Each fall, since moving to Colorado, I have picked up pinecones. Our property is covered with ponderosa pines and the pinecones are plentiful and quite large. We use these to start our fires each morning from autumn until spring.

As I write this, I’m listening to news stories about the fires raging across the west coast and here in Colorado. I love a fire in the hearth but I have also felt the fear of forest fires too close to my home. Several years ago, it was Scott and I that had to evacuate as forest fires were within a mile of our ranch. Fire, like many things, is a blessing when it’s under control. But lose control and watch out.

So many things are not in our control. Actually, nothing is in our control, is it? God is in control of all things. Fire and rain are controlled by His hands. How do we react to not being in control? We need rain… we wish the rains would end. We love a campfire … we evacuate and run for our lives as the forest fire approaches. What is God thinking? How are we to understand His will when catastrophes occur? In whom do we put our trust?

While I was out picking pine cones, two deer with three fawns that were still covered with spots, walked by. I just stopped and watched them come within 20 yards of me. I listened to the chickadees and nuthatches in the branches above my head and heard a squirrel scolding me for getting too close. I breathed in the scent of pine and sage and took a moment to look at the mountains that surround me. How could I not praise God for this incredible creation? How could I not trust all that the Holy Scriptures
reveal to me?

Where am I going with all of this? I guess you’ve just witnessed the inner struggles of this sinful child of God. It’s easy to trust God when all is going according to my plan. But I pray that the Lord will remind me of His promises when challenging and frightening times come. Each time I ask, “Why God?” I pray that I look again to those promises and ask the Holy Spirit to give me the strength to trust God in all things.

If you have the opportunity to sit next to a fire in the hearth or outdoors I hope you enjoy the ambience and warmth the flames offer. I also pray that you feel His peace in all circumstances, even when you don’t understand.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie