Waves, Roosters, Doves, and Floods

February 2023 ~ Issue 108

Greetings Again Friends! Usually in February, we think of hearts and love but this year, I’m going to share my thoughts about Waves, Roosters, Doves, and Floods.Read below for my reasons why and be blessed!I sincerely hope that you enjoy your February days. Remember, Spring is on the way! In Christ always, Carole

Waves, Roosters, Doves, and Floods

During our recent vacation to Maui, there was a major change to our plans. The first three days went much as scheduled after my husband and I recovered from jet lag. On day five, the rains came causing a massive flash flood to sweep through most of the town of Kihei including our small condominium complex. On the beach side of our building, twenty-five feet of landscaping was damaged creating a new and precarious cliff overlooking the beach and ocean below.The small gully adjacent to the condos and the completely mud-filled swimming pool took up some of the slack leaving our pathways and parking lot in only two feet of muddy water and debris. The slush reached into the cars already parked in the lot and flooded up the first three steps of each stairway.   Unaware and out of town until mid-afternoon, we arrived back to a roadblock, local police, and a news reporter. During our two-hour car sit, we watched a ServePro truck drive ahead and met the nicest people also stalled in the same predicament. Eventually an officer directed go back to the highway and weave our car through another parking lot to find a less muddy place to park for the night. As we tip-toed gingerly through the slippery, muddy muck to get back to our room, we encountered a crew of American and Canadian guests working together with brooms, hoses, shovels, wheelbarrows, and whatever other resources were available. There were twenty-two volunteers armed with a can-do spirit that was so inspiring. At the time, I just felt numb but now I regret not joining in. More rain was predicted for the following days, and we genuinely considered scrambling to fly out early. But we had traveled to Maui to rest so we prayed about staying. Job 11:18 tells us: You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Since the churning surf prohibited snorkel trips and swimming, we were actually able do just that; rest and reflect.To celebrate their mud-moving achievements, our co-vacationers arranged for a fantastic buffet for all residents, whether a mudslinger or not. Several of the annual visitors brought their conch shells again to honk out their farewell to the sun as it slowly slid into the ocean each evening. The lady from Kansas won the competition for holding her note the longest! If gone, we would have missed it all. I noticed that the smiles of our neighbors seemed to say, “It’s no big deal. Doesn’t everyone do this?” Their gift of friendship and hospitality will long be remembered. The day before our departure, the sun came out and we were blessed with rosy cheeks to take back to our cold mainland home. There was a two-hour power outage that night, but the absence of electricity provided us with a marvelous view of the full moon, stars, and planets. So, what about the waves, roosters, and doves?The rhythm of the ocean hadn’t changed, and the beautiful sound of the waves still lulled us to rest. The roosters found higher ground for their hens with baby chicks and they continue to crow each morning proclaiming the start of a new day. The sweet doves with their cheerful songs bring joy and peace even in adversity.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. ~ Psalm 32: 6-7 NIVThen Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” ~ Matthew 11:28

A Song for Valentine’s Day: Listen as Carole sings about God’s love for us.Your Love Lives On

Carole’s Upcoming Events Tuesday, February 7thThe Marysville/Yuba City Women’s Connection LuncheonKeynote and Music, 11:30am – 1:00pmThe Plaza Room, Hillcrest Plaza, Yuba City, CA Tuesday, February 28th Sierra Christian Women’s Club Luncheon Keynote and Music – 11:30am – 1:00pmBlack Bear Diner, Reno, Nevada Thursday, March 2ndFair Oaks Church Women’s BrunchKeynote and Music 9:30am – 11:30am Family Live Center, Fair Oaks Church Fair Oaks, CA

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