Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Millions of us in the United States experience the wrath of mega-storm, Fern, which brings freezing rain and snow from Texas to the southeastern states and rages up into the mid-Atlantic states and New England, recreating itself into a classic Nor'easter. I can't recall a winter event of such magnitude in my lifetime, nor one about which we are warned for days, if not weeks, ahead.
I've lived through enough ice storms here in Georgia to never want to suffer those interminable stretches of being homebound with no power and only a fireplace to heat a home. So, Danny and I do our level best to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.
Our biggest concern is the potential for ice to build up on pine limbs; since pine is a soft wood, and the needles quickly gain weight under a coating of ice, they are the most vulnerable to breaking off the trees with an ear-splitting report like a gunshot. It's downright alarming! Those of you who've lived through ice storms know precisely what I'm describing here.
These are some of the items we gather up from various areas in our house in order to be prepared should our power be adversely affected. Battery-powered lanterns sit on the hearth along with pairs of hand warmers.
Extra batteries as back up for these and our numerous flashlights.
Danny inflates our air mattress downstairs in case we think the danger of sleeping upstairs becomes too real.
He even digs out some ancient, but useable, sleeping bags that are stored in plastic bins in our garage.
Our phones are charged to the max, backup battery packs have sufficient juice, the laundry is caught up for the week, and best of all, I make our favorite oatmeal-raisin cookies, always a source of comfort.
As we creep toward the edge of Fern's arrival in our area, we see a glimmer of hope. Our neck of the woods is not predicted to get a branch-busting amount of ice! We take a deep breath and hope this forecast holds true. And the next morning? This is all the "damage" I see.
To top it all off, we don't lose our electricity for one moment! I am beside myself with joy at my first steaming cup of coffee and the hot shower I'm able to take that morning. And that gives me pause. Instead of thanking God for the benefits of having running water, reliable power grids, a warm home, and food to eat, how many of us take such privileges for granted? We shouldn't. We should intentionally and humbly give thanks to God each and every day for His more than generous blessings.
That being said, I pray for all who have had to face Fern's fury head on, and who still out of power and warmth as bitter cold seeps into our region. Please feel free to share your experiences and your prayer requests in the comments. Know that all of you are in my heart, but most importantly, know you are loved by Our Father as His children and His treasure.
And always remember - give thanks!
Amen!
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We did not lose power either. What a blessing from God!! You were really well prepared though.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to know that you didn't lose power, either, Ginny. Past experiences have taught us so much about having what we could need if the worst happens, it's pretty much second nature for us. Stay warm on this freezing cold day!
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We didn't lose power nor did our pipes freeze. Our crawlspace is enclosed and we have a vent that feeds it in the winter and summer. We did get a lot of snow. I'm thinking well over 12". I shoveled twice with yesterday's being the biggest. I got the cars cleared off and started and path for the garbage can to be taken to the street (if they come). We had to cancel services. We actually did that on Friday so word could get out soon enough. I was able to nap and read (not in that order!) :) All in all I would say we were blessed. As I told you yesterday, glad you and Danny were not left powerless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with the recent storm, Bill. Our services were cancelled, too, which was the right call to make. If we had gotten the kind of snow you did, it would take us weeks to dig out from it. I think you've seen how steep our driveway is through previous posts. No fun!
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Of course we didn't experience any of Fern's fury here in Florida, thank the Lord, but we certainly prayed for all of you who appeared to be in her path. So thankful God spared you all the devastation that certainly could've happened.! Better to be well prepared and not have to use it than to be caught off guard and wishing you'd prepared. Now we are getting ready for the really cold temperatures that are coming our way this week. And actually our power did go off for about 10 minutes this morning, just as I was preparing breakfast! Thankfully the eggs were cooked and the toast had popped when everything went totally dark! After finding a nearby flashlight we proceeded to go ahead and eat, and then the lights came back on! I hope that's the worst of it for us, but time will tell as it gets much colder this weekend. So thankful you are all okay. Praise God!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope that's the worst you get, too, Pamela. So glad the lights came back on so quickly! Yes, we're in the deep freeze here and not likely to see temps above freezing for at least another week. I guess that's what winter is all about, even sometimes in Florida.
