I'm not sure exactly who put it on or what church did all the work, but there was a gathering that everyone in Shoal Creek was invited to. This is the second time we've done this. The first time it was more for the purpose of getting information and encouragement to everyone without actually having to go to each persons house. It also gave us all an excuse to be able to fellowship some.
This time however it had a bit of a different feel to it. There was an evangelist there, formerly a preacher, who gave a sermon that was very encouraging and uplifting. I wish I could remember all the things he said because it was just the right thing that we all needed. I do remember one of the verses that he used though. I think I remembered because it's one of my favorites, it reads:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
He spoke of his own testimony and his battle with cancer and how God chose to work through that in his life to bring glory to Him through His people. Then He said that God was doing the same thing here with us. God used this storm to refine us like silver. It brings new meaning to " I am the potter and you are the clay."
He also addressed the question that a lot of people have been asking. In fact just last week we were up at my Aunt Lilly Mae's house and talking to her about the storm when she asked this very same question.
Why?
He mentioned during his sermon that when he was going through cancer someone asked him what he had done that he was now receiving judgement for. But the fact is, because we live in a fallen world, the rain falls on the just and the unjust. But because our Father loves us so much He chooses to use these things to mold His people into just the right shape.
It's not an easy thing. In fact I've heard it said that when you become a christian don't expect life to get easier, expect it to get harder. But also expect there to be One who is there with you no matter what. Helping you, defending you, and refining you along the way.
I didn't know what to say to My Aunt when she asked that question, but now I do: God cares more about our character than our comfort.
It was refreshing to here a sermon like that, especially since we've been having to stay home from church these last few weeks in order for dad and Jesse to work while they can.
After the sermon, the pastor asked that everyone pray for someone next to them. In the end, during the invitation four people came up and were saved or rededicated there lives. God is working.
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| I think this was just before everyone went off to pray with each other. |
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| I think living here in the middle of the mess, we sometimes forget just how bad it really all is. These generous people were still so amazed at how the Valley looks even a month after the storm. |
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| We were so very grateful for the people who came, they brought food, toiletries, drinks, and lots of toys for the kids ( which was a big hit ). |
It amazes me still just how eager they all were to help. Every time I turned around someone was offering me something else and telling us there was plenty for everyone. One of the statistics the preacher talked about was how more people in the body of Christ have risen up to help victims of the tornadoes here and all over America, then there was government help provided provided for the victims of hurricane Katrina.
On a different note, it occurred to me earlier that the names I've mentioned in my notes and blogs are to a lot of you just that, names. And so I tried to snap a few shots of some of the people I've written about so that I can put a face to the names. I only have some of the Crawford's which I got this evening, none of the other families that I've mentioned were there. ( Please keep in mind that because of the quality of the pictures these photos don't do their beautiful faces justice. c ; )
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| This is Mrs. Crawford herself. A lady of grace and strength. And the mother of the family who allowed us to weather the storm at their house. In her arms is Jax who I believe is 8 weeks old now. |
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| Bria, whom I am grateful to have the privilege to say is one of my best friends. Having her by my side during the storm really made a difference for me. I don't ever remember a moment when she completely lost it like so many of us did. She was strong and steady throughout the whole thing. |
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| Sweet Alexa. This is the young lady I spoke of in my notes who brought me such joy the morning after the storm, when she would laugh at little things her sisters were doing. ( Oh and Jax again. ) |
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| Mallie. Probably the most outgoing of all the children from my experience. She just loves to give hugs. And as you can see is enjoying the free toys. |
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| This is Kyla. I think I wrote about her. Shes the one who was in my lap during the storm. This was just after she had gotten a loli pop. She was very happy. |
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| Brooks, cooling off in front of the fan. He's pretty quiet but most of the time the quiet ones have got a lot to say. I think I see a thinker in there somewhere. c ; |
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| Ellia, no longer the youngest but still just as precious. |
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| And this is my own little sister Charlene. She is a bundle of energy. She loves her family but hates having her hair brushed. There is so much to say about her, I'll definitely write more about her later. |
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| Jesse, Bria and Wes talking. You can't see her very well but Ellia is right down there and was listening to our conversations. Every time she decided she wanted the attention to be on her she would say "Hey!" and wait for a reply from all of us. Their so funny at that age. |
Oh by the way I thought I should mention that during the sermon Mr. Liveret's pigs got out and started walking around looking for garbage and scaring the people who weren't used to them.
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| This one was the biggest. |
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| The boys put them up once but they got out again. They just couldn't stay away from the garbage. |
It's late now, passed midnight in fact but I wanted to write all these things down while they were fresh on my mind. Hopefully soon I can blog about my family. I would love to introduce them to those of you who haven't met them as well as introduce some of our friends. Hope you enjoyed it. c :
Until then....
Love Chelsey
