Hoo, Boy! This Facebook stuff can be addictive. I've just spent the last couple of hours replying, commenting, etc. on Facebook. Until today, when I got a notice that someone has commented on my comment, I didn't know what to hit to acknowledge them. Then, I found it. Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Timewise, it could definitely become a dangerous thing. Right now, it's not so bad because there's no school and I don't watch TV on Tuesdays. However, replacing one addiction with another is not so smart, so I'm definitely going to have to watch it.
Oh, but it's fun to be in contact with people I haven't seen in 50 years-literally. It's been so great catching up on their lives and sharing bits of ours. It's really special to see how childhood friends have changed over the years. People I've been praying for and even some I haven't. It's delightful to learn that we have connected spiritually even though we haven't been in touch over the years. God is so good.
Moving so many times has given me friends in so many places. Now, thanks to Facebook, I'm making new friends and renewing friendships with those I knew so long ago. God is so good.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Singing in the MRI
Claustrophobia? I was cured of it many years ago when I had my very first MRI. Only because of the tech. What a sweetie she was and I truly could not have done it without her.
At the time I was overweight-to put it lightly-and the machine was O L D. If it wasn't the very first one ever built, it had to be a close second. It looked like it was held together with baling wire, bubble gum, and bobbi pins.
The tech was also the receptionist. She ushered me into a large room with a small, round, metal tube. Stuffing me into that miniscule hole made me feel like a reluctant sausage being forced into a too small casing. Her words, "If you move, I'll have to start over," horrified me. My tics, although rare, had begun. I had visions of an involuntary jerk causing her to start over--and over--and over. Would I be stuck in that contraption for the rest of my life?
Once inside, the tech, who was sitting behind a screen-not in a different room as they do today-began a running dialog that she continued for the entire hour, never once stopping. How she managed to breath and talk at the same time is a miracle I desperately needed. It kept my mind off my tics and possibly spending eternity trapped inside that vile machine.
She never made clear whether starting over meant just one particular segment or the whole shebang. Regardless, the tics were never severe enough to interfere with the test. The strange thing is, to this day, I don't know why the test was done, but I was introduced to the rigors of the MRI. None were nearly as bad since that time.
It's almost become routine. I had one done yesterday, which is why I am writing about it today. As I said, the techs are no longer in the room with me, so I need something to distract me. Ear plugs soften the roars, shrieks, buzzes, clicks, and thumps, but the mind is still active. Unfortunately, my tics have increased over the years, both in intensity and frequency, so I am compelled to warn the tech that there may be a problem. Fortunately, today, the need to start over is only for the ruined segment, not the whole thing.
Thanks to that first tech, I no longer fear the dreaded hole, but the tics still concern me. I have no desire to hear the tech scream again, "Hold still!" even though she knew I couldn't help it. That's where my relationship with the Lord comes in. The closeness of the walls around me, the ungodly sounds seeping through the ear plugs aren't bothersome,and the tics seem to drop in severity and intensity. Only that one time were they bad enough to force the tech to start over and yell at me.
As a child, contemporary churches were non-existent. I learned hymns and Scripture. More than just memorized and forgotten, they are lodged deep in my brain and buried in my heart. The instant the gurney begins to roll me backwards, I close my eyes and begin to sing "Because He Lives," or "Wonderful Grace of Jesus," or "Holy, Holy, Holy." I quote the 23rd Psalm, Proverbs 3:5-7," or others that come to mind as the background noise softens still more. Time constraints must be avoided as something to think about at all costs. Often, the tech will let me know how much time has lapsed and how much is left. It doesn't hurt, either, that today's MRI's are not nearly as long as the first one. Usually, they're ten minutes. Some have lasted as long as 30, but never an hour.
So often the words, "I don't know how people live without the Lord," seem like a cliche and I don't like to say them. They seem sanctimonious, too, but to be honest, I truly don't know how people endure the few minutes of an MRI without calling upon God, let alone the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that strike us all continually. In fact, when I'm watching a scary movie, I start thinking, "Right about now, I'd be praying if I were in that situation."
I'm so grateful God cares about the little things as well as the big ones. Even the ten minutes in a noisy, cramped machine. I'm even grateful we have those machines so doctors can make a more accurate diagnosis. I'm still more grateful for the eyes of faith. They're a gift from God.
At the time I was overweight-to put it lightly-and the machine was O L D. If it wasn't the very first one ever built, it had to be a close second. It looked like it was held together with baling wire, bubble gum, and bobbi pins.
The tech was also the receptionist. She ushered me into a large room with a small, round, metal tube. Stuffing me into that miniscule hole made me feel like a reluctant sausage being forced into a too small casing. Her words, "If you move, I'll have to start over," horrified me. My tics, although rare, had begun. I had visions of an involuntary jerk causing her to start over--and over--and over. Would I be stuck in that contraption for the rest of my life?
Once inside, the tech, who was sitting behind a screen-not in a different room as they do today-began a running dialog that she continued for the entire hour, never once stopping. How she managed to breath and talk at the same time is a miracle I desperately needed. It kept my mind off my tics and possibly spending eternity trapped inside that vile machine.
She never made clear whether starting over meant just one particular segment or the whole shebang. Regardless, the tics were never severe enough to interfere with the test. The strange thing is, to this day, I don't know why the test was done, but I was introduced to the rigors of the MRI. None were nearly as bad since that time.
It's almost become routine. I had one done yesterday, which is why I am writing about it today. As I said, the techs are no longer in the room with me, so I need something to distract me. Ear plugs soften the roars, shrieks, buzzes, clicks, and thumps, but the mind is still active. Unfortunately, my tics have increased over the years, both in intensity and frequency, so I am compelled to warn the tech that there may be a problem. Fortunately, today, the need to start over is only for the ruined segment, not the whole thing.
Thanks to that first tech, I no longer fear the dreaded hole, but the tics still concern me. I have no desire to hear the tech scream again, "Hold still!" even though she knew I couldn't help it. That's where my relationship with the Lord comes in. The closeness of the walls around me, the ungodly sounds seeping through the ear plugs aren't bothersome,and the tics seem to drop in severity and intensity. Only that one time were they bad enough to force the tech to start over and yell at me.
As a child, contemporary churches were non-existent. I learned hymns and Scripture. More than just memorized and forgotten, they are lodged deep in my brain and buried in my heart. The instant the gurney begins to roll me backwards, I close my eyes and begin to sing "Because He Lives," or "Wonderful Grace of Jesus," or "Holy, Holy, Holy." I quote the 23rd Psalm, Proverbs 3:5-7," or others that come to mind as the background noise softens still more. Time constraints must be avoided as something to think about at all costs. Often, the tech will let me know how much time has lapsed and how much is left. It doesn't hurt, either, that today's MRI's are not nearly as long as the first one. Usually, they're ten minutes. Some have lasted as long as 30, but never an hour.
