Friday Fave Fives - October 11, 2024

 

It's been a wild week of weather watching and answered prayers. This week, even more than others, I have so much to be thankful for. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story and to share yours. And thanks, Susanne for your faithfulness in giving us this spot.

1. Safety from a hurricane: Along with hearing about the devastation of Hurricane Helene affecting my area of the country, I watched as another major hurricane named Milton traveled across the Gulf with my family in the bullseye. I lived in Florida for decades and preparing for oncoming storms was part and parcel of living in that beautiful state. Now - living 600 miles away, I still monitor things during the hurricane season because I have family and dear friends who live along the west coast. Milton was particularly worrying - a Category 5 with landfall expected in the Tampa Bay area about 2 hours from where my daughter and son in law live. I have a grandson and family in Sarasota, another granddaughter and family in Tampa and some dear friends north in Citrus County. I watched WFLA live stream out of Tampa all Wednesday and texted my daughter off and on. Landfall happened at Siesta Key, about 30 minutes from them. She was able to text me that they were okay. No power but that was to be expected. I've since heard from everyone else, and, except for power outages, all are okay. In times like this, all a mother can do is pray and trust God to protect those near and dear to her. God is faithful. I've been there - picking up after storms and my heart is with all those who are digging out from them.

2.  Fall decor: During watching Milton travel across the Gulf, I finally dug out my fall decorations. I don't have much and want to get something for outside by the front door. But here is what I have. 

  

Chester - the scare crow. He's been with me for more years than I can remember.

The pinecones are scented cinnamon. I wish you could smell them!

Hanging inside my front door.

3. Fall temps: Fall has finally arrived in east Tennessee - at least by the temps. We're having 40s during the night and 70s during the day. It's lovely to turn off the air and open the windows and let the fresh air come in. The trees are beginning to get more color now. It's slow going but I'm seeing a bit of a difference.

4. Audiology appointment: I had my final appointment with audiology yesterday and my hearing aids are now programmed at 100% of my prescription. They are a bit disconcerting at times since I hear sounds that I've not heard for a while. I didn't know that tapping the keys of my laptop keyboard could be so noisy! But conversation is so much easier to understand now and that's a blessing! 

5. God's faithfulness: It's been so stressful, being one of those who think they should be able to fix everything, to watch from hundreds of miles away as loved ones are in potential danger. Your kids make decisions that you don't always agree with (such as deciding not to evacuate before a major hurricane) but you just have to trust. My daughter and family didn't evacuate from Ian 2 years ago which was an equally strong storm, so they decided to stay put for this one. I can understand where they're coming from. But still. . . . . and if you're a mother, you can understand. But God is a very present help and a comfort, and He rode out the storm with them. He rode out the emotional storm within me as well. 

Wishing everyone a blessed weekend. And to any of you who have been affected by recent storms, you are in my prayers. 

Weekly October 7

 

DATE:  October 7, 2024

WEATHER: We are heading into lower temps this week and it will finally feel like fall. Right now, it's 65 degrees and will be in the upper 40s tonight. Humidity is also supposed to be down.

READING:  Jack's Life by Douglas Gresham. Douglas was C.S. Lewis' stepson. He wrote an excellent book about Jack (C.S. Lewis) called Lenten Lands. That book dealt with Douglas's childhood and growing up. Jack's Life is about Jack exclusively.

THANKFUL FOR:  Cooler temps and God's unfailing love. I've been emotionally fragile the last few days and reading His word has been such a comfort. Also thankful for those who are putting themselves in harm's way to deliver supplies and life-giving water and food to those who cannot get their own. And for those who are rescuing people and animals trapped, unable to get to safety. It's times like this that my faith in humanity is restored.

PONDERING/PRAYING:  I've been in prayer for the victims of Helene - both in east TN, western NC, Georgia and Florida. And now, there is a major hurricane heading for the west coast of Florida. I have a daughter and son-in-law, grandson and his family, granddaughter and her family and some dear friends right in the bullseye. This is all part and parcel of life in Florida but it's very difficult to be 

600 miles away from them. I'm also praying for our country, for the upcoming elections, for Israel. . . 

