What do you think of when you hear the word "foundation"?  The first things that come to my mind, in order, are makeup, institutional foundations, the foundation of  a house.  Things are supported by foundations.  Actors need foundation as a base for other makeup in order to transform themselves into another character.  Institutional foundations serve to support may philanthropic ventures.

I went on a missions trip to do relief work shortly after Hurricane Katrina.  While there, we went on a tour of the city and I witnessed houses that had been pushed off their foundations by the force of the water.  Buildings were thrown off their foundations in the tsunami that devastated Indonesia in 2004, again in Japan in 2011, and more recently from Hurricane Sandy this past fall.  Witness also the destruction of the multitude of tornadoes that strike every year.  No matter how strong the physical foundation, it is no match for the force of nature - either wind or water.  It reminds me of the parable of the wise and the foolish man. You know the story, I'm sure.  We've all sung the song.  

The Wise Man Built His House

The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the foolish man's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]

So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down

Oh, the blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayers go up
The blessings come down
As your prayer go up
So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.

 I've thought a lot about foundations.  What is my foundation built on? What is yours? 


 -- I started this blog after Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast. Lots interfered to keep me from finishing it.  I finally found the picture I wanted to use and am finally ready to post it.  The timing is poignant -  last week on May 20, tornadoes hit Oklahoma, specifically Moore, OK.  I'm sitting here listing to Fox News as they are broadcasting live yet another tornado that is bearing down on Oklahoma City.  A reminder that our faith is only as sure as our foundation.  We may well lose all that we have on this earth, but - like Casting Crowns sings - 

I'll Praise You in this Storm.
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now
God, 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

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
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
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
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

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
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 lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
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
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) / Banahama Tunes (ASCAP) (adm. by Word Music, LLC