Happy New Year

This year I discovered people feel stressed over how they spend New Year's Eve. There were years I was sad on Valentine's Day but never New Year's Eve. I like winding up one year and starting a new year. I also enjoy opening a new journal and starting a new book.

2018 was a good year for us. The most exciting event was the birth of our grandson, Cameron.

He is incredibly sweet and has the best disposition. There are so many things to be thankful for, and Cameron is definitely at the top of the list.

Another event on our 2018 list was surviving Hurricane Florence. We've lived in South Carolina for two years, and this was the first time we had to evacuate. We learned a lot and are blessed to have gotten through another hurricane season.

I look forward to 2019 and seeing what God has in store for me. I hope you have a wonderful year.

After Florence

A lot of people I talk to in the Carolinas feel like they lost the month of September. When Florence became a reality for us, we prepared. Hurricane Florence hit. Some lost everything, and some only lost electricity.

I was so happy to get home. Tim went straight to work to help residents get settled into their homes. I brought Heinz home. I pushed the button to open the garage door. No problem. I walked to the front door. Now there was a problem. I was boarded out of my house because the front door has glass panels.

Even if I'd had the right tools get the boards off, I'm not strong enough or tall enough to do it by myself. I was disappointed to say the least.

North Carolina was hit harder than South Carolina during the hurricane. Then came the floods. The flooding wasn't fast, but it was furious. Many of the flood victims were still recovering from the flooding of Hurricane Matthew a couple of years ago.

During the devastation, people stepped up to help strangers. Companies donated truck loads of sand for people to make sandbags for people they didn't know. Some who weren't physically able to fill sandbags fixed food at sandbag donation sites. Food for the victims and food for volunteers. Many people offered shelter for victims. As of yesterday, many people were still not allowed into their homes. When they go back they'll be faced with ripping out wet drywall, flooring and I can't imagine what all they'll have to deal with.

I'd like to ask you to keep the victims in you prayers. Thanks so much!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Hurricane Florence

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7


I first heard about Hurricane Florence a few days ago. This is my second hurricane season living in South Carolina. My first trip to the store was to buy batteries, peanut butter, soft drinks, water, tuna, and crackers. In my mind, Florence would change directions or fizzle out.

Then the news reported we were in line for a direct hit. This is the point I started freaking out. As I listened to stories of Hurricane Hugo, I decided I better take a deep breath.

More than a million people have been ordered to evacuate. The community where Tim works was one of the first groups ordered to go. I knew it was time to pack up and prepare our house.

I decided not to pack the most valuable items in my home. I chose instead to pack the artwork my boys created when they were growing up. I packed my wedding album and family pictures.

Besides the hurricane, we'll need to watch for flooding, tornadoes and storm surge. South Carolina has declared a State of Emergency and 800 National Guardsmen have been activated.

We're leaving today and not sure what we'll find when we return. We're in the zone though. Tim is focused on taking care of the residents of his retirement community, and we're blessed to have found men who will board up our windows.



Through the fear, God is our provision.

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."