What Tropical Storm?

Survivor by Destiny’s Child: “I’m a survivor. I’m not gon give up. I’m not gon stop. I’m gon work harder. I’m a survivor. I’m gonna make it. I will survive. Keep on survivin’.

It’s been a few months since I updated you on “Life With the Poller’s”; nevertheless, we’ve weathered the storm and we’re going to keep trusting in God. Since I’m writing this Blog, I’ll call it the way I saw it. To me it was “Hurricane Fay” and not just, what some people might call a little “Tropical Storm”. It wasn’t ‘just a little anything’ – it was large, yet the Almighty Arms of God protected us. He gave us such a wonderful peace (Phil. 4:7) that the world just doesn’t understand. Now let me tell you about “Fay”.

Today (Mon. Aug. 25th) you would have never thought that last week was so devastating. The clouds are billowy against a blue background, the sun is trying to peek past the pillows of white and things are almost back to usual except for the clean-up and yes, more rain. Considering the entire week – it went by quickly, yet it was rough. Van & I survived with no hurt, harm or danger.

On Mon. Aug. 18th we saw that a storm was approaching from the south of Florida. Tuesday, we were prepared (food, water, cash, etc.).

Wednesday was like the “Forrest Gump” movie: “Little bitty stingin' rain... and big ol' fat rain. Rain that flew in sideways. And sometimes rain even seemed to come straight up from underneath.” – and the winds began to pick up strength too. Schools were closed and so were most businesses.

Thursday we received word that most of the bridges around town were ‘closed’ and we were advised by officials to remain indoors if it were not necessary for you to go out. Our Pastor also used wisdom, and evening services were cancelled. The rains continued and the winds ranged from 45 – 50 mph. Our 27 ft. RV ‘wobbled’, yet it withstood the mighty gusts. There is a tree (about 15 ft. tall) whose branches beat all night upon our temporary home. The RV actually saved the tree from being uprooted. The power glitched off & on most of the night and finally — “lights out”. We now had to endure the inconvenience of a “power outage” throughout the night. Oh, the things one takes for granted everyday when we use electricity. Forget about a fancy hairstyle - break out the grease, pull back the hair and slap on that pony-tail [that was purchased a short while ago ‘for such a time as this’] (my husband dislikes me wearing wigs, but he is being sweet about the necessary transformation).

We borrowed a portable generator on Friday and decided to stay in the RV Park with our dog, Pugsley.

Saturday was good. Even though the power was still off, the wind had died down and the rain was not as severe. We went out to assess some of the damage and wow; God was with us. Right outside the RV Park power lines were down & trees were out of the ground. We were safe and there was no flooding in the park (“…it shall not come nigh thee” Ps. 91:7). We had air, lights, and all the luxuries except for the Internet and cable. We played cards with each other and enjoyed being in each other’s company. We had survived “Fay” by the grace of God.

Sunday, we were in the home of Our God to give Him all the praise, as we (along with a larger than usual attendance – just like after “911”) gathered together to celebrate how God had brought us through It’s back to work for everyone and we will continue to pray for those who are still out of power and still dealing with flooding. Thank you Jesus for Is. 26:3 (“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”) Amen.

Ms. “V”
www.victoriapoller.com (If you haven’t already, please come sign my guest book)

Testimony Time

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Our lives are surely in God’s hands. He has been there for us ever since we committed our lives to Him. You may have read about our moving from New Mexico in 2007, but if you haven’t – check out my Blog Archives on http://victoriapoller.com (see: Poller’s Christmas 12/25/07; “ToTo Where Are We?”, Nov. 8, 2007; “What Tropical Storm?”, Aug. 2008; I Believe the Report of My Lord, Standing on the Promises of God & Wellness Update, June 2008; and Relocation Update, July 2008).

Now let’s see what the Lord has done recently for the Poller household.

The house we owned in New Mexico has SOLD. The new owners are Christians and they knew Van from refereeing basketball. They also attend the church that we were members of and they are true believers who have shown their faith.

Since we left NM in Oct. of 2007, and the world fell into a Recession; the house was on the market. We had to pay for two households; New Mexico and Florida. The expenses included: Mortgage, rent, storage at two facilities, utilities, lawn care, cell phones, food (we eat out a lot because of the limited space in our RV {27 ft. of space for four people and a dog}, laundry, supplies, gas, Drs. Co-pays, optometrist (military doesn’t cover as much as it use to), and there are probably more – and yet we continued to tithe and give offerings. I believe we found favor with God because of our faithfulness.

