Devastation and Hope

Driving to and from Lake Tahoe, we saw firsthand a hint of the devastation  the Caldor Fire wreaked last year.

The fire was nearly 222,000 acres and could very easily have burned into South Lake Tahoe.

 I learned a lot at the FS Retiree Reunion and found some comfort that managing the forest in this part of the country seems to have the public's support.

I wonder what else can be learned from this fire.

Without Ceasing

As I watched the afternoon sky turn orange with ash falling freely from the sky yesterday, I added our local mountains to the ever growing prayer. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

Romans 12:12

Fire season is no longer a "season" and holds none of the excitement it once held for me as a child.

No more being surrounded by Foresters working hard, doing what they loved,  with the tools necessary to put the fire out quickly.

Rejoice always. 

Pray without ceasing. 

 ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

With each new fire, 

my sadness and helplessness grows.
My anger is heightened.

And my prayers grow larger and unceasing.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

 and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

~Isaiah 43:2