Waldo Canyon Fire - God is Still Here!

I normally keep all posts on this blog related to fiction authors, new fiction releases, industry news, and book reviews. But, the town where I live is currently enduring a firestorm that has destroyed over 340 homes, damaged hundreds more, shut down roads, caused businesses to be lost, and disrupted tens of thousands of lives.

As the fire continues to burn in wildland areas, people are faced with overwhelming tasks that include finding housing, repairing damages, cleaning up soot and ash -- and simply deciding what to do next.

So many are asking where God was in the midst of the fire when it jumped the ridge late Tuesday afternoon on June 26th and barreled down the mountain toward the Mountain Shadows subdivision. Thousands were and are wondering how God could allow something like this to happen. After all, isn't He a gracious and loving God who protects, not harms?
Yes, God is that, but one of the most difficult concepts for us in our finite minds to comprehend is while God *is* in control, we still live in a fallen, sinful world. And that means the results of sinful acts are still going to cause harm to both people and things. If God stopped all pain, all hurt, and all destruction from happening, He would also be eliminating our free will as humans. We'd be nothing more than puppets at the mercy of the Master's hand. And then our choice to follow God and accept Jesus' salvation would mean nothing. It wouldn't be a choice.

This firestorm, I believe, has woken up a lot of people. As one of the pastors of our church told me Tuesday, people are a great deal more receptive to hearing God's Word now. They are searching for something in the wake of this disaster, and the small seeds which have been planted are ready for the watering so the truth of God's love can grow on their hearts.

God promises in Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (NIV) Pay close attention to the word "through." This doesn't mean we won't face any tribulation or any harm in our lives. We *do* have to pass *through* the waters, the rivers, and the fire. But God is right there holding our hands, lifting us up, covering us, and providing for us, even when we face loss.

This loss has hit our town hard, but we're rallying around and taking care of our own. The outpouring of support, donations, and volunteering has been astounding. You ask where God was? He's been right here all along. And He's showing Himself through the generosity of all who are giving of their time, their money, their talents, and their homes, to help those in need. God hasn't gone anywhere. But is your heart open to seeing His handiwork?

(photos above copyright aerial photographer, John Wark. First photo is my personal one from the early hours of the fire breaking out, and the final photo is being circulated all over the Internet)

Humor in Life / Why Men Are Happier than Women!

All right. I admit it. In my spare time lately, I've been spending time with a celebrity (and she'll likely scold me for this). She's a great lady, with lots of class, and people recognize her everywhere she goes. But she's not your typical celebrity. She actually speaks to 'normal' people and makes it her life mission to be a blessing to others in any way she can. Her name is Kimberley Woodhouse ('Kim' to most) and her family was a recent recipient of a brand new home courtesy of Extreme Makeover and ABC.

But there is more to her than the notoriety of a TV show--far too much for this post. So, I'll snip it a bit and say that thanks to my friendship with her, I'm rediscovering my funny bone. I think I shoved it to some unmentionable place, bogged down by the responsibilities of life. Not anymore, though.

I mentioned Kim's life mission. Well, a lot of that mission is accomplished through humor. She has a fantastic way of seeing the fun in life, and after spending just a few hours with her, you're usually good for at least two weeks of seeing the laughter moments in your own life. You'd be amazed at what you see when you're looking at life through funny-bone-colored glasses. :)

So, I've now made it MY mission to rediscover my funny bone and do my part in bringing a little light and fun to others. At least, I'll try. Look out Colorado Springs!

Of course, I might just fail miserably because I'm too practical and serious for this to work. But I'm willing to give it a shot.

Now, let's take a trip down the lane that draws the line between men and women and why men often find it easier to laugh than women do:

* * * * *

A friend and fellow author had this on her blog just before Christmas, and I found it too true not to share . . .

Men Are Just Happier People — what do you expect from such simple creatures?

• Your last name stays put.
• The garage is all yours.
• Chocolate is just another snack.
• You can be President.
• You can never be pregnant.
• You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park or you donʼt have to wear any shirt at all.
• Car mechanics tell YOU the truth.
• The world is your urinal.
• You never have to drive to another gas station because the restroom was just too icky.
• You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
• Same work, more pay.
• Wrinkles add character.
• People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
• New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
• One mood all the time.
• Wedding dress: $5000; tux rental: $100; wedding plans taking care of themselves: PRICELESS
• Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
• You know stuff about tanks.
• A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
• You can open all your own jars.
• You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
• If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
• Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
• Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
• You almost never have strap problems in public.
• You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
• Everything on your face stays its original color.
• The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
• You only have to shave your face and neck.
• You can play with toys all your life.
• One wallet and one pair of shoes — one color for all seasons.
• You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
• You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
• You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
• You can do your gift shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 23 minutes.

No wonder men are happier creatures!

* * * * *

And thus ends today's quest for finding more humor in my life so that I might bring a smile to your face--or maybe just a grin--or actually just a twitch to your lips--or perhaps....oh nevermind. Just stay tuned for next week and more.

* * * * *