Storm Damage

It has been storming here a lot lately! Last week it rained off and on all week, but I wasn't expecting any seriously bad storms. With my two youngest children napping, I took the opportunity to take a shower! I had just finished when I heard the tornado sirens, so I quickly turned on the T.V. to see what was happening. The meteorologist was telling us about all the severe thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes in the area. I had to wake two napping children, and get all four of them to a safe spot in the house. I continued to watch the weather to see if it was necessary to get to the basement. Suddenly the rain just stopped and the sun was shining! How strange!?! I continued to watch to see what would happen...just as suddenly as it had stopped, the rain, wind, thunder & lightning picked up again. The rain and wind was so strong, I could not even see the house just across the street. I could see huge branches blowing off of trees and into the street. Then, there was the loudest burst of wind I've ever heard. I rushed to the basement with my children faster than I knew was possible. After just a few minutes the wind died down, and I heard my doorbell ring. Leaving the kids safely in the basement reading books, I went to my front porch to find 5 of my neighbors there asking if we were okay. I was puzzled by their concern, and told them we were fine. They quickly informed me that the tree in our backyard had fallen on our house.

While all this was happening, my hubby was on his way home from work, praying for the safety of our family. He even specifically prayed that we would be safe if the tree fell. (!!?!!) God is so good to us, and faithful in protecting His children. God truly protected us, as the tree fell in the 10-foot space between our house and our neighbor's house, with minimal damage to our roof and the neighbor's picket fence. After seeing the tree, Dino Dude told us that he could really see how God had protected us, because there was no other way the tree would have fallen there! Thank-You, God that you strengthen the faith of Your children through the storm!!

When the storms of life come, it's easy to focus on the wind, rain and lightning. Just don't miss the opportunity to see God's mighty hand working through the whirlwind!