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.

Overwhelmed and Saddened: The Unfolding Tragedy in Texas

I've been following the news lately as many have. I do have a personal stake in what's happening there in Texas. Two of my friends are living that nightmare. I've been in contact with one of them through Facebook. She has lived through two other natural disasters. This is different. Those natural disasters didn't have the capacity to adversely affect her. This one does.

I keep seeing the pictures and praying for everyone affected by this horrendous storm. It is still very hard to wrap my mind around the devastation. I feel overwhelmed and saddened. I know that there isn't much I can do personally for the victims. The unfolding tragedy sometimes is hard to look away from because you're praying that they all get out safely. I do pray now for my two friends.

I know that I wouldn't be able to handle it. At least I don't think I'd be able to handle it. The ugliness and fear is ever present. I wouldn't fault anyone for just shutting down over the overwhelming loss. It is very hard to comprehend that this threat is ongoing. The worst is not yet over. That is why I still hold them up in prayer. That's why I continue to follow the news as best I can.

There are some good stories here, so I'm told. These are the stories that are being buried because the media thrives on the sensationalism and fear. They want to hear the despair and anxiety, instead of the warm embrace and helping hands. I am thankful for all those who are willing to step up without regard to their own safety to save others. I am grateful for the many who donate what they can without fanfare. It is important in the midst of tragedy to have an anchor. Thank you, Lord for being that anchor.

Ugly Eruptions in The Landscape of Time and Space

You are probably wondering right about now why I posted this title. Well if you have been following the news you know that some very ugly things have been happening lately. If you let your mind dwell on this things, you may find yourself wanting to dig a hole and dive in it.

Human nature is chaotic. You can see that so clearly when you step back and analyze it. We need God. The ugly eruptions in the landscape of time and space are because we left him. We decided to embrace the chaos instead of embracing God. We're now paying the price for that decision.

I haven't a clue what's going to happen next. Will there be another civil war? You may believe so when you realize that our rights are slowly being taken away from us. You may also believe it when you see the overriding control that technology has on life. It's very scary. As you may or may not know I'm one of those people....You know the ones. We use the Internet, but we still cling to the old ways of doing things as well.

The ugly eruptions will continue to happen. Some will say in the future that these are the growing pains of a new world order. They could be right. In Revelations Chapter 13, it does describe this new world order perfectly. We haven't as yet seen the One that will be worshiped nor have we yet seen the forerunner of that One. Yet we know he is coming.

For some of us this means that we will get to go home. Christians, especially those who live daily in the Word are anxious to go home. This world isn't our home. Some day we will be home with the Father who loves us more than anything else. It is hard for us to remain quiet. Yet when we speak we are condemned as crazy people.

I may not know what happens next. I know however who holds me up. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Elation and Agony At The Same Time

Yeah, it's been that kind of week. I'm feeling a bit sick about the decision the zoning board made in regards to the potential WAWA in my hometown. Yet...there is some hope since they put nine conditions on the approval. It isn't over...not by a long shot. The agony of not knowing what WAWA will do is hard to take, but it is good to be prepared.

On the other hand, I'm elated because the group that is buying the St. Joseph's property plans to restore and renovate the buildings. It makes me happy to know this, especially since the borough stands to get some revenue out of the deal too.

I'm dealing with my own crisis. You know that I've been saying for awhile now that my finances are going south. Well...they have hit rock bottom now. It is my fault that I let it get this way. I know that. I also know that I do tend to get distracted by things. I get excited when I see progress with the society and start dreaming about the museum. Then it hits me that I have no resources to make that dream come true. I agonize over how I'm going to get out of this financial pit I'm in.

I do realize that my current situation is the same as the government's....We both are hedging our bets and hoping that things will turn around. I do have to believe that God won't allow things to get so bad. Otherwise what's the point in living? There is a lesson here to be learned. I know that borrowing without having the means to pay it back is wrong. The government is good at this though...as they borrow heavily mortgaging futures for present gains.

What can I do? I long to be free of the shackles of indebtedness forever. I don't like living in this fear of homelessness and poverty. Yet so many of us are already there.

A Glimmer of Hope-Standing in The Way of Progress

Hi, I didn't realize how potent words can be. I should have. I do feel a bit guilty about all the fuss that I've been making...yet I just can't stop. I see that glimmer of hope. Someone besides me wants to preserve our history for future generations. I hear a lot about how many historical locations are really struggling right now. Some are saying that history is not important. They see only the dollar signs and not the reality.

Yes, I know that I'm standing in the way of progress. I admit that freely. Some progress is good. A updated renovation of a historic building is progress. A complete and total degradation of a vital community center isn't. Last week I lamented the fact that four old buildings would be demolished to place a gas station and convenience store on the site. I found out that it is worse than that. The whole community center would be affected dramatically....and not in a good way.

I know that I'm not the only one that feels this way. It made me feel a bit better about the situation. I know that I have a lot of work to do. Frankly in some ways I'm glad to do it because of that glimmer of hope. I know that I'm not alone. I know that there is a way out of this. I know that there is still the very real possibility that the area will be lost forever.

That makes a difference. The Lord works through me. He is the one that placed this passion to preserve history in my heart. He knows me right well and my weakness. He knows my financial needs and is even now setting things in motion for me. I have to believe this. I do need prayer and support from everyone in my community and beyond.