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

Riders on the Storm

 

It was a beautiful, wet Sunday - 

it still is, as it is only 3:50 pm. 

On Saturday, we enjoyed a gentle, steady rain, which provided moisture to the plants. The almond tree is beginning to blossom, indicating the arrival of spring. The gentle rainfall is advantageous for plants, allowing them to absorb water. I'm sure the yard is enjoying its spa treatment...I can hear them now...Ahhhh! 

The area around the pond features a waterfall, Marguerite daisies, and rosemary plants. However, we have a lot of gardening work that needs to be done, particularly the removal of Vinca, which is currently growing in patches on the hill. If I had complete rain gear, I'd go out there and start pulling it up before it turns into a jungle. 

The rocks at the base of the pond are my husband's collection of rocks from all over the world. He even has a piece from Guam!

Only a Californian gets excited over a wet patio!

(all of those clusters of green are Vinca) 

The husband upgraded the bird feeder by replacing its wooden base with a metal pole for increased durability. Hopefully, the rats can't climb it. To prevent seeds from scattering and attracting rodents, he positioned an old sheet pan from Dollar Tree underneath the feeder to catch any fallen seeds. I'm hoping this modification helps maintain cleanliness while discouraging unwanted pests.

We still have those rat motels scattered around - it looks good that they are probably gone to another yard but we won't know for sure until the spring. 

This morning, we drove to church separately due to differing schedules; he needed to arrive earlier. The weather conditions included heavy rain and strong winds, which I found exhilarating. Despite wanting to stay home, I knew that the storm was expected to last throughout the week and there would be time to snuggle down and get cozy!

 

During the day, I feel braver than at night. I get a little anxious during severe weather conditions, such as heavy winds and rain at night. The sound of the wind can be unsettling, especially in my front yard with large trees. 

Several years ago, we were having a significant storm when a neighbor's tree snapped and fell. The sound of the breaking tree was quite loud -  fortunately, no one was harmed. To alleviate my concerns about our own trees, my husband reassured me that our cedar trees are strong and resilient.

Rainwater is beginning to accumulate on the side of the house where the oleanders are planted. Given our location at the base of a hill, we experience drainage from the streets situated above. While we are not classified as being in a historical flood zone, all of the homes at the bottom are equipped with pumps that direct excess water into the street. This runoff then flows into the gutter, ultimately leading to Churn Creek and, from there, to the Sacramento River.

Laydee totally hates stepping her cute paws into puddles to pee, which is kind of weird since she loves swimming and playing in the sprinklers.

She gets mighty stubborn, and I practically have to push this almost 70-lb dog outside to potty—most of the time, I resort to bribes of food. 

I need to get going...

The wind is howling and the rain is pouring down, creating an electrifying atmosphere! 

Oh how I want to stay home. 

I decided not to stay to mingle after church - we live about 15 miles east, across the river and the rain was worse on our side. 

In Happy Valley, where my friend Margie used to live 

My son sent me this as he was biking home from work! It's a block from his house. He said it looks worse than it is—just street flooding, but it seems like a river! 

AND Yes, he bikes to and from work. I've mentioned this before. He desires a small carbon footprint. He's all geared up, though—he has three bikes, one of which is electric. He has the rain gear—and it's only four miles! He loves being out in the elements. 

Jim Morrison's "Riders on the Storm" is a song that brings me back to my junior year of high school. It is my go-to song and I hum and sing when it gets dark and stormy outside. 

Enjoy! 

God's Presence in the Storm 

One of the most comforting truths is that God is with us in the midst of our storms. In Isaiah 43:2, God promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." This assurance of His presence provides peace and strength.

Holding on to my Savior...

Debby

Socks, Wind, Church Lady, and Chicken Wings

I forgot to mention this...

I was determined to spend the rest of the Kohl's cash that I had mentioned a few posts ago - It was surprisingly difficult to find something for $7.50, so I ended up buying some much-needed socks for $11.50 to wear with my jeans and nicer shoes rather than my hiking boots.

Oh, they're so soft and cute. 

AND Yes, socks can be cute! 

So it's Sunday! 