So often the words, "I don't know how people live without the Lord," seem like a cliche and I don't like to say them. They seem sanctimonious, too, but to be honest, I truly don't know how people endure the few minutes of an MRI without calling upon God, let alone the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that strike us all continually. In fact, when I'm watching a scary movie, I start thinking, "Right about now, I'd be praying if I were in that situation."
I'm so grateful God cares about the little things as well as the big ones. Even the ten minutes in a noisy, cramped machine. I'm even grateful we have those machines so doctors can make a more accurate diagnosis. I'm still more grateful for the eyes of faith. They're a gift from God.
Friday, June 26, 2015
More about faith
The wise comment at the bottom of today's Daily Bread is "Eyes of faith see God at work in everything." Those are encouraging words. As we watch the events of world unfold and see so much darkness and misery, I am encouraged to know that even though the enemy thinks he's winning, he's playing right into God's hands!
Perhaps that realization has come from the fact that I'm reading through the book of Job right now. At the very beginning of the book, the enemy comes before the throne of God and God challenges him to examine Job's life. The enemy takes the bait and for most of the rest of the book, Job is miserable. Even his closest friends misunderstood. They made his life even more miserable. Unfortunately, that happens today, too. However, the good news is that, like Job, God is working it all out for His glory and our good. At the end, Job had a deeper understanding of who God is and God blessed him as richly as before.
When American Christians look with horror at the terrible things that are happening around the world, it makes us wonder if those things will happen here. Truthfully, they've already begun, as I mentioned in yesterday's blog. Why can't our government see? Unfortunately, many of them are spiritually blinded. They have no eyes of faith. That too, is part of God's plan.
I'm also reading about persecution in the book of Acts. Persecutions of the early church scattered the believers throughout the known world, taking the Gospel with them wherever they went. I have to wonder if the persecution of the American church will become severe enough to cause many of us to scatter throughout the world. If so, will those who scatter take the Gospel to wherever they go?
Will those who stay behind be able to sing God's praises though their prison bars, dressed in chains, as the Apostle Paul did? Jesus tells us not to worry about such things. If it happens in our lifetime, He'll provide the message we are to give.
To be honest, sometimes when I hear Christians complaining about how terrible our world (government) has become, I want to ask why give the bullies the satisfaction of knowing they're causing us pain? It's music to their ears. I'm sure if we were flies on the wall in our halls of government, we'd hear raucous laughter because we are indignantly complaining they can't destroy our government. It's not only happening, they're having a good time doing it, but they don't realize they're playing right into God's hands.
How can I say such a nasty thing? When you've lived long enough, you'll see it, too. George Soros was asked if he felt remorse for the way he mistreated other Jews in the German concentration camp during WWII. He said no. He rather enjoyed it.
What he and others of his ilk and position don't realize is that God is laughing at them. It's in the Psalms. It's part of His plan. Just as He used Job's difficulties to reveal Himself to Job, his sanctimonious friends, and everyone who reads the Bible, God has placed us here in this day and time for His glory. Regardless of the circumstances, let's just praise the Lord. He's worthy and we'll be richly blessed by His loving Presence no matter where we are or what's happening to us.
Perhaps that realization has come from the fact that I'm reading through the book of Job right now. At the very beginning of the book, the enemy comes before the throne of God and God challenges him to examine Job's life. The enemy takes the bait and for most of the rest of the book, Job is miserable. Even his closest friends misunderstood. They made his life even more miserable. Unfortunately, that happens today, too. However, the good news is that, like Job, God is working it all out for His glory and our good. At the end, Job had a deeper understanding of who God is and God blessed him as richly as before.
When American Christians look with horror at the terrible things that are happening around the world, it makes us wonder if those things will happen here. Truthfully, they've already begun, as I mentioned in yesterday's blog. Why can't our government see? Unfortunately, many of them are spiritually blinded. They have no eyes of faith. That too, is part of God's plan.
I'm also reading about persecution in the book of Acts. Persecutions of the early church scattered the believers throughout the known world, taking the Gospel with them wherever they went. I have to wonder if the persecution of the American church will become severe enough to cause many of us to scatter throughout the world. If so, will those who scatter take the Gospel to wherever they go?
Will those who stay behind be able to sing God's praises though their prison bars, dressed in chains, as the Apostle Paul did? Jesus tells us not to worry about such things. If it happens in our lifetime, He'll provide the message we are to give.
To be honest, sometimes when I hear Christians complaining about how terrible our world (government) has become, I want to ask why give the bullies the satisfaction of knowing they're causing us pain? It's music to their ears. I'm sure if we were flies on the wall in our halls of government, we'd hear raucous laughter because we are indignantly complaining they can't destroy our government. It's not only happening, they're having a good time doing it, but they don't realize they're playing right into God's hands.
How can I say such a nasty thing? When you've lived long enough, you'll see it, too. George Soros was asked if he felt remorse for the way he mistreated other Jews in the German concentration camp during WWII. He said no. He rather enjoyed it.
What he and others of his ilk and position don't realize is that God is laughing at them. It's in the Psalms. It's part of His plan. Just as He used Job's difficulties to reveal Himself to Job, his sanctimonious friends, and everyone who reads the Bible, God has placed us here in this day and time for His glory. Regardless of the circumstances, let's just praise the Lord. He's worthy and we'll be richly blessed by His loving Presence no matter where we are or what's happening to us.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
When is faith not faith?
When is faith not faith? I've been trying to define that for years. A long time ago, someone made the statement that faith is not a noun. It is a verb. That resonated. However, defining the difference became a lot harder to do. Through the years, I've thought that sometimes it seems as though our faith is really our fears.
For example, when we lived in Chicago and Aurora, Colorado, I saw to it that I got the walks shoveled very early in the morning. I didn't want anyone to fall and sue us. That wasn't love for my neighbors, that was fear. By the same token, do I do the same thing to God? Do I obey Him, read my Bible, pray, etc., because I love Him and want to draw close to Him, or am I doing what I'm supposed to do because I don't want to go to hell? If it's the latter, it's not faith. It's fear and self-preservation. Salvation is so very much more than fire insurance.
When I hear someone tell me, "I have my faith," what do they mean? Do they mean they are actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ, seeking to know Him, and not just His blessings? Are they seeking the Only One Who can comfort in difficult times and expressing it in an unclear way? Or are they saying they do all the things a Christian has been taught to do and they're trusting the dictates of their traditions and loyalty to the name on their church door?
This morning, as I was reading my Bible, I found a verse of Scripture that says it all so clearly. How many times have I read that verse and took no note of it? 50? 60? More? I have no clue. Job 4:6 says, "Is not your fear of God your confidence and the integrity of your ways your hope?" That's in the English Standard Version.
In the NIV it says, "Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?"
Beside phrase a of the verse in the NIV, I have written, "fear of God vs. faith in God." Beside phrase b of the verse, I have written "faith in self and works."
It's entirely possible I'm misunderstanding Eliphaz's message to Job, but the message I received is that I need to constantly check why I do what I do and for Whom I do it.
