Today I’m going to share a home story with you that has nothing to do with decorating, but everything to do with our passion for home. Oh how we all love our homes! Home is more than just a place to live for us; it is our nest, our refuge, our expression of self, our creative canvas, our place to nurture, and ultimately our backdrop to memories.
I love my city. I love my home. I love taking walks daily by this river that is usually so shallow you can see the muddy bottom.
I love watching the boys skip rocks, pick wildflowers, and squeal when they see a groundhog,
I feel God’s arms wrap around me tight when we frolic along its banks….
….or just rest on its edge.
But right now I’m not loving this river. My city is in trouble. Today many have lost their homes. Many more are trapped without power or clean drinking water. My city is flooded.
The water steadily rose yesterday and is now covering streets mere blocks from my home.
Here is a street turned river two blocks from my house.
Yesterday afternoon I received a call from my neighbor letting me know that we were under a mandatory evacuation and given a two hour notice to evacuate before roads became impassable.
I was in a panic, but you all were there for me on twitter and facebook all day long giving me advice, praying for me, encouraging me, and supporting me.
I cannot tell you how much that means to me. I am so grateful for all of you, my blog family, my home away from home.
I am currently typing this post in VA at my mom’s house…where it is safe, sunny, dry, beachy, and gorgeous. Most importantly, I am surrounded by the people that mean home to me….my much loved family! PA news reports (and emails from neighbors) right now are very hopeful for my house. I might have some minor flooding in my basement, but our first floor will be spared! I am so incredibly grateful and relieved, but at the same time heartbroken for my city and my neighborhood. The devastation from this flood will take us a long to recover from. The boys’ school was affected, raw sewage is running down the streets, and the city is without power. I don’t know when I’ll be able to return home, but in the meantime I will enjoy today and hug my boys.
Obviously this year has been very difficult for so many of us affected by tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. My hugs, blessings, and RAIN dance go out to Texas right now. I so wish I could have given you some of our rain :(.
To everyone who has messaged me prayers and concern and….just wow. Thank you for loving me & my family. I can’t even put into words (without becoming all snuffly-faced and teary) how truly blessed I am by you. xoxo
Dang. I have not been following the weather lately (mostly b/c I am in TX and the forcast…dry… lol) I am glad you are your family are safe. Its El Nino right now, I believe, so a lot of the weather is reeking havoc. We do hope it rains here too, but I also hope in comes in gradually so we do not end up with flood waters either. Saw on the other post your basement was dry! Praise!!! 😀 Pray all will go well with the rest of the neighborhood.
So glad to hear you and your family are ok. Prayers for you and your city (((HUGS)))
Beth, Please know that many people around the US are praying for you. I’m from the New Orleans area and survived Katrina. We were not allowed back into our area for 6 weeks. When we returned the devastation to our city was unbearable to see. Even the sound of birds was missing from the air. I want everyone out there to know that no matter what God brings your way you will survive. It’s just a small bump in the road of life!
Thank goodness you’re safe! Tell that cute beaver he can come stay at my place until PA isn’t underwater anymore. 😉
My you continue to feel God’s arms around you & your family during this incredible overwhelming & stressful times. My His peace fill your heart & quiet your soul. I’m praying for you & your family Beth!!
Glad you’re safe – that’s the most important thing! The weather has been just crazy lately!
I cannot begin to even imagine such devastation, but my prayers go out to you, asking God to be the All Sufficient One for you all.
I just came across your blog and read your heartfelt story. Good luck to you, your family & your city. Send prayers and hugs your way!
Hugs and prayers coming your way…for you and your city.
oh, there are no words i can even come up with to help you through this or dry up the water (and send it to Texas!). perhaps some deep breaths, gratitude for the safety of your family, a few more deeeeeper breaths, a sense of humor and maybe a chilled glass of wine might soothe you through the anxiety a bit… and, hopefully, knowing your city is the thoughts and prayers of so many…
best,
amy
I had no idea, Beth! I’ve been in a hole! Sending SO many prayers your way. So many. Thankful for your home, and for your heart. 🙂
xoxo
shaunna
I wish that I knew you and could call and cry with you for your city. I’m thankful that you know you can lean on God during this time, and I’m sure that you will be a rock in your community as people begin to recover from this.
I can’t even imagine what you’re going through! Thank God your family is safe and that you have a place to stay with them. “Creating beauty out of chaos” – how poignant, and beautifully illustrated in your post. I wish you all strength in this difficult time.
