Battan Down the Hatches

This photo made me smile! It perfectly captures life in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada -- lived there for seven years.

But now here in Austin TX -- known for its mild climate almost year round. But, when the weather man starts talking about ice, we Austinians get our water dripping from the the taps and pull out our warmest clothes.

Yesterday’s weather report sounded serious enough to make even seasoned Texans hunker down. A Winter Storm Warning. Ice. Dangerous roads. Travel discouraged.

Here in Austin -- we do mild. We do warm. We do “should I bring a jacket?” But ice? That’s when we panic-shop -- get extra water, snacks, and flashlights.

Six feet of snow up North is just another day for them. For us? It’s headline news.

What awaited me when I moved to Austin was a monumental winter storm! Trees bowed under the weight of ice, limbs snapped like matchsticks, electricity disappeared, water vanished, neighbors bundled up and drew water from the pool for flushing their toilets. It was unforgettable -- and humbling.

Last Wednesday at our women’s Bible study, Anita, our faithful leader, asked, “How will you prepare?” One woman plans on filling her bathtub with water in case her toilet needs water for flushing.

Another had a generator ready and planned to open her warm home to neighbors. Prepared hearts. Open hands. That’s community.

Preparation matters. But so does perspective. This winter storm is just a blip on the radar screen!

And knowing God is present in every season. we can conquer whatever comes our way. Our Lord doesn’t go offline when temperatures drop. He doesn’t panic when power grids wobble. He is steady, faithful, and near.

Storms remind us of something important -- our control is limited, but God’s care isn't. We stock up on blankets and batteries, yes -- but we also rest in His promises.

So if the ice comes, we’ll be ready. And if it passes us by, we’ll be grateful. Either way, we trust the One who never leaves us shivering alone.

How blessed we are to have God’s care, presence, and faithfulness in every season, especially during uncertainty or storms.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help. "