feet because we know what he’s calling us to we can’t do so we stop there! That’s the whole point… It hit me! Lord, forgive me for fighting instead of leaning in.

This assignment is not about me! Do not let my fears and insecurities get in the way! Lord, let me lean in and know that you are about to do the impossible in and through me! I read the world is not seeing God because we aren’t doing anything that ONLY God can do!

Can I just tell you how beautiful it is to do the scary, hard thing the Lord is calling us to! Now, don’t get me wrong… that crisis of belief is a hard one to wrestle with. Y’all know I have wrestled too long! But… when you trust and lean in… it’s beautiful! I’m inviting you to do the hard thing that God is calling you to.

If you don’t feel like God is calling you to something, ask Him. What are you calling me to? How do you want to use me? What are you asking me to do! I promise you if you are a Christian, He has something He wants YOU to do… just ask!

I’m not one to focus on numbers! I have this ministry page, I don’t have a ton of “followers”, “likes” or comments and that doesn’t bother me! I’m not trying to get popular in the name of Jesus. Of course, I think we should reach as many as possible and that is why I have a public ministry page but I don’t find my confidence in the amount of people who like my post or page. I don’t get discouraged by likes that are less than five. Actually, I’m a less is more type of gal. I like small intimate numbers! I prefer lunch with one, two or maybe three people! I love the text messages and telephone calls I get with individuals asking or seeking godly and biblical counsel. I serve ONE God who sent His ONLY son! I can assure you my growth came from one person at a time! I absolutely love conferences I attend them often, I love bible studies organized in person or online but my cup of tea is meeting one on one with our bibles. That’s what my posts here are. They are me reading my Bible and needing someONE to share it with! If you are the one… I’m glad! 😊

Saturday night one of our church members/friends text me: Will you guys be watching the Perseid meteor shower tomorrow night? We live out in the country, this couple lives in town. My reply was: I knew nothing of them but come on out. So they their entire family did! They parked in the driveway and set lawn chairs out while my husband & I and the dogs slept sound! We saw them at church this morning and asked how’d it go did y’all see anything? And they did! They raved all about them. It’s crazy to me you, meaning me, can have the best access to something you didn’t even know existed! First of all we love when people invite themselves out! We love to host and help people! Both mine and my husbands strongest spiritual gift is hospitality! We are thankful they came out and had an experience, family time and took in the show. However, it made me think about how too often other people can have more knowledge, desire and energy to do something in our own yard! It’s a sobering thought to think how we can be and are missing God’s gifts day after day in our own back yard! Whether it’s family, ministry opportunities, friendships, jobs, our bible… the list could go on and on. Lord help us to be like this sweet family in our daily walks. Give us knowledge, passion, desire and help us to look up! Let us not miss your precious, amazing, gifts! Let us drive far to see you!

There is a local gal I follow on Facebook and her specialty is restoring old furniture. For months now I’ve heard the Lord saying “Restore” to me in scripture, in songs but I just keep hearing the word in my head over and over! Restore! I reached out to this girl and asked her why she enjoyed restoring furniture to get some insight on this word. Her answer was so sweet and she followed up with are you considering restoring furniture? I felt bad but explained why I needed the answer and appreciated her willingness to share with me. Here was some of her response:

It’s really fun to hand pick the pieces, meet the original owners, hear about the history. I have met some really great people they get so excited when they find out their old piece is going to be brought back to life.
I get the sander out and see what’s hiding under old paint and varnish. See what wood is worth showcasing and what really just need to be covered in paint. It’s the best feeling finding beautiful wood grain. I enjoy picking the perfect color! Choosing new hardware is icing on the cake.But being able to step back and look at the jewel you created, literally from something that could have been trash, with your bare hands and a little creativity. NO BETTER FEELING!

Last year I started praying Psalm 51:12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me and sustain in me a willing spirit. I had gone through a season that had sucked the life out of me. This season may have pushed me into a slight depression I couldn’t kick. A few verses above vs 12 it reads God create a clean heart for me to renew a steadfast spirit within me. I knew I was having a heart issue towards the situation that had left me feeling lifeless. Is there anything more humbling than having to search your own heart? Ugh! What the Lord taught me that even when you have a righteous anger or you are right about something… You (me) can still handle the situation very wrongly! Ouch!

