Picking Up the Pieces--Postscript Added

There has been so much destruction this week.  So very many lives have been lost.  We are so saddened by the reports of homes that are no more and courageous fathers who die while literally lying across their children to protect them.

And we are so very grateful to our wonderful heavenly Father who saw fit to protect our daughter, son-in-law and their young family.  We rejoice that yesterday, instead of picking out caskets for  three little children, my daughter was cheerfully picking out paint colors for their small rental home.  Instead of weeping over lost possessions, she was preparing to move what they salvaged into a much smaller home.  Instead of being bitter over losing a large home, she is thankful for a smaller home that will be easier to clean and it will be easier to keep up with her small children.  Instead of being saddened by the loss of a large yard, she was excited about the small fenced in yard where her little boys can play without her worrying about where they are.

Yes, they will have hard times ahead.  There is the loss of a home that lots of sweat and money have been poured into...  We are extremely thankful for the small group of believers they worship with who have come together to save the contents of their home, have worked to prepare the rental property and have helped in so many ways.  We are also thankful for James' parents who have been keeping the grandsons every day, providing shelter for the whole family, feeding and caring for them, and we are also very thankful for the care from James' home church that has offered much help as well.

What a blessing to see God's people reaching out to help others in need!  Sadly, there are many others who need help and there are many, many times that God's people DON'T fill those needs due to ignorance or indifference.  Where ever you are today, what ever you are doing, find someone who needs some help and fill that need.  Food, shelter, clothing, money, prayers all are much needed at this time.  I do have a challenge for you.....It is so very easy to say to someone that you will pray for them and I don't mean to make light of prayer at all, however....put some muscle behind that prayer and actually do something to be a blessing.  Meet a need in any way you can!!  Words come easily.  Actions are an investment into those lives who are hurting.    Lord, make me a blessing to someone today!


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P.S.  Please, do not think this is a plea for help for my daughter and her family!!  They are so tremendously blessed and their immediate needs are being met.  They have food, clothing, shelter, help preparing a new home, help in clearing out the damage home and lots of aunts and uncles to help with the babysitting.  Most of their possessions that were worth keeping have been salvaged.  They do know how blessed they are and are extremely grateful.   But, even if you don't live in an area that has been ravaged by these storms there are so many needs in your own communities....You can meet a need if you just look around.