I realize we are expected to have a reverential fear (awe) of God. But, I'm not sure that's the kind of fear that's being lived today, at least among American Christians. We are being bombarded with culture changes that are not only rocking our society, but endangering us as Christians. Supposedly, Governor Huckabee stated that legalizing homosexuality could make Christianity illegal. He may sound extreme, but I can see the thought process clearly. Any homosexual who wants to work or worship in churches that preaches God's Word would consider the truth "hate speech." Face it, there's not a day goes by that we do not hear God's or Jesus' holy names taken in vain, but if I mention God or Jesus in a reverential and public way, I could be arrested.
Then, too there's the threat of radical Islam. People are dying the world over for their faith in Jesus Christ. Will it come to America? Megan Kelly had a woman on last night who was nearly beheaded by a man Megan Kelly believes is a jihadist. More than a dozen died in Ft. Hood, Texas. There have been others. Worst, we seem to have forgotten 9/11.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of hand wringing and whining going on among Christians today and I admit I, at times, am just as guilty. Beside the verse in the ESV (the one I'm now reading) I have written "Prayer Request," and dated it. Lord, whatever happens, just keep me faithful. You are Worthy.
For example, when we lived in Chicago and Aurora, Colorado, I saw to it that I got the walks shoveled very early in the morning. I didn't want anyone to fall and sue us. That wasn't love for my neighbors, that was fear. By the same token, do I do the same thing to God? Do I obey Him, read my Bible, pray, etc., because I love Him and want to draw close to Him, or am I doing what I'm supposed to do because I don't want to go to hell? If it's the latter, it's not faith. It's fear and self-preservation. Salvation is so very much more than fire insurance.
When I hear someone tell me, "I have my faith," what do they mean? Do they mean they are actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ, seeking to know Him, and not just His blessings? Are they seeking the Only One Who can comfort in difficult times and expressing it in an unclear way? Or are they saying they do all the things a Christian has been taught to do and they're trusting the dictates of their traditions and loyalty to the name on their church door?
This morning, as I was reading my Bible, I found a verse of Scripture that says it all so clearly. How many times have I read that verse and took no note of it? 50? 60? More? I have no clue. Job 4:6 says, "Is not your fear of God your confidence and the integrity of your ways your hope?" That's in the English Standard Version.
In the NIV it says, "Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?"
Beside phrase a of the verse in the NIV, I have written, "fear of God vs. faith in God." Beside phrase b of the verse, I have written "faith in self and works."
It's entirely possible I'm misunderstanding Eliphaz's message to Job, but the message I received is that I need to constantly check why I do what I do and for Whom I do it.
I realize we are expected to have a reverential fear (awe) of God. But, I'm not sure that's the kind of fear that's being lived today, at least among American Christians. We are being bombarded with culture changes that are not only rocking our society, but endangering us as Christians. Supposedly, Governor Huckabee stated that legalizing homosexuality could make Christianity illegal. He may sound extreme, but I can see the thought process clearly. Any homosexual who wants to work or worship in churches that preaches God's Word would consider the truth "hate speech." Face it, there's not a day goes by that we do not hear God's or Jesus' holy names taken in vain, but if I mention God or Jesus in a reverential and public way, I could be arrested.
Then, too there's the threat of radical Islam. People are dying the world over for their faith in Jesus Christ. Will it come to America? Megan Kelly had a woman on last night who was nearly beheaded by a man Megan Kelly believes is a jihadist. More than a dozen died in Ft. Hood, Texas. There have been others. Worst, we seem to have forgotten 9/11.
Unfortunately, there's a lot of hand wringing and whining going on among Christians today and I admit I, at times, am just as guilty. Beside the verse in the ESV (the one I'm now reading) I have written "Prayer Request," and dated it. Lord, whatever happens, just keep me faithful. You are Worthy.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Memories
Memories are wonderful things. Some are good, some are bad, but regardless, they're wonderful. Why would I say bad memories are wonderful things? Sometimes the even taught a much needed lesson. Sometimes the dreaded situation drew families closer together instead of apart. One of my favorite people once told me the 1930's were her favorite time in life. Yes, they were hard but everyone worked together was what she remembered.
Something reminded me this morning of a fond memory in Rolla, Missouri many years ago. Our eldest son had just learned to drive and one night he asked to take his dad's new Datsun (Nissan nowadays) pickup to the college gym. Dad gave his permission even though there was still lots and lots of snow on the ground.
Our son hadn't been gone very long when he came walking back to the house. He'd gone to a country lane up the hill from our house to pick up a friend. When he tried to turn the truck around, he drove it into a snow-filled ditch. (Told you there was a LOT of snow that night.) The ditch was level with the road on top of the snow, but a couple of feet deep underneath.
We put on coats, boots, gloves, etc. and walked the short distance through knee deep snow in the field between our house and the lane. Try as we might, we were unable to get that truck out of the ditch. Datsun's weren't much heavier than aluminum foil, but it was stuck.
Fortunately, a couple of men drove by in a heavier truck with a heavy chain and pulled us out. Our son handed his dad the keys, muttering, "I guess you'll never let me drive again."
"You have to learn sometime," was his dad's response.
The 16 year old's face glowed with gratitude. "Thanks. You want a ride home?"
"Heck, no!" exclaimed his dad. "You think I'm crazy?"
With that we trudged back through the knee deep snow to the comforts of home while two 16 year olds went off safely to the gym to play basketball.
That's a fond memory of Rolla, Missouri.
Something reminded me this morning of a fond memory in Rolla, Missouri many years ago. Our eldest son had just learned to drive and one night he asked to take his dad's new Datsun (Nissan nowadays) pickup to the college gym. Dad gave his permission even though there was still lots and lots of snow on the ground.
Our son hadn't been gone very long when he came walking back to the house. He'd gone to a country lane up the hill from our house to pick up a friend. When he tried to turn the truck around, he drove it into a snow-filled ditch. (Told you there was a LOT of snow that night.) The ditch was level with the road on top of the snow, but a couple of feet deep underneath.
We put on coats, boots, gloves, etc. and walked the short distance through knee deep snow in the field between our house and the lane. Try as we might, we were unable to get that truck out of the ditch. Datsun's weren't much heavier than aluminum foil, but it was stuck.
Fortunately, a couple of men drove by in a heavier truck with a heavy chain and pulled us out. Our son handed his dad the keys, muttering, "I guess you'll never let me drive again."
"You have to learn sometime," was his dad's response.
The 16 year old's face glowed with gratitude. "Thanks. You want a ride home?"
"Heck, no!" exclaimed his dad. "You think I'm crazy?"
With that we trudged back through the knee deep snow to the comforts of home while two 16 year olds went off safely to the gym to play basketball.
That's a fond memory of Rolla, Missouri.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
A pox on texting.
