Monday, March 12, 2012

Storms of Life

I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.
Louisa  May Alcott, author of Little Women

Northeast facing photo. The clouds today are heavy with the rain to come.

We've had yet another storm. The wind was rattling through my fireplace all evening and into the morning hours. I finally "conked out" at around 4 in the morning so I didn't hear any more after that.

The news said that the winds in Vancouver were 89 miles an hour while on Vancouver Island the winds were up to about 120 miles per hour. Lots of trees were uprooted, roofs of homes were destroyed or damaged as trees fell on them, parks were closed, ferry sailings were cancelled and power went out in many homes.  Many boats parked in marinas up and down the coast were destroyed and schools were damaged. Thankfully it is Spring break right now so schools are not in session.  There was lots of new snow on the mountain highways to the world famous Whistler Village, and going north on the Coquihalla Highway.  Truckers were once again required to put chains on their tires as they reached the highest point.

 I managed to keep my power.  I awoke this morning and was able to make coffee as usual and make breakfast. I was able to dry a load of laundry and access hot water to wash my floors.  Soon a chicken will go into the electric oven.  So you see, I wasn't affected by any of the bad effects of the storm, other than the wind rattling all night. I feel blessed.

North facing photo. The mountains are not visible today. You can see a raindrop hanging from one of the leaves in the foreground.

We've had a lot of storms this winter season. I see them as an analogy for life. We often go through storms in life. It is a natural thing.  Sometimes the storms blow through our lives leaving minimal after effect.  Sometimes they tear through our lives, leaving a lot of damage behind and a need to rebuild.  Some go through more storms than others, but in the end, we all need to learn to navigate them. I navigate them with the tremendous help of my faith in God and my heavenly Father. Even then, if the storm is particularly bad, I need to hang on for dear life. Storms are that way sometimes.

When we weather many storms and we come out unscathed enough times, or we come out the other side, bruised but not broken, we can learn that our trust in God is not in vain.
I hope you are passing safely through any storms coming your way. If you are not, don't forget, there is a Father in Heaven and he cares for you.

 …casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
 1 Peter 5:7

Blessings.

26 comments:

Beth Zimmerman said...

It's still storming ... but I'm learning to let God do the navigating and steer me to shelter. :) I have moments when I try to grab the rudder (or whatever sailing term is appropriate) but they are becoming a bit less common as days pass.

The Professor's Wife said...

Glad you are ok!! Beautiful posr

Kay L. Davies said...

A loved one of mine is going through a storm, and doing it without faith. I want to give him some of mine, but he doesn't want it. Mine will have to work behind his back, then, won't it?
Dreadful about BC's storms. I didn't know. (I never watch the news, and my niece in White Rock didn't mention anything about it, and I talked to her twice today.)
K

Brenda Green said...

This reminds me of a poem, if I may indulge, It goes like this.
I know who holds the future, I know you hold my hand, with you God, things don't just happen, every thing by you is planned. So, as I face tomorrow, with it's problems large and small, I'll trust the God of MIRACLES, I give to you my all.
amen me

Denise said...

Amen, so glad you are safe my friend. God is our shelter in the storm, always.

Vores have said...

Hello Joyful.
Beautiful pictures you show.
Wish you a good day.
Hugs Hanne Bente ♥

Lonicera said...

Sounds scary - I'm always torn between feeling cosy while the wind rages outside, and fearful for the damage (and consequent expense) which I'll discover the day after. A day to stay warm inside then! How lovely to have an ever changing beautiful view to look at, even when shrouded in mist...
Caroline

Linda said...

I'm glad you were OK! No doubt my relatives in western Washington experienced similar storms.

I especially like the lessons you draw from the stormy weather: "We come out the other side, bruised but not broken, we can learn that our trust in God is not in vain." Bless you for all you're learning and for passing on your wisdom and encouragement to the rest of us!

Linda

momto8 said...

glad you are safe ..and your faith is stronger in the storms!

Mildred said...

Very nice post and shots!
Glad you are ok.
Thanks for sharing;o)

***
Hope you are having a fabulous week****

Buttercup said...

Thanks for stopping by Buttercup's. Please come by to visit often!

Joyful said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joyful said...

Wonderful. I'm so glad. We are all learning together. xx

Joyful said...

Thank you, Andrea. Blessings. xx

Joyful said...

@Kay, I'm so glad you are there for your friend. I hope he passes through the storm okay. Hugs. xx

Joyful said...

I don't know the poem but I know a song with the same theme. It's one of my favs.

Joyful said...

Thank you, Hanne. Knus, Joyful ♥

Joyful said...

Caroline, I think it would have been scarier for those who had trees falling on them or who were driving on the highways. If I know the wind is coming I usually try to move outdoor things to safety. I do love my view ;-)

Joyful said...

Thank you, Linda. I'm sure the people in Washington did experience some stormy weather but I haven't seen it on the news. They suffered some worse weather in various places in the USA.

Joyful said...

Thanks for your visit, momto8!

Joyful said...

Merci beaucoup, Mildred. Nice to see you and I hope you are enjoying your week also.

Joyful said...

Likewise, Buttercup. Have a wonderful week.

Pat said...

I'm glad your power stayed on through the storm! It wouldn't have stayed on at our house with such winds. This is a great analogy of the storms of life. I hold on to Jesus, my Rock, in times of trouble.

Joyful said...

Thank you, Pat. That is who I hold onto as well :-) Blessings.

OtienoHongo said...

Good to hear you were not affected. The storms of life are there for us to ride and sail higher...

Joyful said...

Amen!

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