Not the colors I was looking for

I was going to celebrate Lydie's birthday by having a pink theme this week on my blog. But instead, we are seeing ugly shades of green, brown, black and gray. We have bronchitis. Not only that, but from the 20" of rain that we have had in the past 5 days, our basement flooded. That's right, t-w-e-n-t-y inches of rain! There is 2" of water downstairs on top of the carpet right now waiting for the men to come tomorrow and dry it up. We spent the evening moving all of the furniture from the school room and Andy's old office. It is now on blocks of wood in the garage, in case of more flooding. I think all of the furniture is unharmed. But, there is more rain predicted every day this week. (Please join us in praying for mercy.) There were 6 fatalities in our area alone today. Due to the basement flooding, reoccurring illnesses, Andy's severe back issues, and other personal issues, I am struggling to find peace tonight.

My daughter turned 3 today. She was all decked out in a pink dress with a big chocolate cupcake in the center. She sang happy birthday to her self all day. She was such a little bubble of delight. She had a good day. We shielded her from understanding our own frustrations. But I will wait until sunnier days to post about her day. We are tired and feel defeated. Just last night Andy and I talked late into the night about the deep joy he is finding in sharing in the suffering of Christ with a certain area of his life. And already tonight, I can not find that joy that was so fresh and real just 24 hours ago! Time for prayer, His Word (clinging to the fact that it "doesn't return void"), and rest. Praying for sunshine tomorrow.
Below are the words that gave us so much hope last night (typed in pink for hope). I am praying it will take root tonight in this weary soul.

Psalm 91

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." ...you will not fear the destruction that wastes at noonday....Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place-the Most High, who is my refuge- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command the angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways...Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver Him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."