Our worries

Happy Thursday,

How is everyone doing on this cooler Thursday afternoon? Are you ready for the weekend? Shoot me a text or drop me a comment, I’d love to hear how things are going in your world.

As you know, I’m in So. Cal. and basically, surrounded by fires. Though the sky is hazy, it isn’t as bad as it has been. Seems odd though, since the Airport Fire is only 5% contained according to NBC Los Angeles News.

The Airport Fire is closest to me. Some folks here in my community had posted photos of the flames they were able to see from their homes. Though I’m only 10 miles or so from the fire, there’s lots of homes, land and a freeway, along with two lakes between me and the actual fire.

This fire, according to NBC Los Angeles News has burned as of earlier today more than 23,400 acres.

I live about an hour from the Line Fire, which has burned, according to NBC News, more than 37,000 acres as of this morning.

While the sky is still hazy, the darkness of the fire has lifted, at least for now. Yesterday when I went out to my car, instead of being black, it was more like a light gray due to all the ash that was raining from the sky like snow. I just hope this cooler weather will give our courageous firefighters, first responders, volunteers and all those affected by the fire much needed relief. Perhaps with the cooler weather, the firefighters can get better control and containment of these blazes that are scorching land, homes, business and threatening the lives of so many people and animals.

I know there’s more fires burning in So. Cal. and else where. I pray for all those fighting these fires and for all those affected by them.

The amount of damage and loss is so heartbreaking.

As I was looking up information on the fires affecting our country, I came across an article in https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn and I was shocked at the amount of acreage burned to date. The article said:

” September 12, 2024:

67 large active wildfires are currently being managed with full suppression strategies nationwide. Current fires have burned 2,443,539 acres. 24,345 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents, including 24 complex and 5 type 1 incident management teams, 492 crews, 1,612 engines, and 141 helicopters. 

To date, there have been 36,511 wildfires reported nationally in 2024, for a total cumulative acreage of 7,034,277. This is a lower number of wildfires than the ten-year average for this date of 43,692, but a larger acreage than the average of 5,944,901.” 

These are some staggering numbers for this year and they affect us all nationwide.

I know these are difficult times for many of us. Whether it be due to the fires or just life in itself, many of these difficulties are too much to carry alone. A comforting thought I hope for all is, we don’t have to carry burdens alone. We aren’t alone. We have each other, and we have the divine to call upon to give us strength to carry us through.

Psalms 46:1-3 says this:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

² Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

³ Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

What is the message of these wonderful verses? They are telling us God is our safe place to hide and he’s ready when we need him. While we don’t know how God will help us, he is there for us. We can stand fearless knowing we have Him to call upon for strength and understanding.

My heart hurts for those that are affected by these fires and other life happenings that cause us so much stress and unease in our day. For me, having faith in a higher power, a higher being, a faith in God, it does bring me comfort.

Looking back over my life, especially the last 8+ years, I left my marriage, I was in a horrific car accident while working. I was fired from my job. I’ve been in litigation for 7 years. I lost three homes that I owned outright in the divorce with very minimal compensation. My employer stopped my medical benefits, they stopped my comp payments off and on and the list goes on, yet when I stop and look back on my life over these last 8+ years, I never went without. I’ve always had a roof over my head, food in my belly, medical services that I’ve needed and I’ve been surrounded by love. By family and friends.

God was there for me even when I didn’t realize it.

I might of lost material possessions and money, but I was cared for. Losing my home, that was tough. I poured my heart and soul into my house, making it a home and my ex took it from me. I couldn’t afford it because I had no money. They say the woman always wins in court, well, that might be true for most, but most aren’t going up against an ex who has the backing of a huge cult/religion. I might have lost materially, but I’ve gained in so many other ways.

I used to worry all the time, I probably still do, but it only hurts my heart and affects my health. I can’t change things. I can only rely on Him. He knows what I need. He knows where John and I need to be and I try and keep that as my focal point, otherwise, I’ll drive myself crazy.

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength-carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorry; it empties today of its strength.”-Corrie ten Boom.

I am in no way trying to tell anyone to minimize your worries or your struggles. I’m not walking in your shoes. All I can do is encourage you to find peace in knowing there is a higher power out there. I’m not sure if you believe in God, Buddha, The Universe or whatever or whoever else is out there, but if you have faith, perhaps now is the time to draw upon that very conviction of knowing your not alone.

If you don’t have faith in a higher power, you’re still not alone. Like I’ve always said, I want my blog to be a safe place for all to come to. We can find comfort in each others stories knowing we aren’t alone. Others have walked down similar paths, so reach out. I’m here to encourage you and so are so many others who stop by and read my blog. We’ve become a small community of family and friends.

I know so many of my readers are praying for those out there affected by these horrible fires. I know people are praying for those who are weighed down because of the troubles in their lives and in the world today, so if you don’t have the strength to ask Him to help you, please know, the rest of us are asking Him to give you what you need in these difficult times.

“God didn’t promise: days without pain, laughter without sorry, nor sun without rain, but he did promise; strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.”-unknown.

Remember, when we worry about today and we worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, we are carrying the burden of not only today, but tomorrow. That’s two days worth of worry.

Let’s get through one day at a time. More then ever, we need to let go and let God. For me, that’s the only thing that makes sense.

I pray you all find comfort in your belief system. I hope you find strength in your prayers and convictions and I ask that He takes care of us all, no matter what the burden is we are carrying at this very moment.

Psalms 55:1,2,:

“1Listen to my prayer, O God.

Do not ignore my cry for help!

2Please listen and answer me,

for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.”

My dear readers, may you find peace and understanding as you call upon Him and if you don’t believe, that’s okay too, I hope you find comfort in knowing, we’re all in this life together and we all need to lift each other up and care for one another.

Until next time, thank you for stopping by and reading. I appreciate you all so much.

Don’t forget, Love Life++ Hugs.