Psalms 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

I am so thankful for scripture that gives me Hope! The Bible never once says we will have a problem free life. Quite the opposite however we have the hope and promises to know it will not stay that way. One scripture that kept me going to keep pushing and not to give up was Joel 2:25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. I held on to this promise and I thanked the Lord in advance.
For the days when the situation would be better and when I would be better.

As I scroll through my newsfeed on my phone and see the before and after pictures of this girl restoring this furniture it just makes me happy! It makes me happy that we have a Savior who finds us where we are and still sees the beauty and value in us! Just last month picked up a table and a desk that someone had set out on the side of the road. These were inspiration pieces to me. I too plan on bring them back to life and using them just as the Lord has restored my soul, heart and mind and plans on using me!

This morning as my husband and I were getting ready for church, I received two text messages from two different people. One was a praise and answered prayer the other one was the news of a death and prayer request for their family. I had just read the verse of the day on my YouVersion Bible App, Romans 12:1, I clicked read full chapter and had just read vs 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those that mourn. I remember thinking that does come with spiritual maturity especially in this world of comparison we live in. Let’s face it, it’s been hard to rejoice for certain people at certain times. I mean we should be happy when someone finds the love of their life and gets engaged or when they get a new job unless we are single and living in an apartment right? Is it hard to be happy for the 10th person you know that’s having a baby and gender reveal party when you can’t get pregnant or have had your fourth miscarriage. We see people in different seasons and it’s hard to rejoice for others when we are focusing on where we are not. Mourn with those who mourn. I can honestly tell you after having a miscarriage and losing both parents I realized I didn’t mourn well with others. In this crazy busy life we can read of someone losing a parent but do we stop and show up? Make a meal or even mail a sympathy card? Our not knowing what to say stops us from showing up. The Lord tells us plain and simple here in the 15th verse Rejoice with those that rejoice and mourn with those that mourn. Meet people where they are! Have you ever been excited to tell someone big news and they didn’t react or seem happy for you? Or told someone about a break up or a death of a grandparent and they changed the subject? It can leave us feeling perplexed. Pray that the Lord can help you be happy for people even when they are being blessed with things you don’t have. Slow down and ask that friend “What’s your favorite memory of your grandmother?” Instead of avoiding an uncomfortable situation. Let’s all work harder at allowing someone else’s news be about them…. and not about us!

The nerve of us!

He has proven Himself time and time again
Yet, we doubt
He has made it clear
Yet, we question
He has given us many and all commandments
And…we wonder what He wants from us
He has loved us so
Yet, we feel unloved and want him to prove to us
He has given us His word
And… we neglect it
We have the honor and privilege to talk to God directly
And…we choose not to pray
He sent His son
And…we take Him for granted
He sent us the Holy Spirit
Yet, we quench His presence

What more could we possibly want or ask for?

I don’t know about you but sometimes I get frustrated and disappointed in myself when it comes to my walk with the Lord. My lack of appetite, appreciation, awe, adoration for my Lord and Savor disgust me!

To hear someone say I’ve had my belly full means: to have had more than you can deal with of someone or something bad or annoying:

I personally have had my belly full of myself. I know I’m a “good” Christian but I can assure you I am not doing all that I can, should and have been called to for the Lord. Let me search my heart and ask why. There are multiple reasons that range from fear, insecurities, laziness and dreading the hard work it (He) requires!

Trusting is hard
Fasting is hard
Obedience is hard
Vulnerability is hard
Stepping out there is hard

He has proven Himself time and time again
Yet, we doubt
He has made it clear
Yet, we question
He has given us many and all commandments
And…we wonder what He wants from us
He has loved us so
Yet, we feel unloved and want him to prove to us
He has given us His word
And…we neglect it
We have the honor and privilege to talk to God directly
And…we choose not to pray
He sent His son
And…we take Him for granted
He sent us the Holy Spirit
Yet, we quench His presence

I know I talk about repentance a lot but if the Lord convicts and brings things to our attention, we must repent (turn) from these things/behaviors. And maybe it seems like I’ve already said this or have been here before but it’s a new level. The closer we get to the Lord, the more he requires. What is he asking of you today?

Today, this week He needs my undivided attention! When, my boys were little and I really needed to let them know I was serious I would touch their chin and say “Look into my eyes” and tell them what I needed to say. I needed their undivided attention. I have a Father who does the same for me….

I need to stop, pause, focus and listen….
I will give Him my undivided attention!

