The Big Blow of '98

In 1998 a storm came through leaving damage behind.  We were fortunate the damage, although rather extensive, it did not touch our home.  We were front row witnesses of watching God's hand of protection on our home and family.

May 15, 1998 was a very warm and muggy day.  The forecast  called for potential severe weather.  I made some preparations for this potential: washing dishes, doing a load of laundry, filling buckets of water for toilets, made bottles for the baby, made room for my car in the garage.  I wanted to put my car in the shed as the garage floor was littered with toddler toys, but the tractor was in the way.  So I quickly cleared out the garage floor.  I figured this was the type of storm that we could lose power for a few hours, maybe a bit of hail.  Little did I know...

I spent the morning caring for my babies, preparing for 'potential' weather, and enjoying the beauty of the current weather.  I sat on the screen porch we then had journaling and praying.  I remember being thankful for our home, the beauty of our surroundings, and the wonderful life I was leading.  I also prayed for our protection, specifically protection of our home and lives should storms develop. 

The weather was ripe for storms, very warm, high 90s (F) temperatures, muggy.  One could feel the conditions were ripe for big thunderstorms and maybe tornadoes.  As a child, I was overly afraid of storms, even an innocent dark cloud would send me under the covers.  I decided this particular day, that I would not pass this irrational fear to my children.

I laid my children down for their afternoon nap.  Fans running to try to stay cool in our unairconditioned home.  I kept an eye on the weather by watching the local news stations and radar.  Sure enough, a large storm was making a bee line for our neighborhood.  I stayed calm and remained alert.

The baby awoke first, wearing only a diaper, I placed her in her highchair to feed her.  I noticed the water coming in the back storm door.  I checked to make sure I had closed the window, which I had, and closed the heavier interior door.  My phone rang, it was my mom, wondering if I was doing okay, knowing my fear of storms.  I assured her all was well - remember I was not going to pass on my fear.   Then I glanced out the window, something was amiss, the shed didn't look right.  I called my mom asking her to come over after the storm, I thought we would likely need her as I thought something was 'wrong' with the shed.  The sirens started wailing near her home, she shrieked we all needed to head for cover... she lives a short three miles away.  Our community does not have the sirens, but Mom's does have these warning devices.  Definitely not the day to 'stay calm', I should have been in the basement.  I later learned all the neighbors had taken shelter in their basements.

 

( Before )

I grabbed the baby and headed to my toddler's room to awaken her from her nap.  It was then that I saw the tree down.  Oh!  That was the "booming" sound I heard.  Upon opening the door to my daughter's room, she said, "Mommy, it's storming."  I affirmed her in her astuteness and hustled her to the basement, grabbing the diaper bag, which always had a few snacks in it, on my way down the stairs.  We remained in our old, musty, non-liveable basement for a bit.   I was thankful for that diaper bag with the snacks and a blanket to wrap my nearly naked baby in to ward off the basement chill.  I remember singing "This Little Light of Mine" with my babies.

The phone rang again... my mom wondering how we were and shooing me back to the basement as another wave of storms was to be passing through shortly.  I looked at the shed... definitely it was tilted.  I returned to the basement awaiting the all clear.  The all clear came from my mother bursting through the back door and my husband's arrival home from work.

Remember my prayer of protection?  My husband was driving home during this weather, his timing was such that he missed the hail that caused considerable damage to other motorists, he missed the horrible winds, drove in mostly rain.  God protected him on his commute.



Recall my desire to put the car in the shed?  The garage was untouched.  But the shed was pushed 10 feet off it's foundation.  It definitely did not look 'right'.  The only reason it was standing was the roof was resting and being upheld by the smoke stack on the tractor.  The building was a total loss.  A sad event as it was a historical building, at one time having been a one room school house, moved and converted to a shed.  As we tore down the building, we saved the square nails that it had been used for its construction.  The shed is on the NW corner of our property.  God protected our car and our hobby farm equipment and tools.

