Tornado Relief for James and Amber

I call it blessing in the storm.  God’s blessing in the storm.  I know that there were many people who were devastated, killed, injured, left financially crippled by  the disastrous tornado that hit Joplin on the evening of May 22, 2011.  It was a great upset for our son James and his wife Amber.

They were at home when it hit.  Amber had gone to their tiny bathroom to get in the tub for protection from the approaching disaster.  James went to get their three dogs, and bring them in with  them; by the time James came  in the bathroom door he was pulling debris into the room with him and the three; when he closed the door.  Neither Amber nor James, nor any of the three dogs were injured; but their home was basically destroyed.  The damage was caused by a huge tree in their yard which came crashing through the roof of their living room, and rain water ruining much of the interior.

We are very grateful to our Lord for His protection for their lives.  James and Amber have been living with us since about the Friday following the tornado [May 27] until yesterday July 15, 2011.  They found a home to purchase with the insurance money they received from their ruined home in Joplin.

The “Tornado Relief” of the title is the way God has taken the disaster that could have taken their lives, and shown us all how He makes “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord”.  It is amazing what God has wrought.  But then, He is always that way.

We helped them move yesterday.  We had two trailers, and three cars, and moved them to their new home in Mt. Vernon, MO.; a beautiful home on the North side.  My how God has blessed them; my how He has blessed us all; and that shouldn’t take a tornado to realize the blessings He gives.

They have been trying to get their old home; in Joplin; demolished and the debris moved.  FEMA is telling them that they can push it to the corner of their lot, and it will be picked up.  It seems, however, that the city of Joplin is not allowing them to do that; threatening to fine them fifteen thousand dollars if they do so.  You would think that a city that has had so much tragedy would be glad to be getting rid of debris; not trying to fine the people for doing so.  It seems to me the city of Joplin needs to work with the people, or they may not have a city.

Anyway, I am thankful for the many blessings of our Lord.  He is our Protector; our Sword and our Shield.

On the banks of Flat Creek it’s a beautiful day.

-Tim

 

When I am Afraid

Not too many people will admit they are fearful, or have even been afraid at times.  Well!  Let’s be honest here.  I have been afraid, fearful at times.  I experienced some last night shortly after midnight.

A strong wind blew in; I was in bed asleep and it woke me from my sleep.  I awoke wondering “What is going on?”  We must say there are many in our world, and the USA included; maybe especially people in the USA who are fearful.  Fearful of what the economy will do in the next few months.  Fearful of losing our freedoms.  Fearful of what will happen on the stock market.  It has happened before; it is bound to happen again.  People losing millions of dollars because of faith in man’s economy.  Fear is a powerful force.

When I was awakened by the wind, experiencing the fear my first thought was to go to my LORD and turn the fear over to Him.  I prayed, sought His comfort; and He gave it.  I arose from my bed came out and checked the skies; as best as I could see; the wind still blowing ferociously; checked on my son and his wife who were still awake, and they were shaken by the wind;  (You see they are living with us because their home in Joplin, MO. was destroyed in the tornado of May 22); and I went back to bed and slept until nearly 6 this morning.

The storm never ended for me, but the storm of fear was put away.  My what faith in God can do.  God is an awesome GOD.

-Tim