We experienced a wind event from Friday night through all day Saturday, and a little bit this morning. This caused power outages for some customers throughout the area, several power lines came down, and a power pole snapped. We also had some spot fires, but they were quickly extinguished. Sometimes I wish they wouldn’t announce these windy conditions, as it seems to attract arsonists. Some neighbors mentioned they would stay awake all Saturday night listening to the scanner. Sadly, that is what it takes - you can't trust your safety to any Government agency. We didn't lose any power - we rarely do because we don't have PGE!

It was cold as well—not as cold as what you all just experienced but it was in the 50s during the day but it was that wind chill, it felt like the 40s during the day and the 30s at night. I had to pull out a wool coat that I only wear for such rare occasions, and I was grateful I hadn’t gotten rid of it. It’s hard to find really warm coats around here.

I had to be the old 

church lady today 

A group of teen girls gathered in the warm kitchen, at church and more of them continued to come in. No one wanted them in there, as they were in our way but no one wanted to speak to them. I finally asked if they were there to help. They all looked at me as if I had said something foreign. I told them that if they weren't there to help, then they needed to leave. They all gave me those looks I used to give grown-ups, grunted, and groaned, but eventually, they left.

We’re facing some challenges with the kids, especially the teens. A few of us have discussed this issue. At potlucks, the teens get in line first, and by the time the elderly get to the food, a significant portion is already gone. That’s not how I was raised. At the church I used to go to, in the Bay Area,  it was moms with little ones and then the elderly. Additionally, when I came downstairs to open the boxes of donuts, I noticed that half of them were already gone - with half-eaten ones on the table. They should not be eaten until after the service.

No one likes confrontation, but we need to address this. 

Dinner is calling to me...

For dinner tonight, I fixed some buffalo chicken wings.  The aroma is intoxicating.  I usually purchase my chicken wings from a local butcher, which offers exceptionally large and meaty wings, which is just right for the two of us. 

Have a great evening - 

Debby

 

A Sunday Post

Happy Sunday. 

It's another sunny day! The temperature is currently 62 degrees, but it feels cold in the shade. Once the sun sets behind the mountains, it will really get chilly fast! 

It was only 31 degrees this morning!

Oh, and I also picked up some of these mini wooden crosses to share with random people - spreading a little hope and inspiration.

Many hands make light work.

Being a member of a small church offers a unique sense of community that is hard to find in larger megachurches. Everyone has a role, and I truly appreciate that. I’m part of the hospitality group, where every Sunday, along with three other ladies, we ensure that our congregation has their coffee and donuts after the service.  We pick up the donuts, carefully slice them in half to minimize waste, prepare the coffee and hot water, and set out paper plates, napkins, and pitchers of ice and water in the fridge, ready to serve when our service is over and everyone comes downstairs. 

Since my husband and I live closest to the Bagel shop, he takes on the task of picking up the bagels and cream cheese. Both the donuts and bagels are pre-ordered and waiting for us. All we have to do is pick them up. 

Now, my husband will be working the sound system and they can rotate. It truly feels good to be so plugged into our church community.

 

Good news about the FOB situation. He found it in the basket where we keep the dog's leashes and harnesses. He discovered it just in time because he had checked with a local locksmith on Friday. The locksmith quoted us 50% less than what the dealer had quoted, and he was about to order it through the locksmith!

Saved 100% 

by not having to buy one in the first place. 

So, I found the tile I had initially given him and stood over him as he placed it on the key ring and activated it.

 Lord willing, he should be good. 

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Gail's husband, a beloved member of both his church and Gail's temple. The interfaith memorial was a beautiful tribute, highlighted by a karaoke sing-along of "Whiter Shade of Pale," which brought laughter and joy. As well as a stunning guitar rendition of "Fire and Rain".

Each memorial is unique, just like the individuals we honor, and the Rabbi recited the beautiful Kaddish and El Rachamim prayers.

Afterward, we enjoyed a dinner together. Overall, this memorial was uplifting, and I left with a sense of peace. I only met Randy twice, but we were really there for Gail, who appreciated our presence.

That's a wrap for this Sunday post! I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and feeling excited about the week ahead. It’s amazing how fast these weeks fly by, isn’t it? Let’s make the most of them! Enjoy your night!