Windy Day

I opted to stay home from church this morning while my husband attended. He was responsible for working the sound system and picking up bagels for the congregation. Given the strong wind gusts ranging from 50 to 65 mph, I felt that my little Kia Niro would not handle the conditions safely, and I didn't want to experience a stressful 30-minute drive. As a result, I decided it was best to remain at home. 

I took the opportunity to finish my Bible study and plan to watch the recorded service once it is uploaded to YouTube.

We've experiencing some wild spring weather lately. I hesitate to complain since many of my blogging friends are dealing with serious weather issues like tornado watches. Thankfully, my SIL in Cullman hasn’t been affected, but a town just 30 miles away experienced significant damage from a tornado. My late brother and his family moved from Scott County, TN, to Alabama for a better life, and his wife mentioned that if she had known that they were moving to a tornado-prone area, she would have been more cautious about the decision.

Yesterday, we discussed the differences between tornadoes and earthquakes. She has a strong fear of earthquakes because there is no warning before they occur, which is one reason she refuses to come out here to visit. Interestingly, I prefer this lack of warning compared to having alerts. When an earthquake happens, we just deal with it without the burden of pre-worrying.

It works for me. 

I’ve experienced a couple of tornadoes in my life. Once, when I was in Indiana, I stayed in my aunt’s basement for safety. I felt scared because I worried about my family at another house. After the tornado passed, we went outside to see the damage caused by the winds. 

Another time, while driving across the country in a travel trailer, we were in Grand Island, Nebraska, and law enforcement came in the middle of the night to tell everyone to leave. We were on the road and actually saw the tornado. My mom was really scared, which made me uncomfortable because I don’t like being around panic. I think this is why I usually try to stay calm, even if I don’t always succeed. I remember my dad firmly telling my mom to stop scaring us.

So my heart goes out to everyone hunkered down all day yesterday. 

To support my sons I often encourage them in a text message to start their week.  

I do pray they find a church community to engage with. Many churches no longer hold services on Wednesdays, which has become challenging given their Sunday through Thursday work schedule. While attending church isn't mandatory, I'm concerned they are missing out on quality spiritual nourishment.

One of my sons, whose wife grew up in the LDS (Latter-day Saints) community, has become quite disillusioned with the teachings of that church, leading her to adopt a more agnostic viewpoint toward organized religion altogether. I did suggest to my son a local non-denominational Bible-teaching church that offers Saturday evening worship services, mirroring their Sunday schedule. He expressed that he wouldn't attend without his wife, as he feels it wouldn't be right for him to go alone.

God is in charge. I focus on what I can do without being a nuisance—Both my boys were raised in the church, so they are familiar with and once cherished the lifestyle. As for me, who didn't share the same Christian upbringing as they did, it bothers me. 

All I can do is pray that their friends who don’t believe may come to Christ and that the fervor of a new believer will reignite their once-passionate love for Jesus.

Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Revelation 2;4

Well, that wind is sounding serious outside, so I am getting off here - 

The husband called and is on his way home. 

Take Care, and always cherish your first love! 

Debby