 

We also lost 14, 50 foot pine trees, uprooted and laying across the lawn.  The majestic beauties stood in a line in our front yard from the road to the house on the SE side.  Two trees remain standing today, the two that would have fallen on our home crushing the bedroom where my daughter lay napping.  Closer to the house near, infront of those two trees was a huge Box Elder tree that lost branches in any heavy breeze, did not topple nor lose a branch.  God protected my daughter.

                                    (fallen trees)

                                                                                                     (fallen trees root balls)

On all sides damage had been done to our property.  In the middle stood our home which was completely untouched, not a shingle lost.  I had pulled, the previous day, a tumble weed looking old plant -  it lay on the grass where I left it.   The garage where the car was sheltered unscathed.  God protected our home.

The power?  Well, we had power, sort of.  When the shed was pushed off it's foundation it pushed against the guide wire to one of the power poles, making it lean and pulling taut all the power lines to the house.  They did not snap, but it was a precarious situation.  It was not safe to use the electricity. God protected us from live, broken power lines and potential fire.

An incredible testimony to God's faithfulness in our lives.  We have built a new shed and replanted trees.  But we remember His hand of protection always as we look at the remaining two trees tower over our house.

471 miles for a hug

471 miles.  That is all that stood between me and my friend, S.  Initially, I did not realize that only 471 miles would be separating us on a particular weekend in May.  Usually we have are separated by 4,400 miles.  4,400 miles that cannot be driven as an ocean stands in the way, airplanes or ships are required to connect us.  But 471 miles on the same continent in the same country, this was something I could conquer with my SUV.    

Who is S?   Why would I travel 4,400 miles or 471 miles to see her?  S is a friend, a confidant, a sister.  She and I, in a very short period, formed bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.  A friend who has seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the pretty.    Together we have experienced infants, pregnancy, toddlers, low incomes, tears, laughter, sleepless nights, tragedies, joys, dreams, fears, disappointments, and celebrations.  Sounds like a lifetime, doesn't it?  Yet most of our friendship has been spent separated by 4,400 miles.

We met when my oldest daughter was a mere three weeks old.  I walked through the doors of our community church for a ladies Bible study.  A new mom, lonely, and desperate for friends.  Until my daughter had been born I worked full-time, commuting 35 miles one way.  I had not developed friends in my community.  Suddenly I was home full time and very lonely.  I bravely entered the doors of the church. 

I was not new to church or Bible studies.  I grew up in a Christian home.  But as a young adult, church going was not a priority, we were too busy working and 'starting our lives'.  We had not found a local church home prior to our daughter's birth.   Accustomed to leaving the home everyday to go to work, I was lonely and tired of the four walls.  I screwed up my courage and went to the mid-week morning, ladies Bible study with my tiny baby.

Babies attract attention!  I was greeted, my baby ooohed and aaaahed.  And in the small gathering was a young lady with a very round belly.  This turned out to be S.  She was expecting her first child in two months.  She was drawn to my tiny infant and I to another person in my peer group.  Our friendship was off and running. 

We experienced all the wonders of being mothers of infants together.   We were each other's lifeline during those days.  Our girls were 'instant' friends.  We attended classes together, took walks, to garage sales, and enjoyed watching our children grow and develop.  It wasn't long before we were dreaming of more children and devised a plan to add on to each of our families at the same time.  Nothing to bond women together than pregnancy!  Our plan succeeded... I became pregnant with our second daughter and she became pregnant with twins!  Shortly we had five children under the age of two between us.  The fun was just beginning.

We had many adventures together with those babies and other babies as she did daycare for two other families.    She a youth pastor's wife as well in our church, we tackled a few ministry tasks together as well.  Big, round, pregnant with toddlers in tow we ran Vacation Bible School - without air conditioning in August!  Ahh the memories.

