The Storm

Last night as I brushed my teeth by candlelight, Bo asked me if I had flipped over the scripture verse for the day.

I hadn't because of the craziness.  We live in north Alabama and we have endured a life changing experience.
As I flipped over the calendar and read the verse I almost couldn't believe how appropriate it was...

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

Psalms 46:1-3

I had awakened to heavy winds and rain.  Just in time to hear Chris tell the three big kiddos to run to the bathroom.  He yelled for me to grab the babies.  I grabbed our newest tiny one and Chris grabbed Little Bitty.  We took shelter in our bathroom.  As we emerged we saw trees snapped in the pasture and our two large pecan trees and dogwood tree down in our yard.  The jungle gym was toppled and shingles from our roof littered the yard.

The boys began to cry.  We had just completed our spring tree study on our pecan trees.  We were going to follow them through the seasons.  They understood that we couldn't just plant another tree and see it grow quickly.

We stopped and talked about God's protection.  We stopped as a family and thanked him for watching over us.  After our prayers we got dressed and headed out to check on the neighbors.  Everyone was fine, but lots of trees on houses.

Since our experience yesterday, many others in Alabama have suffered much more damage and there has been a tremendous loss of life.  

Gifts in the midst of the storm...

Chris was home...he was getting ready to leave for work

I had awakened just before the worst part...the littles were awake and able to run to the bathroom

Our home is standing...

We are safe...
I have been reminded again that I am not in control...not even a little bit...