What if....
You took every concern to the Lord
What if...
You prayed for the people who offend you
What if...
You prayed for the person instead of complaining about them
What if...
You rebuked the enemy instead of letting him whisper to you all day
What if...
You trusted more than you worried
What if...
You read your Bible more than you were on social media
What if...
You spent as much time with the Lord as you waste
What if....
You trusted as much as you worried
What if...
You built people up instead of tearing them down
What if...
You were intentional with people instead of going through the motions

Don’t mind me while I have a “what if” conversation with myself.... I’m sharing my own personal convictions and challenges! It’s so easy to get consumed, offended, obsessed, distracted, irritated, negative, the list goes on and on.... my prayer is I can look at things in a different light! I don’t want to be weighed down by this world or by the futile things that consume me sometimes!

Our preacher preached out of the book of Joel yesterday. This morning Joel is where I went for my quiet time. The second part of vs 12 reads “Indeed human joy has dried up” I felt this scripture in my soul. Now, Chapter one of Joel is telling of the plague of locust and the damage they have brought upon the land. They were invaded, taken from, devastated, stripped, thrown away, they grieved, mourned and wailed because their harvest had perished and their human joy dried up. I have a friend group who for awhile talked about and studied lamenting. Maybe we don’t use this term often but we do it! There are seasons of lamenting, grief and sorrow. I’m not sure technically we as a whole processed how the world has forever changed after COVID. It was kind of like “911” things will never be the same after that event. Event after event, little by little this world is shifting in ways we will never be the same. These things take a slow toll on us. Of course as Christians we know this place is not our home and our Hope comes from Christ. However there was some comfort in what we once had. Whether it’s looking at the world as a whole or looking into your individual life… things change! People change… and sometimes our human joy dries up. Death, growth, time it all has a way of shifting and our joy dries up before we know it! I have prayed and prayed and prayed Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me over and over and over. I try my best to embrace each season and not just get through life but to see what the Lord is showing me in and through each season. Psalm 34:8 reads Taste and see the Lord is good, how happy is the person who takes refuge in him. Do we turn to God in those hard times? Press in, lean in, He is here for you and me. Our pastor asked can you marry suffering, lamenting and worship and the answer is YES! Yes, we can, yes we should! He is faithful and true!

Do we live like we are dying? Just this week I personally know two people who were effected by death. We have all lost loved ones, friends, co-workers. Death is inevitable but do we live our day to day with urgency knowing our loved ones or lost friends could pass at anytime? The answer for myself is no! I’m on the rat race like many others. Busy schedules, go go go, work work work, play play play, pack it all in. Remember in 2020 and the world we knew shut down? I think more people than not thought, this isn’t so bad! It was permission to stop!

Just this past week at bible study we were going over the 10 Commandments the one that received the most feedback and the one people related to or was convicted of the most was
Do Not Covet. It was so interesting listening to this group all under 30 talking about the pressure they feel. How they covet or desire what others have not just material things but relationships, jobs. As much as I believe social media can be a good thing it has a negative impact on others as well.

I can assure you anything I have ever wanted and gotten has never truly fulfilled me! Anything I currently want… it can’t fulfill me! There is only one person who can fulfill me! That’s Jesus! The same one who saved me, the one who comforts me, the one who gave His life for you and I. Why would we not want to share that with others?

Are we like Jonah or the brother of the prodigal son who gets mad when Jesus gives a group of people the same amount of grace He extended to us? Do we keep this hidden treasure of Jesus to and for ourselves? Or do we neglect the fact and take our salvation so for granted that we don’t even have the desire to share Him with others. Lord, Restore the Joy of our Salvation so we have the desire to share the Good News with others.

I wholeheartedly believe we are seeing a shift in times and we are in the end times however do we live like we are dying? Do we live like Jesus is coming back. No one knows the day… if we did know the time and day what would that change things or you? The point is Jesus and scripture has proven themselves to be true. What if we shifted our mindset. What if we lived as if we really took the fact that we are dying and He is returning seriously?

I urge you to stop, reflect and ask the Lord if you personally should be doing anything differently with the time you have left here!

Is there anyone besides myself, who you are your worst enemy? I have to really sort through feelings and ask is this condemnation, conviction or am I beating myself up?

Early this week while preparing for bible study at my house, I said a bad word! I immediately caught it and asked for forgiveness from my daughter-in-law who was on the line with me when it came out of my mouth.