S and her husband were missionary candidates, their time in my local church was coming to an end.  Shortly they were called to an over seas assignment.  We had become friends and sisters in a brief three years.  But our friendship did not cease.  I made room in our budget for over seas phone calls, mailing packages and visits to  their new home - once with a with preschooler, another with two elementary aged children along.  I have prayed for them, supported them, and loved them from afar.  I have been blessed by her friendship, my world expanded beyond my small town, state, and country borders.

So when 471 miles separated us... I made my way to give her a hug in person.  Just another adventure in our friendship.  Before our friendship I had not run a VBS program, been out of the country, or driven by myself as the only driver 471 miles.  There is always a first time for everything.  Sharing a conversation and hug is definitely worth all the scariness of new adventures and 471 miles!

Unexpected Adventure = Mother-Daughter Time

Today I am preparing to leave on a road trip.  I think I put too much pressure on myself in my preparations.  I like to leave a clean, mostly organized house.  Why?  When returning there is usually a chaos of stuff  coming into the house, which if put on top of a mess would make me nutty!  If we depart with organization and cleanliness it allows me to relax and rest upon my return.  Make sense?

This process of preparation usually drives my family nutty, remember I live in  Forest of Crazy.  I tend to get wound up and go non-stop, jumping from one thing to the next.  I understand why the family gets frustrated, I don't really like it myself.  I have tried to tame this beast and have made some progress, I think.  Maybe should I should ask the family?

I have spent the last few days trying to get the lawn mowed.  It is obnoxiously long and must be cut or it will be out of control.  Problem is that it continues to rain so getting it done has been a challenge.  Last night, I was attempting to mow the last two sections when the squealing began, ending my mowing.  Hubby declared it a bearing issue... a new part has been purchased.  Alas, hubby may need to do finish the mowing.

This is the longest road trip I am undertaking without my hubby.  I will be traveling with my youngest daughter, DD#2, who is a lovely 13 years old.  I am excited to get away with her, spend one-on-one time, find our way on an adventure.  In essence mother-daughter bonding.  Leaving behind DD#1 and hubby for some of their own bonding time. 

On the first leg of our journey we are joined by hubby's sister, E, and her adorable 7.5 month old baby L.  They are the ones that began this whole adventure.   A casual comment from E telling me was going to visit her aunt with L, a five hour journey.  Thinking she was brave to travel that distance alone with a baby, I asked if she wanted company.  Now we are a day away from departing.

This is the only part of the journey with E and L.  They will be joined by brother-in-law, G, the following evening where they will continue on with their own weekend adventure.  As this trip developed, I realized that my very good friend would be in the states the same weekend.  This is significant as she is a missionary serving over seas. In visiting Auntie, I realized I would be within four hours of her location!!  Whoo Hoo! 

The plan is to spend one night with Auntie, depart the following morning to meet up with S.  Yet it gets better.  S is attending our church domination bi-annual conference.  I did not think this was something for me, as I figured it was for the missionaries, pastors, and church leaders.  But I discovered I was wrong - I can attend as well.  Hear the incredible speakers - Ravi Zacharias and John Stumbo, Gracia Burnham, & more.  My pastor's wife was able to obtain tickets for us to attend the popular ladies luncheon.  How cool is this deal?  Not only do I get to connect with S, I get to attend an incredible conference.  AND I get to share it with DD#2. 

I have been tickled at DD#2's excitement.  I wasn't certain that she would be excited about a church event geared mostly for adults.  She has proven me wrong, counting down the days to our departure.  She is a great companion.  I am anticipating some fun memories.  She already knows her mom is the queen of turn arounds, so we should travel together just fine. 

Feeling very blessed to be able to go on this adventure.  An unexpected adventure to be sure, but I think these are the best kind, don't you?  So now the house is mostly clean, the lawn mostly mowed, the clothes are packed, and the departure is near.  Excited to spend time with DD#2, E, L, Auntie, & S.  Most importantly looking forward to what the Lord has planned for us.