So thankful that your home has been spared….what a blessing! I could not imagine losing my home where we have created so many memories even it is just a material object and can be replaced….it is very special and important! During the April tornadoes, it affected my sis-in-law’s family…three of her family members lost their homes! During a time of need, communities have a way of pulling together to help each other. I know your city will do the same! Enjoy the time at your folk’s home….nothing is more important than family! Best of luck!
This post is a beautiful testament to what we all hold dear to our hearts! Your prayer warriors are fighting for you all! There will be times when we feel utterly helpless, but it’s in those times we need to hold tight to the HOPE God promises and trust He is making good of ALL things… Even if we cannot see it. My heart aches for everyone affected by the flooding waters and the devastating fires! Hold those you love just a little tighter and a little longer… Because at the end of the day, it IS what matters most. <3
Love and hugs to you and yours!
I can only begin to imagine what you’re going through. Your post is so heartfelt and your passion for your home, city and neighbors is evident. Sending best wishes for everything to turn out alright. I’m glad for now that you and your family are okay.
You have my prayers, and you are right-though we love and enjoy our houses, home is our family:) Hoping your ‘home’ and ‘house’ are soon reunited.
Flooding is so scary! I hope your house is untouched!
Beth I’m so sad and sorry to see this. My prayers are with you. You are right. It has been one tough year for our country.
I’m glad to hear you and your family are safe. I’m so sorry to hear what has happened, not only to your neighborhood, but to your city as well. Our thoughts are with all of you.
I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I hope that you’ll be able to go home soon.
Prayers to you, your family, and your entire community! I live on the east coast as well and some of the events lately have been quite scary! Wishing you luck as you repair the damage to your home, but you’ll get through it. All that matters is that your family is safe! God bless you.
Wish I could be there to help you with the clean-up. So glad everyone in your family is ok.
So glad to hear that you and your family are safe with family. I am so sorry to hear of the flooding and know that it is affecting so many families……take care and keep us informed.
Beth my prayers are with you and your family and everyone affected by the floods. I have a friend living in NJ that is affected by some flooding and I can’t imagine how you are feeling.
Beth, so sorry to hear that you are affected by the floods. Praying you get back into your house soon and don’t incur much damage – best wishes!
I’ve been wondering all day how you were making out. Great news indeed compared to what could have been!
And I’m with Rhoda.. totally stunning photos!
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
I’m so glad your home will be spared from the worst of the damage. I hope and pray you will be able to return home soon and that you and your town will recover quickly!
Oh Beth, I’ve been gone all day so I’m glad to see this update! Those pics are incredible, wow! I’m guessing you took those before you had to leave town. That groundhog is precious. I have never been in a flood area, so this is just amazing. I’m glad to hear your home is probably OK for the most part. Hugs to you friend! xoxo
I am praying for you Beth!
Beth… What a nightmare! That must of been so scary! Glad you are safe. Wishing you my best in this tough time and pray that you and your neighbors incur as little damage as possible. Beautiful post…
It’s amazing how our “blogging” community reaches out to one another. I see on the news all of the devastation that is going on across the country and think to myself “isn’t (insert name and blog) from there and pray that they are OK. Beth prayers to you and your family and your home to a quick and safe return.
Oh Beth, that really stinks. So sorry for you! Luckily we did not flood from Irene but we were without power for 6 days. It was not amusing and we high-tailed it to VA too where they were seemingly untouched. I feel so bad for you and other folks – like in NJ – where they are just losing everything from this crazy weather. Boo to mother nature!
Jeanine
so thankful you are safe and dry. a beautiful post. this is unbelievable….
Wow, Beth, that’s incredibly scary. Something like this puts what is important in life in perspective, I would imagine. I am glad you are all safe. My thoughts are with you and your family, and your beautiful home. I hope you can return real soon. Kerri xo
Thanks for the update. I’ve been thinking about you. I am glad it looks like your home will be saved, but yes it’s so upsetting that others lost theirs. What a difficult time for all of you.
I’m glad your family is safe and sound. I hope and prayer your neighborhood will be spared any more damage and the water will subside soon. Hugs and best wishes to you and your family and friends.
Oh Beth, my heart aches because I know how you feel about how your community is being devastated. 🙁 I’m thankful to hear good news about your home and I will continue to pray that the water recedes and that recovery will be underway soon. XO
Sending prayers to you all! I can only imagine what your going through. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Cyndy
Oh, Beth. I do know how you feel….we were hit with Hurricane Rita (2 wks after Katrina hit the other side of our state) 6 years ago. When we left we didn’t know if we’d have a home to come back to.
Thankfully, our damage was relatively minor. But still, life was tough…no power for 4 weeks. Good luck to you and your neighbors. I’ll be sending little prayers your way. (and Texas, come on rain!)
Beth, so sorry you’re having to go through that! I live in Nashville and last May we had really bad flooding, so I know exactly what you’re going through. Luckily, the part of town I live in didn’t get affected as much as other parts of town.
Praying for you guys and your community! Hope your house sustains very little damage out of all this.
So glad to hear that you and your boys are safe. I hadn’t realized how close you were, just in PA. I also posted some flood pics yesterday. It’s so scary how high the water got this time. I hope that the flooding is contained to just your basement or better yet never makes it to your street. I’ve been helping out friends who were evacuated, too. They’re not expecting to be let back home for several days. Tonight we’re having a big bbq, using up all the meat that was in their freezer. Lemonade out of lemons, and all. 😉 You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and prayers – glad you are safe.
Thinking of you and praying that all will be well at your home. Sometimes you just have to say – it’s in God’s hands. Let go and let God. You will deal with whatever happens and the stories will be something to talk about when you are old. Take care! Becki
Hi Beth. There are so many bloggers affected by everything that has been happening. It’s been so difficult to hear! I’m happy you and your family are safe, but I’m so sorry that you even have to deal with this. The weather is so unpredictable these days…it’s a little scary. Keeping you in my mind, heart and prayers! Really well written post, btw!
So sorry to hear about your city. What a difference from here in Texas. Thanks for the shout out about the Rain Dance. Floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes….even still it is awesome to see people come together throughout whatever comes near to us.
Wonderful post Beth…just wonderful. Hugs and good thoughts your way…
Hi Beth-
I have been thinking about you since yesterday and am so happy to hear that you are safe in VA and your home will be ok for the most part. My daughter rowed for Bucknell and I have spent many long and happy days along the Susquehanna – it is such a pretty river, but so prone to flooding. God Bless you and all of your neighbors. I hope the area can recover quickly.
My best- Diane
Beth, I am so glad to hear your house will only have minor flooding and is being spared from all the damage so many others will be dealing with. And Many Thanks for wishing for rain for us in TX. Wildfires have been all around my city (San Antonio) but in the last two days we have had fires that caused many to evacuate and lose their homes here. I am one of the lucky that didn’t have fires in my neighborhood. It would be so good if mother nature would cooperate and spread the rain around, instead of dumping it on those that don’t need any more right now! Stay safe, girl!
Beth, I’m so glad you got your family out safely. I hope everything is okay when you return home. God bless you.
One of the fires burning in Texas is about 25 miles from my home. The air here is hazy and smells of smoke. My heart goes out to everyone who have been displaced and those who have lost everything.
Oh, Beth, this kind of devastation is just heartbreaking. Like you said, a house is a house, and stuff is stuff…but they are SUCH a reflection of who we are! I’m so pleased that your 1st floor has been spared (prayed for you last night!) and I will continue to pray for your friends and neighbors who were not so fortunate.
So glad to hear that you and your family are safe. It’s an awful thing to go through, but being able to have notice to get everyone to safety is a great thing.
I’m thankful that you and your family are safe in a loving, nurturing place while facing anxiety and possible loss or damage to your home city from the invading floods. With all of the natural and man made disasters we more fully realize our limitations and dependance on God to provide, protect and sustain. The whole earth and everything in it are His. Prayers for a safe, speedy restoration to your house and community.
Still praying for you Beth. Gosh I love your heart~
So glad to know you made it safe and sound to your mom’s. Hugs and prayers your way. No matter what happens, it can be repaired or replaced. You guys can’t and as long as you are safe that is what is important. I am sure the groundhogs know to get out of dodge and are safe and sound too so don’t worry about those little fellows! I will continue my prayers for you and all those around you.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. A flood is no joke, I too learned that earlier this year. We’re a military family, and up until just a few months ago we were living in Minot, North Dakota. It was badly flooded, and over half the population of the small town lost their homes to the flood. They’re not going to cover renovations to a lot of the homes there because they say the flooding will be back next year. We were lucky to live on the base, which is far from the town, but had friends staying with us up until the week before we moved. Sadly, you don’t hear much about North Dakota on the news. I hope your areas story gets more attention. It is a sad thing when people cannot live in their own homes.
