11.29.12

Almost a year ago, I said that 2012 will be the year of change.. The path I thought I was on became a little bumpy along the way.  As the changes occurred  it has not always been easy to adjust, but During a conversation today, I was told to look how I handled these changes with Grace.  I'm sorry it seemed I "hit" the compliment back over to you.  I'm working on looking at how I "handled" the changes, and to fully accept the compliment.  Till then, thank you for seeing what I am not right now.
Dear Heavenly Father,
In all your greatness I ask that you watch over all those who are planning on taking the journey not just physically but mentally as well.  Bless those who welcome and lead us and a special thank you to all those who are providing transportation to those of us who are in need.  May we all find ways to help Glorify your name as we continue on our path.
Amen

11.28.12

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you !!.  Thank you for standing beside us as we go through the "bread" process of life... Thank you for this Wondrous Wednesday.  May  tomorrow we all find ways to be thankful and Glorify your name.

Amen

11.27.12

Have you ever thought about waking up and doing something for someone else.... ? This morning I sent my morning message to some people saying: "Good Morning, Have a Great Day..."  most people responded back, thanks, you too... one person responded: "Thank you! What a nice way to start a day!" It is such a simple thing and yet brought joy to someone.   Just as I was about to post this, I received an email that brought a big smile to my face, so blessed! Tomorrow is wondrous Wednesday what will you do?  I know I will start my day in an amazing way.

11.26.12

For four days now my daughter has protested her nap... Yes, at five many children do not take a nap.. however, she is one who will continue to need one... by six o'clock, (12 hours awake) she realizes she needed that nap but then refused to take that nap again.... This made me wonder: What is the ONE thing you should do and decide NOT to do and why?  Why is it, when we know something is good we blatantly refuse it... For many years I refused to open my eyes and heart and put my trust in God.  As much as I think I am... There are always times that I need to be reminded   This Sunday, I was telling someone a fear I have.  The person's response was a reminder that in the past it has been fine....  DUH I NEED TO HAVE FAITH!! That is the way to move forward in a positive manner... to not automatically have FEAR be an obstacle.... May tomorrow touch us all to do the thing we have decided not to do.... and have a Terrific Tuesday!!

11.25.12

As this day arrived, I opened my  eyes to the Lord and said thank you for giving me this day.  In all that we do as a human, a parent, a woman, there is nothing as wonderful then to hear your child say a prayer as she lays in bed in the morning without prompting, or to hear her singing hymns louder than anyone around us or to hear your son and daughter both say "can we go usher, and ring the bell, nobody is back there..."  It's a good feeling especially after the last few days.  Yes there are times (many) where I question what I am doing and whether or not I can do it... but then things like this happen and as my daughter kept saying in Church, Thanks Be to God....We worked as a family and created an Advent wreath and it was nice to work together and give Mackenzie the opportunity to use scissors and glue in a controlled space....  Really I am so grateful for these moments. 

 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.- Psalm 9:1

11.24.12

Having spent some time with my sister.... I can say I am thankful...  I know and understand bringing two kids let alone someone else/s child is STRESSFUL... to do that while still having JET LAG.. and the kids being "not on their best behavior'... is a lot for someone who does not have children.. I appreciate you and love you, Emmy...
So people laughed when I said I was going to Va Fri into Sat... we had so much going on tho... really.. just thinking about it... I am ready to fall asleep.
Friday: Drive to radio shack and game stop, go to bank, stop by and see Carol, get gas, go to pick up Jordan's friend, go back to radio shack (for proper adapter) drive to Va (half asleep), rake leaves for many hours, have pizza, then go to the Bull Run Festival of lights and Carnival... finish all the laundry (yes, I'm a college kid who brings all her laundry to my sisters... this apparently should not take place as I am on break from college and a mom??? I do not agree with that...) Actually sleep...
Saturday: TRY to get the tickets to print (an hour and a half) Pack the car (with Jordan's new tv and two sleeping bags more than we came with), drive (following crazy, frantic "we are late" driver) to the show, Park (apparently in illegal spots... OOPS I followed her and neither of us saw the YELLOW.. then again we weren't alone.. two other cars had the TOW stickers on them too...) Enjoyed the ICE show (a few pictures were taken before the cold "killed" our phones), McDonalds (YUCK- for lunch), sit in car from 1-5 (starting closer, from National Harbor), Made it HOME SAFE... just as it got dark....then quick get dropped off to a birthday party for Em and Ex and home at 8... CHILDREN ASLEEP....
Church in the am...  I am so happy we are home and will be able to Worship with our Church family  tomorrow.  So many things to give thanks... May tomorrow be a spectacular Spiritual Sunday...
Amen

