“Know that even in the midst of your worst circumstances, you can be still and calm and at peace … because God’s got you.” ~Source Unknown
A monster of a wildfire forced my family from our home yesterday.
I typed this blog sitting in one of my “adopted daughter’s”* living room, safe, but oh so aware that homes were burning down. That heroic firefighters battled an out of control Waldo Canyon Wildfire threatening my neighborhood.
I packed a few more possessions into my Subaru Forester — family photos, my husband’s wooden rocker from when he was a little boy, my son’s artwork, a clay armadillo my daughter made. Yep. A clay armadillo. I’ve always loved that quirky object d’art. I admit to a few tears as I walked out the door, after my daughter Amy and I shared a hug and reminded each other, “It’s stuff. It’s stuff.”
As I drove across town — well, the car crawled across town because traffic was horrendous — I repeated this verse: This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Crazy, I know.
But my word for the year is Trust … and I’m clinging to that word even now. So what can I be glad about (or thankful for) in the midst of fire and smoke and ash the possibility my house may burn down?
- I am thankful for each and every person who has and is praying for me and my family — and I am thankful for each and every prayer.
- I am thankful that my family is safe. Everyone safe and accounted for, including Twister, our 12-year-old dachshund.
- I am thankful for the heroes — the firefighters battling this beast — considering others more important than themselves.
- I am thankful for a sense of humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh, even in the midst of a crisis. It’s better than crying. Or screaming. Or stomping my foot.
- I am thankful for every single person who offered us a place to stay. Who texted us. Who emailed. Who commented on my Facebook page. Talk about feeling loved.
- I am thankful that I know that I know that I know that God has not abandoned me and my family. He hasn’t lost track of us. Nothing can separate us from him … and we’re gonna trust him through this.
- I am thankful that my family is safe. Yes, I said this twice. But I am. I really am.
In Your Words: What are you thankful for today?
( Our family motto is “There’s always room for one more.” We have “adopted” a couple of our kids’ friends through the years.)
Comments 48
My heart goes out to you and the many affected by the wildfires raging in the West. Praying for those fearing for family and friends, for those who’ve lost or fear losing homes and businesses, and for the brave men and women battling the blazes. Hugs to you, my friend.
Treasuring your prayers, Keli.
Pingback: Romantic Proposals: The Firefighter and His Flame | Keli Gwyn
Beth, I have not stopped praying for you and your family, for the thousands who have evacuated, and especially for the fire fighters.
This morning, I’m thankful there have been no casualties from the Waldo Canyon wildfire. I’m thankful that God’s got me, even when life seems out of control. I’m thankful my son’s asthma hasn’t flared worse than it has. I’m thankful that our God is trustworthy.
Praying, my friend.
I love your spirit of gratitude. My home is open. My heart is open. Praying!
~ Wendy
I’m thankful to hear your update. I feel a bit numb from watching the news, etc. Reminding myself to go about my day. While I’m 15 miles away, last night, I realized I need to be ready too. If we can do anything for your family, we are here for you (or if you know friends who need help. Several people in my neighborhood say they have room). Praying for your family and many others.
I’m thankful that you are okay!
Beth, wow.
Yesterday, I read Psalm 26:6-7 “I awash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.”
I am so humbled, and I know that God is so pleased you’ve chosen to proclaim thanksgiving even in the midst of such a circumstance. I cannot help but worship Him. (And even choose to calm my own heart from anxiety for you all).
Thank you for your transparency. We are all praying.
Beth, I am praying for you and your family–your home and those who are being affected by the fire. I can’t imagine. You’re always welcome to come to the Memphis area! I’d love to have you. 🙂
I am so thankful for all that you have written above and I am so thankful for you “adopting” my girls while I’m out of town. Even though their dad is there with them, every mom desires to have a mom with their kids to get an emotional pulse of the situation. Wow, what a year. Yes, you made me take your word “trust” for my 2012 word when my husband lost his job in April, but I have seen in so many ways how it would be so needed for this year. (Yes, made me.)
