Not Just Another Week... Gone

There is no possible way the  past week can be called "Just another week" in my life; or in anyone's life for that matter.  Events, life changing events have taken place.  For many people around where I live they have been life ending events; at least as far as physical life is concerned.

For many it has meant life will never be the same.  There are  probably many who are angry at God, and are starting a downward running away from Him.  Let me just say, Don't run.  Stop!  Turn to Him.  Surrender!  He wants your heart, your life, your all.

My have experienced one of the most fierce tornadoes ever experienced in Joplin, MO.  Madge's and my youngest son and his wife were in their house when it hit, destroying their home, but leaving them and their dogs untouched (physically), but very emotionally and spiritually drained.  Please pray for them and all who are in such chaos of heart.

Since that tornado hit I thing I have a new fascination for tornadoes; and maybe I shouldn't say "New", but that I have grown more fascinated with them.  They remind us of the awesome power in God's created order; but even more; if this creation has such power and force; think of the awesome power of creation's Creator GOD.

It has not been just another week.  It has been a week for faith and growth.  Growing faith.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Dorothy Doesn't Live in Kansas Anymore

In the film the Wizard of Oz Dorothy and her puppy are swept away by a tornado in an altogether house, and kept safe as they journey on the "yellow brick road".

There have been many storms across this country of ours.  Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, with flooding causing devastation in many places; and tornadoes doing even more damage.  That is why the title.

There has not been much safety in the tornadoes of late.  People have died.  People are lost, and are not found, or found dead.  We may not like that word d-e-a-d, but that is an honest to goodness word.  People die in these things.  Maybe someone would like hearing the term "Cessation of life".  Is that better.  They are still d-e-a-d.

Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore could not be any more true.  There are Dorothy's, Tom's, Tim's, Tammy's, Jane's, Joyce's , Joe's and James' who have experienced the damage of Joplin, Missouri last evening.  Our son and his wife were involved in the tornado which practically leveled Joplin.

They heard the sirens, James sent Amber to the bathroom, he went and got their "boys" Skillet, Pillar, and a guest; and by the time they joined Amber debris followed James into the bathroom.  When the tornado was over they came out and found a tree in their living room, windows blown out, roof missing, and devastation all around them.  The joy of it all for all of us was they were not harmed.  No cuts, bruises, or broken bones; and they were alive.  For the work of our Lord Jesus Christ in this we thank Him and give Him praise.

To all those families who lost loved ones I am praying for you.  For all those families who have yet to find your loved ones I pray for you as well.  May God put His Almighty hand on your life and draw you nearer to Him.

As Paul wrote;  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

Thank YOU Lord for YOUR grace and mercy.  Thank YOU for saving the lives of all that YOU have.

Have YOUR way in the storms of our lives; and  be forever glorified.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Week That Passed Us By

That is how it has seemed to me.  It has been a busy week with mowing yard, driving the bus; both regular route driving and activity trips, as well as Vo-tech afternoon route at least one afternoon.

Since the riding mower is broken down I have been trying to keep up with our two and a half acre yard with a 20 inch push mower.  It is probably helping me to get into better shape; but I do miss the rider.

The weather has gotten cooler around here, but I'm not complaining it sure was a blessing today while I was mowing the front yard.  I wore a jacket doing it.

We had earlier planned on going to our son Philip's and wife Sarah's home in Arkansas this weekend, but the birth of the baby was postponed until next Friday, so we will be going next weekend.  My how fast time flies when you're having fun.  Life is fun.  It may not be fair; but it sure is a hoot.  The week that passed us by has been that way.

I look forward to the next day.  Shall I awake in my bed, or before the face of Jesus Christ; may His will be done.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Maple Trees in The Yard

On April 30, 2010 as I was walking back from taking the lawn mower to my parent's home I plucked some maple saplings from the side of the road to our house.  When I arrived home I grabbed my shovel and began planting them.

It seems now that at least one of them will not survive.  It was one that I had hoped would make it.  We water them frequently - every day - once a day, unless it rains.

We do want some trees in our yard.  These will probably be fast growing, soft maples and make a fairly good shade.

It seems that I am recovering well from the stent work.  My energy level is growing I do believe.  Though it seems it is slow in coming.  I do recover quicker than I did.

When I arrived home from bus driving this evening I went and did some work on our fence.  It is a different kind of fence; at least for me.  We are nearly finished with the part which extends from the road to the creek.  The, we will need to get started cutting cedars and build along the road around to the corner of the garden.  It will look pretty good I think.

Thank the Lord of creation, the Creator for all He has done.   His name is Jesus.

-Tim A. Blankenship