Watching the storm this past weekend, I have a greater respect for the effects of wind!  Wind unharnessed caused trees to bend and break, power lines to collapse and roofs to blow off,  signs to fall to the ground.  The winds of change.  Wind was a part of the ingredients of change on the day of pentecost.  A mighty rushing wind filled the place where they were sitting and the church was changed.  On the North Carolina coast a new inlet was created because of the winds of Irene.  Wind can be so messy and annoying but winds can produce positive change.  The winds created new inlets for us to minister this past weekend by helping our neighbors and turning strangers into friends.  The winds caused many families to stay at home and have time to bond and build stronger relationships.  The winds have made havoc and unfortunately 15 lives were lost due to Irene but even in death and destruction God remains faithful and eternally strong.  In my back yard I have cypress evergreens that are about 15-20 feet tall.  One of the trees weakened and began to give way at the root but it never fell over because it leaned on the cypress beside of it that was strong and it survived.  God is always there for us to lean on and with Him we will make it through the winds and storms of life.