Wednesday, September 2, 2009

God Still Gives Signs!


Last night, we watched our local evening news for an update to the status of the fires currently burning almost out of control here in southern California. We have been breathing all those smoke and ash particulates each time we step outside, so our activities have been somewhat limited. I think this is the first time we have actually driven around our city to have ash rain down on our cars like snowflakes falling.

The interesting thing about last nights newscast on channel 9, was they were telling about some of the good things that are happening despite all the devastation of our local forests continuing to burn. The newscaster as he was talking showed what appeared to be a ashy gray moon like surface with no green trees or anything remaining alive. This is now part of what used to be our forest. As the camera man pans to the right, he shows a home that survived completely intact as if someone had lifted it up and out of danger. It just didn't fit in this camera shot when you look at the surrounding background.

Then the camera pans over to the left and despite the blacken remains of what used to be pine trees stood a white cross. Nothing had come near and no fire had touched it. You could just sense this was something quite out of the ordinary considering that it, like the home, has just been completely protected while the fire consumed everything around it, but left the cross completely untouched.

I attempted to find this story this morning and after many attempts at Google, nothing came up. Even checking the local news stations video feeds providing nothing that we had saw on last nights broadcast.

I did locate quite a few interesting stories about cross in various fires that had survived devastating fires and come out quite unscathed.

Here is a link to one in Oregon.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=19940829&id=r9ERAAAAIBAJ&sjid=huwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4552,6735822

There are plenty of other stories as well but I wanted to share that with you this morning. God still cares. He is still active in our lives. Nothing is impossible for him even though it may be for us. He delights in giving us hope in our day to day dealings if only we would look for them, and He is only a prayer away.

For me, this shows that God is still in control and is still in the business of giving us signs! We just need to look, have faith and call upon His name.

"Then everyone will stand in awe, proclaiming the mighty acts of God, realizing all the amazing things He does. " Psalms 64:9

26 comments:

Deborah Ann said...

Stumbled upon this blog today...I see Jesus is here, so I joined up. I love all the beautiful pictures, and especially your offer to help those who are hurting. I'll be back...

You're invited to join me at:

www.heavenlyhumor.blogspot.com

Just for the fun of it...

Denise said...

Powerful words spoken here dear, praying for you.

Beth E. said...

What a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness, even in the midst of devastation. Thank you for sharing this story.

We're praying for everyone living in the area of the fires, and for the firefighters who are working so hard to stop them. Stay safe!

Blessings,
Beth

Still Learning said...

Oh my goodness, I did not realize that you were in California. We have been watching every evening hoping for signs of improvement. I saw a broadcast yesterday of a home that had been completely untouched while everything around it was burned. I wonder if it was the same home. I wondered if the home was protected by God, if the owners placed their trust fully in Him and not in anything else and He honored that? It was an amazing sight to see.

I will be praying for you guys and don't stay out too often if you are in the smoke. My grammy has emphysema from all the Florida fires and breathing smoke a couple of years ago.

Thanks also for visiting today, you are too sweet!

Jenn

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Yes He does. I keep looking at the mountains and they have been so dark for so many days, filled with smoke. It's so sad.

KrippledWarrior said...

I Believe...

Carol said...

What a beautiful picture of that unscathed cross. Did you take that yourself? Yes, God does care.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Wonderful words and great examples....Love your posts

Charlotte said...

Hi Kat,

I had been wondering how close you might be to all of this. Blessings to you and your family, friends and neighbors to please stay safe.

Charlotte

Mich said...

I love it when God reminds us of His presence...

Amy said...

I will be praying for you guys, your neighbors and all of those being affected by the fires. Thank you for sharing this story of inspiration.

Also, thank you so much for all of the prayers for Cade last week. It means so much to me to know so many were praying.
Blessings,
Amy

Wendi said...

He does indeed! Whenever I see or hear a story like this I am always reminded of Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God...

Debra said...

We are in Western AZ and are getting smoky skies but nothing like what you have. It is truly amazing the things that are 'spared' when things like this happen. It is a true remider that God has a hand in everything. Stay safe!

Daveda said...

I love His faithfulness to continually remind us that He is with us in everything!

Unknown said...

What a powerful testament to the fact that He is still present even in the face of disaster! There is no explanation all to often when we are faced with adversity, and yet, IF we look, we will see His hand guiding, directing, and holding us close to Him through it all. My prayers are with all the families who are being affected directly and indirectly. Thank you for sharing!!

Laurie said...

"For me, this shows that God is still in control and is still in the business of giving us signs! We just need to look, have faith and call upon His name." Well said! I once heard a speaker talk about how we need to interpret the times (and not an often biased media). You are right, when we look God always shows who He is and signs of His care.
Love, Laurie

Five Moms & A Blog said...

Love your words and your heart is just absolutly in the right place there. You are lifted up in my prayers while this is going on in your area as well.

Kat said...

Beautiful picture...inspiring words.

Hugs,

The other kat

RCUBEs said...

May God send some rain to help out with these fires. I hope you guys are breathing okay.

Your post reminded me also if you have seen that metal cross left from one part of the building when 9-11 happened. It was a beautiful remnant after that terror. God indeed is in control!

Mari said...

I love this story. Such a wonderful reminder of God at work.
I'll be praying for you and your family.

COUNTRY MOM said...

Kat, I did not realize you lived near the fires. I pray for your safety and all those around you. I have watched it on the news as well, It's so sad to see. That is amazing about the cross. Thank You for sharing. Be Safe My Friend,

Jane In The Jungle said...

Amen sister!

And Kat, praying for safety for you and your family and that these fires are put out SOON!

Cynthia said...

When things like this happen, they are indeed signs to those who are not looking for them. ANd so are the occasions when a believer can stand in the ruins of a home not spared and say with conviction "I have learned that in whatever state I find myself in, I will be content"

Our prayers are with you as the fires burn all around...may God be glorified even in devastation!

Edie said...

Oh thank you for this Kat. I'm originally from So CA. I moved to TX from Santa Clarita Valley. I haven't been watching the news lately and my daughter told me yesterday that the fires were in the surrounding areas.

I haven't even had time to look into it or contact family members and friends to get details.

I love this reminder that God is not only there but that He has left a visible sign of His presence.

Be safe and God bless!

Just Be Real said...

I totally believe this, thank you.

christy rose said...

Amen! God is faithful! Praying that you all remain safe.