Not If, But When

They say not if, but when it happens. At least in some parts of the country, this is true. But it can happen almost anywhere in the United States, including heavily populated areas. It unfortunately (finally???) "happened" to us shortly before sunset, yesterday.

We were driving home from Wisconsin Rapids after a family reunion when suddenly, out of no where (as is usually the case), a deer ran out in front of us. Hubby started to break, but already a second doe had dashed out. This one we hit, but it was both a merciful and miraculous moment. Upon impact, my first thought was, "That's it?!!" We had barely even felt it!!!

After inspecting the van, we understood why. Hoof marks could be seen by the grill of our vehicle, and no where else. The doe's back legs were up in the air as she tried to leap to safety. When we hit her, she pivoted on her front legs and rolled out of harms way. Our son had then seen her get up and run away into the woods, for which were were all grateful. We gave thanks for the tender mercies of the Lord toward us and prayed for the little doe's recovery. No doubt she'll be sore for a while!

It's interesting: the day before, I had grabbed a freebie magazine called "Around the Kitchen". Timely advice about dealing with deer was on page 37 in their October issue. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1) Feeding times for deer are before and after sunrise.

2) Deer are also more active from sunset to midnight.

3) Bucks are more active October through December.

4) How fast you are driving can and will effect stopping time as well as the force of impact.

5) If you see one deer, expect to see more.

6) DON'T SWERVE!!! I think this is the hardest advice for anyone to take. Instead, honk your horn while you're breaking, but stay in your lane. To quote the article, "Serious crashes happen when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, only to hit other vehicles or lose control of their cars."

7) Everyone should be doing this anyway, but make sure you're wearing your seatbelt so you are not injured should you unfortunately hit a deer.

Some very good, timely advice, I thought. After we got back on the road, I shared what I had read with my children, one of whom will be getting her driver's permit in the very near future. I hope this will positively impact your life! --LKR

A Storm in the Night

Tapping out an email to a friend, last night, I smiled as I caught glimpses of rapidly flashing light that pierced though our basement window, illuminating the darkened room where I sat. We’d been desperate for rain, having below average rainfall. I thanked the Lord for the approaching storm, anticipating the hope of precipitation—and the light show!

I was all but finished with my note when I suddenly became alarmed by what sounded like a wailing siren. Severe thunderstorms had been predicted for late this evening. Racing upstairs, I flung the front door wide open (not too bright!) to confirm my suspicions. Grabbing my nine year old daughter out of bed, I guided this trance-like figure down the stairs and into the safety of the lower level family room where earlier, her two older siblings had decided to camp out for the night. The attempts to get my hubby to join us were futile.

About a month before, high winds had whipped our neighbor’s trees, bending and twisting them in unnatural ways. The sky became green, and the sound of loud train cars filled the air—something people warned me when I moved to the midwest was a sign of a nearby tornado. We later learned that a funnel had been spotted about a mile away. Fortunately, it had not touched down anywhere. (Tornados can form with no, or very little, warning. Having lived on the east coast, I can honestly say that hurricanes are much easier to avoid!)

This night, we had been wedged between two severe storm cells, one of which we were almost smack in the center. We were thankfully spared the heavy hail and other conditions this storm could have brought us. Both my hubby’s mother’s and brother’s homes had unfortunately suffered extensive damage during a recent hail storm they had in Wisconsin Rapids. The power of these storms always reminds me of the awesome power of God! --LKR

6/21/07

When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God… .

--Rich Mullins Awesome God