The house in NM fell into PRE-FORCLOSURE status after another couple had reneged on their “Lease Option Purchase”. They did some nice renovations, but did not pay the mortgage and it’s difficult to recover from months of missed payments. We did not accept the Foreclosure letter. The battle was on. You know how the Word states that the battle is the Lords (I Samuel 17), but people expect God to do all the work, nevertheless you’ve got to do your part in the battle just as David did. We prayed, came into agreement, and did what we physically and mentally had to do.

Anyhow, after killing many trees in paperwork and negotiations with many people – long distance; the new owners are moved in. We asked God for a miracle (on the outside it looked bad), and that’s what we got. But it did take some time. There was no ‘magic wand’.

There is a Part II to our relocation and that consists of a new home here in Florida. God always has better things for His people and those of you who know us know that He gave us the desires of our hearts.

Stay tuned for Part II, and if anyone has questions or needs some more encouragement, then contact me on my website or email me. Just know that God is faithful if we only believe and wait on Him.

Ms. “V”
http://www.victoriapoller.com

Cummer closed on Wednesday, July 7

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Elsa’s path through Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will be closed to the public on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

The Museum will remain open through its regular hours on Tuesday, July 6, including free admission during extended hours (4 to 9 p.m.) as part of its ongoing Free Tuesday’s program, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

The Museum will post operational updates at its website (cummermuseum.org) and on social media.

About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: For 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens, and education. A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers nearly 150,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities. For further information, including hours, visit www.cummermuseum.org.

Moving On Up With Our Lord

As former Military members, we are use to relocating and within a few months, moving into a new home – but not this time.  I know women like details, yet I’ll try to be brief.

A few years after our military retirement, my husband (Van) and I decided to move closer to family from Clovis, New Mexico to Jacksonville, Florida.  It took a lot of getting use to; nonetheless, we arrived in our 27ft. RV (Recreational Vehicle) back in September 2007.

The RV was fine for my hubby, me and a small dog, but when you add a Daughter, my Grandbaby and another dog – things got a little tight.  God blessed us with this house on wheels, yet imagine 3 adults, a baby and 2 dogs in a small confined space.  My second book (Bent But Not Broken) was birthed while in that RV.

Our house in NM wouldn’t sell and had gone into “Short Sale”.  Van had his military retirement, but no work offers from the applications that had been submitted.  He was receiving a couple months pay from a previous position, and the money was going down.  It looked bleak.  Finally, God moved on our behalf and his Miracle Position came through.

Did I forget to mention that we were paying for a house in NM, paying RV rental lot fees and household goods storage fees on all our furniture here in Florida.  Lots of money was going out and more bills than paycheck.

We are strong believers in what God can & will do for us despite our time restrictions.  Have you ever NOT wanted to come home because of the way things are at home?  Not emotional but physical.  And don’t tell me we should have been grateful for a roof over our heads.  During Tropical Storm Faye, the RV had some leaking issues and needless to say the wind created some serious concerns.  Meanwhile the house in NM finally sold, although way below loan value.  The second mortgage (not a smart decision) is still being paid back.

We needed some relief until our needs were met. So, the Spirit of the Lord suggested that Van find a place for rent.  So, in November of 2009, we all moved (except for one dog) into a beautiful 3 bedroom home.  Home ownership was our desire but because of the “Short Sale”, home ownership was not possible at that time.  The rental was gorgeous and we could get rid of the storage bill and the RV space rental.  We have always been givers, so we donated the RV to a church in Georgia.  It’s amazing how God’s supply comes when necessary.  Sure you may have to wait, but the blessings are assured.

The entire time that we’ve been in Florida has not been ‘sunshine and lollipops’.  We’ve had sickness and death in the family and ‘Florida Children and Family Services’ continues to drag their feet; but, through it all, we NEVER stopped loving each other or loving God.  He has been with us every step of the way.  I’ve always signed my emails and certain correspondence with “TBR” (Trust, Believe, Receive), and we chose to remain faithful despite what it looked like in the natural.  So many blessings have come upon our family, but I promised that I would keep this post short.

On September 29, 2012, Van and I signed papers on our new 4 bedroom home.  We can once again, enjoy the pride and financial blessings of owning a home.  The scriptures say, “Wait upon the Lord”, “Rejoice in the Lord Always”, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.  We kept God first and foremost in our lives and we allowed Him to lead us to our perfect blessing.  TBR!!! 

To read more - get the book: “Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

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