Another New Day-God is Good!!

Beautiful lakefront property! (And a partially submerged bus stop shelter.)
Some chose to ignore the warning to remove cars from the parking lot.
Being evacuate by boat with another rescue boat in front of us.
Landing on dry ground.

Well, I have had an adventurous morning! I woke to no power and to widespread flooding. I was stranded at my apartment with no way out due to the deep and rising water. Between watching the storm and rising waters last night and watching the rising waters and rescue boats this morning, I have been meeting and visiting with a lot of my neighbors! I was content to let those who really needed out go with the first boat loads. My apartment is on second floor and should not be in any danger. I did pack a few things and get ready while waiting. By the time I was able to get on a boat, they were forcing all to evacuate.

From what I have heard and seen, this is setting new flood records for this area. While it was interesting to watch while nothing was damaged, I feel bad for those who did not move their cars, or whose apartments did get water. At the same time, God is still in control. It was exciting to see how He had gone ahead even in this. My apartment-which was assigned to me when I moved-is on the top floor in the building that is on the highest ground! (I did not know it was on highest ground until this morning when seeing where the water was.) My work schedule for today had absolutely nothing on it that requred me to be present. It is challenging getting anywhere with the flooding affecting so much throughout the city.

It is interesting to see where priorities lie when packing for an unknown duration and with only a backpack to fill to take with me. I cannot go back to my apartment until the water goes down.

I read the following last night before I went to bed:
From Daily Light (http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/dasc/DLDP0810.HTM)
"Whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. [Or, set on high.] PROV. 29. 25."

With the rising waters and incoming storms last night, this was a good reminder of where my security truly is! I never felt afraid. I was curious at times as I did not know what to expect, but don't remember ever feeling fear. I slept well once I finally got to bed to stay (was up at various times watching the storm and the flooding progress). God is good!

A New Day

My favorite bridge on my favorite walking path.

So, the trees and bushes are not really supposed to be in the water...
The water across the path makes this sign unnecessary in my opinion. And, yes, I did go around another sign just like this in order to get my pictures of the flooded bridge. (But, I did not go around this sign-very dutiful citizen that I am! =)

These pictures are actually from yesterday, but the water has not receded much, so it still pretty much looks like this-worse in some places, better in others. Yesterday (and today) was a new day after the storm and downpour Sunday night. I just checked and the creek is rising again. So, I may have to move my car for the night to avoid flooding issues...sigh. (The river is 2 feet over flood stage and the creek (right across from where I live) is 1.5 feet over flood stage.) In the last picture (taken from a window in my apartment building), you can see the brand new "lake" that appeared yesterday morning and is still very much there. Normally, that is an empty field and the creek usually remains in its banks on the far side of the field-well behind the bushes that stick out into the middle of the field. However, in the year that I have lived here, this is the third time I have seen the creek out of its banks like this. Although, this time is the most widespread flooding. As long as it does not do any damage, it is interesting to watch the water rise.

Mount Dishmore

Oh, How Sweet the Seasons Are!

God is Good!

God is so good! My readings one evening were so fitting for the circumstances. I just have to share!

Let your requests be made known unto God.

ABBA, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities.

I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.--Hannah . . . was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and . . . and wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life. . . . The LORD remembered her.

We know not what we should pray for as we ought.--He shall choose our inheritance for us.PHI. 4. 6. Mar. 14. 36.--2 Co. 12. 7-9. Ps. 142. 2.--1 Sa. 1. 9-11, 19. Ro. 8. 26.-- Ps. 47. 4.

The above is copied from Daily Light for July 28 in the evening. (http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/dasc/DLDP0728.HTM)

My comments after reading (copied from my journal):
Wow! I cried when I read... Today was long and it got hard. I was tired of pain and limitations... All these verses spoke to me.

It is so exciting to have a God how knows, loves and cares. He knows how I long to be free from pain. How I long to be able to do things again-be "normal." Yet, he has used these exact things to teach me some precious lessons. In ALL, God is sovereign, faithful, loving, good!

Productive Day

List that I made yesterday for today that I just now looked at for the first time today and checked off/updated…

-wake up...but not until very late! =) *DONE
-quiet time-with heat on back/neck *DONE
-PAY RENT *DONE (all other bills already paid)
-prescribed exercises, then long walk *DONE
-start laundry and keep on top of it until all loads (3-4) done *DONE (3 loads)
-clean ENTIRE apartment *DONE! (OK, so maybe there are a few things I missed-such as dusting, moving things to vacuum, etc...)
-NAP!!! oops...tomorrow...
-make up pasta salad recipe and then try it and see if it is any good! =) Nope…some other time.
-make gingerbread cookies with frosting and sprinkles-for the fun of it *DONE =)
-work on PowerPoint for lab meeting Monday *In process-not done yet... (did stats, though-just basic ones)
-SLEEP!!! not yet...

extra (not planned):
-crock pot of chicken, potatoes, carrots...DONE!
-gas up and wash car...DONE!
-air drying laundry-due to towels not getting all the way dry and me being too cheap to run the dryer again for them...sigh...
-loaded, ran dishwasher...DONE (just needs unloaded...tomorrow!)
-listen to hours of "Beyond" while working
-watch as people moved out, cleaned, etc. (had to drive around piles of junk by dumpster, rather challenging...especially when it hurts to turn my head, but I had to see to make sure I didn’t hit anything.)
-made it most of the day without any meds!!!! Yay!!!

Praise the Lord for grace and strength for each and every day!

Aunt & Niece

Pictures of my niece, Ava, and I, both at approximately 9 months of age. You can tell we are related, but are certainly different people!