Gas, food, electricity. (30 days of thankfulness - day 3)

Today I'm thankful for gas in my car, more than enough nutritious food, and all the electricity we need.  This morning, I actually scoffed and said out loud while turning the air down a notch, "UGH!  It's so hot in here!"  Then I was promptly ashamed of myself.  It doesn't seem fair to have such a surplus, and to be ungrateful about it, when Hurricane Sandy has left many of my friends and family and fellow New Jerseyans suffering.

My cousin Steve works for the Borough of Millburn, NJ and has been answering emergency calls practically nonstop from people whose homes have been destroyed by fallen trees.  He posted this on his Facebook page today:

On another tree vs house call...not good...gas rationing starts at noon....odd/even based on plate number...drove by WaWa [convenience store] on New Road in Parsippany.....stopped counting at 116 cars in line for gas on one side of the road....still no power/heat/hot water...but at least we are in better shape then our fellow Jerseyans down the Shore...pretty much sucks.. Keep the Faith...we will get through this...

People in line for gas in Millburn, NJ

One of the many homes cut in half by a treePeople who live on certain sections of the Jersey shore won't be able to return to their homes for months, if there is any home to return to. 

Look at these unbelievable before + after photos of the Jersey shore to clearly see the Hurricane Sandy destruction. 

Lord have mercy on those who are suffering.  On those of us who have plenty, may we be moved to action, thankfulness and generosity.  May we see everyday conveniences like food, gas, and electricity as they are - gifts not to be taken for granted.

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During the month of November, I'm practicing "30 days of thankfulness" - will you join me?  Use your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to voice your thankfulness for something every day in November.  My hope is that this daily routine will create in me a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, no matter the day or month or situation.

Bike deliveries. (30 days of thankfulness - day 2)

Thankful today for the goodness of people who are willing to help without hestitation in the midst of catastrophe.  Our dear "Cuz," my dad's 80-something-year-old cousin, lives in Greenwich Village, NYC in the same tiny apartment she's lived her entire life.  Due to Hurricane Sandy, her power has been out for over 4 days now, and her tiny fragile frame is getting rather cold and hungry.  She cannot go out alone.  I found out yesterday she needed more food and candles until some of our family members could get to her.

A few texts later, our friend Jeff, who recently moved to Brooklyn from Dallas, kindly agreed to bike to her house today to bring her some food.

The grocery list:

• eggs
• chicken
• salad
• candles (sold out everywhere)
• biscotti
• italian bread (because let's be honest, a 100% Italian woman can only go so long without it)

This is what Jeff said, "It was weird riding around lower Manhattan with no electricity.  It was quiet and eerie.  Cops at every corner directing traffic.  Water stations at hydrants for people to fill up jugs.  Food donation centers.  The richest city in the U.S. is third world right now."

Please pray for power to return quickly, for multitudes of provision.  With all those who can get help, there are so many others who will fall through the cracks.

We love you, Cuz!  And God bless you, Jeff!

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During the month of November, I'm practicing "30 days of thankfulness" - will you join me?  Use your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to voice your thankfulness for something every day in November.  My hope is that this daily routine will create in me a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, no matter the day or month or situation.

They survived. (30 days of thankfulness ~ day 1)

Power outages, lines for gasoline, homes cut in half by fallen trees.  Yet these 70-foot-tall oaks of righteousness are still standing in my parents' backyard.  So thankful for this mercy but broken-hearted for those who lost so much.

~ ~ ~

During the month of November, I'm practicing "30 days of thankfulness" - will you join me?  Use your blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to voice your thankfulness for something every day in November.  My hope is that this daily routine will create in me a heart of thankfulness and gratitude, no matter the day or month or situation.