Ike Makes His Way...

It's actually Sunday night as I sit here and write this post. I usually find myself on Sunday nights getting ready for the upcoming week. I pull out my calendar and just go over appointments, meetings, soccer practices and games, guitar lessons, and Jessica's work schedule. This week is a busy one for me.  I like Mondays really because it's a new beginning and I feel like I have a fresh start. Typically, I try to leave Mondays open so that I can be here at home. Doing those couple loads of wash, straightening up the house, and just having a little down time.

As I sit here tonight though, I have just found out that my Monday won't be as I had planned. School has just been closed for tomorrow as a result of hurricane Ike making his way through the state of Ohio. We have trees down all around us and I honestly think that we are one of the few in this area that still has power. I've shared before that we live on the highest point in the county.  I just looked out the window to the neighborhood across the street where typically you can see homes with all their lights on. There is nothing but darkness. I've talked to family and friends who have been without power since early this afternoon and have been told their neighborhoods look like war zones. After watching the news, we have found out that over 200,000 people are without power in this area. They are saying it could take days before power is restored. Winds reached 63 mph here in Beavercreek. 

The high winds started this afternoon as we were leaving to go to church. We were supposed to be having a picnic and a baptism service outside, but because of the threat of severe weather, plans were changed. There is nothing like a good old fashioned church potluck and we celebrated the people who today made a public display of their faith. 

I couldn't believe how hard the wind was blowing as we made our way down to church this afternoon...

I really was having a pretty good hair day.

When we got back home we found our driveway looking like this...

The thing is, I know that this does not even compare to the destruction and damage that occurred on the gulf as a result of this massive hurricane. My heart goes out to the many people who have lost their homes, possessions, and not being able to have basic necessities- water, power and food. I admire the courage, the determination, and the will they have to withstand the coming days. It certainly has made me have a heart of thankfulness when all I have around me is some fallen trees. At the same time, my heart is breaking because of what they are going through.

Life can change so quickly. The character of God never changes and in that I have peace for today, tomorrow, and the days to come. Let's remember to pray for all of those who have been in the path of this storm. That God would be real to them in a way like never before. That hearts would be turned to Him and that those who don't know the Lord would cry out to Him and believe that He is good and He is near. For strength and rest as they begin to get their lives and homes together again. Jesus, be their refuge in the storm.

Psalm 121~

I lift up my eyes to the hills-

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel 

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you-

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm-

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.