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Praise the Lord that you are well and safe. Keep warm and take care. We owe so much to God for so many things. Let us give thanks always.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
We are thanking God each and every day, Victor! Yes, we owe everything to Him.
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We missed the ice, but, boy, did we get some snow - about 11 inches where we live. A miles south of us got 13 inches.
ReplyDeleteWow, Glynn, that's a ton of snow by Georgia standards! So glad you didn't have to contend with ice as it's monumentally dangerous. Stay warm, my friend.
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We have snow and ice, but no utility interruption or damage. So thankful.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that, Diana. Having heat and light is crucial. Stay warm!
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Stay safe! Ice is the worst.
ReplyDeleteIce is the worst, Christine. We are so thankful that we got so little this time around.
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"prepare for the worst and pray for the best" is what my husband always says except he changes out "best" for rest.
ReplyDeleteNone of that here and I am very thankful. You prepared well.
I am not familiar with the ice so it's very interesting to me. You living in a forest, could have been another story. Glad it all worked out for you and no loss of power.
We are so grateful that it worked out for us, too, Debby. I love your husband's phrase. I'll certainly remember that in the future. It's so very cold here now, that going outdoors is actually painful. Staying warm inside.
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Oh, thank you for this update! Like y'all, we were most fortunate -- but that doesn't mean we didn't plan. I never thought about hand warmers; must investigate Amazon! Throughout the last 24-48 hours, my prayers have included those brave men (and women) working to restore power in some nasty conditions. Unlike professional athletes, THEY're my MVPs.
ReplyDeleteThey are mine, too, Myra! They work around the clock to get everyone back up and running. I'm glad to hear that you didn't lose your power, either, but I sure feel for the folks in Mississippi and Tennessee. They are truly in a bind. Let's keep praying!
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Dear Martha, I also love ❤️ oatmeal raisin cookies. 😋
ReplyDeleteThey are the best, Linda! I've tried them with chocolate chips, but they just aren't the same.
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I'm so glad you weathered the storm well. We got about 5 inches of snow and it's super cold, but all is well here in KC. Thanks for all the tips on preparing well. And as always, praising God with you for His grace, mercy, and love. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Deb. We truly are relieved and grateful, too, for God's grace, mercy and love.
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We did the exact same weather safety measures you did down to backing cookies. We were sure blessed, weren't we? I thought the weather forecasters were saying we could be in for a month. We did lose power for about ten hours. Got it back quick. God was sure good to us - not so for other though.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sandie, I'm so glad to hear this! Here you are, practically down the street from us, yet you lost your power for ten hours. We are on Georgia Power; are y'all on Cobb EMC? As the temperatures are moderating now, I'm thanking the Lord that we've dodged this bullet for the time being.
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Thank you for your prayers, Martha. I'll tell you one example of how God has answered! The S-I-L and family of our older son lost power. They have two children and an infant born early December. But her husband was able to borrow a generator and some space heaters so they can at least stay warm--AND keep that precious baby warm!
ReplyDeleteHow blessed is that! We can never sell our neighbors short when it comes to generosity, love, and caring for one another as Jesus has taught us. What a great example of the love Jesus asked us to show to one another. And let's keep that little one safe, warm and secure!
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Martha, that comment was from me, Nancy Ruegg. Why did my comment register as Anonymous, I wonder?
DeleteI am so glad to read that you had no damage and still have power! No power is always my biggest fear during hurricane season. We rely so much on electricity. Many, though, are suffering through and I hope power is restored as quickly as possible, and shelters are available for those who need them. Thanks for the update, Martha. Stay safe and warm!! God is good, all the time. xo
ReplyDeleteYes, Terri, God is good all the time! With you, I'm praying that power will be restored to all the other Southern states sooner than later. It's a tragic situation for so many. May our Lord protect each and every one of them.
