Be prepared but do not be afraid

                                           

                                                

Dear Friends

Up until now, one of our important daily jobs has been to serve breakfast and dinner to two cats: "CC" (Church Cat) and Garfield. We do this while keeping watch and being ready to wave away the roosters and chickens that think they're part of the cat family.

Now we are getting ready to welcome Erick and Flossie, two visitors from the east (also called storm systems). It looks as though the effect on our tiny island may only be some extra rain and wind...nothing too serious. But we made a few preparations, not only for now but for the rest of the time we are here during the  hurricane season.

The renewed North Korea missile tests get a little more of our attention over here, as does this part of the daily weather report in the local paper (which will be a sermon illustration if I ever preach on one of those apocalyptic gospels in advent again): 

                                       Volcano Watch

As of Tuesday, Kilauea Volcano is at normal/green. It remains an active volcano and it will erupt again. We expect clear signs prior to the next eruption, but the time frame of warning may be short. 

There are threats wherever you live, of course, natural and "man-made". We know we are not in Kansas anymore (never were) or Corona for right now, but only because the threats are different.

Wherever we find ourselves on any given day, the scout admonition to "Be Prepared" is always a good one.  But it must always be balanced with the biblical reminders to "Do not be anxious" and "Do not be afraid" because "I am with you always". 

Now, back to baking some more chocolate chip cookies!

John