11.22.12

This morning I was told to go outside hold my breath and count my Blessings... I responded, NO... I would turn blue!!!!! I am so grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life.  As I got my children ready to spend the day with their dad... I had tears in my eyes.  I almost did not go anywhere, but I had told people I would stop by and visit... and that is what I did... I went outside my box and went alone to a new place... It was nice to socialize outside of Church and see an adult mother daughter granddaughter dynamic, especially when they are all EXACTLY the same. .and all three are adopted.. REALLY sweet.    Going to the extended family (Urbans) was just as wonderful.  I wasn't sure I could do it without the kids with me... and when I got there and Jordan's good friend got upset he wasn't there.. I started to get teary-eyed again... but I took a breath and remembered how grateful I am... and enjoyed a lovely meal... it was then good to have some alone time... I am so grateful for the friends that are family, thank you for getting me through my first holiday.  May we all find Fabulous Friday when the sun comes up... And keep those in the Texas tragedy, in our prayers...
This morning HT FB page posted this:  "Thought from Pastor Mary for the day... What do we choose from the "thanksgiving" menu? Glancing gratitude or deep thanks?"..... 

11.21.12

I have spent the last few days, thanking and rejecting all offers to spend Thanksgiving with anyone. My desire was to go serve food and then just spend the remaining "alone" time in a reflection time.  Many people were persistent and did NOT understand my reasons.  It is not because of depression or feeling sorry for myself... Sometimes a person just needs to be alone to reflect... These past few weeks especially I have seen many things and have suppressed many feelings over it.
I spent the morning with one of the greatest women I know and listened to her teach 8th graders healthy relationships, proper ways to break up and helping with the reactions.  She said something that I will never forget.... Think of a person working with a hammer, they slam the hammer on their thumb... they spend the next 24-48 hours giving all the attention to one finger.. there are 9 other fingers but instead we harp on the negativity.  I have been trying to show my gratitude rather then dwell on the negativity.
When you think about giving thanks, how often do you do it? I started this blog months ago, to show my daily gratitude of all things, good, bad and the ugly.  Tonight I attended my first Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service.  To see so many men, women, children and the Manasquan Ministerium from many local churches join together to "......Be thankful on to Him, and Bless His Name." -Psalm 100:4
To hear each take turns and show their different styles brought many of us to chills and tears.  Perhaps one of the greatest explanations of why we go through struggles and destruction such as Sandy has to do with making bread. Yes, think hard about how you make bread... if you do not know.. I would tell you to contact Rev. Phiny Williams... because she had an entire church full- mesmerized.  Her explanation of how we get thrown into a bowl with others that we may not like then our lives get stirred up, then when things start to calm down we have the yeast added in (things happen, Sandy) and then we go through Needing (struggles) and then "rise up" then get punched back down... and then we bend more so the next set of needing isn't too rough (and this does not end if you are a croissant or a roll) then we figure out the entire time the oven has been preheating and then we go into the fire.  We cannot get out of the fire until we are done.  The point to all of this.. God has a plan for us.. As Pastor Mary told me, "The sign of God is that we will be led where we did not plan to go".   Yes, we need to be thankful for everything even the flooding water, the strong winds, and the loss of electricity... these all are part of the process... I am NOT saying GOD did this.. I am simply saying there is a plan for each of us and we need to be thankful for we are here another day and we will "rise up" through the heat and become a bread for our neighbors to enjoy...