It's no wonder people give up when they get to be my age. A good friend has reminded me that this isn't my world anymore. Things I learned in school isn't even taught in today's world. Well, Shiloh still teaches cursive. But, learning to type is now out the window. Everyone is busy using their thumbs to text. It's really too bad both have been taken out of the public school curriculum. I cringe when I see a boy hunting and pecking. They could do their essays much more quickly if they could type properly. As of now, it's type a letter, hit the backspace, type a letter, hit the backspace.
However, I've noticed that things that have been so popular in this culture have begun to pale among the ones who were the most taken by it just a few years ago. It's been said when the old folks catch on to the young people's slang and start using it, the young people don't like it and change to something else. Has the same thing begun to happened with texting?
My granddaughter has said on a couple of occasions that she doesn't like texting because the emotions don't come through and she never knows if the brevity is due to aggravation with her. Then, just yesterday on Facebook, several people her age were complaining about texting. One man posted that he didn't like the fact that his friends were constantly on their phones, but took days to respond to his texts. It's become apparent that some people, at least, see the addiction to the device replacing the bonding with friends. And, they don't like it.
Maybe the world is beginning to make a circle and come back to the idea that friendships need more nurturing than just a word or two on a machine. I hope so.
However, I've noticed that things that have been so popular in this culture have begun to pale among the ones who were the most taken by it just a few years ago. It's been said when the old folks catch on to the young people's slang and start using it, the young people don't like it and change to something else. Has the same thing begun to happened with texting?
My granddaughter has said on a couple of occasions that she doesn't like texting because the emotions don't come through and she never knows if the brevity is due to aggravation with her. Then, just yesterday on Facebook, several people her age were complaining about texting. One man posted that he didn't like the fact that his friends were constantly on their phones, but took days to respond to his texts. It's become apparent that some people, at least, see the addiction to the device replacing the bonding with friends. And, they don't like it.
Maybe the world is beginning to make a circle and come back to the idea that friendships need more nurturing than just a word or two on a machine. I hope so.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Sorry
I just couldn't do it yesterday. For those of you who check daily on my rantin's and ravin's, I didn't have it in me to try to write anything yesterday. And it turned out to be a really good thing. Too often, something upsets me and I pop off instead of sitting quietly and waiting for the Lord. (My neurologist calls it "poor coping strategies.) Later, I regret it because I misunderstood the situation.
When I got home from the neurologist's yesterday, I was exhausted and so down I couldn't even tell my husband what the doctor and I discussed. Not until I had time to sit still and quiet my blue spirit. Before I went to see the doctor (a 25 mile trip one way), I read in I Corinthians 1:25-30 that I was CHOSEN. In fact, it's there 3 times. God CHOSE the foolish in the world to shame the wise; God CHOSE the weak in the world to shame the strong; and God CHOSE the low and despised in the world [to fulfill His purpose].
I clung to those verses the whole way home and on into the evening. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me or what's going on in my life. It only matters what God is doing in my life and I cannot know that unless I am still before Him and choose to listen to His comfort.
Then this morning, I read Exodus 14:10-14 and was again encouraged and comforted. "...see the salvation of the LORD, which He will work for you today." And, "the LORD will fight for you and you have only to be silent."
I am well aware that Moses was speaking to the Israelites as they faced great fear and danger while they marched toward the Promised Land. However, the principle is the same for me as it was for those weak, frightened Israelites. I need to be still before the Lord and allow Him to remind me that He CHOSE me. It doesn't mater my condition. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me. I am chosen. Therefore, God has a purpose for me and that's more than enough.
When I got home from the neurologist's yesterday, I was exhausted and so down I couldn't even tell my husband what the doctor and I discussed. Not until I had time to sit still and quiet my blue spirit. Before I went to see the doctor (a 25 mile trip one way), I read in I Corinthians 1:25-30 that I was CHOSEN. In fact, it's there 3 times. God CHOSE the foolish in the world to shame the wise; God CHOSE the weak in the world to shame the strong; and God CHOSE the low and despised in the world [to fulfill His purpose].
I clung to those verses the whole way home and on into the evening. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me or what's going on in my life. It only matters what God is doing in my life and I cannot know that unless I am still before Him and choose to listen to His comfort.
Then this morning, I read Exodus 14:10-14 and was again encouraged and comforted. "...see the salvation of the LORD, which He will work for you today." And, "the LORD will fight for you and you have only to be silent."
I am well aware that Moses was speaking to the Israelites as they faced great fear and danger while they marched toward the Promised Land. However, the principle is the same for me as it was for those weak, frightened Israelites. I need to be still before the Lord and allow Him to remind me that He CHOSE me. It doesn't mater my condition. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me. I am chosen. Therefore, God has a purpose for me and that's more than enough.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Oh, Goody
Just this minute returned from the doctor's office. Three of the best orthopaedic surgeons in this area don't know what's wrong with my knee. They gave me a cortisone shot when I was expecting to meet one doctor and make an apointment for arthroscopic surgery. It was not to be.
Two of the three the third referred me to fussed and fooled around, discussing options without coming to any conclusions. One doctor finally admitted he'd never seen anything like it. He also said the first doctor that referred me to him turned everything over to him he didn't understand. I doubt that, but I let it pass.
He showed me the MRI-as if I understood what I was looking at. They THINK it's scar tissue from an old injury. Trouble is, I can't remember any old injuries. They'll do another MRI in 3 months and if nothing else, let a radiologist do a biopsy. Meanwhile I suffer or destroy my stomach and liver on ibuprofen.
Bottom line, I'm unique. Oh, goody.
Two of the three the third referred me to fussed and fooled around, discussing options without coming to any conclusions. One doctor finally admitted he'd never seen anything like it. He also said the first doctor that referred me to him turned everything over to him he didn't understand. I doubt that, but I let it pass.
He showed me the MRI-as if I understood what I was looking at. They THINK it's scar tissue from an old injury. Trouble is, I can't remember any old injuries. They'll do another MRI in 3 months and if nothing else, let a radiologist do a biopsy. Meanwhile I suffer or destroy my stomach and liver on ibuprofen.
Bottom line, I'm unique. Oh, goody.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Friends
It's so good to get with friends and just enjoy each other. Because of such busy lives, it's not always easy to do, but thanks to Connie's persistence, we've been reunited and now are able to see each other more often.
We met at a church we all attended years ago. Then, Connie moved. Shortly thereafter, we moved, too. Helen, bless her, not only stayed put, but she and Connie stayed in contact. When Connie reestablished contact with me after 11 years and another move to this area, I was doubly blessed because I not only had Connie's friendship, I had Helen's.
Helen has the gift of administration. I admire her abilities to focus and accomplish worthwhile work. This easily distracted scatter brain is humbled in her presence. She's also has a beautiful voice, and is an all-around beautiful person. I cherish her friendship.
Connie has the gift of entertainment. She's also an excellent cook. Helen and I met at her place and we just talked. And had a fabulous lunch. And talked some more. We didn't need to shop. We didn't need entertainment. We didn't need a restaurant. We had the sweet friendship of just talking. That's such a wonderful way to spend time. Relax, breathe, and exercise our jaws. Lovely. Delightful.
For those friends who live too far away to do that, there's Facebook and the telephone. I've loved reconnecting with Bettyann, Sharon, Jeanne, Karen, Nancy, Jessie, Joyce, Edith, and Sandra, to name a few. Those who are from my childhood, I had, for the most part lost contact, but Facebook and email made it possible to reconnect. For those I met as an adult I have been able to maintain friendship through the phone and email.
Isn't it wonderful to be living in a time when we have devices at our disposal that keep us in touch? When I think of people in history who left their family and friends behind, never to see them again, and only able to depend on the mail to stay in contact, I am grateful for telephones, email, and Face time. Then too, today we have fast cars and Interstates as well as airplanes that can swiftly bring family and friends together.
Eric Bolling, of "The Five" has mentioned a TV program he likes because "It's all about relationships." I've noticed the same thing. "Star Trek" and "Battlestar Gallactica" had all these weird looking creatures getting into all these conflicts, but always also involved in relationships with other members on board of their space ships. It is truly all about relationships.
Of course, the greatest relationship is with Jesus Christ. Without that, life is a meaningless scramble for purpose as well as the angst of getting the most out of life.
I started out talking about my time with Connie and Helen, mentioning some of the reasons I admire them. So what do I bring to the table in this friendship? You'd have to ask them, but if I were to hazard a guess, it's probably that I was their Sunday School teacher and they appreciate the fact my desire for them is that Jesus is their Best Friend, too.
We met at a church we all attended years ago. Then, Connie moved. Shortly thereafter, we moved, too. Helen, bless her, not only stayed put, but she and Connie stayed in contact. When Connie reestablished contact with me after 11 years and another move to this area, I was doubly blessed because I not only had Connie's friendship, I had Helen's.
Helen has the gift of administration. I admire her abilities to focus and accomplish worthwhile work. This easily distracted scatter brain is humbled in her presence. She's also has a beautiful voice, and is an all-around beautiful person. I cherish her friendship.
Connie has the gift of entertainment. She's also an excellent cook. Helen and I met at her place and we just talked. And had a fabulous lunch. And talked some more. We didn't need to shop. We didn't need entertainment. We didn't need a restaurant. We had the sweet friendship of just talking. That's such a wonderful way to spend time. Relax, breathe, and exercise our jaws. Lovely. Delightful.
For those friends who live too far away to do that, there's Facebook and the telephone. I've loved reconnecting with Bettyann, Sharon, Jeanne, Karen, Nancy, Jessie, Joyce, Edith, and Sandra, to name a few. Those who are from my childhood, I had, for the most part lost contact, but Facebook and email made it possible to reconnect. For those I met as an adult I have been able to maintain friendship through the phone and email.
Isn't it wonderful to be living in a time when we have devices at our disposal that keep us in touch? When I think of people in history who left their family and friends behind, never to see them again, and only able to depend on the mail to stay in contact, I am grateful for telephones, email, and Face time. Then too, today we have fast cars and Interstates as well as airplanes that can swiftly bring family and friends together.
Eric Bolling, of "The Five" has mentioned a TV program he likes because "It's all about relationships." I've noticed the same thing. "Star Trek" and "Battlestar Gallactica" had all these weird looking creatures getting into all these conflicts, but always also involved in relationships with other members on board of their space ships. It is truly all about relationships.
Of course, the greatest relationship is with Jesus Christ. Without that, life is a meaningless scramble for purpose as well as the angst of getting the most out of life.
I started out talking about my time with Connie and Helen, mentioning some of the reasons I admire them. So what do I bring to the table in this friendship? You'd have to ask them, but if I were to hazard a guess, it's probably that I was their Sunday School teacher and they appreciate the fact my desire for them is that Jesus is their Best Friend, too.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
How you say it continued
There's nothing I'd rather do than write about something other than people's heartaches, but the second interview of the Duggar daughters was yesterday and I'm still feeling passionate about the situation. Both girls feel that this media abuse is "1000 times worse" than what their brother did to them. Why would they feel that way? One of them touched on it, but it was never discussed in depth. I firmly believe it is because all these talking heads that are crucifying the family are making money on their heartache.
We've become a nation of pompous know-it-alls, pontificating on something we know little or nothing about. Even Dr. Keith Ablow showed himself to be a less than stellar professional last night. He made a crack about the counseling the family members being less than expert. I heard the word "licensed" at least three times. Yes, they were Christian counselors and yes, the state licensed them, meaning they were well qualified. Just because he doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ doesn't give him the right to cast aspersions on those who do. If he actually listened, he might learn something he desperately needs to know. So how much money were you paid Dr. Ablow to give your opinion?
Jim Bob also said the secular counseling they checked into didn't have a good track record. That's why they sought other avenues. Yes, when Josh first went away, they sent him to someone who was experienced, but perhaps not licensed. But, that wasn't the end of it, Dr. Ablow. They continued to get counseling from licensed professionals.
I would still like to ask everyone of the sanctimonious bullies who are piling on what they have in their background they don't expect to come out. Those who are immoral as adults didn't wait until they were 21 to get started. No, it started a long time ago. What they don't realize is that someday, it will come out. Maybe not in front of imperfect people they can persuade to forgive them. But, they will stand before a Holy God and give an accounting. With Him, there is "no injustice, or partiality, or bribery."
We've become a nation of pompous know-it-alls, pontificating on something we know little or nothing about. Even Dr. Keith Ablow showed himself to be a less than stellar professional last night. He made a crack about the counseling the family members being less than expert. I heard the word "licensed" at least three times. Yes, they were Christian counselors and yes, the state licensed them, meaning they were well qualified. Just because he doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ doesn't give him the right to cast aspersions on those who do. If he actually listened, he might learn something he desperately needs to know. So how much money were you paid Dr. Ablow to give your opinion?
Jim Bob also said the secular counseling they checked into didn't have a good track record. That's why they sought other avenues. Yes, when Josh first went away, they sent him to someone who was experienced, but perhaps not licensed. But, that wasn't the end of it, Dr. Ablow. They continued to get counseling from licensed professionals.
I would still like to ask everyone of the sanctimonious bullies who are piling on what they have in their background they don't expect to come out. Those who are immoral as adults didn't wait until they were 21 to get started. No, it started a long time ago. What they don't realize is that someday, it will come out. Maybe not in front of imperfect people they can persuade to forgive them. But, they will stand before a Holy God and give an accounting. With Him, there is "no injustice, or partiality, or bribery."
Thursday, June 4, 2015
How you say it
Words can be powerful tools for good or they can be destructive weapons. When I first heard about the Duggar family situation, I was heart broken. I've said many times I hope their lives are the same off camera as they are on. They have the kind of values the world needs to learn and uphold.
But, the first words I heard in regard to Josh were "assault, molestation, and rape." Then, a Christian I respect said they had done something shady in turning their son over to the police. Of course, I was devastated, sick. I was told they chose to tell a policeman who is now in prison for pornography. Their side of the story is that he happened to be on duty when they turned their son in at the station. Where is innocent until proven guilty?
