Take Cover

 While living in S Texas, the only severe weather was a thunder storm or even a hurricane which we were notified in advance in order to evacuate if necessary I had forgotten about the tornados in Wisconsin. We were under a severe thunderstorm warning one day last week which turned into a tornado warning,  meaning take cover. So we sheltered in the basement for awhile until the storm passed. Our sister-in-law lives in a home close to where we lived years ago.  She was not living there at the time, but friends were. A tornado came out of nowhere and took down the barn where she now live as well as damaged the home as well. We had to drove around to the next road to check on Fred's parents as the roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines. The storm was severe as it killed a few folks in an nearby town. That was a long night, as all the farmers had to milk by hand and with no electricity. How well I remember that day 57 years ago!!!! 

After the storm there were a lot of trees damaged in the yard,  so we spent one afternoon pulling down broken limbs and cleaning up the yard. I am sure it would have taken people half our age about half the time to do it, but we did get it all accomplished. Sure am glad that no one was taking a video of it!!!

Just one of the many farms in the area It is sad to see so many of the older farms sectioned off and sold for homes, including Fred's family farm of 360 acres. It now has many private homes on it, and a few of the acres are leased out for soy beans or corn. Those farms that still are around are huge operations.

We have only about two weeks here in WI and then we head back to AR to finally settle down and try to relax. Today we are going to visit our #5 daughter - yes we only had 4 daughters but Barbara came to live with us and the 4 girls for a few years, and we consider her #5!!! She has a spot on a lake nearby, so we are going to spend the day with her. 

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him". Colossians 3:17. Everything exists to bring Glory to God. Jesus created and sustains all things. our families exist for the Glory of God, therefore our role in the family exists for God's glory. Marriage relationship were broken when sin entered into it. God sent His Son to restore order to marriage. Live in Christ through your marriage relationships. In early culture, women were not treated well or respected. We need to be obedient to God and let Him have authority over our lives. Spouses need to play the role of Jesus in our marriage. How can I be  like Jesus in our married life? "Wives submit yourselves to your husbands as is fitting to the Lord. Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh to them". Colossians 3:18-19. God is glorified by a wife who supports the leadership of her husband. How can a wife do this. It does not say submit to all men. It does not say obey your husband as he is not your boss or Dad. You do not have to do anything that is ungodly. It does not say that husbands need to command their wives to submit. What does it say? It is about structure not value. Both spouses are equal. It is a choice to willingly honor God who put marriage in place. It is a Jesus role, not a lessor or inferior role. It is a neutering role that holds great power. We don't expect non-Christians to accept God's word - but we as Christians are bound to do so. It is a choice for women to all man to be a leader, not a  ruler. God os glorified by a husband who sacrificially serves and leads his wife. Ephesians 5:25 tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Husbands have a role to serve their families. Husbands have to take responsibility to set the atmosphere of the home. Set a Godly vision for the direction of your home. "For me and my household, we will serve the Lord".  Joshua 24:15. Provide protection and security. Sacrificially sere your wife and live with her in an understanding way. Do not be harsh to your wife. Do not use your strength and size to intimidate your wife for selfish reasons. Do not let resentment and anger be the dominate attitude in your marriage. "However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband". Ephesians 5:33. Love unshown is love unknown. Women, respect and encourage your husband's leadership role. In marriage, either husband or wife, take the first step.

 During times like these, we need to remember to be respectful and be responsible. Be respectful of others political and personal beliefs, and be responsible about health issues.