Hurricane Harvey 2017

What a difference a week makes.  A week ago Monday we were marveling as the moon eclipsed the sun and its light dimmed.  This week we longed for the sun to shine and offer a glimmer of hope that the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey will someday be over and rebuilding and restoration can take place.  Even though it may take years to be able to process all that occurred these past few days, I have been reminded in so many ways of God’s presence, love, care, and provision during these days.

Some quotes that surfaced this week:

“God’s peace is not the calm after the storm.  It’s the steadfastness during it.”

Christian rock lyrics

“It’s not about how we start, but how we end.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.’  To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are many caring people in this world.”

Mr. Fred Rogers

Things I want to remember and ponder:

* Time to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice

* People are always more important than things 
* Gratitude for son, Brad, who studied and learned well and could decipher the information and give peace and comfort that our home would be OK

* First responders giving their time for days on end while their families miss having them home

* Policemen, firemen, and other first responders who came from other cities and states to give our people help and time to rest

* Kathryn Mills, a second grade teacher in Katy, creating the Hurricane Harvey Book Club on Facebook, where children and adults video and post the reading of books, in order to help children deal with the hurricane and encourage reading

* Longest lines were not for food, water, or supplies, but to volunteer

* Four men from church who used a boat they use for recreation/sport as transportation to rescue people in need

* People who used their boat to rescue a family from church and then returned to rescue other families as well

* Rescuers forming a human chain across a road to rescue an elderly man trapped in his car

* Retired Baptist Men coming to cleanup, serve food, and minister through manual labor

* Two young moms dressing up as Ana and Elsa and visiting shelters

* People whose homes had flooded out rescuing other families

* Churches reaching out to their members and community

* Encouraging messages from pastors and God’s Word

* People taking vacation days and coming from cities across Texas and other states to help

* Neighbors and strangers becoming friends and family

* It’s better to have too much of needed supplies and not need them than to not have enough and need them

* Even though the initial hit has passed, this is now a marathon and not a sprint

* It’s worth heeding the constant tornado warnings to take cover, just in case

* Grateful for technology, phone calls, and personal encounters to check on people

* It’s important to keep things in perspective

* The willingness of people to help others whether they knew them previously or not

* Even the ordinary becomes extraordinary when the schedule is interrupted

* Making sure the decisions you make do not put other people at risk

* A little girl in our neighborhood who made, iced, decorated, and gave cupcakes to the workers

* We do better when we work as a team rather than competition

* We now have the opportunity to help rebuild, restore, and be even better than before

Songs have also been a source of hope, reassurance and peace this week.

“The Eye of the Storm”

Ryan Stevenson

I can feel the rain reminding me

In the eye of the storm

You remain in control

And in the middle of the war

You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor

When my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me

In the eye of the storm

“I Will Make All Things New”

Words and Music by Mary McDonald

Based on Isaiah 43:1-19

When you pass through the waters, I am with you.

When you go through the sea, I am there.

When you go through the fire, the flames will not harm you.

I am God, I am Lord, I am there!

I will make all things new;

I will watch over you.

I will renew, I will restore, I am God!

I will make all things new;

I paid a price for you.

I am the Lord. I am your God, you are mine.

In your trial or your sorrow,

I am with you.

When hope fades for tomorrow, I am there.

In your trouble or pain, call my name;

I’ll be with you.

I am God, I am Lord, I am there!

I created the heavens;

I created the earth.

I created my people.

Rejoice!  I am God!

I will make all things new;

I will watch over you.

I will renew, I will restore, I am God!

I will make all things new;

I paid a price for you.

I am the Lord. I am your God, you are mine.

You are Mine!

More than anything, God’s Word has brought peace, hope, and comfort during these days.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:13

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

God is our refuge and strength,

     an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

     and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

     and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

He will cover you with his feathers,

     and under his wings you will find refuge;

     his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Psalm 91:4

So do not fear, for I am with you;

     Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

     I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

     I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

     I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

     they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

     you will not be burned;

     the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD your God,

     the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43: 1b-3a

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,

     for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

     Great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Let us not become weary is doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

I Peter 4:8-10

We have a starting date for Hurricane Harvey but the ending date will not be final until the last repair has been made.  As homes are made new, may we also be willing to be made new as we pray, listen, give, and serve. Then we will be the helpers people need and are looking for.  

