I’d intended to post another installment of my house tour series today, but as I sit here at my desk, baby enjoying her morning nap and my coffee cup refilled, all I can think about is the sound of the chainsaws and wood chippers as crews on our block take down dead trees and limbs in preparation for Hurricane Florence. We live in central Virginia, hours from the Eastern seaboard, but our area is nonetheless deep into preparation for torrential rains on our already soaked soil, and heavy winds potentially late tomorrow or early Friday.
Yesterday we checked our downspouts and staked down the trampoline. Neighbors were cleaning gutters and laying down their arbors. I’ve filled my fridge with mason jars of water, and am planning to venture out again today in hopes of finding some flashlight batteries (Wal-Mart was sold out yesterday).
![IMG_E9336[1]](http://www.stitcherydickorydock.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_E93361-640x640.jpg)
A couple of months ago our area was hit by a tornado, which our kids and some neighbor’s homes are still recovering from, but it’s crazy to think how different that experience felt because there was no notice at all- just the sirens and phone alerts telling us to take shelter immediately, and before we even knew what was really happening, it was over. In contrast, this knowing-it’s-coming business, this casually preparing over the course of days, even a week, feels incredibly odd. I’m literally folding laundry and chatting on the phone, and at the same time pondering if I should clean out the bathtub so I can fill it with water to potentially use for washing and flushing the toilet if the need arises.
I can only image what the evacuees must be feeling right now, as they pack to leave their homes, knowing they could return to a literal wreckage. What are they bringing? What decisions must they be making right now in terms of preparing their homes as best they can? And preparing their children, as best they can, for what could be one of the most traumatic experiences of their lives? To not know if they’ll have a home to come back to, even a town to come back to?
What feels more appropriate for today, rather than gab about my house decorating, is to just take a moment to focus on gratitude –for family and friends, for freedom, for jobs, for a home– and to remind myself that this world, and all it’s shiny things, are oh so temporary. I love repeating Psalm 46:10 when I’m fighting the urge to freak out- “Be still and know that I am God.” Wherever you are today, friends- perhaps preparing for Florence, or thinking about loved ones who are in it’s path, or dealing with some other type of storm like illness, finances, or a painful relationship, remember, through all of the “hurry-up-and-do-something” bustle of trying to get ready for life’s winds, to be still deep within your spirit, and to rest on the one rock that no storm can ever, ever wash away.
Until next time, stay safe and at peace, dear friends.
XOXO
Perfect scripture!
Thinking and praying for and yours during this time. Please know that I am also praying for all who are in the path or will be feeling the effects of Florence. My go to verse is Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Actually, the whole 4th chapter of Philippians gives me hope, strength,and peace. Praying for you sweet girl. Keep the faith.
Stay safe! I have been thinking similar thoughts from my home in NH as my cousin and her family are evacuating. Taking another moment to pray for those in the path of the coming storm and for those facing any other kind of storm in their life.
My sister-in-law lives on Hatteras! We have just heard that they are moving inland to western NC. It’s a weight off our shoulders. The fear of not coming back to anything lives with them every time. My thoughts and prayers will be with all those in harms way. Stay safe!
Hope the hurricane stops well before it reaches you. But…Definitely fill that bathtub just in case… we have only had one hurricane in UK thirty years ago, no power in our village for five days was the worst, but we had no structural damage and were able to use little camping gas stoves to both heat food and keep warm. Hope you’re blessed with a sturdy roof!
Will be thinking of you and your family , stay safe!
Maybe you will just get a lot of rain and the power won’t go out. I really like those solar powered sidewalk lights can bring them indoors in a pinch they are nice for lighting up dark rooms so you can see to walk through.
Stay safe…. recommendation…use ziploc bags with water in your freezer to keep your perishables frozen longer.
Thank you for reminding us all where our REAL peace comes from!
Having survived Hurricanes Francis, Jeanne, and Irma that have taken parts of our house, I pray for all of you and your neighbors to withstand whatever weather comes your way…welcome to the east coast during Hurricane Season!!
Love the verse. Strikes a chord in my heart. Thank you for reminding me.
Be safe!
As a survivor of many Gulf Coast hurricanes, please take as many precautions as necessary and don’t think you are overdoing it. You may not need that bathtub full of water, but it’s better to have it than not. If you lose power, it could be for a day or a week…a generator to keep your food safe and even fans running is always helpful. Camp stoves with extra propane if you don’t have a gas stove. Lanterns, matches, lighters, batteries, radio…I could name so much…it seems silly when you are stacking it all up or storing it, but I’ve had to use it all at one time or another in the last 40 years. Be safe…praying for you!!!
Wonderful truth! HE is God an He is with his children. May He give you perfect peace inmidst of the storm!
That`s my prayer for you right now.
I myself am far away, I live in Germany. But in two weeks I plan to be in Indianapolis for a Christian Women`s conference.
Lots of love in Him,
Heide
Amy, I hope all goes well for you. I too live in central Virginia (approximately 15 minutes west of Charlottesville). The mountains near us always cause the weather to be more intense; we will see what happens in Virginia. From your comments about the tornadoes in the spring, I think I have an idea of where you live….not too far away. We are definitely taking precautions and praying that everyone on the East Coast stays safe. I loved your scripture verse…one of my favorites!
Hola,buenos dias,deseo que estes bien ,tu historia me hizo reflexionar mucho,gracias y Dios te llene de bendiciones !
Very well said. Prayers …
That verse is one I cling to often because my first inclination is to “freak out.” I am so thankful to have a Savior Who will never leave nor forsake me…Jesus Christ is with you all!! Praying!
Amen!
My prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and all that are in the path of Florence. May you be able to gather all the supplies you need to get through the storm. Stay safe.
My favorite scripture! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers this weekend!
You are all in my prayers as this plays out.
Prayers that things go better than expected for everyone! Be safe. Hugs,
I hope all ofyou stay safe and secure and that you do not suffer damage. It is always good to rely on our Great God
Although it is not Florence, I am going through a storm and this was just what I needed. Thank you Amy! Praying for your safety.
Love you, sweet friend.
Wondering how you are all doing as the rains are covering parts of Virginia and N.C…my prayers are with you and your family. We had house damage with Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, and Irma and I hope your house stays intact!
We have just gotten home from visiting Washington D.C. and our daughter and her family who live in New Kent VA which is near Richmond. Wondering where you live and how you are doing. (I had days of emails and blogs waiting for me when we got home, so I am just now reading this update from you)
What a timely reminder! Thankfully we are far enough west and north to miss everything but the rain. I hope all is well for you now and that you are only getting the aftermath of Michael.
I continue to think about & pray for you. Haven’t heard anything since you were preparing for the storm. Is everything ok?