"The sea was angry that day, my friends..."

"...like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli..." What? Never mind. What a storm we had this afternoon! The rain was hitting my windows like tiny fists, and the wind was whistling like mad.


At one point, my lanterns and sun catchers were moving in the breeze, which somehow got past my closed windows. There is only so much a seal on a window can do, and I am more than pleased the water stayed out. Oh, except for the river room window---again! The last time that happened, a repair to the roof took care of the problem. It also comes in from the unit above me, so once more the tenant, Misty, is mopping up water. She is going to get really good at water mopping!

My window leaking is of little consequence since the walls are formerly exterior walls and the floor has ceramic tiles. I do have paintings and such standing on the floor near that area so might move them away for 'just in case' purposes. It's a slow leak when it occurs, and besides that, the winds were almost directly from the east which liking blew the rain right under the roof edge. We, as a building, have a warranty for this newer roof, so it's not a big deal to have them come out and repair once more.


My day began as usual on Monday mornings with Bible study. I dilly-dallied leaving home so didn't have time to redeem my coupon for the .99 Sonic drink that Justin gave me. Rats! The cost for soda at church went up to .75 a can, with the proceeds being used to support our LWMS missions. It's a win-win! I got my sodas there, then. We had only 8 ladies yesterday with Pastor leading the class this time. 


Toward the end of the class, or before we left the table, I should say, I mentioned a woman interviewed on Fox and Friends that morning. She had been swamped in her kayak upside down in the water, and reports her soul leaving her body. She was not scared, she said, and saw the Lord waiting for her soul. And then, He spoke to her, saying it was not her time, and she lived. The woman said He told her to go back and share the story, so she wrote a book and tells everyone about the hope she has. No bright light for her, just the face of the Lord waiting for her. 


At first I was going to turn it off because of the underwater thing, but am glad I listened. She did not come off as hokey or sensational, but peaceful and calm about her hopes of being with the Lord for eternity. The author said she is not afraid of dying, it was just not her time, she has work to do. Love that! Now, whether that is true or not, I doubt, because the Lord does not tell us this could happen (except for Lazarus being raised again) but I still like the picture of what is waiting for us.


This lead to a discussion somehow of there being animals in heaven. I dismissed it out of hand, as is my custom, declaring boldly that I was out if there are animals there. They have no souls, not formed with Gods' hands the way Adam and Eve were, the whole thing. The animal lovers are sure their pets will be there, and I suggested if that's the case, all animals will be there, not just the normal household pets. Even snakes and reptiles and other horrid creatures...if their theory holds true. 


Nowhere does it say Christ died for nature, He died for those created in His likeness, to save their souls. And how do we know if the animals are believers or not? Have they been instructed, reached by the Holy Spirit and moved to believe?  
                             
Pastor said there are passages in Romans 8 which might support animals being in heaven, but when I read it in the NIV, the passages talk about creation. That could also mean trees, sun, stars, rocks, everything prior to and up to, the creation of Adam. Yikes! I suppose some building materials would be helpful to make my mansion! I shouldn't sweat it too much because we are promised no tears in heaven.


Five of us went to lunch, with a young lady named Amber now being our waitress. Jason would hardly look at us, so I think he is mad we are not his table any more. Judy C. liked Amber's 'service' for years but since we used to arrive before her shift began, settled for someone else. It seemed we were served faster and more accurately than when Jason took care of us, but we might be tainted now since the 'added tip' experience. I had the burger for lunch, not wanting any leftovers since I have the ham to chisel away for the next couple days.


I distributed my hugs to those I won't be seeing for several weeks and then headed to the collision center. No need for me to be concerned I wouldn't find it. It was right where the guy told me it would be! Silly me, I should have used the restroom at Longhorn, but instead, asked to use the  one at the collision center. Before I came back, the guy had gone out and looked at my car. Wow! He was already typing up the estimate. 


The man sent his worker to my car to get the wounded tire and wheel apron (it's official name) from my car. He determined it was not salvageable and would have to be replaced. Rats! I told the man I want to keep the steel rod for my scrapbook but he could keep the tire and the apron. They must think I am crackers!


The rod, he said, was likely from the back of a trailer, used to secure the gate from opening. I figured that, after the one guy said it was part of my car. The wrecker man, Mike, said it was not part of my car with his theory also being part of a trailer. A faulty trailer, mind you!


The actual repair will take a couple of days so I will have a rental car, paid by my insurer, for use when I get back from WI. I could leave it there for when I am gone but suspect Justin will use it for his running around. Maybe I should think about this a bit....


My haircut was scheduled for the late afternoon but when the storm began to brew, I called Barb to change the appointment to tomorrow morning instead. I was wise to do so, because it was wretched out there. Not all areas got the storm either which is so weird. My friend, Rita, in Baymeadows, got nothing. Justin was safe at 'the farm' where the equipment is stored, doing busy work until the storm let up for his drive home. We are having a quiet evening at home tonight, munching on ham sandwiches and watching our respective TV programs. I am going to be so sorry to have HOUSE go off the air, but also, sort of relieved. He is so stressful to me!