A lot to pray for!

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:  

I laughingly tell people that I tried the Clingman/s Dome walking trail and got "this far". It's a steep trail and beyond my abilities right now. This was probably less than an eighth of a mile into the trail.

FUNNY OF THE WEEK

Funny. . . . not funny.

This is courtesy of my daughter who, along with my son-in-law plans to sit tight and wait it out in Venice. I think she speaks for all Floridians right now!

QUOTE:

SCRIPTURE:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all

liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

James 1:5

Forgive this rather somber "Weekly Chat". So much on my mind and heart. For those who have been already affected by storms and hurricanes, you are in my thoughts and prayers. For those about to face another one, you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Weekly Chat - September 30

 

TODAY:  September 30, 2024

WEATHER:  Cloudy with some sprinkles. It's 70 degrees at the moment. Rain and wind most of the weekend from a tropical system but all is calm now.

READING/LISTENING TO:  Body of Proof by Jeremiah J. Johnston (on audible). If anyone is even a bit skeptical about the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this might convince them! Also reading through the Book of Revelation using a commentary by David Guzik. 

VIEWING:  I'm going to begin watching seasons 1-4 of All Creatures Great and Small in preparation for season 5 being released in January.

KNITTING/CROCHETING:  I've been crocheting a blanket but need to find some specific colors of yarn to continue.

THANKFUL FOR: All my family and friends in Florida and western NC are present and accounted for. The Florida bunch all live along the west coast of Florida but were far enough inland to be spared any problem. The remnants of Helene didn't cause any significant issue for me in eastTennessee. 

PRAYING FOR:  There are so many things to pray for - the upcoming elections, our country and the needs of family. My heart has been breaking to hear of the damages and flooding and loss of life that Helene left in her path. I've been to Asheville and the surrounding area, and I can't imagine what it's like there now. 

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:  

Taken last Tuesday at the parking area of Clingman's Dome

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

QUOTE:

SCRIPTURE:

"God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with it swelling."

Psalm 46:1-3

Wishing everyone a good week.

Friday's Fave Five - November 11, 2022

 

Here we are mid-November and it's a Friday. So, time to think of all the blessings I've encountered this week. Thank you, Susanne from Living to Tell the Story for giving us an opportunity and place to share these! Come join us!

1. Doing better: I've had a painful week from a fibromyalgia flare but it's getting better. I'm never 100% sure what brings these on but this one has been a doozy! But I'm feeling much better.

2.  A house cleaning schedule: I thrive on schedules and plans, but I've never really had a housecleaning plan. Last week when my Florida BFF came to visit, I spent a couple days cleaning my apartment and realized that some things were long overdue. I promised myself not to have to do that again and so created a schedule. When all the joint and muscle pain hit, I still kept to it, and I felt very accomplished. A small thing, I know but it really has helped.

3.  A great granddaughter birthday: Today is my great granddaughter Ava's birthday! Two years old. Coincidentally, her mommy is expecting daughter #2 - Arabella the same day as Ava's birthday - today! I've only gotten to visit with Ava twice in her young life, but her mommy is a prolific photo taker, so I have lots of photo memories. 

One month old

One year old in her birthday finery

November 2022 - almost two!

4.  A long telephone conversation with my daughter: My daughter, way down in Florida, and I spent an hour on the phone the other day just chatting. I love those times when we catch up with each other's lives. Often our calls are short and to the point, but times like these I cherish.

5.  Veteran's Day: Today we honor those who have served our country in the military. We wouldn't be the "land of the free and the home of the brave" if it wasn't for them.

My father - William S. Black Jr. 

My son, James Merli - USS Coral Sea

My heart felt thank you to all who have served.

I hope everyone is having a good day and looking forward to a good weekend. My prayers to those who have been hit with another hurricane. It's been a tough 3 months for them. I lived in Florida for over 40 years. I have family and dear friends there. Thankfully all have been safe with minimal damage.