Totally Eclipsed by the Son

What an amazing experience to view part of God’s power and creation on Monday.  Several people met in the church parking lot to view the solar eclipse.  There was much awe and excitement as the eclipse went through its stages.  We were able to view the wonder through special safety glasses, cereal box viewers, a pinpoint in a white piece of paper projecting onto another piece of paper, shadows on the sidewalk, along with pictures people were taking on their phones.  The excitement was contagious.  We were able to witness the partial eclipse, see a few stars, a planet, and the sky somewhat darkening.  As exciting as it was to see 67% of the eclipse, it must have been incredible to experience the total solar eclipse.  The reports and pictures of the people in Oregon, Wyoming, across Tennessee and South Carolina that saw the total eclipse were remarkable. 

April 8, 2024, there will be another total solar eclipse that will pass through several cities in Texas.  After viewing a partial, I’m more than excited about the possibility of experiencing a total eclipse in person.  I wonder if they are already taking reservations.

This week I’ve also pondered what it would be like to be totally eclipsed by the Son where when people looked at me they instead saw Jesus.   He has already covered all my sins.  Each day I am eclipsed by my faith, trust, obedience, words, actions, and deeds.  I don’t want to settle for 67% coverage.  Oh to be able to live a life that is totally eclipsed by the Son.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

     the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Psalm 32:1 (and Romans 4:7)

You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.

Psalm 85:2

Praise him, sun and moon;

     praise him, all you shining stars.

Psalm 148:3

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:

     Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one

     and calls forth each of them by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength,

     Not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

ABC's and 1-2-3's

The starting of the school year seems like a gift of a second chance to begin a new year.  Whether it’s first grade, junior high, high school, college, or the world of education after graduation, we’re all still in the process of learning and growing.

So as a new school year begins:

* Trust in the LORD and seek his ways.

* Choose your mentors and friends wisely.  You tend to become like those you are around the most.

* Be quick to listen.

* Think before you speak.

* Your words, responses, and tone of voice make a difference.

* Manners and respect still matter.

* Clean up your own messes.

* Be willing to go above and beyond what is expected.

* Seek out those who need a friend or help.

* Choose to do what is right, even if no one is looking.

* Express gratitude and appreciation.

* Mistakes don’t define you.  What you do about them could.

* You are investing in your future.  Make it count.

* Be strong and courageous.

* Don’t ever give up.

* And whatever you do, whether it’s doing chores, studying, taking a test, participating in a sports event, practicing a musical instrument, riding the bus, or visiting in the hallway, do it all for the glory of God.

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

     and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

     and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

     be pleasing in your sight,

     LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Grace Fillled Lessons and Help

Kalynne, a Minneapolis mom, was sitting at a table in Starbucks, inside a Target store, when she witnessed an encounter with a young boy and someone she assumed was his father.  The boy accidentally spilled his red and blue slushee.  It splattered and made quite a mess on the floor.  Instantly the son began apologizing.  The father responded, “Hey, it happens.  Let’s go get napkins and I can show you how to clean it up.”  Realizing that response was one she wanted to remember, Kalynne opened the notes app on her phone and recorded the conversation.  After patiently helping his son clean up the mess and throwing away the messy napkins, the father continued, “You’re going to be a human being for a long time, and you have such a smart brain that it’s important you learn how to be more aware of what you’re doing.  So next time just be sure to pay more attention to your surroundings so accidents like this don’t happen.  Accidents like these can be prevented, but it’s still okay if they happen.  As long as you take responsibility for your mistakes, the cleanup is a breeze.”  While still sitting nearby, Kalynne heard the father further respond, “I know big messes seem overwhelming and you might feel like you can’t do it by yourself, but it’s okay to ask for help.  There is no problem with asking for help when you need it.”

That’s a conversation I can hear my loving Heavenly Father saying, too. 

“Lord, I’m sorry.  I made a mess.”

“You’re forgiven. I’ll show you how to clean it up.” 
“You’re human.”
“I’ve given you a smart brain to use to help avoid these situations.”

“It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and what you are doing.”

“Mistakes/accidents will happen.  Take responsibility and clean them up.”

“It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.”

 “I’m here to teach, encourage, and come alongside you.”

As I’m learning and cleaning up the messes, may I also be willing to be an encouraging and grace filled helper for others in the process.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Acts 13:38

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

John 1:9

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32