Define Normalcy...

Things are MUCH better here in Baton Rouge; it seems like, FINALLY, things are returning to normal.
Well, somewhat normal.
There is still a lot of damage to be seen and I know people who STILL do not have power (tomorrow will be 2 weeks w/o). And there are several stoplights that continue to serve as 4-way stops. But things could be so much worse.

We are praying for our fellow Louisianans down in the southwest parishes... Extensive damage and flooding there. And our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Texas as they try to recover from Ike's path of destruction.

Even people in Arkansas and Illinois felt the sting from Gustav & Ike's furious spin! Power outages and localized flooding in places that have never flooded before!

But here, sitting in my home staring out at the rain (thank you, cold front!), I feel so UTTERLY BLESSED. I can hardly stop smiling.
In part, because Pastor Dino gave the most AWESOME message today about going thru the "valleys" of life.
Yes, we just went through a BIG valley, but we will not camp out in this valley or allow our trials here to make us bitter or angry. Instead, we have come through stronger and closer to God.

So, just to lighten the mood a bit, I'm re-posting here part of a hilarious email I received this week. C'mon, everybody can use a good laugh, so enjoy:

HURRICANE GUSTAV: Lessons Learned During and After the Storm...

No matter how many times you flick the switch, lights don't work without electricity.
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Vienna sausages only appear on the food pyramid during hurricane season.
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Lovebugs do NOT disappear in 90 mph wind.
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Disasters can cancel one LSU Football game, but there will be even more casualties if we have to cancel two.
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Cats are even more irritating without power.
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Most popular text message after Sept. 1: Do u hve pwr?
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Coffee, Spaghetti, biscuits and frozen pizza can be made on a grill.
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Crickets and cicadas can increase their volume to overcome the sound of 30 generators!
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He who has the biggest generator wins!