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I am pleased you didn't have damage or lose power, because we all know how much damage storms can do
ReplyDeleteWe are feeling most fortunate, indeed, Jo-Anne. Yes, this storm caused so many problems for so many people. Praying for them!
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Very good post Martha. We need to always be prepared and it looks like you and Danny made sure that your home was. One thing we have to really watch for are the tree limbs falling. So often we take for granted the protection that God gives and sometimes it takes a big storm to draw us back to realization. Glad you all haven't lost power and that things are safe around you..
ReplyDeleteWe worry about tree limbs, too, Shug, because we are surrounded by them here at the house. Heavy ice always causes a problem, and we are so grateful we were spared the brunt of it. Yes, we should never take the gifts God has given us for granted, that's for sure.
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Martha, so good to hear you and Danny didn't experience catastrophic results from the storm. You were indeed prepared. Giving thanks with you and continue to pray for those still recovering from the damage. We only received a small amount of snow and ice. While our temps stay very cold even now, we never lost power. Mike was concerned since his life depends on medical equipment connected to power at night and battery packs during the day.. We were told if our power was out and we were running out of backup methods to call 911. Thankful we didn't have to. And oatmeal raisin cookies are my favorite. God bless!
ReplyDeleteWe've been praying for both of you, Karen, during this scary time. What a relief to know that you never lost power! Having a medical condition that could be jeopardized by a loss of electricity makes it even more frightening. Yes, let's continue to pray for those who didn't fare as well in this horrid storm.
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Ice storms and power outages combined are a scary situation. I remember some of the ones we had when we lived in Maine. Stay safe and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that you lived in Maine for a while, Bill. Yes, ice storms are the pits as they are the culprits in wires being downed by the weight of the ice. So very thankful for God's protection at this time and praying that others will recover soon.
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I'm so glad you were spared from all the damage and discomfort ice can bring, Martha! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! We are both relieved and thankful.
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Such a powerful reminder to never take the simple things,like a hot cup of coffee or a warm home, for granted. I'm so glad you stayed safe during the storm! I actually just shared a new post that touches on finding gratitude in the everyday as well. I'd love for you to give it a read.
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I'd be happy to, Melody! Yes, we should be grateful every day for the good things God provides, large and small.
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I wondered how Fern would affect your area; so glad to see it's been okay!!
ReplyDeleteWe are feeling so grateful, Barbara, believe me. My daughter and her family in NC, however, got lots of sleet and another storm is predicted this Saturday. Fortunately, they've maintained their electricity.
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I just finished digging my car out of about 10" to 12" of ice covered snow and drifts. Our neighbors are helpful in giving a helping hand with their snow blowers. I spent three days shoveling what the blowers didn't do. We count our blessings every day. No power outage this time around. Happy that you missed the ice and snow. God Bless for sure.
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Oh, Jim, I'm so glad your neighbors were there to help with the snow blowers! However, nobody at our age needs to be digging cars out with shoveling and overexertion, my friend. So happy to know y'all didn't lose power, either. It makes all the difference in staying safe. We are feeling absolutely grateful to God for sparing us this time around.
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It's so good to hear that you are doing okay! God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mrs. White! Getting snow/ice this far south is always problematic, especially because of our steep driveway and the hilly terrain around here. Your recent snow photos are certainly lovely, though.
