Thoughts Along the Journey

"I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 ** I know I previously talked about life after death, regarding the Va. Tech. shootings and the rulings against partial birth abortions. I see a reality of this in what's happening in Greensburg, too. There were lives lost. Homes lost. Businesses lost. Family pets lost. Vehicles. Cherished possessions. Even the trees. It looks helpless and depressing to see the photos of the devastated town. And yet...there is new life. People beginning to pull together to rebuild a little here, a little there. People digging through the rubble of what "was" to make way for the "what can be". I even received a reply to my inquiry re: trees. The Kansas Forestry people already have around $25,000 designated toward planting new trees. Yes, it's a long process, but definitely full of signs of life. Please don't stop praying. It's...

The firefighter in the photo above is Chris Jarvis, of Moundridge, KS. Photographer: Fernando Salazar, Wichita Eagle newspaper.

This song has been going through my head for days now--even before the tornado. It has became more real to me, though, since May 4th. ________________ Shepherd of My Heart Maker of this heart of mine, You know me very well. You understand my deepest part, more than I know myself. So when I face the darkness, when I need to find my way, I'll trust in You, Shepherd of my heart. Keeper of this heart of mine, Your patience has no end. You've loved me back into Your arms time and time again. So if I start to wander like a lamb that's gone astray, I'll trust in You, Shepherd of my heart. Refrain : You're the beacon of my nights; You're the sunlight of my days. I can rest within Your arms; I can know Your loving ways. So let the cold winds blow, and let the storms rage all around, I'll trust in You, Shepherd of my heart. Giver of this life in me, You're what I'm living for. For all my deepest gratitude You love me even more. So as I walk through valleys, l...

While perusing the Internet today, I went to Greensburg's website. There was a plea for financial assistance. This information was pulled from the site: Tornado Disaster Assistance Needed Greensburg needs your help with reconstruction. Please send your donations to: Greensburg Reconstruction Fund %Greensburg State Bank P. O. Box 787 Greensburg, Kansas 67054 Every dollar you donate will go to rebuilding our city The pictures below are what is left of the post office. The post master of Greensburg is a member of the church my parents attend. The gentleman in the foreground of the first picture is the postal inspector for that area. I was told that if you follow this link, and click on the video link there, you will be able to see the interview I did with WKYC Channel 3 news here in Cleveland. WKYC Interview

As I said yesterday, I won't be posting any tornado destruction pictures for at least a day or two. I'm still overwhelmed by what I see on TV, etc. I keep looking for things I remember or recognize, but they are simply not there. Before this weekend, Greensburg's claim to fame was having the world's largest hand-dug well (which you could go to the bottom of...if you were brave enough to go down those stairs!) and having the world's largest pallasite meteorite on display. Of course, the well is still there. Nice thing about holes in the ground. Tornadoes can't move them! The meteorite, which was on display in the gift shop next to the well, was moved by the tornado. I saw a picture in today's Akron Beacon Journal: the meteorite was found. The Big Well Tower There were other things that made Greensburg a great place to be, though. Mostl...

Allison Schmidt, a nursing student at Southwestern College (Winfield, KS) , is one of the hundreds affected by Friday night’s tornado in Greensburg . The home of Ali and her family was destroyed and they lost all their possessions—clothes, pets, cars, and personal items were demolished. Abbey Lowry, a classmate and close friend of Ali, is coordinating efforts at Southwestern and in Winfield to help the family. At this point, the most crucial need is for money to replace personal items (the family rented the home and did not have renters’ insurance) and cars. Abby has established a bank account for donations. Those who wish to contribute should send their checks to the Emerald Bank in Oxford-- c/o Allison Schmidt Emerald Bank 305 E. Main Oxford, Kansas 67119 Ali has been very involved in the Winfield community through Leadership Southwestern, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Rotary Leadership Camp, employment at Southwind, and volunteer hours at Eagle’s Nest. Persons wanting more informati...

I will not be posting any more disaster pictures here, at least for awhile. I have seen enough on the TV, Internet, and in the newspaper. I have cried so many tears. I want to remember Greensburg as it was...and pray for what it can be again. Greensburg was the hub of the community. I went to church there. We bought groceries there. I took piano lessons from two wonderful ladies who lived there. We went to track meets and ball games. We had music festivals and 4-H events. It is a place of community-minded people who look out for each other. That was very evident the night of the storm, and even more so now in the aftermath. I have been asked for information on how people can help. There are already scam artists out there. (They have arrested some looters on site. Can you believe the nerve of people???) I have listed here three reputable organizations, and their donation information. Thanks again to all for your concern. Keep praying.... American Red Cross Midway-Kansas Chapter P.O....

The tornado __________________________________________________________________ I am being swamped with e-mail, from people wanting to know "is this friend okay?" and "do you know if this building survived?" Mostly, though, people just want to know how to help. I am giving a link to an article from a Kansas news station. There is information on who to contact and how you can help. Again, thank you for praying. Please continue to pray. Even as I post this, more storms are headed toward Greensburg and the surrounding area--including my parents' farm. KAKE-TV article God is faithful.