My heart is heavy tonight for those in Joplin, MO and northern Arkansas. My prayers are with them and for us in the upcoming days. I hate storms. I don't mind an old fashion thunder storm, but I hate the tornados and the severe storms we seem to be getting lately. I know I drive my poor husband crazy when the forecast is for severe weather. I try really hard not to scare my four year old, but I generally try to keep us all dressed and shoes on like the wind couldn't suck them off.....I know, I know, it is a crazy person writing this blog.....lol. I know that God is in control. I believe He is in control, but when the wind start's blowing, I tend to forget He made the wind. I've lived in southwest Arkansas my whole life and have been around storms and tornados. I've seen brick homes destroyed and seen old trailer houses standing tall and proud in the same storm....trees have blown down and old falling in shed's still standing...The closest I've ever been in a tornado was several years ago. The whole house shook. The sound I will never forget, it started out like the hum of the interstate. At that time I lived about 1 and half miles from the interstate and there was always a steady hum. The hum from this storm got louder and louder. I kept wondering what it was, and then like a ton of bricks it dawned on me what it was. There was no time to go anywhere. I ran to the bathroom and which was the only room with one window and prayed and sanged a hymn over and over till it passed. It seemed like an eternity, but was probably only a few seconds. When I get scared now in storms I try my best to tell myself all the miracles God has done and will do. God may not choose to keep the storm away, but I know He loves me. I know He is in control. I know He see's me. I know He is with me. He is with you as well.