Unclogging the gutters

Not sure who invented roof gutter guards that keep leaves and twigs from blocking water flow, but they were/are genuis! I have seen several different variations of these covers and all seem to work well.

Unfortunately, our current home has no such implements on the gutters. One day last week, I laddered up and crawled onto the roof and began the task of walking the perimeter of the roof and cleaned the gutters. Funny how leaves can gather in large clumps and impede water flow. Several of the outlets that allow water to flow into the downspouts were covered (Plugged shut).

I found one gutter that had about 1.5 inches of standing water in it. It was also blocked with leaves. Upon removing the leaves, the water did 'not' flow out. I have a theory that bears investigation. I think leaves block flow that causes water to build up. Water is heavy. Over time the hangers holding the gutter begin to falter under the water weight. Gutters are usually higher on one end than the drain end to ensure water flows out. This particular gutter was sagging away from the drain end, thus allowing water to build up. Not Good!

In another month or so, the temperatures will plummet and water will turn to ice. Longterm problems will arise and emergency maintenance might need to occur. Brrr.... working on a roof in February isn't good.

What can we do?

1. Protect our gutters.

2. Clean them regularly.

3. Inspect and maintain the gutters and downspouts.

God gives us our soul. C.S. Lewis said, "We have bodies but we are a soul." Good insight since we know these bodies will fail and die. Our soul will continue to live on....somewhere. How do we protect our soul.

1. Do we shield it from junk that can clog it?

2. Do we keep our soul growing and healthy?

3. Do we inspect and maintain our soul?

If we don't care for our soul and spiritual development, nobody else will do it. We can't continue to live on the faith of our parents, grandparents or another person. We need to Bible up and attend our spiritual health and faith journey. We need to inspect our life and see if it needs a readjustment or cleaning. Purging junk from our life needs to occur.

Lately, as I have watched TV shows, I have decided the commercials that are offered between the show segments are akin to sticking my face in a septic tank. For instance in a given one hour show, I can view commercials for shows and gaming products that promote gratuitous gun violence, marital infidelity, and sexual dysfunction. I can see the proverbial garbage blocking the drains and I feel the rain gutter begin to sag under the weight of this stuff. If left unattended, a mind and soul will falter under the weight of this sewerage. God's direction for us today is here:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before

you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the

left; keep your foot from evil." (Probverbs 4:23-27, NIV)