Walking - It makes a heart healthy

Yes, I know, another post about walking.  How can I possibly have more to say about walking?  A dozen years of regular walking and most of that time with my neighbor and friend, leaves me with lots of memories.   Walking about three miles, as many days as possible, has made my heart healthier.  It has also greatly improved my mental health. 

The past weekend was full of rain and stormy weather.  The weekend of the tornadoes that devastated Minneapolis, MN and Joplin, MO.  Our family spent time in the basement hiding from the severe weather or closely watching the radar to make an escape to the basement.  But in the evening of Sunday, the skies cleared allowing an opportunity to go for a walk and visit with my walking partner.  We had a lot to catch up on from the weekend!

We made our way down the familiar road, dodging a few left over raindrops and avoiding mud puddles.  As we walked we caught up on the activities of the weekend.  Exercising our bodies, improving our physical health simultaneously improving our mental health.  I am so thankful for my dear friend - M, her listening ear, observant eyes, wise thoughts, and witty sense of humor.

We turned the corner on our familiar loop.  Mid-step I stopped, gasped, and pointed at the most incredible rainbow.   We both stood in awe at the incredible, vivid rainbow that looked as it ended in the field just mere feet away.  We then spotted the second rainbow.  Knowing I usually carry my phone that is so fancy as to have a camera, M suggested I take a picture. 

Peer closely at the end of the rainbow, it appears to end just there in the field behind the shed.  We did not spot a leprechaun nor a pot of gold, not even a pot of Skittles.  :)

M then thought we should have a picture of the two of us with the rainbow in the background.  It turned into a laughing, silly activity as we both battled the phone camera to capture our desired photo.  Below see our results.... 

"Uh, did it take, um wait, oh yeah, oops"

We made several more attempts to capture this desired photo, amidst much laughter...  here is our next best result:

Clearly, we are technology challenged!   But we have healthy hearts and saner minds... I think.

And we forgot the dog in the picture.  Ha!

Conflicts in Marriage

How do you handle a conflict or difference of opinion in a marriage relationship?  That has been my challenge recently.  My beloved and I approach most things in a completely different manner.  We do not think in the same way.  Sometimes we will arrive at the same conclusion but just as often we do not.  Both of us must articulate our thoughts to 'make our case' to each other.

It is said that opposites attract!  That is true in our relationship.  Hubby is an engineer, very systematic, logical, linear, and thorough in his thought process.    He is very knowledgeable and articulate.  Usually what comes out of his mouth has been thought out before it is even considered to be uttered past his lips.  He can analyze a situation and usually has very valid points for his opinion (even if I happen to disagree with him).

I am very scattered in my thoughts.  I have a tendency to latch onto one idea or statement.  I do not think thoroughly or sequentially.  Next to hubby, I often feel like my head is full of fluff and stuff.  I just do not have the same ability to analyze as he.  His depth of knowledge and ability to quickly learn is not my gifting but I make up for it in enthusiasm.   I can visualize the final product but not so much  the steps that it takes to get there.  I am quick in my thought process and just as quick to speak it. 

So very different.  It makes life interesting.  While pregnant with our oldest daughter, we renovated her bedroom.  It was completely gutted to the studs and rebuilt.  Many minute details and decisions have to be made in remodeling.  This can lead to some intense conversations between my beloved and I.  One particular decision was a light/ceiling fan fixture for the room.  We spent most of the pregnancy looking at countless fixtures.  Trying to find one we both liked.    Now to the above thought process add pregnancy hormones.  You can imagine the fun we had during that time!!  Finally we found one and it is likely to never come off the ceiling. 