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Obviously, you and Danny are good scouts, Martha. You guys knocked that "Be prepared" admonition out of the park. We're praising God with you that the worst of the ice didn't descend on you and are glad you're getting to enjoy the little routine blessings like hot coffee and showers. The storm wasn't so kind to us here in Tennessee, but where Diane and I live it wasn't so bad. Everything was iced over pretty heavily and lots of trees came down, but our power didn't go out and we just hunkered down and rode the worst of it out. But among other things storms always function as teaching instruments for the God who creates them. This one reminded me again of how really fragile and dependent we are. When I hear these arrogant blowhards declare we're going to be able to control the climate and "save the planet" by building windmills, driving electric cars, and monitoring cow flatulence, I just role me eyes at how foolish and egocentric we've become. Just the warning of this impending storm threw people around here into an absolute panic and in just a day or so the store shelves were stripped bare of basic items.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fascinating if we reacted to God's predictions about the impending impact of disregarding His directives as we do what the weather people tell us? Maybe we'd stop considering killing babies a human right and calling insurrectionist riots "peaceful protests". Sorry, Martha-- didn't mean to climb on my soapbox. I mainly just wanted to say thanks again for inviting us to another uplifting, heartwarming, visit to your house.
No apology needed here, Ron, for stepping up on your soapbox. I agree, it would be such a better world if we paid attention to God and His directives/plans for our lives instead of listening to those people who are control-freak wannabes. So very glad to hear that you and Diane didn't lose your electricity, though your area, I know, had plenty of ice. Such a relief knowing good friends are safe and warm. Thanks for your words of encouragement for these "scouts" being prepared. Danny actually was in Boy Scouts back in the day. Those lessons don't ever fade away.
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So glad you are safe and love the cookies made in preparedness too. Nice touch! Being prepared is always a good practice, isn't it? I am certainly tired of this winter weather though and am ready to get ready for spring....probably too early yet though LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of the winter weather, too, Jean, and it looks like we're in for another round of snow this weekend. Thankfully, no ice this time. So we will be preparing all over again! We are grateful to have made it through the first one.
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The careful preparation has guaranteed your safety. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteIt sure did. We may be getting another round of winter weather today, too. Hope not!
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Martha am so thankful you did not lose power or have damage to your home. As you were praying for those in the South...so was I. Also giving thanks like you that our electricity stayed on as well. We also prepared by getting a battery cell that would last a few hours and keep our blower on the wood burner going...having secondary heat certainly means a lot. Always God gives us His wondrous blessings. Take care and have a good week. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSecondary heat can be lifesaving, Debbie, I agree, and I'm so glad to know that you all were able to keep your electricity during the storm. We have a gas fireplace which we could have gotten going if the need arose, but we're grateful we didn't. May you have a wonderful week, too!
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Glad to hear it all worked out for you and Danny. Here in NW Wisconsin we are all to familiar with winter weather, snow and Ice! B Blessed!
ReplyDeleteI know y'all are, Mike! But it's been a trial for us here in the South. Our friends in Florida are truly feeling the brunt of this frigid arctic front. Praying for their safety!
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By the time I am reading this, weather might have changed again. I am glad you did not loose electricity. And yes, being thankful for all those things we take for granted should be a daily practice.
ReplyDeleteShouldn't it, though, Marja - a daily practice. We do have so much to be thankful for in every moment. Yes, the weather has warmed up to a more normal winter feel here in Georgia, and that's a good thing.
DeleteBoa tarde, Martha
ReplyDeleteQue bênção saber que você e Danny estão bem. A gratidão alegra o coração de Deus e o nosso também. Vamos continuar em oração por todos que sofrem com as tempestades. Um forte abraço.
Oh, yes, Lucinalva, gratitude certainly does gladden God's heart and ours. Praying for all those who are still suffering from the storms and frigid temperatures.
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Sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx,
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We are so grateful to have survived what could have been a winter disaster here, Teresa.
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Oh I am praising the Lord with you Martha! It is so hard to face an undetermined time without power, especially in the south. We here in the north actually NEED the snow, and we aren't getting it. There is real concern here because of that. I am so thankful your power remained on! I often think of what life would be like without the comforts we are accustomed to. I try to remember to be grateful, always!!! Blessings to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marilyn, for praising God along with us. We would love snow in the South, but it's the ice that wreaks havoc on power lines and roadways. I pray that you all will get that snow you need before winter wanes so you have plentiful water in the spring and summer months. We, too, are so thankful for the continuation of power and praying for those who are still without. Yes, may we be grateful always!
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