Linda G Needs Our Prayers

Linda G, a blogger and frequent commenter here and on many blogs, had her home destroyed by a tornado.

She and her husband, both U.S. Air Force veterans, along with two sons and four cats, lost their 130-year-old farmhouse during the storms in Louisiana. Fortunately, due to a bout of insomnia, they were both awake and in a different room when the twister hit their bedroom.

She writes that the "Roof is mostly gone. The ceiling and roof are gone. Can't even get out of our yard because of downed trees. Emergency people are out on the streets. God kept us safe though. I said a prayer when I felt the pressure in my ears, and He kept us safe. 

"House pretty much a loss. Too old to insure though so not sure what our next step or God's plan is. 

Garage collapsed so we can't get to our generators. Would appreciate you keep us in your prayers."

The bedroom where they had been sleeping.
They were elsewhere when the tornado hit.
(Photo courtesy of Linda G.)

You heard the lady. Let's thank the Lord for her survival, and pray for a speedy solution to all the damage and resulting homelessness (both for her family and all the others who were affected in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana).

Guest Post: A Time to Heal

I borrowed this from my cousin Lana, with her permission.

It’s funny how I can mark important times in my life with the planting of annual flowers. I’ve always enjoyed the coming of spring after a long winter and the planting of my annual flowers was done as soon as the threat of frost passed and signified the promise of longer and warmer days and sunshine. Nothing makes my heart happier than enjoying pretty flowers with the bees and butterflies. The year that I lost Bill, and lost myself, my mom came over to facilitate the planting of the annual flowers. I didn’t want to plant flowers. I didn’t want to eat, or go to work, or take a shower, or breathe, or look toward tomorrow. Mom knew. And so we planted annual flowers and we reminisced and even laughed and then we ate. Then I slept, I breathed, and went to work. I allowed myself to enjoy the flowers and the bees and butterflies.

Then I lost my mom. Again, I found myself in a sad and lonely place, not feeling whole. Then my sister Lorri facilitated the planting of the annual flowers. We reminisced, we laughed, we ate. We watched the bees and butterflies enjoying the flowers and allowed ourselves to enjoy the flowers, too. We slept, we breathed, we went to work, we continued living.

Since then, I’ve planted annual flowers every year. Sometimes alone, and sometimes I’ve had the honor to plant flowers with special people. Lorri comes when she can and one year Reannon was with me. One year Shannon and Lillilakota were with me. Some years Angie and I share seeds and bulbs and dreams of our gardens. This year, today, holds another precious memory for me. Today, my Grandma Clow was laid to rest. She was the mother of my step-mom, Joni, and the grandmother of my step-sister Melanie and step-brother Mike. Grandma Clow was not a “step” to me. She loved me as her own, I loved her as my own, and she was a wonderful role model and important part of my upbringing. Joni, Melanie, and Mike have never been “steps”. They are family and, although we don’t see each other regularly, we picked up right where we left off. I love them with all of my heart. Seeing these beautiful people today brought to surface so many memories. Of our youth, before we lost so many treasured people. But it's also a happy time because we’ve gained spouses, kids, and grandkids. The meaning of bittersweet.

So today, after the funeral, I planted annual flowers. I wasn’t alone. Grandma Clow, Joni, Melanie, and Mike were with me in my heart, along with all those who made me plant flowers in the past and gave me the gift of healing.

Prayer Request

Please remember my good friend Doug H. in your prayers. His mother passed away last night,

Friday, I Thought You'd Never Arrive

Personal log, Stardate 10302015:  My friend has died, and this community is diminished. For me personally, he was the best boss I've ever had, and a truly great man who touched countless lives.


I expect to be struck by moments of sudden sadness throughout the day, and that's as it should be. I still manage one of the places he built, and for the rest of us, life goes on. Yes, he sold it recently, but it remains a monument to his achievements. The best thing I can do is to run this property to the very best of my ability, to honor him.

* * * * *

There's a rain/sleet/snow mix falling outside, and it's changing over to mostly snow as the temperature slides south. Driving in this morning wasn't any big deal beyond the usual issues with visibility, but this afternoon could be ... interesting.

So.

There's work to do. Thank you for stopping by, friends.

Tough Night

Our older daughter's long-time pet had to be put to sleep last night. They were constant companions for nearly half her life, and it's tough. She's taking it rather hard, which is only normal.

She's a tough young lady, but has a tender heart. I don't want to be maudlin, and won't dwell on it, here. Our concern is for her right now.

There's plenty of fresh material on the sidebar, and lots of good folks have interesting, thought-provoking things to say. Check them out. :)

Thanks for stopping by, friends. I'll be back later.

Another Busy Day

First, please say a prayer for Brigid, her dad, and their extended family. Her big brother has left us; may he rest forever in the arms of God.

* * * * *

I went out early this a.m. to get the snow tires removed from my sedan; I hoped to beat the inevitable rush - the deadline for getting it done is April 30 - but was number 12 in line. There were another 20 or 25 folks behind me before my wife showed up, so we decided to do hers another day.

After getting that taken care of, we went to Lowe's, Wally World, Sam's Club, Fred Meyer (a Kroger-owned department store), and Safeway. Then we rearranged and cleaned the garage, installed three shelves and a clothes rod in the guest room closet.

And now it's time for lunch.


Brigid, we're thinking of you today.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 
  
According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, NIV

Prayers for One of Our Own

Sandy over at Oklahoma Transient lost her dad this morning. Please remember her today, and pray for her and the whole family.

It's Up to -4°

Started out at -5° (F.) this morning. Makes me glad I don't have to go to work today.

* * * * *
A relative-by-marriage in Missouri is having a tough week. Her 101-year-old grandmother was killed in a traffic accident, as an 18 yr old blew ignored a stop sign. Grandma was leaving the beauty shop, on her way to a grocery store. The woman lived alone, and still drove herself every day.

Her family always met at her home in mid-Missouri for Thanksgiving, so there are a lot of folks struggling with that this week.

But her grandma was independent and strong, and leaves a strong legacy of self-reliance. Not a bad thing at all. I know her family is hurting now, but pain fades, with time ... and they'll remember her warmly, in years to come. She was feisty and funny, and everyone who met her is richer for having done so.

She'll be missed by those who knew her.

* * * * *

Otherwise, it's a cold, clear, sunny day. Plans include running a couple of errands, and otherwise taking it easy.

Have a safe one out there, and thanks for stopping by.