I was totally wondering! And such an historical and beautiful place too. I’m thankful all of you are safe – but at the same time this is going to be a big mess to clean up. I’m so happy it looks like you’re first floor will be spared too!
Beth,
The horrible weather events of the past few trying months seem to know no end. When Irene hit my concerns were for the initial impact but also the destruction to come in the wake of the disaster. Katrina hit my state hard upon strike but my goodness, what was to come a few days and weeks later!
I saw your remarks on Twitter last evening and your concern and worry was so obvious. Most impressive was the outpouring of love and care from your fellow blog friends and readers. I thank God you and your family are safe and I pray your heart will be lightened by love, safety, strength, and caring words.
Thinking of all and praying,
Darleen~ Places In The Home
Beth,
So happy and relieved to read your post and know that your home and your family are ok. I will pray for your neighbors and your town.
Hang in there, and I hope you get to go back home soon.
Hugs,
C
I am so glad that your upstairs will not be affected but I feel bad you have to deal with your basement. Too bad we all don’t live closer. I am sure you would have a ton of us bloggers there to pitch in if that were the case 🙂 Glad you are safe!
I’m so glad to hear that your home is safe but am sad for your neighbors and the neighborhood. I’ve thought about you and your family all day yesterday and today. Enjoy the beach and gain your strength for when you get back home.
Will continue to keep you and your city in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry this is happening. I hope the water recedes soon. Thanks so much for the shout out to Texas! That’s MY (original) home and all my family is there & they desperately need rain … especially to put out the rampant fires … so thanks 🙂
Thinking of you Beth. Keeping you, your family, and your neighbors are in my prayers! (hugs)
xo Jenna
Praying for you and the family Beth! I’m hoping the river will start to go down soon so the cleanup can quickly begin. HOME is so very important to all of us, especially if you have little ones. It’s not the house or the belongings, but the safety, warmth, and love you feel when you’re there. Know that you have that here in blogland with all your readers, and we’re all crossing our fingers for you and sending love your way!
Ellie
Glad to know you got out safely and are with your loving family. You are so right about how most of us feel about our homes. The loss is devastating. I’ve coped with similar situations during Agnes.
The reports are telling us now that the river crest will be a few feet lower than expected. That’s good news but there’s still so much loss in the city. Sure hope you only get a little water in your basement.
Keeping you and your neighbors in my thoughts and prayers.
I can’t imagine being in your shoes! I will be thinking of you and your family, praying! xoxo, Amy
I was wondering how you fared with this. We got hit pretty hard and I wrote a post last night about our basement and the rest of our house. I can’t even wrap my head around these pictures I’m seeing from Middletown and Hershey. It’s unreal. It took my sister 4 hours to get from one side of Hershey to the other because she got caught right in the midst of the flash flood. It was awful. Take care and I’ll be hoping for the best for your home!
Oh Beth! I know exactly how you feel. We watched the waters rise here in Nashville last year and destroy a large part of our beautiful city. The Cumberland River took over downtown. My husband and I watched helplessly as water poured into our basement and we could do nothing. Such a helpless and hopeless feeling. The good news is that it can all be repaired and you and your family are safe! I hope you find your home dry, and I also hope your city comes together to support each other like everyone did here in Nashville!
Beth
Oh, Beth! I am so sorry for you town and at the same time that there are homes not adversly affected, yours included. Stay safe and we are praying for all of you.
Hey love! I’m SO glad your house was spared, but I can feel the pain in your post for your neighborhood and city…I’ll keep praying. (after all..that’s all we really have in this life…what would we be without prayer. It changes things!) I love you girlie and if there’s anytihng I can do for you, please let me know!
Hugs
Missy
I am in Northern Virginia and schools are closed today due to the flooding. An earthquake, hurricane and now flooding. It’s been a little too much! Hope you are able to return to your home soon.
Beth this is a beautiful post! Home is way more than the four walls that surround us, much like church is more than the pews and altar. Prayer to you and your neighborhood for minimal damage! And yes, please PLEASE send that rain to Texas! My dad’s entire deer lease was ravaged in one of the fires and so many burn uncontrolled. They need it in the worst way! 🙂 Hugs to you friend!
So thankful that you are your family are safe! God is good to us, and always provides.
Happy to hear you will have minimal damage in your home.
Take care!!