The Earth Shifting Under our Feet

It’s all over the news now, so most of you have heard about our little earthquake in the mid-west. The epicenter was about 130 miles east of St Louis, but I woke up to the earth rumbling under our house. I even felt a little post-earthquake seismic activity. I had trouble getting back to sleep, so I looked up earthquake stuff on line and reported my experience of the tremor to the government’s official earthquake tracking office. I decided to report it because, at the time, there was nothing showing up on the Internet about it when I searched. Right after I submitted my report, I found the page at the USGS website that showed all the other people who had reported the quake and their zip codes. I found it all very interesting, even though it wasn’t yet 5:00 am.

When we lived near Seattle nearly 9 years ago, we had 2 earthquakes within a day or two . (BTW, I remember the date because I had just delivered my 3rd child, and my MIL was still with us helping out with the kids.) So with that experience under our belts, Mark and I felt sure today’s rumbling was an earthquake. This morning, I am feeling a little crummy after getting to bed too late and then having my sleep interrupted. Hopefully, my coffee will kick in soon, and I’ll be up to the tasks ahead.

We are also feeling a little shaky about life lately. We know God is in control, but our faith is being tested–at least mine, I don’t want to speak for Mark. A series of client losses and having hours cut at his part-time job have made us very vulnerable economically. We are considering a move for another bi-vocational call to a church plant, and Mark is very diligently seeking full-time work as well as projects to keep us afloat until we have something more stable. Please keep us in your prayers.

5 thoughts on “The Earth Shifting Under our Feet”

  1. I had checked Mark’s link to Lori’s blog early this morning, and was hoping you would post something as well. It sounds like this earthquake lasted a relatively long time compared to my own experiences. Can you believe I had forgotten about the ones in the Seattle area?

    It’s hard when life itself reminds you of the unsteadiness that earthquakes cause. I know you know, but be reminded anyway that your life is built on the sure foundation. And also be reminded that we (along with a host of others) are praying for you.

  2. Pretty crazy, huh, Jenn? Have you felt any of the aftershocks? I haven’t “felt” them per se, but have seen and heard evidence of them…rattling windows and vibrating drinks!

    I wish so much that you all would be granted a place of peace and provision. I watch you all give of yourselves again and again and yet trial after trial continue to come your way. I keep praying that God will be merciful and give you all some relief. In the meantime, I pray that you will not become disheartened and that He will continue to encourage others through your faithfulness. We love you all very much. The peace of Christ be with you.

  3. Mom,

    It is sort of funny to me that you forgot about the quake during your visit after Evangeline was born. But you have had so many interesting experiences in your life, so you can’t be expected to remember everything!

    Thanks for your continued prayers, too.

    Lori,
    As you might have seen, I just posted that I think we had another full-fledged quake about 20 minutes ago. Whoa.

    Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement.

  4. You can tell I never watch the news! I had no idea about the earthquake! Wow. Funny thing… Bill Baum. bought earthquake insurance way back in the 80s b/c he was convinced the sleepy New Madrid fault would one day wake up and possibly affect Tennessee….

    I’ll be praying for God’s leading for your future. He knows your frame; He remembers you are dust. And as Elisabeth Elliot says, He loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are the Everlasting Arms.

  5. Thanks, Jennifer, for the words of encouragement.

    I should report that we don’t feel as shaky re: financial stuff this week as we did last. Mark has several feelers out trying to find writing projects and potential full-time work, so we are hopeful. I do run on something of an emotional roller coaster these days, so I need to constantly be regrounded.

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