11.20.12

As I began this day, I started out by thanking the Lord for helping me to receive some much needed sleep and the opportunity to awaken once again.  It helped me to feel ready for the day ahead that included the interview.  MANY great things happened today and I am so grateful for those moments.
As my day concludes, I am excited about what tomorrow will hold, and I know that I will make it through... as I have been reminded of many times... and today by Morning Whispers: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  May you have a Wondrous Wednesday!!! I look forward to starting my day in a wonderful way and then ending it in the same way..... :-)

11.19.12

Some things are easier than others.  Some things are scarier than others.  Its amazing how some things I can do and others I want to hide and cry out for my mom.  I followed through and did what I needed to do.  I will continue to do that because I understand without properly taking care of myself... I will not be able to take care of my children.  So no matter how scary or how bad I want to avoid certain things..I will go through with it... and when I want to run or feel like I can't... I will pray to the Holy Spirit.... for I know that is why I stayed today.
I am BLESSED and will continue to thank the Lord for my Blessings...

11.18.12

I am so  thankful for the opportunities that I am able to have now that I have opened up my whole heart to the Lord. A friend called to ask me about the church I attend for a friend.  If you told me a year ago, I would be where I am I would have said "you're crazy"... really it is REALLY amazing to me how awesome life is when I walk with the Lord.  Today as I sat and listened to a wonderful Sermon (the second time I could actually hear it) I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything I am blessed to have.  We were asked to think about what we are thankful for and in the aftermath of Sandy... the things many of us take for granted were mentioned, just today more of our locals are receiving their power back...  I said community- I thought about how many of us became friends with people we have seen, said hello in passing and never actually interacted with.  I also thought about how many people have stepped up to HELP each other. Pastor Mary uttered these same sentiments.  These are the things that I am most thankful to Sandy for.  Yes, I said I am thankful to Sandy.. without the super storm,  I would have continued to live my life without getting to know many great people some of which live all around me and others that I may not have interacted with even though I see them in church weekly.   Every day on FB, I post the positive stories I hear from Sandy... These are the memories I want to have.  Not the destruction or the theft.
After leaving church, we went and celebrated "fake thanksgiving"... It was great to see my brother, sister in law, nieces and nephew and some friends.. it was sad not to have the rest of the family though.  Tonight as many prepare for a shortened work/school week... stop and think about those who are preparing for all of this and dealing with not knowing where they will be spending their Thanksgiving meal..  May we all have a wonderful peaceful night and may tomorrow morning when you awaken in the morning light.. you make it a Marvelous Monday...

11.17.12

This morning a wonderful family had to say goodbye to their dog.  The news broke my heart, this evening during prayers, when we got to all of our animals, I included this dog and said he had gone to Heaven and Mackenzie started to feel bad and I said although the family is sad, they know that their dog  is with God now in Heaven.  She had that half understanding half asleep look.

I was so scared of making brownies for the Church to serve tomorrow for families, volunteers, and those in the National Guard.... especially after I tried to make two in the oven at once and I burned one whole side of the first batch... I am pleasantly proud of myself... have it down to a science when to prep the next batch, when to cut the ones cooling and when to clean what..as I go... I pray that everyone else who took food is having just as much luck as I am... The last one is about to go in the oven and I am really excited about that.. I am finally feeling like I could close my eyes and sleep... and it's before midnight?!!

May all those who have found time to chop up the food and prepare and to serve tomorrow remember that the greatest thing we can do, is to do this for ourselves without wanting anything in return.  Please take a minute to ask someone (even those who spend their days helping), if there is anything you can do for them.... 

Amen

11.16.12

Ok, I REALLY am hoping to receive feedback on this post.. PLEASE....

I am grateful for what people say is the ability to listen to others and more importantly I appreciate those who listen to me...

There are times when I wonder what people are thinking?!  Why do people feel I am a person to talk to about other people?  I do not respond or gossip back..I had a conversation with someone today and this person decided to talk to me in a manner that I felt uncomfortable.  The conversation turned into a venting session on how some people do not like change and then continued to talk to me about this person's boss who I would say I have a connection.  I did not stop this person from speaking, but I did not join in, I simply allowed the conversation.... 

Recently I said to someone how I am not good in certain situations, and this person said "I think you are.."... how can that be.. I seriously "shut down" or "zone out"... Instead of saying something like "please refrain from telling me gossip about someone"  

So the question remains, should I say something to the person who spoke to me, speak to this person's boss or just continue to bite my tongue??? 