I love that you’re thankful in the midst of the storm. It’s not easy to do that. But you’re doing it. Just keep on keeping on. We’re all praying for you!
Today, I’m thankful that I get to work from home. It’s a little thing, but it just makes my day so much better!
What am I thankful for today? Nothing as deep as yours. I’m glad you and your family are safe. My oldest grandson get married in 3 days. I’m thankful for the chance I’ve had to watch him grow into a wonderful young man, called to the ministry. I’m thankful that his bride is a Christian young lady, willing to work beside him. She starts her Master’s degree in counseling next year. I see the possibilities of their ministry down the road. I’m thankful that God has provided for their wedding and their life together. He has proven to them that He’ll take care of them. Can there be a better wedding gift than that?
Praying for safety, strength of mind today. And praying for the firefighters too. Be Strong and courageous.
I’ve been thinking of you, and keeping you and your neighbors in my thoughts and prayers. The fire in Colorado is headline news out here on the Chicago news.
I think of that song – Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns…singing it has helped me through many difficult moments.
Sending you a big hug!
I hurt for you for having to leave your home, but I so admire your spirit, faith, and attitude. God will ultimately bless you and reward you for your faithfulness, I just know it!
Meanwhile, I’m praying for you and your little family.
Oh my goodness, Beth! I didn’t realize you’re in CO. *hugs* It’s a blessing that you were able to get out in time, but my heart hurts seeing all the pics of people’s homes going down. 🙁
Beth, my heart goes out to you. I’m praying for you and your family, and the many others going through such an uncertain time. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” One of my go-to verses when things are rough.
I am thankful to have your example of strength and faith in a time of such uncertainty. I will remember it. I’m blessed to have met you.
Beth,
Praying and sending you a super-duper cyber hug!
Alena T.
Today, I am thankful for your and your family’s safety, Beth. So very thankful.
I’m so thankful you’ve been able to reach safe ground and that the men and women fighting the fire are giving it their best. I’m also thankful for your positive attitude – you’re a treasure, Beth. My prayers continue for everyone involved.
I was watching the live news cameras last night, praying and assuming that you were evacuated. Truly unbelievable. I remember the words of my father who said, “We all have hard times, but I really don’t know how those who don’t have faith can carry on in those hard times.” Will be especially praying for all those who don’t have a knowledge of God’s ultimate goodness, and that the care and support of Christian neighbors will give them hope.
I’m thankful that we have a God that CAN be trusted. Not because of how well we understand our circumstances or what he is doing at the moment in our lives. We trust him because of who he is: faithful, wise, powerful, loving, and good. Keep your eyes on him, Beth. I will be praying for continued peace in the midst of feeling like the whole world is falling apart. Hang in there!!
Beth, I am thankful to know God is faithful in ways others cannot completely understand when we go through trials such as you are facing. As I wonder how you are making it, this knowledge bring assurance that He will sustain you and bring good out of even this. Praying on . . . .
I’m thankful for YOU and the massive encouragement you’ve been in my life in the past couple years. I’m praying for you and wish there was some way I could encourage you more now. But I’m praying…
And I’m thankful for heroic firefighters and emergency management personnel.
I’m thankful God is in control. And I’m thankful that He WILL be glorified.
Hi Beth! As I have read your various postings on “trust” this year, I have also been challenged and encouraged to pray (as the song says) “…for grace to trust Him more”. For as long as I have known you, it has been clear that you have a heart that follows hard after God, and I have witnessed your passion and your diligence as you have sought to honor both the “spirit and truth” found in Him and in His Word. Blessings to you and your precious family, especially in the face of this present “inconvenience” – ha! May this testing – literally by fire – “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Love you!
Beth,
I’ve been praying for you, your family, and others in CO area since I heard this update. Please keep us updated how we can pray for you. I love your attitude through this, praying for God’s embrace for your family.
Continuing to pray for you, Beth, and your family and our other friends in Colorado.
Oh, Beth. What an incredible testimony of God’s hand and Spirit in your life. May you and your loved ones continue to see things through God’s perspective and have opportunities to ground yourselves in the One Thing that is truly important. Praying strength, safety, blessing, trust, grace, and RAIN.
Love you, Friend!
Beth, I am so grateful you and your family are safe. My dad, who lives in Colorado Springs, has been keeping me updated, too. I’m praying for all the families there, the firefighters, and everyone who is nearby and dealing with smoke, and worrying about friends. Keep safe, friend!
Wow. Humbled to read your words. Praying for God’s grace and peace. And for you to minister to others around you. Hugs.
Okay, have to ask…did you bring the Princess Bride dresses? 🙂
What an encouraging post. We’re praying for you!
Beth, I’m on the east ide and so haven’t been evacuated, but my heart is broken for our beautiful city and the folks who hve left their homes. Your words are comforting. Praying for you along with all the evacuees.
Tammie
I’m thankful you’re okay & that you’ll remain so. What an experience–& thankful I have internet access again. We’ll keep praying & loving.
Hi Beth, my heart goes out to you and your family. I admire your attitude in the midst of uncertainty. I’m praying for you and your family and the other families affected by the fires.
Beautiful words, Beth … so glad to hear how God is holding you up during this time! Continuing to pray as well!
Oh my, that fire looks awful!
Prayers for you and you family.
Stay safe.
You are an amazing woman. God is using you to let his light shine even throught the smokey haze that blankets the area. My prayers go with you and everyone in the area.
His grace is surely shining on you as you point out to all of us how blessed you are during this tough time. I’m keeping you in my prayers.
Oh, Beth! I have been thinking of you today. Praying that God protects your home and that He sends rain!
We are praying for your family, friends, neighbors, and everyone involved. Bill and I were looking on a map and realized you would have been evacuated. I found your website. We are so thankful you all are safe. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
Beth,
You and your family have been on my mind and prayers all day. You’re amazing. You always inspire me. I don’t know how said the words, “This is the day… ” and stay so positive and TRUST God the way you did today as you left your home and all the memories. I pray your home will go unscathed and you’ll stay as safe and trusting as you are today. Thanks for showing me what trust and courage really are. Hugs!
Beth, we are burdened for you and Rob and family and friends. We are thankful that you are safe. Our sweet Jasmine and Ethan are there also, and we are thankful for friends that have welcomed them into their home, even knowing that they too may be evacuating soon. Lord, we pray for beautiful Colorado Springs, and all who live there.
Hi Beth, I re-posted your blog on my Facebook wall. Above it I commented that I love your smile, your grace, and your backbone. You are truly a strong woman of God. Hugs! Suzy P.
I am so sorry your family is going through this but I am thankful for your spirit and your trust and love in God that He is protecting your family.Yes it is just stuff but it is your stuff and that’s always hard to let it go.Praying!!
What a powerful post, Beth. I know it’s hard in the midst of everything going on to trust, but it is really all we can do. When I was 12, my family got evacuated for a forest fire (the Aubrey Hall Fire in Bend, OR) and it was terrifying. We actually weren’t home when the evac order came in so our neighbor broke our front window and grabbed our dog and whatever photo albums he could find and left. We were lucky that the fire got close but didn’t burn our house, but I still remember the sadness/terror/resignation on my parents’ faces. I will never forget that.
And, again, last September, we dealt with the massive Bastrop Complex Fire in Austin. It burned over 2,000 houses in the greater Austin area in one weekend. My family wasn’t evacuated, but many, many of my friends were. And all we could do was trust. And now, looking back, God used that terrible fire to rally our community. We united around our neighbors and friends who had lost everything and now, a year later, we are strong and resilient. I pray that Colorado Springs reacts the same way…and that whatever happens to your house and the hundreds of others that are threatened… God will use this horrible tragedy to reveal his wonderful and perfect plans for you and your city.
Pingback: I’m Looking To The Hills, God, But . . . « Along The Banks
Pingback: Word of the Year « S. Kim Henson's blog