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Print Hurricane Ivan was bearing down on us. I had taken all of my plants indoors and secured all patio furniture. The only thing I left outside were my wind chimes. I couldn't bring myself to bring them in. They are much too happy in the midst of all of the wind. My heart sings along with them. I live in a small town north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hurricanes are nothing new to us. My preparations were as follows: I made an apple cake and tuna salad. My adventure to Wal-Mart this afternoon yielded bread, ice, candles, bottled water, the latest issue of Southern Living and, you guessed it, more tuna. My 17 year-old son, Matt, lives in Heaven. Since he left on February 19, 2002, wind has captured my attention like never before. I imagine my son among the clouds. I wonder how a hurricane looks from Heaven. When I think of the wind, the first scripture that comes to mind is: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the spirit” (John 3:8). I think of the wind in the book of Acts: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). Hurricane force winds that day? Sounds possible to me. Accompanied by flames of fire, of course, and unknown tongues. I am reminded of the scripture: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). I am proud to be Apostolic. My feet are cemented in this way. No wind of doctrine will toss me to and fro, not even hurricane force winds. I also think of the rapture. We will be gone in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye. Wind may signal our departure; then again, we may exit this world silently. No man knows the day or the hour. I make it a habit to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. My spiritual suitcase is always packed, ready for departure. I anticipate joining my son, Matt, in the clouds. The dead in Christ shall rise first. Tyler, my 16-year-old son, and I will be right behind him. Eternity will be so very nice. I especially like the “no more tear” part. Maybe Matt will say, “Hi, Mom. What took you so long?” Then we'll dance around the throne together. And laugh and laugh and laugh. Happy....forever! So, come on Hurricane Ivan. We're ready for you! I plan to go to sleep at my usual time tonight. I plan to sleep like a baby. We are cradled in the palm of God's hand. Ho Hum Aftermath Hurricane Ivan came ashore early that morning. During my morning walk from my porch to the road to get my newspaper, the only noticeable signs that Ivan was nearby was the wind he leaves behind. From what I can see, it didn't even rain at my house. My wind chimes are quiet, with only an occasional note. My ears strain to hear the soft tune they play this morning. Our Wednesday night service was canceled last night. (We Louisianians are cautious souls.) The night before I cleaned my house. I worked at a frenzied pace. I felt that my floors had to swept, mopped, and vacuumed. All clothes washed, folded, and put in place. Bathrooms cleaned, sheets changed. It was only after my house sparkled that I went to bed. I felt this was a vital part in preparing for Ivan. Oh yes, and an apple cake had to be on my counter. (More of that Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus theory.) The good news is, in anticipation of Ivan, most workplaces in this area were closed that day, including mine. I could’ve gone back to sleep, if I chose, and enjoyed a chore-free day. When Tyler awakened, he and I could take my plants back outside so they can once again feast on the sun. Ivan was fierce. News reports indicated this. I know there was property damage and lost lives. My prayers are with those that were in the midst of the storm. In the little boomtown that I call home, we are safe. As always, God is good to us.
ninetyandnine.com © 2004, Gwen Spell --------- Gwen Spell is the mother of two boys, Matt and Tyler. Tyler is 16 years old and Matt is Forever 17. Tyler lives here with me and Matt lives in Heaven. She is a member of First United Pentecostal Church of Denham Springs, Louisiana. |
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