18 | July | 2019 | This Year's Bible Reading Guide

We looked out the window to a black sky. The streetlights turned on as if it were night. The wind was blowing leaves and dirt through the air.

We clutched our purchases and hurried around the corner to the car. We were facing the wind. It pelted our eyes with sand and drove dirt into our scalps.

We debated going to the lumberyard to wait out the storm but decided to press on to my house.

I directed her to the side streets with the fewest stop signs. By then the rain was coming down in sheets. We had to slow down to see. The lovely side streets are tree-lined and we kept our eyes peeled for falling branches.

Since we took her car, I didn’t have a garage door opener. Taking only my keys, I opened the car door. The fronts of my jeans were immediately drenched.

I hurried to the door but the rain doused the back of my shirt and my head. I ran through the house and hit the garage door opener. My sister pulled her car in.

This was not how she planned on spending her last day of vacation!

Acts 27:13-14, “When a gentle southerly breeze came up, they weighed anchor, thinking it would be smooth sailing. (14) But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter struck.” The Message

God warned me about the storm.

* * * * * * *

Cheryl took 3 vacation days to spend with our brother. He left today. I told her we could do lunch and shop.

It was hot and sunny. I tried “falafel” and “jasmine rice” for the first time!

I had a list of 7 consignment stores – but only 2 were still in business. We decided to check out the “Bargain Box” which is run by the Hospital Auxiliary. I found a hurricane lamp and a huge cloche! I didn’t notice the storm brewing outside.

When the volunteers pointed out the black sky, Cheryl calmly stated, “I’m not afraid of storms.”

Back at the house, we dried off, drank sweet tea, and waited out the storm. When the sun came back out, we headed to Goodwill!

July 16, 2019: Acts 26-27.

“2019 Relevant Bible Reading Guide”

I wrote my post about “the tree” yesterday. I wasn’t going to go into detail about it. I thought I would add a link to my earlier posts. But, then…

Philippians 3:1, “… I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again.” The Message

I went back and added the story of “the tree” to my post.

* * * * * * * *

I spent the day in limbo. We were to meet with my brother’s family but no plans were set. I received calls and texts all day long.

I did my work in between texts. I used praise to fight discouragement and frustration.

Philippians 3:3, “The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. …” The Message

We decided to meet at Mom’s for dessert and games at seven. I sang on the way there, on the way home, and as I was climbing into bed…