In the Eye of the Storm....

Tonight we sit, watching the reports of the biggest storm to hit our area in years. It is expected to be the biggest storm since the early 1900's to hit the Texas coast. The latest report calls it a record setting storm. By tomorrow afternoon, we should have a Level 1 hurricane passing over our small East Texas town. So, how do we prepare? What do we do to get ready for something we know nothing about? I'm really not sure.

I will admit I am a little more than worried. When I logged on the computer tonight I had several messages from friends who don't live near us; friends who are not caught in the eye of this storm. These friends were checking to see if we were okay and prepared for what was to come. Then, I also received an email from our electric company giving us emergency numbers to call in case of power outages. It seems that everyone around us is preparing for the big event, but here I am trying to figure out exactly what I should be doing. How do I prepare?

I've got candles....left over from the wedding. I've got bottled water. We stocked up on sandwich stuff and ice for the ice chest. I even bought batteries to try to fit in the OLD radio. Mike brought in his BIG flash light and even brought home pizza so we can have cold pizza if we want! We have secured the outside of our house to make sure if the weather is what is predicted, we don't have anything flying around. Unfortunately, we still don't have our new roof!

Ashton and Todd have come over to be with us tonight. I watch Ashton as we discuss the possibilities of tomorrow's events and she grows more and more anxious. She has never liked storms and we know she would be more at ease here at home with us. We would probably feel more at ease too having both of them here instead of at their home. Here we can keep an eye of them and know they are safe, or at least they are with us through the storm. I know I would feel much better having all those I love near by as we face the unknown.

This real storm threatens our sense of safety and security. It approaches with such a fierceness that many have fled from its path. I still sit here and wonder should I be more worried and prepare in some other way, or should I continue with the plans we have made. I don't really know the answer. I fear that I am not taking this event serious enough. I am afraid that I am underestimating the power and force that may come and that the storm I expect will be small in comparison to the real storm ahead. I wonder constantly if I am ready and then I at times I feel I am making too much of it.

In all of this, I read a friend's message that said she was "worshipping." That really struck me. Here, while I am fretting and wondering if I am ready, she is praising God. She is worshipping our Father and the One who is in total control. I think back to all the other "storms" in my life when I worried and stressed more than necessary. What did I gain from that? Nothing. How many times would I have been spared the stress and pain if I had turned my focus to worshipping and trusting God? What storm is bigger than God? Her response to this approaching storm shows what faith she has. She has chosen to "praise Him in the storm" no matter what may come.

Storms come in may shapes and sizes. Today's storm is a literal storm full of mighty winds and strong rains. It is positioned to make a mark on history that generations will talk about. I hope that whatever other storms we may face this weekend and in the years to come, that the generations after us will be able to look at how we faced our storms and say, "No matter what storm came, they praised HIM in the middle of it!" God is in control. He holds us within His might right hand and will be with us through whatever we may face. Praise Him!

Psalm 107:29 "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed."

Psalms 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Luke 8:24-25 "The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."