Unless you've been in a dark hole the past few days you have seen and heard about the destructive tornado that hit Joplin on Sunday evening. Damon, Myles, Zach and I, as well as our families are all fine. We live outside of Joplin in Carl Junction and the tornado didn't even come close to there.

The damage is so severe there aren't words. The pictures you are seeing on tv do not even come close to conveying the actual impact that this storm had on our city. It is truly devistating. I have friends and relatives that have lost everything, ones that have major damage, and sadly my step dad's cousin lost his life in the storm. His son is currently serving in Afganistan and is trying to get home so please pray that he can get here quickly and safely.

I struggle to understand why something like this was allowed to happen. I prayed with the boys that night that we would be protected and tried to comfort them by reassuring them that God is in control of the weather and He can stop the storm dead in it's tracks. So when I see the destruction and hear the death total rising to 120 plus people it's hard to see the big picture. But I know that there is one. I cling to Romans 8:28, For we know that all things work together for good for those that love God.

You are in control Father and I trust You. You can see all things while I only see a small picture. You are still good and holy and worthy of praise despite the events that cause us pain. I praise you for the protection over my family and for the ones whom were lost and unaccounted for that have been found safe and sound.

Please pray for those who are still looking for lost loved ones. 1500 said to be unaccounted for. Pray for those who have lost loved ones. Death toll is 124 so far. Pray for any people who are still trapped in the rubble. Pray for the rain to stop so the rescue and clean up efforts can go on. Pray for people to stay out of the way of those helping and pray that the looting would stop. Thanks for your prayers.

Sarah