Devastation a half a world away: Japan's Earthquake & Tsunami

My mind is heavy today.  I got up this morning in my same normal fashion; following my same routine, grabbing a sweatshirt and my sneakers to go for a morning walk.  The sun was shining brightly in my bedroom windows which was a much welcomed sight considering we've had several days of gray clouds and cold temps.  I knew today was going to be good day.  I was greeted at the door by my pup as he yawned and stretched.  Off we went for our morning stroll. 

I wake up to the radio and I recall the broadcasters talking about historical earthquakes, but I just assumed they were talking about this day in history.  Little did I know they were referring to today and a day that will go down in history. 

Upon my return from walking I pulled up my facebook to check out the world around me.  A cousin of mine lives in Japan and all I see is EARTHQUAKE as his status so I pulled it up.  Then, I turned on the TV.  This is what was all over the news: an 8.9 earthquake hit off the shore of Northern Japan around 2:45 PM (Japan time) Friday, March 11, 2011.  Shortly after a 13-foot tsunami plummeted the island causing major devastation up and down the 1300 miles of Japan's cost.  It's a good thing I was driving solo today because all I could do was sit and watch the TV.  Next think I knew it was almost 8 am and I was officially late to work.

As soon as I heard all this news my thoughts immediately turned to God.  I knew at that moment that God was speaking to His people all over the world.  I'm sure many were listening just like I'm sure there are so many who weren't.  I threw my hands up and said out loud, "God, I know you're talking.  I'm here in the central US not physically being affected by this, but I still know you're talking.  God, I sure hope people wake up and listen." It was such a 'WOW GOD' moment even though it was a moment of total devastation and destruction a half a world away.  All this has caused destruction right here in the US.  The tsunami affected Hawaii and all up and down the West Coast.

You see, what we have to remember, even though by land we're a half a world away we are still under God's creation, His control, His strength, His power, His promise, His plan!  So when He talks we should all listen because God has no continental boundaries or borders.  If all this 'stuff' going on around us doesn't wake people up I don't know what will; unless many wake up when it's too late.  And by 'stuff' I mean floods, big snow storms, earthquakes gallore every day, war, talks of war, earthquakes, and the list goes on.  It's not global warming folks...it's bonefide GOD WARNING!

All this happening is a perfect definition of fearing the Lord.  I fear the Lord, yes I do.  I don't fear Him out of being scared for my life; it's just the opposite.  I fear the Lord because I believe His promises; promises of good and bad.  I fear the Lord because I have lost friends and family who may never enter the Kingdom of Heaven; I fear for their souls.  I fear the Lord because I believe His plans; even though I don't know the time or place.  I fear the Lord because I believe He is Higher than anything, Stronger than anything, Capable of everything, Lover and Giver of my soul.  I fear the Lord because I believe!

So, everyone who reads this:  Do you believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ?  If you don't see tomorrow do you know without a shadow of a doubt you will spend your eternity with Him in Heaven?  I pray your answers are yes.  Even if I don't know you I still pray for your soul.  As a Christian, we are to love one another and pray for the lost.  That doesn't say love one another if you know them.  That says 'love one another.'  God didn't create us to be lost and disbelieve Him. 

God bless you all!

Until next time . . .

Saying Goodbye . . .

June of 2002 I watched Wendy, our Red Dun Quarter Horse mare, bring Cali into the world.  On Saturday, March 5, 2011, I had to watch them both become part of someone else's family :(  It was hard to say goodbye and let go of two beauties who have been apart of the C Ridge for a long time; Wendy (22) since she was seven and Cali since her birth.  Wendy was the first mare we ever had that we raised babies from.  During her time on the Ridge she mother three fillies; Dusti, Sunni, and Cali.  My cousin purchased Dusti & Sunni last year so they are still close. 

I have to admit I got a little teary seeing them in the trailer.  Afterall, we raised Cali; so it's always hard to see them go.  Later, once we got them in their new barn, I had to have a little time with them to myself while dad and the new owner talked.  I tried to hold back the tears, but I just couldn't.  I know, I know...they're just horses, an animal.  But, when you see something everyday you kinda get used to it and attached.

Wendy (mother) and Cali (daughter)

Cali and Wendy

On this same day, we brought home a new addition to the C Ridge, Lil Dandy, a six year old Bay Rhone Quarter horse.  You're probably wondering, "Why did you get rid of two and bring home another?"  Well, for many reasons.  Cali wasn't broke to ride, therefore could be potentially dangerous and Wendy is getting on in years and we couldn't bare the thought of her passing on the farm.  Therefore, we brought home a broke horse that we can ride.   Even though Lil Dandy is beautiful and has great disposition, it was still a sad exchange.

Lil Dandy

When you have cared for something one always worries that something won't be cared for as good as you did or that they will be mistreated.  We can only hope that Wendy and Cali are well taken care of and loved as we did.  We do know that both mares will make their new permanent residence somewhere in Oklahoma where they will become surrogate mothers, or broodmares.  I pray they are well taken care off.  They will be forever missed on the C Ridge.

Until next time . . .

Christmas in March!!!!

Today is the day . . . to see Chris Tomlin in concert!!! Louie Giglio will also be there speaking along with singer, Christy Nockels and Rend Collective!!!  This will be my third concert, in two years, seeing Chris Tomlin . . . he's my FAVORITE . . .  and second time to hear Louie Giglio.  I guess you can say, "I'M A FAN!"

Little Rock, AR concert with TobyMac, Spring 2010

So, if a few moments I will be on the road by way of picking up my sister and then picking up Shanea (my niece) at College of the Ozarks.  We are being met in Ozark at the James River Assembly by my parents and Dee & Jasmine (my other two nieces).  We all got tickets for Christmas so we are having Christmas in March!!  So excited!!!

Today is also the day of Round 2 District play in for High School playoffs.  Dora Falcons, my home team, will face intra-country rivals the Gainesville Bulldogs to see who advances to the District Championship!  Oh, my fingers are cross.  LET'S GO DORA FALCONS!!!

Until next time . . .