Dear Heavenly Father,

AS we look through rubble and piles of memories, may we all continue to hold You as the highest and try to live in a way that Glorifies your name.  May all those who are needing an extra embrace receive your love and guidance.  

Amen

11.15.12

We are not given instructions, (Thanks Carol) but we are given a path in which we can choose to follow.  Yesterday I sat in on an unofficial meeting at Church.  A few things from the meeting have been stuck in my head.  1. The overwhelming volume of donations and support for those suffering from Sandy's wrath.  2. The way that the community members are working to not just feed the families but the workers and the National Guard. 3. We need to keep an eye on an increase in alcohol and drug dependency, depression and suicidal thoughts. and 4. The fact that within 5 years of something like this happening many of the Pastors leave because of burn out....  These last two are terrifying to think about.  We cannot control what people do, we can only control what we do... We can only offer our help and support...We know how much Pastor Mary and Pastor Arnie are doing on top of the regular day to day obligations along with worrying about their own families.  Today morning whispers and then HTLC FB page cited: " May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. " Psalm 119:76  We need to help each other... as well as those who are in the business of helping.  Not for gratitude, but for the good of others and for God.   
  2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart. 
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.  -Psalm 119

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we lay our heads down tonight, may we all find peace and the comfort needed to release some of the stress and find a way to center ourselves in your welcoming Grace.  Please keep all of our friends and family, those who are sick and or recovering especially Judy, Janet, Robin, and Gail, those looking for work especially Robin and all those who are spending their days helping and their nights worrying, Pastor Mary, Pastor Arnie and their families.  
Amen

11.14.12

I do not agree with this... I  believe that every prayer is answered.. We just do not always "see" the answer so clearly or like what the answer may be.. b/c it is not always clear what path we are to take, we need to remain patient and keep the Faith.....
This morning, I posted on FB (like I normally do) when I am walking into Church...The  "check in" stated "The start, making it a good one" at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  I did not know that Pastor Mary would say almost the exact same thing during her Sermon.  We decided to make this our start to the day, and it was a good way to start.  Other folks decided to make their day start by deciding to attend an AA meeting both are better options.... She also spoke about how we get what we need, not an over abundance from God, but what we need little by little.  I found it ironic that after I left from driving someone to work I received a text from another member of the church asking if I went this morning.  When I said yes, she asked "was there a resonating message from this mornings service?"  I laughed and thought... I think there always is... But I told her what I felt and so to read this poster on FB tonight, made me feel like I have to say I am so grateful for God's love and guidance.

11.13.12

I am so thankful for anther moment of independence  Today I officially put the car registration in my name and it felt pretty good.  I also then got renters insurance... Yes, I know I need to get flood insurance as well..but I do feel a little better knowing that if I am robbed or a pipe bursts.... I am covered...  I also spent time tonight after dinner doing the annual Christmas card photo shoot with the kids.... This year, they had input and we got it done in less than an hour.. People will be shocked to see what I put on the card this year.. and I have to say.. I was pleased with the final card... really feels like Thanksgiving is next week now.. been a rough one to think about for many reasons.. but this Thanksgiving we have more to be thankful for than ever... Although many lost so much... we as a community have gained so much more than any "super storm Sandy" could take from us....  Most of all we have God's love.
1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.- Psalm 118 (NIV)

11.12.12

HURRICANE SANDY 2012

Two weeks ago right now... I was in a hotel room with my friend and our five children.  The children had just gone down to bed when the power went out.  We watched as the sky changed colors, the trees blew sideways and the rain was soaking through the windows onto the carpeting.  In all that we had no idea what was happening to the surrounding towns.  We could not have imagined that the boardwalks were falling into the ocean, the sand was toppling over buildings, and the waves were washing away homes filled with memories.  These are the things that I thought about today.  Although many people I know have regained some sort of their "new" normal, many people have not been able to even begin.  Tonight I think as I sit on my couch watching tv, working on my blog.. I take this time to say... I wish there were more I could do to help those who are suffering.  If you are looking for something to do there are many great organizations and churches looking for volunteers... And if you know of someone who has a need, please message me.... There are many people in my church that are trying to help as many people as we can....

