Wednesday, November 13, 2013

WOYWW: A State of Calamity


My desk is still in a mess today for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday but it is nothing compared to the state of calamity that Typhoon Haiyan, said to be the strongest storm ever to hit land, left the eastern part of the Philippines in.  In the words of a CNN report, "The stories coming out of the Philippines are unimaginable. Rushing water and wind tearing children away from their parents' arms. A death toll that may reach 10,000. A city of 200,000 in which no buildings appear to have survived intact."

http://www.theguardian.com/
From the time the typhoon struck early Friday morning until yesterday, our cook could not get in touch with her family in Leyte.  She saw news of the devastation in her hometown, with all the homes gone, but she had no idea if her family survived.  Yesterday, she finally got the good news that although her family no longer had a home, they were NOT among the thousands who died in the storm.  Thank you, Lord!

Last month, there was a strong earthquake in a another part of the country and we had not even recovered from that calamity when this destructive typhoon hit. The need is just so great and no matter how much we, who are safe and dry, try to help, it just isn't enough. And that is why, even if I don't want to give you bad news, I decided to share with you. If you would like to help, CNN has a report on how to help survivors.  Any amount will help because even just $5 will feed a family for three to four days.

We have also had a rough weekend with my Mom's health and we continue to fervently pray for her. Through all this, I remember the words of Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi prison camps, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

And so I choose to say, together with the Psalmist, the words of Psalm 46...


I'm also sharing this illustration in Word Art Wednesday.  Thank you for dropping by!  I'm sorry but it has been extra difficult to find time to go visiting.  I hope your days have been more tranquil than mine.  Be blessed, my dear blog friends!
at

35 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 13, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    I'm so glad to hear that you are okay. I will be prayer for you and everyone affected by the storm. #13

    ReplyDelete
  2. SandyNovember 13, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    So glad that you and yours are ok.. It just looks so bad on the news and seems to be taking forever for help to be getting to where it is needed.. I see on the news here in Australia they are sending a pop up hospital with doctors that is heading off today with supplies to be able to help for 10,000.. (((Hugs)))
    Sandy :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. VonnyKNovember 13, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    Glad you are okay and I hope that help comes quickly for those in need. Nature is beautiful but can be so horrible at times.
    Von #26

    ReplyDelete
  4. HelenNovember 13, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    So glad you are ok, and that your cook's family have survived. the devastation truly looks awful. Helen 17

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ali HNovember 13, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    I have been thinking you this week & hoping you are safe. I hope the help for your poor fellow countrymen will get through soon. Remembering you in my prayers. Ali x ~34

    ReplyDelete
  6. martinealisonNovember 13, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    Bonjour,
    Tout comme vous je suis très triste pour l'ensemble du peuple Philippin.
    Je veux exprimer toute ma compassion, ma solidarité et mes sincères condoléances. Je tiens de tout mon coeur à rendre hommage aux victimes, aux survivants et aux secouristes.
    Les Philippines est un pays que j'affectionne particulièrement... J'y ai des attaches personnelles...
    Un bel hommage.
    Gros bisous

    ReplyDelete
  7. Julia DunnitNovember 13, 2013 at 4:01 PM

    Grateful for your safety Peggy, and adding your Mother to my embrace. Xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. JoZart DesignsNovember 13, 2013 at 4:09 PM

    It really is a time for us here to be grateful for all we have and to embrace our loved ones. Beautiful post and I am sure there will be lots of love and help flowing from WOYWWers here. I hope the iAd from the world reaches the survivors asap.
    Thinking of you...
    Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  9. MortiNovember 13, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    Good news to hear that your family, and that of your cook, is ok, and sending strength to you to cope with your Mum's illness. Keep smiling, keep your faith, keep your heart light and that will lighten others...

    Much love....

    ReplyDelete
  10. NeilNovember 13, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    Hi there. Just popping my head round the door to say hi.
    I am grateful to hear that you and yours are safe and also the good news about your cooks family. Your quote and illustration are a blessing and inspiration so thank you for taking time to share.
    Hope you have a blessed week too.
    Neil#39

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnnieNovember 13, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    Our thoughts and prayers are constantly coming your way. Nature can be so destructive can't it? Lets hope the help arrives for all before they suffer any more.
    Hugs,
    A x # 47

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cardarian November 13, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    My prayers, big hugs and love are being sent to you and all the people in your country!
    Trust in God and all will be good!
    Lots of hugs,
    Cardarian

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bridget LarsenNovember 13, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Totally understand that you cant visit desks but know that we are thinking of you and your countrymen and women and praying that help arrives quickly as we hear on the news that its hard to get to those stricken places
    Bridget #6

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownNovember 13, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    Thanks for sharing your photos and bright blessing to you and yours. Roberta 68

    ReplyDelete
  15. adeleNovember 13, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    Thanks for the post, I was thinking of you when I've heard the news.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sylvia/LittleTreasuresNovember 13, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    So glad you are ok and were able to post this week. What a horrific mess. My post on WOYWW shows a photo of children with folded hands.
    I hope they can remain strong thru God's love and help.

