blessings in unexpected places

it has been two weeks since i was down in the basement waiting on the all clear sign. this was a huge one. the tornado had traveled so far and was taking out everything in its path. earlier that morning we had the first round of straight line winds, tornados and thunderstorm. i had left for work around 4:30 and it wasn't even raining yet. while i was at work i made the statement that i hoped a tree would fall on my house so i could rebuild a one level house. sounds stupid and immature now with all the devastation. god had other ideas. i got home around 2:30, in between storms and noticed something didn't look right. then i realized, my 60 foot hickory tree had been blown down in the backyard, taking the side of my storage building with it. wow, i really didn't know how bad this would feel. i spent the next 5 hours watching james spann on tv telling us how bad this storm was. i saw footage of this massive wall of destruction moving through city after city. lives were lost and lives were forever changed. so many people lost their lives and so many others lost everything they had. only the clothes on their backs. i felt so guilty and selfish for my words just hours earlier. the next few days felt like i was watching a movie. it looked like the war zones they show on tv. one of the guys at work lost everything, but his family was safe. people started pulling together from all walks of life and all over the country to help. twitter has become an amazing way to ask for help and to get directions of where to help. god was evident in all of it.
ok back to my problem, the tree. i called the insurance company and they sent out an disaster adjuster to let me know what they would give me to get the tree and building taken care of. there was no other damage anywhere in the neighborhood that i could find. the wind took out my tree only. so i asked him to check out the roof for me. after he inspected it all and filled out the paperwork, he told me i would be getting a new roof also. my head fell and i almost cried. i knew i needed a new roof, but would never be able to afford one. this is grace and mercy in action. getting something i don't deserve and not getting something i do deserve. the blessings are all around me now. i call a guy that used to go to church with us. he had been out of work for awhile, and his name kept coming up. he cuts down trees. he has equipment and experience.i called and he came out to give me an estimate. he told me how much he would charge for the job and i almost laughed. it was the most ridiculous amount of money...meaning it wasn't enough to bring his equipment and guys out. i said no, and quadrupled the amount and told him i wouldn't pay him a penny less. this wasn't my money. it was gods money. tears welled up in his eyes and he said "why?", and i said "because i have been so blessed". my heart was about to bust open and i was almost giddy. then i started wondering how much more giddy god is when he blesses us. every breath i take is a blessing from him. putting my feet down on the floor in the morning is a blessing from him. playing with caroline, talking to my kids...woo hoo god! you are amazing! thank you!

i opened my bible up three times tonight, each time, this is what it opened to. i am learning to listen! copy and paste the web address

psalm 145
"the lord is gracious and slow to anger, he is rich in love, he is good to all"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHXY-B5ZWng&feature

ps: i found a church! and they have a great fill in worship leader! and the roof is just gravy!