Thursday, April 28, 2011

"Stuff" is so temporary . . .

You've seen my roses, which we planted in front of a portable storage shed.

At one end of the bed, I placed potted plants around an old well to hide its ugliness. I was enjoying the beauty of it all . . .
Until this happened early Wednesday morning about 1:00 . . .
A tornado hasn't been confirmed here, but I'm sure that's what we experienced. It was so very scary! We hovered in a tiny closet and prayed . . . I prayed right out loud as unbelievable winds roared and things hit the house. But God was with us in a miraculous way. John David and I are safe, and the only damage to our house is missing shingles. The portable buildings didn't fare so well, as you can see. My crushed rose bushes are now under the mangled aluminum building, and trees and limbs and debris cover most of our yard. Of course, we lost power, which won't be recovered for some time.

We are so thankful for family and friends who came to our rescue in many ways. Progress is slow, but as you can see below, things are looking better. I know losing the big old oak is trivial compared to what's happened in Alabama - I DO realize that - but it's kinda' like losing an old friend. And it was the only shade on that side of the house. It stood tall just a few feet from our back door, so it was a miracle that it fell away from our house.

My heart goes out to those in Alabama - and other places - who've lost loved ones and all their earthly possessions. Aren't you glad that if we know Him, we can have hope in the midst of unspeakable tragedy?

I realize more than ever that "stuff" is so temporary and can be destroyed in the blink of an eye. I don't want to be too attached to my "stuff"! With God's help I want to keep my focus on the goal . . . on things that are eternal.

11 comments:

Mari said...

I'm so glad you are ok! And I'm so glad that we have a God who is always with us - no matter what else may be taken away.

Kathy said...

Oh, Glenda, I had no idea you had been hit so hard. We had heavy winds here but luckily escaped any damage. I was up until well past midnight waiting for the storm to pass ~ and it passed right to you! I'm so sorry, my friend. Stuff is just stuff (and we all really need a lot less of it) and what's important is that you and your loved ones are safe. God bless.

S. Etole said...

So grateful that you are safe ... so many lost so much this time.

WhiteStone said...

So glad you are okay. The stormy news has been horrific this week.

Beth said...

Wow! It hits home a bit more when I can put a face with the storms' effects. Not that I don't pray and care for those nameless folk touched irrevocably by these storms, but it does trip my heart a bit more when a name and face can be matched up.
So thankful you and husband are okay and that the house was not blown to bits.
As for the tree, well, they become like old friends and it's a shame it is no longer, but it's wonderful how it fell away from your house.

Anonymous said...

Thank God that you are safe. Your post is so poignant and true. We will pray for all who lost so much.
Andie

Betsy Banks Adams said...

OH Glenda, I am so very very sorry... I'm glad you are okay and that your home was spared (almost)... BUT--even still, I'm sure it was hard to go through... Yes---you can replace 'stuff' ... BUT--I still am very sad that you lost those beautiful trees and roses... They will come back though... God be with you all.

Hugs and Prayers,
Betsy

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Thank you for letting us know you are well and safe there. Yes, things can be replaced. A big clean up is happening now for other folks who lost so much more too.

Anonymous said...

I am thankful to the Lord for keeping you both safe. I'm sorry for the damage and for the clean-up that will have to follow. God bless you.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my! I know you live somewhere in the south, but not where. I am so sorry! I know how very scared you must have been, your heart must have been pounding!! I'm so glad it was only your things outside that were destroyed. I am so ready for the quiet stillness of winter to return, spring is a nightmare this year. No amount of beauty is worth this. But God has been watching over both of us and we are so blessed. Praise God!! I hope your electricity comes back on very soon.

Mrs. M said...

Oh, Glenda, I had no idea. I am so sorry for all the damage, and so thankful you are fine. Those storms were so terrible. You have a bit of a mess to clean up. I hope you have a chainsaw.