    ReplyDelete
  17. trisha tooNovember 13, 2013 at 9:57 PM

    So glad to see you here, and have an update from you and your sister.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. CazzyNovember 13, 2013 at 10:10 PM

    Hi Peggy,

    I am happy that you are fine and your cook's family too. A little good news helps with all the bad news, of which I am sure there is more to come.
    I have donated a little, had to do it.
    I am feeling so moved by your post I am in tears.
    Cazzy x #87

    ReplyDelete
  19. Saints Rule!November 13, 2013 at 10:41 PM

    Thankful that you are safe! Praying for you! Thanks for joining us at Word Art Wednesday!

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownNovember 14, 2013 at 12:02 AM

    Very well said... beautiful illustration.
    Kind regards from Jana #67

    ReplyDelete
  21. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 12:34 AM

    Glad you are OK but of the waiting to make contact - that must have been hard for her. Lovely sentiment in a difficult time.

    Stay safe

    Happy WOYWW!
    Mary Anne (20)

    ReplyDelete
  22. CaroleNovember 14, 2013 at 12:39 AM

    I cannot imagine the devastation...the pain and sorrows of thousands. Prayers of strength and support for all. Carole #97

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lisa-JaneNovember 14, 2013 at 12:39 AM

    You must all feel so helpless. We do but we are far away. We're having a bake and toy sale Wednesday to raise funds. I think your art is just perfect for this situation. Blessings to you all #49

    ReplyDelete
  24. KrishaNovember 14, 2013 at 12:45 AM

    Many prayers coming your way.
    Stay safe as possible and keep each other warm.
    Krisha #4

    ReplyDelete
  25. ChristineNovember 14, 2013 at 1:22 AM

    Thank you for your message earlier and for today's news - I can only pray and direct my prayers as best as I can.
    Be uplifted by His Grace
    Bishopsmate #99

    ReplyDelete
  26. CaroNovember 14, 2013 at 1:59 AM

    So glad to hear you are safe. I am praying for your country and that aid gets where it is needed. I just love your page reminding us that God is our refuge and our strength. Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#72)

    ReplyDelete
  27. fairy thoughtsNovember 14, 2013 at 4:21 AM

    Both you and patsy have been in my thoughts since it happenedthank goodness you are both ok. Blogging is a wonderful thing as it shows you people are thinking of you and help is on its way it is going to take a long time to rebuild but your spirit is strong
    Janet #38

    ReplyDelete
  28. Princess Judy PalmerNovember 14, 2013 at 5:06 AM

    Bless you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  29. My name is CindyNovember 14, 2013 at 5:36 AM

    Glad to hear you and yours are OK. The devastation is unimaginable for most of us. Wonderful uplifting sentiment. Pls don't worry about visiting, I'm sure you have much more important things to do, I just popped over to check on you Hugs, Cindy #54

    ReplyDelete
  30. 505whimsygirlNovember 14, 2013 at 5:37 AM

    I've been thinking about you and your family. Also, great news regarding your cook's family. I hope your mom's health improves; just having family around is soothing, I'm sure.

    Not participating this week but wanted to come by and see if you posted anything.

    Hugs,
    Kay

    ReplyDelete
  31. Karen LetchworthNovember 14, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    Thank you for sharing the photo. I have been praying for the people and for God's blessing and provision, and that the little bit I've been able to give (and that others give) will be used by Him to bring the help needed. I've also been praying for your Mother, and hope she is doing better. Thanks for sharing with us, and have a blessed week.
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

    ReplyDelete
  32. NeetNovember 14, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    Blessings to you too. I am including your mum in prayer and also the people in your country. It is heartbreaking to hear about the devastation over there.
    Peggy, that illustration is beautiful and thought provoking.
    Thank you and take care
    Hugs, neet
    ps glad your lady got news from her family

    ReplyDelete
  33. Debs WillisNovember 15, 2013 at 4:24 AM

    Glad you're ok, keeping you in my thoughts
    Deb #78

    ReplyDelete
  34. Papercrafting PrincessNovember 17, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    Thank you for sharing and I'm glad to know you are okay. Prayers have gone up for your mother. Your work continues to inspire.

    ReplyDelete
  35. ShoshiNovember 18, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    Peggy, I've been thinking of both you and Patsy over the past days, and praying that you would be OK. I am so glad to hear that all is well with you, despite the awful disaster in part of your country. The Psalm you chose is so appropriate - and also happens to be one of my absolute favourites! "Be still and know that I am God." "The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."

    God bless you and keep you safe.
    Shoshi

    ReplyDelete

I'm so glad to hear from you! Thank you so much for dropping by and taking time to leave me a comment! Be blessed!