Hurricane Gustav

We survived Hurricane Gustav. We returned to our home on Thursday, but our power was still out. A couple from our church has graciously opened their home to us. Our home's power was restored today, however we cannot return home until our landlord sprays our house to rid it of a bad fly infestation. We have had this problem for months and it is only now that she has decided to do something about it. We will probably be able to go home on Monday.

 

Having to evacuate was not an enjoyable experience at all. The mere thought of a hurricane caused me much anxiety. We did not evacuate for Hurricane Katrina, but we also lived 45 miles north of Baton Rouge at the time. We did lose power for almost a week though. During Hurricane Katrina it was just Malachi and I. So we didn't have to worry about having small children with us. This time we absolutely could not stick around to ride out the storm. We evacuated north east of the storm with family and returned last night. I must say that even though we can't stay in our own home we are very happy to be closer to our home.

 

Our home has some damage but nothing too serious. We are keeping our eyes on Hurricane Ike for now. It appears that Hurricane Ike may venture into the gulf sometime next week. We are praying that Hurricane Ike will stay away from us as we are not excited about the prospect of evacuating again.

 

It is amazing how when we are experiencing a hardship or trial we tend to do one of two things:

1. Draw closer to the Lord depending solely on Him to survive the trial
   
2. Depend on ourselves and run in the opposite direction away from the Lord
   

 

I have found that it is only the Lord that can provide for my every need. It is really only He who has my best interest in mind. I often times fail to remember this when trouble is on the horizon. I still panic and begin planning a course of action without first going to the Lord for guidance. This inevitably causes strife, stress, discouragement, anger and many other emotions followed by actions that do not glorify the Lord. This past week has proven this scenario true once again. The Lord did take care of us but we did choose our own path and we paid for it in the way of unneeded stress. I encourage you today to make it your goal to always seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance even when you think you must make a split decision about something. Remember that He is fully capable of taking care of our every need, we just need to keep our faith in Him.

 

Serving God and My Family,

Crystal <>< (SAHM)