Friday's Fave Five - September 30

 

It's been a very interesting week and one I'd just as soon not repeat. But in all that has happened, I've been able to see the blessings coming through. Thank you, Susanne from Living to Tell the Story for giving us a place to share our blessings with others.

1 and 2. Safety through a storm.: As far as I'm concerned, this blessing, deserves two spots. On Wednesday my daughter and son in law who live in Venice, FL were in the path of Hurricane Ian. The day before they were a bullseye, but throughout Wednesday morning it moved more south., as a strong Cat 4 (extremely close to a 5). On top of everything else, her husband, who is a county employee was required to man a shelter in Northport. So, she was alone with the two dogs and no power. On top of that, her weather app wasn't working so she had no idea how things were progressing. Her mother - "meteorologist Mom" was 600 miles away, monitoring things with the help of live coverage from a Sarasota TV station. I'd text her periodically with details. I honestly felt like I was going through it with her. The complex where they live is sturdy, but the wind and rain were relentless, and she was emotionally done in. That hurts a mom's heart when she's 600 miles away! By yesterday, the storm had passed, son in law was home and power was back on. The most wonderful blessing!

That can't be said for those north of them - Naples, Ft. Myers etc. My heart and prayers go out to them. The devastation is unbelievable. And because Florida was my home for so many years, my heart is still there, and I hurt for them all.

3. Cool, fall weather:  Finally! I haven't had my air conditioning on for days and when I step out first thing in the morning, I really could use a light jacket. I don't see any leaves turning yet but that will come. I'm loving it!

4. Doctor visit: This was the big one - my annual Medicare visit. Labs were drawn and some numbers I was concerned about were normal, but the diabetic numbers were worse. She added another diabetic med which isn't cheap even with a co-pay, but my doctor gave me almost 3 months of samples to see how the med works. That is a huge blessing! I'll see her again in January.

5. Another baby blanket: Some of you may remember my raven quote from Edgar Allen Poe when I finished the first baby blanket. However, I really needed to crochet another blanket for another granddaughter expecting in November and still had lots of that chunky baby yarn, so I bit the bullet and began another one yesterday. It's much easier going this time so I guess "practice does make perfect." This one is for the wee one up in Connecticut so I'm making it a bit bigger to give extra warmth.  

My first two blessings here have made me reflect. When I lived in Florida and a tropical storm or hurricane was barreling down, I'd pray for it to change direction and just leave me alone. It was survival back then, but I knew that. But if it didn't hit me, it would hit someone else. It was not always a great comfort to be spared only to see fellow Floridians suffer - or Texans, or Georgians or wherever else it hit. To see the devastation down in southwest Florida and what may happen in SC today when it makes landfall as a Cat 1 once again, is heart breaking. Life is precious and our possessions are fleeting. Only our faith in God is ever present and eternal. 

I hope you all are looking forward to a great weekend!

Prayers for Florida

 Many of you may have already heard that a major hurricane is headed for the west coast of Florida. As of last forecast, it is due to hit Tampa area as a Cat 3 sometime in the early hours of Thursday morning. Having lived in Florida for many years, I know that hurricanes and tropical systems can change course at the last minute. But as of now, it's made me very anxious.

Photo courtesy of Bay News 9

I lived in Florida for many years, having moved to Tennessee 5 years ago. If I were living now where I was then, I would be in the crosshairs. What makes me very anxious now is that I have family and friends all up and down the west coast of Florida. I have a granddaughter and husband in Tampa, A grandson, wife and child in Sarasota and a daughter and son-in-law in Venice. I also have a very good friend and her husband who live just north of Tampa. All are preparing for the storm right now but with probable power outages, I don't know when I'll hear from them once Ian passes by. 

Thankfully, with all the years I lived in Florida, I never experienced a hurricane. I've been through a couple strong tropical storms that, by wind speeds, were only a tad less than a hurricane. I've been through power outages and waiting in line for cases of water at our local fair grounds. I've endured Walmart trying to grab what I needed off almost empty shelves. It's not fun.

I would appreciate prayers for Florida and especially for my family and friends at this time.