On a personal note, I was so happy to hear that a sweet woman made it through surgery today alright and it was even sweeter to see my dear friend and see for myself that she is alright after her surgery... May we all be held in God's embrace and remember that God is always here even when we feel we need to look harder to see.  -Amen

11.11.12

Happy Veteran's Day to all those men and women who have given us the Freedoms that make me so proud to say I am an American.  My children and I wore our Red, White and Blue today and I have taught them that whenever you see a person wearing a military uniform, you stop and thank them and their families for the sacrifices they make for us on a daily basis.  We are so Grateful!  As I sat and listened to Pastor Mary's Sermon today about all the people who sent and will be sending help, and all the donations that have come from all over, it made me think even more how wonderful it is to be an American.

Jordan was trying to get Mackenzie
not to pull it for the picture....
He is not sticking out his tongue..

Having the freedom to choose how we believe and practice the religion we want is one of the very real Freedoms I am grateful for.  Jordan and Mackenzie rang the bell at Church again today, and then my little girl looked so sweet holding the tray for collection.  It was the sweetest feeling in the world walking up to Pastor Mary with Mackenzie holding the tray.  One day I can see her doing it all by herself, as someone leaned over as they saw Jordan ushering for Communion and said, "all of sudden he looks all grown up..." It's true my son has grown up so much in the last few months and I really do believe that a lot of it has been from being at Holy Trinity.  It warmed my heart to think this is such a wonderful way for both of them to grow up.  I am so grateful that we found such an awesome place.

The Widow’s Offering

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”- Mark 12 (NIV)

As I co-taught Sunday School, we talked about money and it's worth with the sixth graders, but we allowed the conversation to go into what is on their minds- Sandy.  Many spoke about what happened at their homes and their friends and we spoke about how Sandy has changed their future.  Many of the memories they shared at the beaches will have even more of cherished feeling.  We let them speak and we asked them to understand that as they go back to school, (only one student wished his school had washed away) they would begin to hear and see what their friends and their families may need and how we can all give to them.  Much like in the Gospel, many whether they have money or time are giving everything they can,  much like the widower to help each other.  These are the memories that I will retain from Sandy.

Many schools cannot open and that saddens me deeply.  It is heart-breaking just how many people will forever be changed.  But for many the lucky ones, tomorrow morning, children all around will once again be boarding their bus and trying to get back to their NEW normal lives.  Just as we sang leaving service, I will end my blog with America the Beautiful.... and until we rebuild, the Jersey Shore will always be beautiful in our memories...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCxJClbR4k0

America the Beautiful

Words by Katharine Lee Bates,
Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee! 

11.10.12

Today, I did something I have a difficult time doing.. accepting an offer for help.  Yes, I know seems silly but it was really big for me.  I was going to help a friend and knew I would be cutting it tight to get back in time.  I was told by a sweet woman to go and that she would be here for when my children returned. I really was hesitant, b/c accepting help is not me, I prefer to give.... but I did and I really am grateful that she allowed me to do this. I am so blessed.  I understand this.
It was a great feeling to deliver a meal and be able to see a friend.  I am praying for his dad and all those who are sick, hospitalized, displaced from Sandy or feeling mentally lost.  May God keep his embrace on all of us and may we all find ways to Glorify His name.  Amen

11.9.12

This morning, while I sat at the ER with my children to get Jordan's foot X-ray, the woman who comes to check your insurance asked what happened.  When Jordan and I had some banter about whether or not he was running when he slammed his foot into the wall, the woman stated "At least you have a home".  I started to feel annoyed I felt like it was not called for and that really to say that to an 11 yr old might not be professional.  I stopped and thought, she is having a bad day, she is having a bad week, do not get upset with her..... A few minutes later she said how her mother, sister and daughter (and grandchildren) lost their homes in different towns.  We will never be the same again, we can move on, but really there is so many in pain right now.... There are ways we can begin to heal, look to the future with God at our side.
You know that feeling when you feel really good about something you have done...without wanting anything in return...??? In two weeks we have helped someone go from a flood victim to settling into a new place.... that is a huge accomplishment.  There are still so many more who do not have a place to go, but maybe one house at a time..... we can make it possible for everyone.  We had a lot of silly moments today which was good for everyone involved.  My new "family" is so much fun to be around!! At one point, we joked "What happens at JXXXX, stays at JXXXX".... Perhaps the funniest was when some people stopped and thought "What would Pastor Mary say or think about that..." and then we all had even more of a good laugh thinking of her responses...Overall, we know we did a good thing today..
With so much already on my brain, it's been difficult to clear it all... but I am working on....

