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Monday, May 20, 2013

DEVASTATED





Thank you so much to all of you who have sent word checking to see if we were ok.  We are on the north side of OKC in Edmond, and the tornado struck Moore which is on the south side of OKC.  

I watched it all live on tv from the moment the funnel formed.  To hear the newscasters saying, "Oh, this is a deadly tornado" as you watch it blow by and rip up houses and buildings just makes your heart drop.  It's so shocking to watch such power and destruction and know there's not one thing you can do to stop it.  


I've lived in Oklahoma my whole life (except for a few years away after we married), and unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence.  Today was just especially horrific.
  
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I'm sure you have all seen coverage on your news, so I don't need to share too many details.  Just sharing how heart-breaking this devastation is.  

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As I write there are still many missing people and children that were at school.  The death toll is in the 50s and feared to rise higher.  Please join me in praying for those families who have lost a loved one or who still have someone missing.  I can't imagine being separated from my child and not being able to get to them. 

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I just can't write about paint and fabric when disaster is this close to home.  It so brings into perspective those things that are really important.

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My husband is on his way right now with another church member and our church bus to head to the area affected and help shuttle people to safety and shelters.  Everything is just so torn up and unrecognizable that everyone is having a hard time getting around.

If you feel inclined to help, here are two very worthy organizations that I highly recommend.  We have personally donated to the BGCO Disaster Relief Team and I encourage you to do the same.

Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma's Disaster Relief Team-  Donate here
The Red Cross- Donate here


Our pastor is preaching through Psalm 100 right now and has encouraged everyone to memorize the short chapter.  There's no way to make sense out of a situation like this other than knowing that the Lord is in control.  I'm finding comfort in it's verses tonight, and will leave you with it's words...


Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth.


Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.  

Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.  
Give thanks to him, bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and 
His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100 (NASB)



Would you like to comment?

  1. So heartbreaking...especially thinking of the children being afraid, injured, lost and deceased. So true re: what really matters. These people have no home, car, clothes. Glad your family is ok. We need to all pray for OK!

    Pat

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  2. So heartbreaking...especially thinking of the children being afraid, injured, lost and deceased. So true re: what really matters. These people have no home, car, clothes. Glad your family is ok. We need to all pray for OK!

    Pat

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  3. Jennifer, I'm so sorry to see such devastation of your area. We've been watching it on the news, it's just heart wrenching to watch that school being destroyed and to think of all the families suffering such loss. You're all in our prayers, bless your husband and his team for their efforts to lend help and comfort.

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  4. Been thinking of you and your family. It must be such a surreal feeling to be so close to all of this. The pictures are just overwhelming.

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  5. I'm sitting here right now watching the news and thinking of you guys. It's devastating! Bless you for helping!
    Praying for all of those who are affected.

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  6. I was thinking of you this morning wondering where you were in regards to the devastation. It is heartbreaking. Praying for sure.

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  7. Devastating is probably not even a strong enough word to describe it. It's so hard to see the aftermath on TV, I can't imagine being able to see it daily in person.

    Just know that people all over the US are praying hard for everyone affected by the storm. Know that we are, Raleigh NC.

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  8. Such a heartbreaking situation! I cannot even imagine. Thinking of everyone involved.

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  9. Praying for all of Oklahoma. Such a sad situation, but knowing He is looking out for everyone is comforting. Xo - Sarah

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  10. So heartbreaking. I am so very glad to know that you are your family are okay, I was so worried for you all. Praying for your city. xox

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  11. So sad, so scary. Thankful to be safe and sound. Heart broken for those who suffered loss. Prayers are all that make sense to me still. Thanks for sharing sweet friend.

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  12. Praying for your city. I am so gla you and your family are safe and sound.

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  13. praying for everyone in OK. i did hear that the death toll is now 24 so half of what it was last night, which is good news in relation. thinking of you and your community.

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  14. It is very good news to hear you all are alright. Praying for all of those affected. Thanks for the info on the Baptist church donation link.... I normally give to Salvation Army in times like these, designating where I want the money to go. I've now made a donation to the Baptist group... Thanks.

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  15. Jennifer, you are the FIRST person who came to my mind when I saw the news last night. I don't know anyone in OK but I feel like I know you. I know what you mean about not writing about fabric & decorating in the midst of such devastation. About 15 yrs ago my husband returned from a business trip to India to find about ten different shades of yellow paint painted in random places all around our kitchen & keeping room--my way of sampling how it would actually look on the wall. So I asked him which of the yellows he preferred and he replied, "I just came back from a country where most people don't know if they are going to eat tomorrow so I really don't care about paint colors"...it surely does put things in perspective, doesn't it?

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  16. Prayers to you all and I am glad you were not affected, but so sorry for all of those who were.

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  17. I thought about you right away Jennifer - wasn't sure where you lived. So glad you are all ok but it feels sort of bad to even say that - do you know what I mean? I'm so relieved the people I know are all right and then I think of the ones who are NOT alright and I know there are people who know them and it is just so devastating to all involved. Praying for all.

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  18. Beautifully written, Jennifer. Thank you for sharing that scripture.

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  19. Hi Jennifer,

    I have been worried about you and praying for you. I shared that we lived in OKC near you and I remember those storms. God be with the families of OK. My thoughts are with you. I just watched a truck leave this morning heading for OK.

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