I spent days praying for that family and their heartache. Even Christians were assuming far worse than actually happened based on how it was reported in the news. No one I talked to, not even Christians, were willing to hear their side of the story. One women on television was literally screaming her condemnation. I regret to say I believed the worst, too.
Whoa!
Last night, Michelle and Jim Bob were interviewed by Megan Kelly on the "Kelly File." I'm grateful. Earlier in the evening, on "The Five" a clip was played-out of context of course-when Greg Gutfeld and Juan Williams piled on. Gutfeld was griping that the Duggars had no right claim media bias because of their faith. He was saying non-religious people like himself would be condemned for the same thing. Really? Hmmm. I seem to remember a President who was defended hotly when his sexual behavior came to light and his was not only far worse, but reportedly, still going on.
Mr. Gutfeld, I cannot begin to tell you how wrong you are. God holds His children to a much higher standard. Jesus said "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Quite frankly, I don't understand how you can sit across from Kimberly Guilfoyle's naked thighs and avoid lustful thoughts. Jesus goes on to say, "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:18 and 20) If you don't know about the scribes and Pharisees, they were the uber-religious.
Let's look at the facts as presented by the parents last night. First of all, it wasn't assault, molestation, or rape, even though the media relishes calling it that. Well, the dictionary defines molestation as "to bother, interfere with, or annoy," and that's the primary definition. If that's the case, I'm molested every time I turn on the TV news. The lesser definition is "to make indecent sexual advances." But, I have to admit, I've always believed molestation was a far stronger word than that.
Second, Josh went to his parents at the age of 14 and confessed to what he'd done. Since his sisters were asleep when he touched them inappropriately OUTSIDE their clothing, this entire thing would never have come to light if Josh had not confessed. Josh acknowledged there were two incidents of touching skin and an incident of touching a child whose age was "in the single digits" as Megan Kelly so compassionately put it.
Apparently, he'd been fondling their breasts. If that's a crime, (it is sin) then almost every 14 year old boy in America needs to be hauled before a judge. I experienced many humiliating situations in junior high school. One neighbor boy about 9 or 10 was fascinated with breasts. Cousins have said and done inappropriate things to others as well as me. Even now, most of the boys I tutor are always digging at their crotch-not a pleasant sight.
Face it, their bodies are changing, Hormones coursing through their bodies are causing new and unfamiliar sensations. And, I challenge every single man to dredge up things he did at 14 he's hoping no one ever discovers. Let's not throw stones, folks. In Genesis 8:21, God says "The intention of man is evil from his youth."
David pleads with God in Psalm 25:7 "Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love, remember me."
I am not excusing Josh Duggar. America has become that festering, fetid sewer Moody spoke of more than 100 years ago. What he did was wrong and he knew it. That's the biggest difference between that young man and most of the youth of America. They're oblivious. Perhaps one reason I want to believe the family and yes, I do, is that when I was enduring the unwanted touching and fondling in school and before (I was well-endowed, even in junior high) any complaining was either ignored or I was blamed. It was a part of growing up or they did it because I was a tease. Those days do not hold the best memories. No, I was not a tease. They were boys who'd not yet learned to discipline themselves.
This morning as I was reading my Bible and I came across the verse, Psalm 17:10. "They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly." The Duggar parents have it right. Josh got his life right with the Lord and there's been no problem since. Even Megan Kelly quoted statistics that 85-90% of youthful offenders never repeat. But, it's the Duggar family's relationship with the Lord that gives me confidence. God promises to forgive when we repent. (I John 1:9) Unfortunately, some people don't. They'd rather use abusive words and point fingers. I'd rather stand before a holy God and give an accounting of my life as a Josh Duggar than some of those sanctimonious finger pointers.
But, the first words I heard in regard to Josh were "assault, molestation, and rape." Then, a Christian I respect said they had done something shady in turning their son over to the police. Of course, I was devastated, sick. I was told they chose to tell a policeman who is now in prison for pornography. Their side of the story is that he happened to be on duty when they turned their son in at the station. Where is innocent until proven guilty?
I spent days praying for that family and their heartache. Even Christians were assuming far worse than actually happened based on how it was reported in the news. No one I talked to, not even Christians, were willing to hear their side of the story. One women on television was literally screaming her condemnation. I regret to say I believed the worst, too.
Whoa!
Last night, Michelle and Jim Bob were interviewed by Megan Kelly on the "Kelly File." I'm grateful. Earlier in the evening, on "The Five" a clip was played-out of context of course-when Greg Gutfeld and Juan Williams piled on. Gutfeld was griping that the Duggars had no right claim media bias because of their faith. He was saying non-religious people like himself would be condemned for the same thing. Really? Hmmm. I seem to remember a President who was defended hotly when his sexual behavior came to light and his was not only far worse, but reportedly, still going on.
Mr. Gutfeld, I cannot begin to tell you how wrong you are. God holds His children to a much higher standard. Jesus said "everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Quite frankly, I don't understand how you can sit across from Kimberly Guilfoyle's naked thighs and avoid lustful thoughts. Jesus goes on to say, "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:18 and 20) If you don't know about the scribes and Pharisees, they were the uber-religious.
Let's look at the facts as presented by the parents last night. First of all, it wasn't assault, molestation, or rape, even though the media relishes calling it that. Well, the dictionary defines molestation as "to bother, interfere with, or annoy," and that's the primary definition. If that's the case, I'm molested every time I turn on the TV news. The lesser definition is "to make indecent sexual advances." But, I have to admit, I've always believed molestation was a far stronger word than that.
Second, Josh went to his parents at the age of 14 and confessed to what he'd done. Since his sisters were asleep when he touched them inappropriately OUTSIDE their clothing, this entire thing would never have come to light if Josh had not confessed. Josh acknowledged there were two incidents of touching skin and an incident of touching a child whose age was "in the single digits" as Megan Kelly so compassionately put it.
Apparently, he'd been fondling their breasts. If that's a crime, (it is sin) then almost every 14 year old boy in America needs to be hauled before a judge. I experienced many humiliating situations in junior high school. One neighbor boy about 9 or 10 was fascinated with breasts. Cousins have said and done inappropriate things to others as well as me. Even now, most of the boys I tutor are always digging at their crotch-not a pleasant sight.
Face it, their bodies are changing, Hormones coursing through their bodies are causing new and unfamiliar sensations. And, I challenge every single man to dredge up things he did at 14 he's hoping no one ever discovers. Let's not throw stones, folks. In Genesis 8:21, God says "The intention of man is evil from his youth."
David pleads with God in Psalm 25:7 "Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love, remember me."
