Storms

Well, we finally got winter here in ND.  Of course, it was packed into just 5 days, but we have snow!  After the first storm this past weekend, the kids were able to get out and enjoy a bit of cross country skiing.  The current storm is still raging away, but it’s supposed to leave a bit of snow (up to possibly 12 inches).  Maybe the guys will be able to snowmobile!

Today is a storm day.  The classic, it’s too windy, snowy, unpredictable, we shouldn’t be driving kind of day.  I’ve cancelled my appt. in Fargo – and let’s hope the next day they ‘put’ me on (I didn’t get a choice with today because it’s very difficult to schedule with my dr. – and for some reason they want to see me sooner than later) fits with the family’s schedule a little better. 

While the kids don’t get school off, like every other kid around us, I’d already scheduled a lighter day.  That’s better than a full schedule, right?!?

Storms

This summer has brought it’s fair share of storms, some severe.  Rather than worry, I pray. 

While visiting with a couple moms at the close of vacation bible school this past July, one of them mentioned specific prayers to protect against storms.  I asked her to send them to me.  I’ve since passed them on to friends and family, as well.  I have another in my files that I’ll post, if I can find it!

Worry doesn’t help, prayer does.

 

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Prayer or Blessing Against Storms

At each cross within the text, make the sign of the cross.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. † God became man, † and the Word was made flesh. † Christ was born of a Virgin. † Christ suffered. † Christ was crucified. † Christ died. † Christ rose from the dead. † Christ ascended into Heaven. † Christ conquers. † Christ reigns. † Christ orders. † May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning † Christ went through their midst in Peace, † and the word was made flesh. † Christ is with us with Mary. † Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Judah, the Root David, has won. † Holy God! † Holy Powerful God! † Holy Immortal God! † Have mercy on us. Amen!

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Another Prayer to Avert Storms and Hurricanes

Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten us and turn our fear of your power into praise of your goodness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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Chaplet of Protection

(To be prayed on ordinary rosary beads)

Jesus attached specific promises of protection to this prayer. This prayer goes even FURTHER than storms, natural disasters, and military strife. It has a GREAT HEALING POWER attached to it, as well, in that it can mend broken marriages, and cure spiritual, physical and emotional troubles. It has "another dimension of protection, even greater than what we can understand at this time."

In the context of protection against storms, natural disasters, and increasing global military tension, Jesus has asked us to URGENTLY spread this special devotion. It is NOT intended to replace the everyday Rosary of our Blessed Mother.

The chaplet is said by starting with the Crucifix and reciting the Apostles' Creed, then the Our Father, followed by three Hail Mary's on the group of three beads nearest the Crucifix.

First Hail Mary in praise of God the Father; Second Hail Mary in petition or (request); Third Hail Mary in thanksgiving with confidence that your request will be granted.

Instead of the Glory be to the Father..., recite

"Holy God, Holy Omnipotent One, save us who dwell in this land."

On EACH decade, instead of the Hail Mary, recite

"Jesus Savior, merciful Savior, spare your people."

On completion of the fifth decade, recite "Son of God, Eternal Son, thank You for the things You have done." Say this a total of three (3) times to complete the Chaplet of Protection.

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If any of these prayers have a source, I do not know it.  If you recognize one, let me know and I’ll give proper credit.

Storms and Hail

I saw the clouds, but didn't do anything. It's been a rainy week and I assumed this would be a similar storm - nice rain, soak the garden and container gardens ... nothing to worry about. I WAS WRONG! It stormed with wind and hail. I was able to get the kids' herb gardens to a safer spot. Thank goodness, as Achievement Days, where they are supposed to be exhibited, is next week. Also managed to pull the large herb containers back closer to the house, but they still were really beaten by hail. Half of me was drenched, but it needed to be done.




View out our side garage door at the piles of hail (top and bottom photos). Most of the hail was the 1/2 inch size.





Above is the first Marian Herb container garden I planted. It looked so full yesterday morning. Wish I'd have snipped some of the parsley before it was beaten down. I didn't realize the pot in front still had a plug in the bottom! The water spilled over the brim ... I removed the plug and was happy to see that these plants looked pretty good, considering.

Thunderstorms aren't terrible. I do not dread them, but I don't like hail at all. It makes my stomach tense and knotted ... I do, and did, pray for the preservation of gardens, crops, and home. At least the weeds got knocked down, because we won't be able to mow anytime soon! The first storm was the worst (it brought the hail) and the wind blew from the West; about 20 minutes later another storm came blowing from the East. Not a good combination to have rain coming from different directions in such a short time period.



Above is a view is from our front door shortly after the first storm passed through. It was hard to believe how much water was draining into the slough in front of our house. The ground is obviously plenty wet.

I'm not even going to go look at my SFG today. I can be optimistic and believe a few plants have survived, but I know I'll have to replant (especially tomatoes, cukes, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). Hopefully plants are still available at the greenhouse/nursery.

One of the kids left the garage door open, too. I found out when another child opened the garage-to-house door and the air pressure changed dramatically. That was NOT a nice surprise. We had a lot of boxes in the garage; they are now water logged and will need to be tossed. Just another mess I really didn't want to deal with today. The water (deep for a garage, in my opinion) was swirling around the drain as the garage door lowered. The boys will be cleaning up that mess shortly.

I have no idea, yet, how much rain fell. Hubby hasn't had time to set up his rain gauge ...