Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thankful Thursday!

As you can imagine, after Sunday’s windstorm I am so very thankful this week…

♥ First, that our damage was truly minimal. I’m especially grateful none of the trees surrounding our home came down. There are so many in our area who lost very old, large trees and many suffered substantial damage to their homes. There were a number of people who died as a result of fallen trees or power lines. The husband of a good friend narrowly missed being hit by a falling utility pole while driving their van on Sunday.

♥ That our power was restored by Monday night! You really don’t know just how much you utilize electricity until you don’t have it. I truly have a new appreciation this week for lights, my appliances, computer, tv, air conditioning, etc. I still have several co-workers and extended family without power.

♥ The weather since the storm has been absolutely beautiful, and there is no rain in the forecast until early next week! This has been and will continue to be a huge help to the linemen working to restore power, as well as the contractors trying to repair home and roof damage.

♥ That we were able to call on linemen from North and South Carolina to assist our crews in repairing downed lines, replace transformers/utility poles and restore power. They’re still working around the clock to get power back for the remaining residents (about 200,000).

♥ The opportunities for service this has provided. One local ministry gave out thousands of bags of ice. Several churches have provided dinners for those in the community without power. I’ve also heard of those who have grilled what was left in their freezer and shared it with friends and neighbors. I was able to talk with many co-workers and offer to have them in our home either to stay, to take showers, etc. I offered to do laundry or anything they might need. Most importantly, I was able to encourage them and let them know I would pray for them. I believe God was planting some seeds through those conversations.

♥ That I have an even greater understanding and compassion toward those who endure hurricanes year after year.


♥ That my fridge and freezer haven’t been this clean since they were new. ☺

♥ That I now have the opportunity to be a bit more prepared next time!

Please continue to pray for those affected in any way by these last few hurricanes.

May this Thursday find you thankful!

Tracy

To read other Thankful Thursday posts, join us at Sting my Heart.

17 comments:

Leaon Mary said...

Tracy,
I'm so thankful yall weathered that horrible storm. Your TT post is wonderful.
Oh gotta tell you ... tag you're it.
Come by the shed later when you can,
Hugs,Lea

Krista said...

That's alot to be thankful for! I will keep praying for those affected by Ike!

Have a great day,
Krista

Susannah said...

All good! You've endured some real hardships this week. :~D

That I now have the opportunity to be a bit more prepared next time! AMEN.

Blessings!

Laurie Ann said...

Great post, Tracy. I'm so glad you have such a grateful attitude in times that are hard. It's harrowing, and to be able to thank God in the midst and after it is awesome!

Debra Kaye said...

Tracy,

What a beautiful thankful heart you have in the midst of trying times.

Blessings to you today, sweet sister!

Melanie said...

All such wonderful blessings and thanksgivings, Tracy. So glad you all are safe and sound after the storms!

Happy Thankful Thursday!

Julie said...

Glad you were kept safe, friend,

Hugs,
Julie

Kristi said...

I'm so glad that you are safe and sound. I know everyone you came in contact with appreciated your encouragement and your help. Blessings to you!

Joy Junktion said...

All we have to do is open our eyes and look around to see so much to be thankful for.
Great post.
I'm glad things are getting better for you.
Cindy

Peggy said...

Blessings Tracy...I'm so thankful that you are alright! I checked several times but didn't see a new post since the anniversary! I'm so sorry that you had to learn such
appreciation the hard way...doing without it! How inspirational how you and others are reaching out in your community! Your heart is so priceless and precious throughout this post of gratitude! May God continue to aide all of you as you reach out to others! May the lineman have more good weather so they can finish and plenty of help!
May everyone be thankful & the seeds planted be back for more!
God be with you & keep you safe!
(((HUGS)))

Paula V said...

Great list. I dido many of those things...well except for the clean fridge. Ha! Come by any time and take your turn on mine! heha

Anonymous said...

Happy Thankful Thursday! I enjoyed visiting your site today and happy to know that all is well in your part of the world.

Tricia said...

Some very real and tangible things to be thankful for! Thanks for sharing your thankful heart!

Blessings!

Peggy said...

My dear beloved Tracy...

I am so thankful that I have come to know you and share Jesus together. You have blessed me many times in many ways! I know you have these...but

Please come and visit me so I can honor that closeness & friendship:

http://mazmagi.blogspot.com/2008/09/proximityclose.htm

Kristi said...

I didn't notice that Lea tagged you too! Your on my tag list also. I can't wait to read your 7 random things. Blessings to you!

LynnSC said...

What a great list. I love that you can see so much to be thankful for in a difficult time. Sounds like your thankfulness turned into a blessing for others... God at work.

Lynn

Tricia said...

Hey Tracy
Thanks so much for your sweet comments yesterday, and for your prayers!

Today has been much better, we all went to the park today and had a picnic and just a nice time being together as a family... it was good for my heart!

Have a great weekend!