10.8.12

Yesterday we were hit with a snowstorm.  We were told to expect a coating..  While I drove to get gas and then pick up my kids, I was fighting between the emotions of what it meant for so many who were already suffering and the absolute beauty of it all.  I know the mess it made for those who are here trying to help get the power back on for everyone and for those who are cleaning up after Sandy.... but, there is something magical about the snow.  It reminds me of happy times, and I am trying to get my kids to experience that same feelings when they see the snow.
This morning, while I cleaned the flooded wood with a someone, I tried so hard to not think about many things.... it wasn't always working, but staying busy helping others is definitely a better way of spending my day then thinking.  Well I think.
I just received a text from my dear friend, she is awake, and doing alright and for that I am so grateful.  I thank you God for blessing the surgeons and hospital staff that helped my friend.  I am so grateful to all.  As I was texting her, I also received word that the power came back for some in Manasquan... including our Church... this is good for so many.  it also means I am teaching Sunday School this weekend..
I began to read The Widow's Offering in Mark 41-44.  When we look at how people give (whether monetary or in time) to others it is always amazing to see someone who has so little, providing so much ....So many people have been stepping forward to help this past week, there are many ways we can give!!!!
May we all live in a way that will Glorify God's name....
Amen

10.7.12

As people prepared for the wintery mess, I prepared for a house guest.  It is nice to have another adult here, and she can REALLY cook!!!! Thank you, Grace for an awesome real meal... :-)  Kids are starting to meltdown a little but after being up since 4:30 and 4:45... what more should I expect???
As a dear friend prepares for surgery tomorrow, I ask that we keep her in prayers, Gail.....thank you...
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.  Psalm 91 v1-2.

11.6.12

It is so difficult to put into words what has been happening... My last post was 10.28.12 the Trunk of Treat... the children were so excited and happy.  Yesterday they "celebrated" the best they could Halloween.  We tried to give them a little NORMAL.... for one brief hour a total of 5 houses and three apartments later they were kids again.
We lost power in my Wall apt 4pm Monday 10.29 and we received it back today around 10:45 am ish? To be completely honest we were ok and I was ok with not having power.  The apt was warm ( I have witnesses to confirm that), my children were safe, and it brought me to interact with my neighbors.  We were all working together to help each other.  THAT IS WHAT we should remember from Sandy.  The good stories, yes, there are the horrible stories, the horrible people and those who are taking advantage of people who are already hurting, but I choose to think of those who are helping.
A woman cried when we handed her a coffee cup filled with hot soup.  This moment will be in my and another woman's mind for a very long time.  Seeing entire families walk out of their home with many of their life stories on the curb and as they take a sandwich and something hot tell us how nice everyone is... is why every day we have been doing something...
My church family has kept me going, whether service by cell phones flashlights and candles, or during a sunlight Keep your coat on service.... we have all come to say, God, we know you did NOT do this....
We see signs "Jersey Strong" Yes, we are Jersey Strong....we are a state that will rebuild, we will never allow something to take us down.  construction crew men refused to take food from us, "Go give it to someone who needs it." or family members who came to help their families, "I have power, only give it to them.." All the out of state workers, FEMA, or National Guard, so many volunteers so many generous donations.... These are things that will forever be placed in people's minds next to all the memories their beloved shore towns.
Schools closed for two full weeks, homes under water, sewage, or destroyed by fires... THEY WILL SURVIVE... as a community, we will SURVIVE...   This is why I am grateful to be a part of something that is helping people to feel the love and support and to know there is help.... for EVERYONE....
Here are some shots of the gratitude.....