"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:43Exactly a week ago, our small area of Arkansas was having a normal day. I had finished my 50k the day before, and actually went to Pottery Barn to get new bedding to take with us to Australia. Shopping feels silly now looking back. I was stressed because the house fell through, I needed to get ready for garage sale, missing Josh, worried about selling jeep and furniture, basically just thought I had a lot on my plate. Then the storm came... I quickly realized what I had on my plates were all BLESSINGS. At least I had all those things to worry about. God really grabbed my attention and put life back in to prospective. I feel with this move, I am having to be reminded a lot. We hear all about the bad things in this world, and really I started this blog to share about our adventures abroad, but we are all living an adventure every day of our life, why not start in Arkansas? They say a picture is worth a thousand words, well these pictures do not do it justice. Wow! That is all I can say. That was a powerful storm, but out of the bad storm the amount of good has just been amazing. If you want to see first hand how our God is alive and well today. Go to Vilonia or Mayflower. You truly will see thousands and thousands of people honestly being His hands and feet. It is amazing the town just has tons of people buzzing around offering help, food, water, a smile. Yesterday every hour someone drove by us offering a drink or food. At one point yesterday we had a man offer two bull dozers and tons of other heavy equipment. I have never in my life been so happy to see a bull dozer or a dump truck pull over a hill. The generosity of people is just a fresh of breath air. Everywhere you turned there was someone ready to lend their hand. It truly was amazing. The reason I put the verse on top, is the main two communities hit have their high school mascot in common. This verse is also written in chalk on one of the remaining houses in downtown Vilonia. They both are the Eagles. I do believe they will soar again. They truly are communities with God alive living in them. So while reflecting on all the devastation and amazing things I have seen this week. I am constantly reminded. Remember the small stuff. That smile to a stranger, may be what they needed. That good job or thank you that you meant to say, might have been your last chance to say it. The hand you reach out to a complete stranger may be the only way they see God that day. Our God is strong and the smallest encounter with everyone was in his plan. Oh, and I almost forgot, while reminding my self yet again, to rely on His plan. Our house is under contract again. These people have cash, and are willing to let me stay until I move. Wow! Couldn't have planned it better myself. GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! -EAT
6 Comments
Glenda Kelley
5/4/2014 02:12:57 pm
What a blessing your blog is! Thanks for sharing.
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5/4/2014 03:34:39 pm
Thanks Emily! For everything! Your caring generosity makes me smile. :)
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Patty Kervin
5/5/2014 01:36:01 am
Well said. We have so much to be thankful for. My heart and prayers go out to all of those affected by the storms. Thanks for sharing, Emily.
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Aunt becky
5/9/2014 06:01:38 am
I love hearing about your journey Emily Anne!
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Josh Thomason
5/9/2014 03:29:38 pm
Another country I found out how much we need to explore. I love you and miss you.
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-EAT
5/11/2014 08:32:55 am
Let's Go :)
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