Overwhelmed but Moving Forward: After effects of yet another hurricane

I'm praising God right now. He has chosen to spare our area again. Yet I still can't help thinking about the devastation that this last hurricane left behind in Puerto Rico. It is hard to wrap my mind around it. Some want to place blame on the President. It wasn't right in 2005. It's not right now. It isn't the President's fault.

I just don't think enough people realize how screwed we really are here. There has been three major hurricanes and a devastating fire (that is still going on) to contend with and provide much needed services. The overwhelming devastation in Texas, Florida and the western states is enough to drain our reserves dry. Yes, there has been overwhelming support for all the areas affected by the hurricanes. Yet I can see that support drying up as people are overwhelmed and just can't give anymore.

I do see some of the ugliness rearing its ugly head as people get more and more desperate. I am not sure how to help. I know the best thing that I can do is pray. I need to hand this over to God knowing that he is in control.

I am praying for miracles. I think about the devastation in Mexico and my heart breaks. It does seem like God has abandoned them. It is hard to think about moving forward. I am weary even though thankfully the Lord has spared us. I clamor for answers. I plant wishes in the corner of my mind. I wish I could help more. I don't know how....so I pray and talk to God.

Strengthen those who are in the front lines, Lord. Keep them safe and from harm. Provide the necessary subsistence that they need to survive. Make us grateful and not prideful knowing that we are not immune to tragedy. Thank you, Lord.

Stronger Than the Storm: The After affects of Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma literally devastated Florida. Everyone knew it was coming but seeing the after affects is depressing. It is hard to say right now if Floridians will be stronger than the storm. Texans have proven that they are stronger than the storm after the wreckage from Hurricane Harvey. There are still two hurricanes out there in the Atlantic. Thankfully so far there is only a minimum threat from them.

I am still praying. I am realizing that the anticipation and anxiety from all the media hype didn't do the vast destruction justice. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. I sometimes find myself going numb because my mind can't process it all. I am deeply grateful for those who were spared. It does seem so far that there was a minimum loss of life. Yet I can't help feeling that some of those people who survived probably are wishing they may have died. I know that sounds crazy. When you think about it however it is understandable. These people have lost everything. They have nothing left.

I do often wonder when I hear about all the devastation what makes people want to hold on. The voices of doubt and fear are strong. Yet I know God is in the midst of the storm. It is that sense of purpose that makes people want to hold on.

The financial crisis that I've been going through has taught me some things. I realize that people, not things matter. I understand a little bit that we need to listen and be with those who are hurting. I realize that I don't have to have money to help. There are many ways that I can help. God is stronger than the storms of my life. I can rely on him to see me through.

Will the people of Florida band together like the people of Texas? It remains to be seen. I haven't heard anything from my friends in Florida, so I continue to pray for them.

Apocalypse Now? Fires, Hurricanes and Floods

The eyes of the world are glued on what's unfolding in the United States this week. For many it does seem like the end of the world as we know it. Last week we were reeling from the after affects of Hurricane Harvey as it hit Texas and Louisiana. This week we're anxiously watching and praying as another tragedy unfolds in the Caribbean. The weather people are saying that this is the worst hurricane they had ever seen. Prayers are going up that it veers away from land completely missing all of the East Coast.

Then there's the wildfires raging on the West Coast in Oregon, Washington and Montana. California has been hit pretty hard too. That is not the worst of it. There are floods in Texas that have wiped out pretty much everything.

Some people are speculating that God is punishing the US for electing a president who doesn't bow to the global union. Some are even pushing for his impeachment. I'm still not sure if they will able to make that stick or what will happen. It does feel like Christians are under attack. Some of us will stand under these attacks, but others won't. It is during these times I believe that we are tested for our mettle. Do we believe God? Do we stand up even under tremendous pressure?

I can't predict what's going to happen. I just know that there is a split in this country right now. Some will say that it's against good and evil. Others will say that it is a sign that apocalypse is here now. It is kind of scary to think about how easy it could be to just discontinue paper currency and force everyone to use electronic currency. It is kind of scary to think how much control electronic currency can give. It is predicted in the Bible that one day a system of government will have that complete control over a person's life.

The mechanisms to do just that are in place now. Yet I know God is in control. He directs storms and protects his own children. We are his children. With everything that is going on, it is hard to focus on this fact. He knows us and loves us. He will bring us through.