Tuesday 4~ Weathering the Storm

 Weathering the Storm

From our Hostess Annie: 

 "Hello .. This is Toni's Tuesday 4 where we strive to get you thinking and blogging and connecting with others.
The saying used to be on my blog as a description: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."
This was important to me when my spine went south on me. I was born disabled and became a dancer. Now I am disabled again. Que sera, sera, whatever will be will be. But we keep on going. and turn the lemons to lemonade...or we should I think.
Let's talk about it because we have all been there, done that."


1. What/who is your rock through the storms of life?
What beliefs do you have to stand on?

Psalm 18:2 NKJV
"2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

I love this old hymn, "A Shelter in the Time of Storm", and this pretty well sums up what my beliefs are on this subject!

The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide,

A shel­ter in the time of storm;

Secure what­ev­er ill be­tide,

A shelt­er in the time of storm.

Refrain:

Oh, Je­sus is a rock in a wea­ry land,

A wea­ry land, a wea­ry land;

Oh, Je­sus is a rock in a wea­ry land,

A shel­ter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, de­fense by night,

A shel­ter in the time of storm;

No fears alarm, no foes afright,

A shel­ter in the time of storm.

Refrain

The rag­ing storms may round us beat,

A shel­ter in the time of storm

We’ll ne­ver leave our safe re­treat,

A shel­ter in the time of storm.

Refrain

O rock di­vine, O re­fuge dear,

A shel­ter in the time of storm;

Be Thou our help­er ev­er near,

A shel­ter in the time of storm.

Refrain

2. Do you take precautions for bad storms? What precautions do you take?

Here in north central Florida where I live the storms we fear most are hurricanes and occasionally a tornado warning. Tonight we are under a severe "winter storm warning", which for us means that it will get down to freezing or below freezing with high winds so that the wind chill will definitely be below freezing. Our main concern is for plants and for outdoor pets, which we don't have.  The neighborhood kitties seem to find warm places to snuggle up for the night.  We have to cover any tender plants that we are concerned about freezing, which I might have to do before tonight.  For hurricanes we have to make sure we have plenty of water and food that is non-perishable. We do have a generator for if the power goes out, so we need to be sure to have plenty of fuel for that. We take down any flying objects in the yard, like bird feeders and other yard ornaments and anything else that could become a projectile in high winds. Where we live we are not close enough to the coast to worry too much about flooding or "storm surge."  But the winds can blow down trees or heavy branches, so we try to make sure our car is parked in a safe spot and then we hunker down and pray.  We have never needed to evacuate from here, and I pray we never do.  If we get a tornado warning we grab our flashlights and pillows and go into a closet or bathroom and pray.

3. The Sheep are caroling in the snow... do you sing during the tough times? What things, what activities pull you through?

Yes, I do sing a lot when I am under stress. I find singing old hymns and/or other Christian songs to be very comforting.  I pray, and I leave things as much as possible in God's hands. I try not to worry, but give everything to God. However, I am human, and like most humans, I do have times of anxiety and fear, but that is when I cling to God's Word and promises found in the Bible and especially throughout the Psalms.   Other activities, like reading, or playing a game with the family, gathering together with family or friends during the rough times for a meal, these can be very comforting and help take our minds off of the difficulties.

4. Whatever we do, we should be there for others in the difficult times.
What advice can you give to those who are going through a difficult time now?

Some of the things we can do would be to let them know that you care...pray for them...send a card or give them a call or text if calling might be an inconvenience for them.  If feasible, take them a meal or some other food gift.  As far as advice goes, that totally depends on the people and the situation. Not all people are open to "advice" during difficult times. If they seem open to it, then give as God directs, but always pray about what to say and how to say it.  Primarily I would tell others to lean on God...He is always there for you no matter what the situation may be. 

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 11:28-30 the following:

"28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I don't think I can improve on that advice!