Blessed be the Name....

Wow... who knew that 2 weeks ago we were all celebrating Easter- welcoming spring- enjoying the sunshine and beautiful weather.... who knew that in 2 weeks our part of this great big world would turn in to what looks like a war zone. I sure didn't- as a matter of fact I was clueless as to just how bad the weather could get and just how quickly our fast-paced, busy appointment filled lives could be stopped- instantly stopped. I will be completely honest- I was one of those "why are you calling me 20 times to tell me to watch the weather when all it is doing is raining?" people until last week.... the thought of thunder right now makes my insides shake.

I first want to say I am thankful the Lord watched over all of us. There were so many lives affected in such a devastating way. I am thankful, humbled and extremely grateful that we came through it safely. I will never forget the pain, loss and tragic circumstances that this stormy April 27th brought through North Alabama.

I traveled through Huntland, TN yesterday- which is approximately 10-15 miles from my home- and I was stunned to see the damage from a tornado- especially since the path of that tornado came extremely close to my house... my house where I was home alone with 4 small kids and no power and no cell phone reception.... I didn't know it had gotten so bad until it was all over with! (That is when the first round of storms hit... I was prepared and safely in Granny's basement when the second round came through)

We pioneered through the power outage for 2 days before we headed to the Smoky Mtns. for hot food and hot showers and a washing machine. (well... we had plenty of hot food... we made everything on the gas grill.... sausage balls, cookies, boiled water for oatmeal....but the hot shower was worth the 4 hour drive :)
We made it back to Scottsboro on Sunday and stayed there until our power was restored around 2 pm Tuesday afternoon. ( Thanks Dusty.... even though I was one of the last to get my power... I thought you would have told them my elite status and they could have made New Market top priority lol)

When I made it home Tuesday night, I was not worried that we had nothing in our fridge, I had loads of clothing to wash-fold-& put away, I didn't mind getting up Wednesday and doing my normal cleaning routine... I actually was thanking the Lord as I mopped that I had floors to mop and that I had a house to clean... I felt guilty as I folded the mounds of laundry because there were so many left with only the shirts on their backs.....

My prayers have been for the Lord to comfort those affected- touch them as they mourn the loss of loved ones- provide every need to those who lost it all- to help the lives as they were restored into a new "normal"... my heart has ached for the ones whose lives were forever changed. It just leaves me breathless to even try to take it all in.... it is just being my comprehension...

The Lord giveth, He taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord