Amidst the Storms!

Saturday started out cloudy with a hint of cool breeze. I was invited to my son’s girlfriend’a softball tournaments. With the threat of afternoon rain and with umbrella in hand, I headed out for a day of fun. The sun peaked in and out thoughout the morning, and by about 11:00 the sweats came off. Conversation with the parents was great as usual, (and I had to be on my best behavior...my son’s strick instructions!)We decided to have lunch. The adults did the right thing and headed off to Subway, while the younkins went to Cardiac McD’s. Unbeknownced to us, the clouds began their approach from Georgia. We set up our chairs to enjoy the 3rd round of games when the wind picked up. We were hoping that it was just going to blow the rain right over us. I left my son at the games in the very capable hands of the other parents (his girlfriend’s family) while I left to pick up my daughter to bring her to work. Mind you, I still had no idea of the storms brewing all around me.

Once I got home, my daughter had the TV on and across the screen came the daunting message about the tornado warnings! At the same time these words were trailing across the screen, I thought about the plans I had to visit a church. I realized that I would be heading right into the path of destruction. Thinking about the possibility, I still had desire to go to this place. So off we went...with a prayer.

After dropping her off, I continued on my way staring into the darking, swirling clould filled sky. I felt just like one of those storm chasers that I love to watch on the Weather Channel! I kept saying..."Lord, if you really want me to attend this service, open the path!" On I went, following the directions given to me. I made my turn on this road and kept following it as the rain began it’s horizonal falling...sheets upon sheets of rain pelted the car...but I kept to the course. At one point, the hail began...that is when I felt startled for just a moment. I thought, "OH NO, hail means one thing with horizontal rain!!!"

So I immediately prayed..."Lord, if it is your will for me to be safe and get to the church, protect me and open the road." Immediately, the hail stopped (all 3 seconds of it) and there was a light all around my car for the next few miles! Talk about answers to prayers! After getting lost for a few minutes, I was redirected by my friend and found the way to the church. It was an awesome service while the storm rose outside, once again only to clear up when it was time to leave and begin the trekk home!

On my drive back, I was given the gift of a rainbow with stormy clouds for a background.

My God is and Awesome God!!!!

The 'Heat' is on...

It's that time of year when the sandals go on and the shorts come out. Along with the clothing, baring portions of your body become of great importance. Ok, not so much the extra pockets of bubbles beneath the skin (which should have been taken cared of in the gym), but I'm talking about the chalky whiteness of hidden skin beneath the many layers of winter clothing. The mad rush to the tanning beds begin. Yes, even here in the deep south those are used.

Lines upon lines, the masses wait for their 8 to 12 minute experience in a bed illuminated by light bulbs and a whirlwind of fan blowers.

OK…I admit I am an avid fan of color but will by all means try to get in and out of such establishments as soon as possible. Last night was such an example. I decided after a long absence from the luminance lights, I was going to add to my bronzing endeavors by participating in the flood of avid tanners. When I entered the building, every square inch of the waiting room was filled with patrons anticipating their moments of coloring. I knew I was in for a long wait, but found to my surprise a few of my acquaintances to while away the time.

But what to my wonderful ears did I hear? The attendant asked if anyone wanted to use the stand up machine. When no takers rushed the counter, I calmly said, "sure, why not". My line cutting was a fortunate event for me because it cut my wait time over 30 minutes. There is something to say about flexibility.

After my vortex of tanning, I left the building with each of my friends still waiting for their moment of 'sun'. As I look at my skin, the gentle browning has begun…only to return to the scene and hope once again, no one wants to stand in that mighty vortex. Wish me luck!

'til next time