June 9, 2008

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  Well, a quick update here … we did have a break in the weather Sunday, and were able to finish cleaning things up in the basement during the afternoon … but another day of storms were in store for us here again today … a ‘gully washer’, along with strong winds, and lightning, came through mid-afternoon, then there was a break, but now it’s raining again tonight … no leaks so far, though, but they are saying we could get 1 to 3 more inches overnight!  A little sparrow found refuge on our porch earlier today, and was joyfully singing as the storm was raging around him … a spiritual lesson there, to be sure!  
  
  Bless you all, and thank you for your thoughts and prayers … we are finding out that more friend’s families have been affected south of us.  We haven’t heard from a couple of them … we are praying.  My husband usually goes to the jail to minister in one of the harder hit locations, on Tuesday nights, and we’re unsure if that will be happening tomorrow night … they had announced over the radio not to go in, or out of, that town since it’s again under a flash flood warning.  We’ve heard in some areas there is so much water, that people are unable to get out, so they were dropping food and water in at some locations by helicopter.  Churches have opened their doors, to help others that are flooded out of their homes, and of course, the Red Cross is hard at work.  Other than that, it’s been pretty uneventful around here the past few days!  There was church yesterday, everything was working fine with the electricity back on.  A few people weren’t there because they were having to deal with an even worse situation then we did.  The church will rally around and meet the needs of those who were affected.  One couple had their basement completely flooded up to their first floor … some type of oil, or fuel, got all over their things, and they’re trying desperately to get the smell out of their clothes … the stains came out after a good washing, but the stubborn smell remains … does anyone know of anything that would take out that smell?  They’ve pretty much lost everything else that was in their basement.  If you have any hints, tips, or suggestions, please pass it along! 
  
  We did hear from Tim and his family Sunday night … their trip home is still going very well, and they should be home sometime on Tuesday.  Thank you again, for your prayers for them … God has blessed with a wonderful time as they’re traveling cross country.   I hope you’re all doing well, and having a wonderful week so far.  I’ll be making my rounds here to catch up with you soon.  I’ll leave you with a little devotion that I read today … one that touches the heart when times are rough for us, or for those around us … and as I was reading it … I also remembered that little sparrow that sang through the storm!  Many blessings, and have a terrific Tuesday! 
  
  Hugs,
             ~ Deborah <>< 
  
  

  

  
  The Ripple Effect  
  
  “Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests,
  but also each for the interests of others.”   ~ Philippians 2:4
  
  What God does in my life, is not just about my life.  What happens to me may sometimes have more to do with what He wants to accomplish in the life of someone near to me.  If in my life I have a triumph or tragedy, whatever the case may be, it may be something being used to influence, aid, or transform others (perhaps many others) in order that they become more of what God desires them to be.  Though it may be difficult for us to understand, a Christ-like heart in us will be one where, regardless of personal circumstances, we rejoice in the Lord because we know He is truly working all things to the good.  It is through His eyes that we will learn to see our difficult times may be the very thing needed to draw others to Jesus.  In this, there is much cause to rejoice.  And as we rejoice, that too is something that will most assuredly be used in the lives of others.
  
  

  • 11:53 pm
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