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!

"HE STILL MOVES STONES"

I'd like to share a devotion I read today by Max Lucado from his book He Still Moves Stones.
The Lord is close to everyone who pray to him, to all who truly pray to him.  Psalm 145:18.
"Healing begins when we do something.  Healing begins when we reach out.  Healing starts when we take a step.  God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.  Nothing results from apathy...God honors radical, risk-taking faith.  When arks are built, lives are saved.  When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble.  When staffs are raised, seas still open.  When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed." 

I'm not sure he is just talking about physical healing.  Perhaps he is talking about a broken relationship or a church that is sick.  Perhaps one of you out there needs to take a step and try to mend a "broken fence" with someone.  Perhaps God is asking one of you to take the initiative to start a new ministry in your church or to pray for your husband to have the courage and faith to "raise that staff" and ask your congregation to be willing to make some needed changes in order for your church to reach more people by becoming more involved with the folks in your community.  Getting outside the walls of our churches and "eating with tax-collectors" or "talking to a Samaritan woman with a bad reputation" can be scary and risky.  Put that in today's language and see who God might be asking you or your church to try to reach.  Pray. Take that first step if you need a relationship healed.  Step out with that radical, risk-taking faith and see how many thousands God will feed!

The "Terrible, Horrible, Awful Day"

Ever have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days"?  Yesterday, I was awakened by gunshots!  No-I wasn't being shot at-the man who lives up the hill behind my next door neighbor was doing his target practice in his backyard.  I guess his yard is isolated enough that he won't ever hit anyone but the loud noise is still very unnerving. 

While dressing, I removed my glasses to put on my necklace and the side/earpiece broke off completely!  I found my old glasses so I wasn't totally blind but the world seemed much blurrier than usual. 

On the way to have them order the new piece to fix my glasses frame (which was supposed to be made of titanium and extremely flexible and last forever), a light came on in my car.  It was telling me that the bulb for my left blinker light had burnt out.

To top it all off, my nose spent the day either being totally stuffed up or running constantly. By 8:00 p.m. it was pouring rain outside and I had all I wanted for one day!

I was ready to crawl into bed, pull the covers up over me and escape from the world.  Do you ever have days like that?  I'm sure you do.  As I was lamenting to myself over the "disasters" of the day, it dawned on me that things really were not that bad.  There were alot worse things that could have happened and there were many people out there dealing with cancer, job losses, rebellious children, hunger, etc.  My problems were inconvenient and annoying but not earth-shattering.  I didn't get shot, my husband replaced the bulb in the car and in a couple of days I will have my glasses fixed.  I'm not sure what's going on with my nose or how long that will last, but I doubt it's more than a cold or some sinus drainage that will eventually go away.

When you have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days", take a deep breath, put things in their proper perspective, pray and let God see you through it!

"Praise the Lord, God our Savior, who helps us every day."  Psalm 68:19

DOING GOOD

As a Minister's wife, I'm sure you sometimes get overloaded and tired.  We should learn to say no and to take time for ourselves but we are not to stop doing good for others.  In Galations 6:9-10 we are instructed: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."   It may be something as simple as a phone call to a shut-in or a card to someone in the hospital but let's all try to do something good for someone else this week :) 

CHRISTMAS COMFORT

We had another good friend pass away on Friday. He was the Church Administrator the 12 1/2  years we served at First Baptist Church here in Roanoke.  It is so hard to lose a loved one, especially this close to Christmas.  His name was Chip Vail.  Please pray for his dear wife, Paula and their two grown children, Elizabeth and Charles and his family.  Even though we are saddened at his loss we rejoice for him for we know he will be celebrating Christmas with his precious Lord and Savior!  Here is a poem I wrote years ago for another friend who had lost her beloved husband that year.  A regular Christmas card just did not seem right to send to her, so I penned this poem and have shared it with others who have lost someone close during the year.  Perhaps it will comfort one of you during this season that should be full of joy!

CHRISTMAS COMFORT

I know your heart is saddened and you feel a heavy load,
but may you find comfort in knowing your loved one is singing and dancing
down the streets of gold.

There are rows and rows of angels, with our loved ones in between
and there is indescribable beauty, like we've never seen.

The KING'S orchestra is playing a heavenly symphony, and your loved one has a part!
Imagine the majestic sound of the music and let it bring joy to your heart.

There is a glorious celebration in heaven, and the festivities have just begun.
Your loved one and the angels are celebrating,
the birthday of God's Holy Son!!!

Blessings to each of you today!

PRIORITIES

After the recent death of my husband's 1st cousin, age 64 who was diagnosed with a brain tumor 7 months ago and the senseless shooting of a Va. Tech police officer two days ago, I am reminded of the brevity of our lives here on earth.  We never know if we will be here tomorrow.  That is why it is so important for us to keep our priorities straight.  During this busy Christmas season, let's try to focus on telling others about Christ, loving and spending as much time as possible with family and friends, and doing good to help others.  I'm guilty of getting too busy trying to do too much and not taking the time to really focus on the things that are the most important.  Have a wonderful day and tell someone you love them today!

'THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES"

Since I just celebrated my birthday,yesterday, I am more aware of the fact that "time waits for no one".  Looking back at pix from last year compared to this year-I can see how much older I look.  I was blessed to have lunch at a local tea room with my friend/neighbor and her 19 yr. old daughter.  That night my sweet hubby took me out for a wonderful dinner, then I was treated to a "combined" birthday party with cake and ice cream by another neighbor/friend for me and her l7 year old daughter.  I call her "my little twin" since we have the same birthday.  Everytime I realize I am 40 years older than her, I am made keenly aware of how old I'm getting!  It seems like yesterday that those two sweet girls were toddlers. 

When I reflect on all of this, I am convicted to use what time God gives me on this earth more wisely.  I tend to waste alot of time (mostly on Facebook these days, LOL!).  I need to spend more time reading God's word and books that will make me stronger spiritually.  Also, I need to be doing more for others.  I need to spend more time with family and friends and go places I've always intended to go.

The word "days" appears more than 500 times in Scripture-did you know that?  Let's make the most of the days God has given us!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm  118:24