Remodeling is difficult in the best of circumstances.  It has tried our relationship and marriage.  I remember telling him I never wanted to build a home.  Instead we bought an old home that is requiring remodeling.  UGH!  Have I mentioned the endless decisions?  Hubby has taken things into his own hands and not even given me the opportunity on quite a few of the details.  Most of the time I am okay with this but not always - - depends on the mood, I guess.  The best solution he has come up with is to narrow the selection down to 2-4 choices.  I then am much better able to make a decision.  Although, more than once I have frustrated him with not liking anything. 

Our  most recent discussion item hasn't been in remodeling or construction.  Although that process has helped us both learn how to talk to one another.  This time it is over life and home management and planning.  Again, we approached it from opposite directions.  And again, we struggled to find common ground and understanding.  And again, it took time.  Yet, we are making process.  Slowly but surely.

It really is about listening and compromise.  A marital relationship requires humility, selflessness, listening , and respect.  I rediscover over and over again those qualities will always keep the love alive.  Without those things in your relationship, love is squelched and has a difficult time flourishing.    (*wink* Hiring a designer to help in the remodeling process is also a marriage saver.)

Walk, walk, walk part 2

My neighbor and I are resuming our regular walking schedule now that the roads are not ice and snow covered and the temperatures are a bit milder. It is later than usual this year with the extended winter and we are not as hardy as we were in our younger years. O-dark hundred is not as dark with the summer equinox approaching. I am now returning home as dawn is approaching.

I realized that my inky dark days on the road are over. When we started our walking journey all those years ago, there was only one house and a swamp between my home and hers. The trek to her house was sometimes very black on moonless, cloud covered mornings. As the years have passed three homes have been built on that stretch. One of these new homes has a security light on the garage which is on all night long. Sadly, it's light pollution dampens star and planet gazing, but a full moon can have the same effect! But it does provide light along the path to meet in the pre-dawn darkness.

We have walked in all kinds of weather. Our goal is to walk April through Thanksgiving. Some years were mild and we could walk as early as March and as late as December, other years have been colder and snowier ending our walking before November or delaying our start in the Spring. Sometimes illness or injury interrupts our walking. But we strive to exercise to keep our hearts healthy and the pounds off.

The challenge is identifying the weather at 0-dark hundred. To make that quiet phone call to cancel due to rain or lightning has been spotted. Other times it is rather obvious when thunder rattles the windows and lightning turns the night into day. There have been days when I walked out the door into rain to turn around to make that phone call and crawl back into bed.

We laughed one year as we each gave the other rain suits and ponchos as birthday gifts. Rain is usually our biggest weather challenge. We have walked in lots of rain: misty, drippy, downpours, scattered drops, intermittent, stormy. Neither of us are fond of lightning and try to avoid being out in it but sometimes it sneaks up on us. I am not fond of thunder either, makes me jumpy. Where's there thunder I figure lightning is nearby too.

We have monitored the skies, watching storms in the distance. We try to determine the direction they are moving and gauge if we can make it. There have been a few deliberate walks in the misty rain. And there has been at least one mad dash as we ran, caught in a down pour. We carry cell phones these days in case we have mis-judged the weather but I don't recall actually calling for a rescue pick up. We haven't melted yet, just been soaked to the bone.

Our other challenge is snow and ice. Half of our walk is on a gravel road without a shoulder. We have tried different boots, ice grabbers for our shoes, walking sticks to help assist us on the slipperiness. But really the danger comes if a car were to start sliding, there is no where to go. So we usually avoid walking in these conditions, especially in the dark.

O-Dark Hundred has it advantages. Usually the winds are calm before dawn. Even cold mornings can be quite pleasant without the wind creating a wind-chill. Cold air clears the atmosphere and the stars are all the more brilliant. Warm, humid summer days are much more tolerable before the sun rises adding to the heat index. Early enough to usually avoid the bugs which come out in swarms upon sunrise.

Living in the upper mid-west does have it's challenges with the weather. We have been known to have all four seasons in a day. This year we had snow two days one week followed by humidity and heat with severe storms the next week. We have learned to walk in all sorts of weather and to keep an eye on the sky.