~Severe Weather and Giveaway Winner~

Whew, it's been a flurry of activities around here for the last several days!  Almost at the last minute, we made a quick trip to Omaha to not only see our son and his family but to buy a new truck for our RV.  More about that later.

Taken by one of my Facebook friends

For the last couple of days, we have been experiencing really severe weather here in Oklahoma, which is not unusual as we are in the smack dab in the middle of tornado alley but we are also blessed to have the National Weather Service located in our state with the most up-to-date radar and technology available making us the most informed people in the country!

Taken by one of my Facebook friends

A couple of pictures posted by some of my FB friends.  Absolutely breathtaking, aren't they?

News source:  KFOR.com

 Some areas of the state were being soaked with 5 to 7 inches of rain along with being pummeled by hail.  Anywhere from the size of a quarter to the size of a softball!!   Pretty good size, huh?  There was one shown on the news last night that literally covered the woman's entire hand!  Probably the size of a grapefruit.

News source:  KFOR.com

 I can remember, years ago, we had a storm roll through with grapefruit size hail hitting our area causing horrific damage so it's not unusual.  Just not something you want to happen on a regular basis.  Can you imagine?  It's like being in the midst of a military battle!!

News source:  KFOR.com

The worst of the weather went around us but we did have a tremendous lightning storm.  I wasn't brave enough to go out and try to take any pictures.  One brave soul did though.  Somewhere in the city.

Taken by my daughter

This is a picture my older daughter took out at her place.  I like what she said...."when life sends a storm, look for the silver lining."  Isn't that great?  Even in the midst of all this severe weather, there is much beauty to behold.  God is so good.  Only He can create such breathtaking beauty. 

News source:  KFOR.com

We're expecting round three of the severe weather today with 80 mph wind and softball size hail.  What a beautiful reminder that He is in control and His promises are always with us.  Even though this type of weather is not unusual for our state, it's still scary but we won't head for the hills.  We'll be on our toes and will be watching the minute by minute details on TV.  Thankfully, we have a cellar near the house that we can run to if necessary.

Okay, on to the GOOD news!  Finally.  It's time to give away the needlebook that I made for one of you.  I have a very scientific way of picking a winner.

 I write each name on a scrap piece of paper, wad it up and put it in my nifty little giveaway bowl.

 Shake and toss them around several times and the first wad that falls out is the winner.

And the winner is...Heather of Vintage Grey!!  Congratulations Heather!  I'll drop you an email to get your mailing address.  I truly enjoyed reading each of your comments about Mother's Day.

By the way, are you guys impressed with my scientific method of drawing a winner?  Pretty neat, huh?  I think I'll have to patent it. :)

I pray that your day is calm and beautiful~