Thursday, May 1, 2008

Earthquakes

I was just wondering if you all keep feeling these aftershocks? It has really scared me since the first earthquake hit. That one terrified me, and I think that's why these other ones are scaring me so badly. I am praying about it, but would like for you all to pray, too. I know it may seem silly, but for some reason fear has really gotten the best of me. I am especially uneasy when I am home at night alone with Kannon. I will be giving a devotion at our volleyball group next week about this, so I think it's helping me by preparing for that. I know the best thing is to read the Word and trust God. It's hard to stay focused when it's happening, though. I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this......

3 comments:

Debra said...

Julie, it is natural to be concerned about the earthquakes we have been having. I'll admit I have been really concerned, too. I am terrified of where I work up on the 6th floor. The second tremor shook my chair and my monitor. I was terrified. I told Mike I was afraid I would be stuck in Mt. Vernon and he jokingly said he would come after me on the 4 wheeler or borrow the neighbor's horse.

We can't live in fear, though.
There are so many dangers in the world. A person could get in their car and have a fatal car accident the next time they go out for a drive, but we can let that stop us from living our lives and driving our cars.

Other than being prepared, there is little we can do as we have no control over these acts of nature. We just have to put our trust and faith in God and know that He will keep His hand of protection upon us and upon our families no matter what happens.

Read Psalm 91. Aunt Linda gave me that advice one time when I was talking to her about my fear. I have that scripture blown up in am 8 x 10 picture frame entitled "Prayer of Protection"

Don't be afraid.

I think we should be prepared, though, for emergencies such as tornados and earthquakes.

They say we should have a survival kit to last for 72 hours as follows:

Water (1 gallon per person per day)
First aid kit (freshly stocked)
Food (canned or packaged that will not spoil, including items for special diets and comfort food such as candy, nuts or raisins)
Can opener (non-electric)
Blankets or sleeping bags
Portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries
Essential medications and glasses
Fire extinguisher A-B-C type
Food and water for pets
Money (small bills)

Sanitation Supplies:
Large plastic trash bags for trash and waste
Large trash cans
Bar soap and liquid detergent
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene supplies
Infant supplies
Toilet paper
Household bleach
Newspaper to wrap garbage and waste

Safety and Comfort:
Sturdy shoes
Heavy gloves for clearing debris
Change of clothing
Tent

Cooking:
Barbecue, camp stove or chafing dish (include matches)
Fuel for cooking (charcoal, camp stove fuel, etc.)
Plastic knives, forks and spoons
Paper plates and cups
Paper towels
Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Tools and Supplies:
Knife
Axe and shovel
Crescent wrench for turning off gas
Rope, ½"
Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting
Plastic tape and sheeting
Toys, games and books for children
Pencil and paper


Love you.

Julie said...

Thank you for your words of incouragement. I am feeling much better. I have been spending a lot of time in the Word, in prayer, listening to sermons, and I even bought a Christian book about fear. Fear is awful, but we can overcome it by trusting God. It's a battle just like anything else, but as long as I keep my focus on God and His promises, everything will be okay.
I love you!

Julie said...

I just wanted to tell you that I did a devotion at our volleyball group about fear this past Friday. God has helped me overcome this....he put it on my heart to do a devotion this past Friday about it. I did it, and it went very well. It's a great feeling when you feel like you've obeyed the Lord. My brother-in-law used it for his Sunday school class also. To top it off, that is what our Pastor preached briefly about today. God is so good and when we have Him on our side, we have nothing to fear. It is our decision whether we fear or not. We must have faith to overcome. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.