Condemnation: (from Satan) Who do you think you are, hosting a bible study yet you talk and think like that!

Conviction: (from the Lord) guilt, knowing I sinned. Which needs to be followed with repentance.

Beating myself up: (Me) You’re an idiot! What is wrong with you? Really that came out of your mouth? Or was it your heart April? Good grief… who are you?

Or is it a combination of all?

Satan- he uses half truths
God-is faithful and forgives
April- ohhhhh…April

April needs a paragraph about her! April tries, April is used by God, April means well and has a good heart. But she’s a little like Paul Romans 7:15-24 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?

April feels a little spiritually bipolar sometimes! Especially when I sin! Like I know better! This morning I was walking through my house and thought “This house is a mess!” I truly love a clean house. And my house was clean, last week! But… now is a different story! And you know what it’s the same 4-5 areas! I need to wipe the counters off, dog prints off the windows, the floors and trash. Those never end!

I’m not a fan of those shirts that say
“I love Jesus but I cuss a little!” It just seems like I know the Lord but I’m going to keep doing what I want to do or excusing a behavior.
I do love the Lord and you know what? Cuss words come out of my mouth when I’m scared or drop something! I am in no way proud, like I hate it!

I repent, I’ve asked the Lord to take that stupid word from my vocabulary and brain and low and behold just like Grandma Betty I say it! Sometimes, I blame my grandma lol or I excuse it because grandma said it! Geez!

This morning I walked through the kitchen and dreaded the tasks mentioned above that no matter how much we do them they need to be done again and I thought I’m like this house!
Over all I keep a very picked up house but it’s in constant attention of the things that need attention. I see that in myself. For the most part I try to be a good Christian. But I require and need the constant day to day cleaning up and repentance, forgiveness, grace. I’m understanding what His mercies are new every morning! I’m still a work in progress!

Every week I tell myself “It’s get your life together day!” I want to be sinfree just like I want a clean house all the time! Then I realize… April you are your worst enemy and need to extend grace to yourself…. Sigh! Still a work in progress!

As I woke up this morning the two thoughts that came to mind was “I’m tired” and “I have so much to do today”. I’ve told y’all before the weather sets my moods more than it should. It’s hard for me to hop out of bed when it’s cloudy or rainy. It’s good roll over and pull the covers over your head weather. I try to rebuke my first negative thoughts and say “Be strong and courageous”, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” I have to speak The Word to encourage myself. My flesh says sleep, my mind, heart & soul says “Get up and spend time with Jesus” my body says hit snooze. It’s a real struggle when our flesh and honestly our desires play tug of war. My desire is to spend time with the Lord it is! But, I’m tired! I feel so pathetic as I type this. To admit how much I fight my flesh and my own sinful desires. I do this with food and my phone as well. Sometimes, I really feel like I have my life together and wholeheartedly want to please the Lord and other times I’m like “What is wrong with you?”
Am I the only one who talks to themselves this way? When I read stories in the Bible, I sometimes hardcore judge those people and before I’m done with the passage, I’m like you are no better ma’am! I close my eyes and pray… Lord, let me get out of my own way!

Update: adding the rainbow picture! 🙌🏻

I woke up to thunder, rain and anxious dogs. Even though I didn’t envision getting up at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday up I got. As I sat on my back porch I was admiring that even though a storm had just blown through the sun was still rising! The contrast between the left and the right side of view I had was incredible. In a weird way this is right where I have been! The storm of life I was in has passed but I can still hear faint thunder, see lighting in a distance yet the rain has stopped. The promises of the sun rising morning after morning to the left is a much more welcoming and enjoyable view. As I sit and look at both landscapes I know, realize and am okay with the fact that The Lord orchestrated each one. Deep down I do not love rain! I know it’s necessary, I know we need it and I know some people loved it but most the times it’s an inconvenience, messes with my plans and sometimes just puts me in a funky mood. I thrive with sunshine, blue skies and perfect temperatures. I know both are necessary! The birds are chirping, it’s thundering, the sun is beaming down, so much going on as most people sleep. I figure I will see a rainbow before long! There is sunshine and rain in life! Most the times those two don’t go together and in a weird way it’s an amazing and cool thing to experience! Isn’t it like God that in the midst of a storm usually in the beginning or end we get to experience sunshine and rain?