Sunday, July 22, 2012

PRAY FOR AURORA, CO

Once again, tragedy has struck.  The shootings/killings at the movie theatre in Aurora,CO was horrific.  Friends that we served on staff with are now on staff of a church 2 miles from that movie theatre.  Thankfully, they, nor their teenage daughter were at the movie.  None of their church members were hurt either but they know people who were.  The whole community is in shock and grieving.  I can relate to this since we experienced the Va. Tech shootings a few years ago and dealt with all the emotions that followed.  We live about 45 min. from Va. Tech but the entire Hokie Nation was affected and we had many in our church family attending the University.  We need to all lift all of Aurora up in our prayers, especially the families of the victims and those that were injured and also those that were in the theatre but got out unharmed.  Their grief and trauma will not go away quickly.  Our friends' church has offered counseling and also prayer vigils for anyone wanting to come.  Their daughter told me the prayer vigil had helped her deal with all of this.  Many other churches are also helping.

When something like this happens, people ask why?  They ask "Where was God", Doesn't he care?
Why did God let this happen?  Did God cause this to happen?  I'm not a theologian but I do know God does care and he certainly did not cause this to happen.  He let this happen because he gave humans a free will.  We can choose to be evil or to be good.  We can choose to follow God or reject him.

At this time, they do not have any answers as to why this young man acted as he did.  He has to be mentally disturbed to have done such a terrible deed.  I have trouble believing anyone in their right mind could have done this.  Pray also for his family.  Can you imagine the pain, shame, agony, and confusion they must feel?  Pray for the officers trying to disarm all the boobie-traps in this young man's apartment.

We do not have all the answers for those affected by this tragedy.  We can offer words of comfort and encouragement from God's word.  Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."  Psalm 147:3 states "HE heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." and may the folks in Aurora be strengthened by these words found in Psalm 62:8, "Trust in HIM at all times, you people.  Pour out your heart before HIM.  God is a refuge for us."

Let us not forget to continue to pray for the people of Aurora, even long after the news media has moved on to something else.  May God give them comfort today and in the days to come.

Monday, July 9, 2012

THE DERECHO EXPERIENCE

Sorry I haven't written anything for a long time.  I was not well for 3 months with stomach problems.  Thank the Lord, I am well now!  On June 29th, my town and many other towns and states were hit by a very strange storm called a derecho.  Wikipedia defined it as: a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm associated with a fast moving band of severe thunderstorms.  It came up very quickly and was mostly just strong winds here (clocked at 80 mph at the airport).  We had some thunder and lightening but the wind was what I noticed the most.  It was so strong and lasted soooooo long!  Our power went out about 30 min. after it started.  To make it even worse, we were in the middle of a heat-wave with the temp. that day of 101.  It hit here about 9:00 that night but it was still extremely hot outside.  We were very fortunate in that our power was restored after only 18 hours and we only had a couple of lower limbs break on one of our 5 large maple trees.  However, others were not as fortunate.  Some lost their lives, others had trees fall on their houses or cars and many were without power and water for over a week.  Some still don't have power and water. 

I had several things brought to my attention following this strange storm.  First, I realized how much I take things like electricity and water for granted.  Also, I never give any thought to being able to just drive to the grocery store or gas station or bank and get whatever I need.  (Our Kroger lost all their refrigerated foods and it was 3 days before they had milk and meat again.)  Second, I was happy to see how people came together to help each other by cutting down tree limbs, sharing food, water and ice and even opening up their homes to those who had no power.  Thirdly, I was reminded that we are not in control.  We are powerless over the forces of nature.  One friend told me she thought this was God's judgement on us.  I disagree with that statement.  I do believe God is in control and He certainly can control the weather, but I also believe He allows weather conditions to form naturally on their own.  Many strong Christians suffered due to this storm as well as non-believers.

It was a very frightening experience but the Lord saw us through it.  When you go through storms (literal storms) or troubling times, remember God will see you through it and give you peace.   Let me leave you with this verse: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  the Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

(A thunderstorm has just started here so I better get off the computer, but I don't think it's going to be a bad storm and we are being blessed with much needed rain!)  Talk to you later!