I am not excusing Josh Duggar. America has become that festering, fetid sewer Moody spoke of more than 100 years ago. What he did was wrong and he knew it. That's the biggest difference between that young man and most of the youth of America. They're oblivious. Perhaps one reason I want to believe the family and yes, I do, is that when I was enduring the unwanted touching and fondling in school and before (I was well-endowed, even in junior high) any complaining was either ignored or I was blamed. It was a part of growing up or they did it because I was a tease. Those days do not hold the best memories. No, I was not a tease. They were boys who'd not yet learned to discipline themselves.
This morning as I was reading my Bible and I came across the verse, Psalm 17:10. "They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly." The Duggar parents have it right. Josh got his life right with the Lord and there's been no problem since. Even Megan Kelly quoted statistics that 85-90% of youthful offenders never repeat. But, it's the Duggar family's relationship with the Lord that gives me confidence. God promises to forgive when we repent. (I John 1:9) Unfortunately, some people don't. They'd rather use abusive words and point fingers. I'd rather stand before a holy God and give an accounting of my life as a Josh Duggar than some of those sanctimonious finger pointers.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Miracles still happen
Persecution Project called me a short time ago. It's a Non-governmental agency that does work in South Sudan. Through our church, we've been following the situation over there for several years. It's tough. Sometimes it's so bad it's hard to read the newsletters. The suffering is intense.
In fact, on Sunday, there was an announcement that two pastors have been captured and are being tortured by Sudan. For those of you who are unaware, a few years ago, the country of Sudan divided and became two countries. In the north is Sudan. It's about all Muslim. One area that is not is the Nuba mountains and that's where so much of the terror and torture is occurring. The Nuba mountains are rich with oil. The Sudanese government is trying to destroy the Christians or force them to become Muslim.
I remember when Parade magazine in Sunday's paper used to list the top 10 worst world leaders. Those most known for their cruelty and acts of violence against their own people. The leader of Sudan was almost always number one. When South Sudan was formed, it was hoped the Nuba would be incorporated in the South. The Nuba are predominantly Christian, as is South Sudan. However, that did not happen.
The man who called said they had to meet in caves and on the day they arrived, 4 of them exploded about 1/4 mile from the cave where they were hiding. The night before, 7 went off, killing one boy. He mentioned several others as well.
Now for the good news. Not too long ago, several Christian pastors were captured, taken away, and forced to kneel. Whether they were going to be shot, stoned, or beheaded was unknown. As they knelt awaiting their fate at the hands of their captors, their captors were suddenly surrounded by bees! So many bees they were forced to run for their lives, leaving the pastors to flee to safety! The pastors were not stung! Isn't God amazing?
In fact, on Sunday, there was an announcement that two pastors have been captured and are being tortured by Sudan. For those of you who are unaware, a few years ago, the country of Sudan divided and became two countries. In the north is Sudan. It's about all Muslim. One area that is not is the Nuba mountains and that's where so much of the terror and torture is occurring. The Nuba mountains are rich with oil. The Sudanese government is trying to destroy the Christians or force them to become Muslim.
I remember when Parade magazine in Sunday's paper used to list the top 10 worst world leaders. Those most known for their cruelty and acts of violence against their own people. The leader of Sudan was almost always number one. When South Sudan was formed, it was hoped the Nuba would be incorporated in the South. The Nuba are predominantly Christian, as is South Sudan. However, that did not happen.
The man who called said they had to meet in caves and on the day they arrived, 4 of them exploded about 1/4 mile from the cave where they were hiding. The night before, 7 went off, killing one boy. He mentioned several others as well.
Now for the good news. Not too long ago, several Christian pastors were captured, taken away, and forced to kneel. Whether they were going to be shot, stoned, or beheaded was unknown. As they knelt awaiting their fate at the hands of their captors, their captors were suddenly surrounded by bees! So many bees they were forced to run for their lives, leaving the pastors to flee to safety! The pastors were not stung! Isn't God amazing?
Monday, June 1, 2015
Hurricanes
June 1. The beginning of hurricane season in Florida and the east coast as far west as Pennsylvania. When we moved to Florida almost 20 years ago people would give us a shocked look as ask what were we going to do about hurricanes.
My response what that we've lived through bad weather in every part of the country. Everything except a tsunami. In Denver, I walked to work in snow above my boots. I Arizona, we watched a forest fire burn down our mountain and commissary stock depleted to feed the firemen. In California, it was small earthquakes. They were so small, it was hard to tell if it was an earthquake or a navy jet taking off. My mother-in-law lived close enough to the runway for those buggers to rattle a few dishes and make the floor jiggle.
In Germany, the fog was often so dense, the only way you could see the road was hang your head out the side window, especially if it were after dark. Come to think of it, we experienced the same thing in Pennsylvania. As a child growing up in Pennsylvania, there were usually a few days of bitter cold-below zero stuff.
Missouri had a horrible drought and intense heat the first year we lived there. Over 100 days with no rain and about the same time with temperatures in the high 90's or low 100's. While I was at the realtor's office, one of the realtors started screaming there was a tornado coming. She was hysterical because her son was outside in the parking lot. My sons were outside playing when I called. I couldn't leave the building so I asked them if they knew what to do to prepare. My eldest assured me everything was under control. It struck the portico of the Nazarene church a few hundred yards away from the house. Later, I found the globes from the dining room chandelier on the sofa, with the back cushions pulled over them for protection. Meanwhile, my sons had gone back out to play football! I still remember neighbors outside looking up at strange clouds, anyone of which could have formed a tornado and wiped us all out.
Then there was the blizzard on October 31, in Ohio. Snow drifts were over 6' high in the driveway. The landlord's snowplow was too small to handle it. He and my husband moved the drifts by snow shovel. Since I love to shovel snow, I helped. For six weeks after that, we had an ice storm once a week. The roads were like greased lightening. We went out for dinner one night and Bob lost control as we rounded the side of the building. We spun out-several times-while I screamed some unkind things to my husband for going too fast. I watched in horror as we slid sideways next to a car waiting in the takeout line. We stopped less than 2 inches from the other car. Bob sedately pulled the car into a parking space as though doing donuts in a crowded parking lot was a normal thing to do
Chicago had a flood that required me to run down the sidewalk instead of flooding the car in the El underpass which was about 2 feet deep in the middle, but the sidewalk was level. That was a fun challenge. I saw trucks wider than my car hopping the curb and tooling over that walkway, so I followed.
So what's a hurricane in comparison? Floods, heat, drought, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, and even volcanoes (Hawaii). Been there, done that. Why should I be afraid of hurricanes? I'm not foolish. I know they can kill. And destroy. That I know from first hand experience. Hurricane Frances struck September 4, Ivan a couple of weeks later, and 3 weeks to the day later, Jeanne hit. Frances weakened our condo, Ivan saturated the ground, and Jeanne destroyed the condo. For 22 months, it was nothing but studs and dirt.
Jeanne destroyed a lot of things. One pilot told a neighbor he could always tell when he flew over Sebastian. Blue roofs (tarps). Trees were twisted like wet towels and then snapped. The river rose to withing 50' of our porch. Limbs covered the road and poles leaned precariously toward the road in water filled ditches. Wires hung low, making us wonder if we could get under them or not.
