I didn't realize all the time that has pasted since I posted last. So much has happened since then in my family both good and bad as with many of you that maybe reading this. I'm sure you have seen the fires blazing in Australia by now - how my heart breaks seeing the devastation in what was once a beautiful land.
When I was thinking of a post to share over the past couple days, my thoughts came to this after I changed the background on my phone. While looking for a photo to use I came across those below taken September of 2016. It was the last time my husband got to get up to "our mountain" and enjoy God's beautiful creation; just one of many landscapes there are.
As I look at the few, I'm sharing I'm sad this spot is no longer there. On June 7, 2017, after lightening had stuck fires claimed over 48,435 acres making this the largest fire in Arizona history, (I'm hoping I got it right). Prior to that in 2004 the beloved mountain lost over 30,000 acres. We also have species only known to this area. Being that this is a smaller community it was very devastating to all of us that had to watch it burn.
This area was in a small canyon full of rock and boulders, water came down through the creek over the rocks and continued down watering riparian areas towards the bottom. It narrowed up to the top over the trees you can see of this little canyon. It was important. After the fire you will not see anything of what you see in the photo's it is all rock and boulders and there is no water that is following from rain or snow to replenish the riparian area below.
My feet are strong, my eyes are clear
Fear not, keep on, watch and pray
The shadows flee, The valley is deep
I see the shore, from troubled seas
I’m holding onto you, Lord
When I was thinking of a post to share over the past couple days, my thoughts came to this after I changed the background on my phone. While looking for a photo to use I came across those below taken September of 2016. It was the last time my husband got to get up to "our mountain" and enjoy God's beautiful creation; just one of many landscapes there are.
The whole mountain was full of so many beautiful spots this was just one you could pull over just off the road that we enjoyed many times and so did Lilly. Many people went there to sit and reflect, have lunch with a friend, get out of the "bustle" lol and destress. Many of the photo's I've taken over the years were on this mountain (many posted on my blog) just don't do justice to what your eyes see and how it makes you feel.
As I look at the few, I'm sharing I'm sad this spot is no longer there. On June 7, 2017, after lightening had stuck fires claimed over 48,435 acres making this the largest fire in Arizona history, (I'm hoping I got it right). Prior to that in 2004 the beloved mountain lost over 30,000 acres. We also have species only known to this area. Being that this is a smaller community it was very devastating to all of us that had to watch it burn.
This area was in a small canyon full of rock and boulders, water came down through the creek over the rocks and continued down watering riparian areas towards the bottom. It narrowed up to the top over the trees you can see of this little canyon. It was important. After the fire you will not see anything of what you see in the photo's it is all rock and boulders and there is no water that is following from rain or snow to replenish the riparian area below.
My heart goes out to those that are suffering a great loss, we as a small community have tasted to a smaller degree with heartfelt sadness. So many emotions get wrapped up into what you witness and when you can't seem to help or stop it from happening many experience anguish and fear, anger can set in. We live in a world that is full of uncertainty the fires that burn whether it be from natural, manmade or from an evil intent we cant say or know when our lives will be shaken to such a degree that we feel hopeless. This is a sad reminder of all uncertainties that we can face in this world.
I've heard it said it will take decades for the bushland to heal. When reading on our fire the reporter wrote this, "The cycle of renewal happens roughly every five to 25 years and in the end leaves a more beautiful forest for all of us to enjoy." David Capo August 10, 2017
So I'm praying lifting up those that are suffering from this loss. Do not let your hearts be troubled. John 14:1 I know from the many things I've experienced my hope is placed in God not in the world. He has never disappointed me and though I walk through the various trails in this life He strengthens me. My healing always starts from within through Him. He alone is my hope. Healing always comes even with one day at a time.
