The one where we duck for cover

What a whirlwind of a night! From the moment we got up yesterday morning, we were warned of severe weather, and the dangers that were to come. About two o'clock storms started firing up in western Oklahoma, and the wait began. How big would the storms really get? Would the eminent tornadoes be small, large? Would they form over pastures or would they stalk cities?

As we get up this morning, we now look at the devastation left behind. There were at least 5 major tornadoes, all of which hit townships, towns, and cities. The death toll is up to eight after a child passed away this morning from injuries sustained last night. We are fervently praying for a pregnant mother who was in her bathtub with her three children. When the all clear sounded, she only had two children still with her. The search is on for her missing three year old. Tears are streaming as I think of the emotions she is dealing with. Waiting on her husband to make it back into town. The area she was in is completely leveled. Smooth concrete foundations are all that are seen as the rest of the homes have been blown completely off. There is a report of a high school rally ribbon being found 100 miles from the high school it came from.

There are also reports of courage and valor. People who opened up their already cramped and over capacity storm shelters to just one more. People bringing water and blankets to devastated areas. Local news helicopter landing while reporting to help a family get out of their demolished home and to safety as their propane tank was spewing propane.

This is the storm that sent us underground. We had already packed our vehicle with our necessities. The kids were quick and orderly rushing to the van. We drove the short distance to a church members storm shelter and safety. The rain and hail hit before we got there, but other than anxious nerves, we were fine. Right before we left, I posted to Facebook and Twitter we were going to shelter. It was a short stay in the shelter. Maybe 10 minutes at most. The twister had ran its course and fizzled out before it got to us. Multiple phone calls were made to family checking in, making sure they were okay, and passing along news to one another. I popped on to my social networks and was blown away. There had been a frenzied plea for prayers for our family. I was dumbfounded over all the people who went to their knees on our behalf. People who have never met me, don't even know our family. Yet there they were, interceding for us, none the less. What a joy it was to report our well being! How beautiful is the body of Christ?! I immediately went to Ephesians 1:15-16

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

Our God is good. Always. The same God has been good to this mother of 8, and the mother of the missing child. He isn't good because we are safe, He is good because that is his very nature. Keep up the faith, and continue to lift up the saints. You have no idea the encouragement that you are!

Beth