What may not be known about hurricanes is that tornadoes are spawned, often more detrimental than the hurricane. I'm told that's what happened in Andrew and the last I heard, Jeanne had surpassed Andrew in tornadoes.
The interesting thing about severe storms is that once they're over the weather is breathtakingly beautiful. The sun shines so brightly, the sky is so blue, the shrubbery and trees that survived are greener, and the clouds a puffy white contrast to the blue sky. Everything looks clean and fresh.
However, the hardest thing to endure are those who endured the storms with you. Contractors, construction workers flood the area, all looking to make a quick buck for shoddy workmanship from people desperate to have a place to live.
As long as the power is out, the rule is to make every intersection a 4 way stop. HA! One guy in a big dump truck flipped me a bird when I took my turn. Another woman passed me in the left turn lane even though I was planning to use that lane. The national guardsman saw her and pulled her over. Whether she got a ticket, a chewing out, or just delayed I don't know.
The shelves empty at the grocery store and the parking lot is full of glass to be avoided. The elderly are especially hard hit with illnesses and fear. So many people got a dog to keep them company after the storms. Some who were ill died, some contracted debilitating diseases, possibly from concern.
Board meetings at the condo were excruciatingly painful, but necessary. I made a suggestion to one neighbor and she bit my head off. The project manager screamed at me when I asked her a question and later she was fired for skimming. The insurance company wanted to settle for $3000 for a red tagged unit (totally destroyed.) Nine times, the board changed its mind about whether they were going to tear it down and rebuild or just redo.
With all of that, there is an upside. Psalm 29 says it's the voice of the Lord that breaks the cedars. It's His voice that strikes with flashes of lightning and shakes the deserts. It's He Who strips the forests bare and sits enthroned over the flood. Through all of that, it is He Who gives strength to His people and blesses His people with peace.
I've been in peaceful places without God's peace. I'd rather have His peace while the storms blow outside. It's much safer.
My response what that we've lived through bad weather in every part of the country. Everything except a tsunami. In Denver, I walked to work in snow above my boots. I Arizona, we watched a forest fire burn down our mountain and commissary stock depleted to feed the firemen. In California, it was small earthquakes. They were so small, it was hard to tell if it was an earthquake or a navy jet taking off. My mother-in-law lived close enough to the runway for those buggers to rattle a few dishes and make the floor jiggle.
In Germany, the fog was often so dense, the only way you could see the road was hang your head out the side window, especially if it were after dark. Come to think of it, we experienced the same thing in Pennsylvania. As a child growing up in Pennsylvania, there were usually a few days of bitter cold-below zero stuff.
Missouri had a horrible drought and intense heat the first year we lived there. Over 100 days with no rain and about the same time with temperatures in the high 90's or low 100's. While I was at the realtor's office, one of the realtors started screaming there was a tornado coming. She was hysterical because her son was outside in the parking lot. My sons were outside playing when I called. I couldn't leave the building so I asked them if they knew what to do to prepare. My eldest assured me everything was under control. It struck the portico of the Nazarene church a few hundred yards away from the house. Later, I found the globes from the dining room chandelier on the sofa, with the back cushions pulled over them for protection. Meanwhile, my sons had gone back out to play football! I still remember neighbors outside looking up at strange clouds, anyone of which could have formed a tornado and wiped us all out.
Then there was the blizzard on October 31, in Ohio. Snow drifts were over 6' high in the driveway. The landlord's snowplow was too small to handle it. He and my husband moved the drifts by snow shovel. Since I love to shovel snow, I helped. For six weeks after that, we had an ice storm once a week. The roads were like greased lightening. We went out for dinner one night and Bob lost control as we rounded the side of the building. We spun out-several times-while I screamed some unkind things to my husband for going too fast. I watched in horror as we slid sideways next to a car waiting in the takeout line. We stopped less than 2 inches from the other car. Bob sedately pulled the car into a parking space as though doing donuts in a crowded parking lot was a normal thing to do
Chicago had a flood that required me to run down the sidewalk instead of flooding the car in the El underpass which was about 2 feet deep in the middle, but the sidewalk was level. That was a fun challenge. I saw trucks wider than my car hopping the curb and tooling over that walkway, so I followed.
So what's a hurricane in comparison? Floods, heat, drought, tornadoes, forest fires, earthquakes, and even volcanoes (Hawaii). Been there, done that. Why should I be afraid of hurricanes? I'm not foolish. I know they can kill. And destroy. That I know from first hand experience. Hurricane Frances struck September 4, Ivan a couple of weeks later, and 3 weeks to the day later, Jeanne hit. Frances weakened our condo, Ivan saturated the ground, and Jeanne destroyed the condo. For 22 months, it was nothing but studs and dirt.
Jeanne destroyed a lot of things. One pilot told a neighbor he could always tell when he flew over Sebastian. Blue roofs (tarps). Trees were twisted like wet towels and then snapped. The river rose to withing 50' of our porch. Limbs covered the road and poles leaned precariously toward the road in water filled ditches. Wires hung low, making us wonder if we could get under them or not.
What may not be known about hurricanes is that tornadoes are spawned, often more detrimental than the hurricane. I'm told that's what happened in Andrew and the last I heard, Jeanne had surpassed Andrew in tornadoes.
The interesting thing about severe storms is that once they're over the weather is breathtakingly beautiful. The sun shines so brightly, the sky is so blue, the shrubbery and trees that survived are greener, and the clouds a puffy white contrast to the blue sky. Everything looks clean and fresh.
However, the hardest thing to endure are those who endured the storms with you. Contractors, construction workers flood the area, all looking to make a quick buck for shoddy workmanship from people desperate to have a place to live.
As long as the power is out, the rule is to make every intersection a 4 way stop. HA! One guy in a big dump truck flipped me a bird when I took my turn. Another woman passed me in the left turn lane even though I was planning to use that lane. The national guardsman saw her and pulled her over. Whether she got a ticket, a chewing out, or just delayed I don't know.
The shelves empty at the grocery store and the parking lot is full of glass to be avoided. The elderly are especially hard hit with illnesses and fear. So many people got a dog to keep them company after the storms. Some who were ill died, some contracted debilitating diseases, possibly from concern.
Board meetings at the condo were excruciatingly painful, but necessary. I made a suggestion to one neighbor and she bit my head off. The project manager screamed at me when I asked her a question and later she was fired for skimming. The insurance company wanted to settle for $3000 for a red tagged unit (totally destroyed.) Nine times, the board changed its mind about whether they were going to tear it down and rebuild or just redo.
With all of that, there is an upside. Psalm 29 says it's the voice of the Lord that breaks the cedars. It's His voice that strikes with flashes of lightning and shakes the deserts. It's He Who strips the forests bare and sits enthroned over the flood. Through all of that, it is He Who gives strength to His people and blesses His people with peace.
I've been in peaceful places without God's peace. I'd rather have His peace while the storms blow outside. It's much safer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)