Weather. It seems as though it has been dominate on the news broadcasts (possibly a welcome reprieve from all the political nitpicking). Storms, over and over again. These hurricanes must be from Texas because it seems like they are all going to Florida!

Growing up in West Texas I have spent my share of time in a cellar. My parents and grandparents were true believers in cellars. No, we aren't upper class, we eat our sliced bread with the crust on, and there is not a wine bottle one to be found in these damp, dark havens of safety. I can remember being rousted from a child's sleep and marched out of the house and into the cellar on numerous occasions. My parent's cellar is a large one. It can comfortably seat about eighteen people, and if needed could probably handle twenty plus. It is set up with chairs, old coal oil lamps, and scattered items stored there (there used to even be an old exercise bike, go figure). I can recall my Dad positioning himself at the door, the flickering flames reflection dancing across the other faces, the damp musty smell, the fears and concerns that electrified the air, and the low muffled sound of conversation, insulated, one wall away from a raging storm.

I haven't hidden from a storm in about twenty five years. We don't have a storm cellar. I don't know if we have tremendous faith or if we are unbelievably stupid. I suppose part of it is the improved weather reporting along with new more effective technology. Krl and I have this mentality that when it is your time, it is your time and nothing you can do will alter this. One of our dogs has become increasingly scared of storms as she has aged. You can usually tell hours before it happens that it is going to storm. Obviously she isn't aware of our outlook on seeking refuge.

West Texas weather is hit and miss. We have probably been quite lucky playing the odds. Hurricane Ivan (and Frances, and Charley), while huge, powerful, and seemingly endless (by West Texas thunder storm comparison), at least are somewhat predictable hours and possibly even days prior to their arrival. I think if I was in the path of one of these storms it would be much like looking down the barrel of a gun. I am concerned for the people who find themselves looking at Ivan as this storm races toward them.

FATHER, I ask a special prayer of YOUR blessings and safety for those in the path of this large storm. Help these people to make wise choices, keep them from harm. FATHER, if it is YOUR will, spare these people and their possessions from devastation. I pray that YOU will weaken this storm and limit the loss of life and loss of belongings.

FATHER, thank YOU for being my safe haven when life rages. I continue to ask for YOUR calm and YOUR peace. I ask for YOUR guidance, YOUR direction, YOUR wisdom. Help me to give it all up to YOU. I ask for the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that can only come through YOU. I continue to ask for YOUR gift of healing for Rene', Carol, Michelle, and Aimee. I pray for the needs of our spiritual family. Draw us near, send YOUR angels.