Fires produce new growth

The mountains have been a refuge for me in times of needed refreshment, in times of despair, in times of uncertainty, in times of waiting.  Today I listen to the quietness, the stillness of the life of this small mountain village. No hurry, just peace. We are surrounded by fires popping up all over the region north of us. We pray for angels to encircle our neighbors. We ask for comfort for them during this time of loss. They too have had  a refuge and its in danger of being destroyed. High winds, fires raging out of control was what we could see over the mountain ridge. Great puffs of smoke reaching so high the heavens were hidden. Prayers were being lifted up all over the 3 county area. The animals were coming down out of the mountains, parched and looking for water to drink and to bathe their wounds. God is so amazing! The winds shifted, our neighboring town although still not out of the woods, is holding on to dear life and we are praying and standing with them. A sense of unity is created when one of us is looking death and destruction in the face. The beauty that God  painted for us and created for us to love has been swallowed up by fires caused by drought and pestilence. Some say it's God judgement on the land. I believe someone else is behind it. Someone who wants to destroy all that is beautiful, all that is good. I know that the land cries out when sin abounds and blood is shed. But where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. God's way is to overcome evil with good no matter where it originates. We have seen so much of God's amazing grace through this week. Love has spread, servant hood had been shown in every way, appreciation for God's goodness and his beauty of nature has been expressed, neighbors have come together, prayer meetings have sprung up. We once again have been reminded of what is really important and what we really cherish. New growth is always the result of fire, whether it is in the land or in our lives. For these light and momentary troubles are causing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

    Today I sat outside with my coffee and shut my eyes. After a few minutes I could hear different birds chirping in the neighbors large cottonwood trees. I heard the whirring of hummingbirds as they darted in and out of the yard. The mourning doves were sending out their familiar coos to one another. I heard bees as they surrounded the desert willow hanging over the fence. The gentle clang of our chimes was a welcomed sound. The neighbors little dogs were barking over the fence and I could hear an airplane flying by overhead. I opened my eyes and felt the Spirit say this is how you train your ears to hear. Those who are blind have sharpened this sense as if their ears are their eyes. Many can't hear me because they haven't learned to be still, to block out all distractions so they can  recognize my voice in nature and the voice of the Spirit. Father sometimes I am so used to the entertainment of the world  and  I know that I need to get away to hear you and see the wondrous things you have to teach me through. I need to settle my soul and renew my mind with the simple beauty you have provided for me. I ministered to a lady this week and Father had me slowly quote the 23rd Psalm to her. Tears came to her eyes and she said she could see the green pastures and she longed for the still waters of restoration in her soul. We need you Father , we need so much the healing of your gentle sounds of nature, and to see your wondrous landscape of trees, flowers, mountains and oceans .They are restoration and refreshment which bring the deep healing we all need.