Waldo Canyon Fire

It sure has been an unbelievable week here in Colorado Springs!

Many of you have likely seen the news coverage of the devastating wildfire that overtook parts of our city last Tuesday. To date, the Waldo Canyon Fire has taken 2 lives and destroyed 346 homes! We were not in the immediate path but the devastated neighborhoods are less than 10 miles due west from us. As of today, the fire is only 55% contained. Over 17,000 acres have burned from this fire.

Day 1: June 23, 2012.

The ominous cloud at the end of the first day.

Day 2. The fire is still contained on top of the range.

Day 4. The smoke overtakes the city as the fire bursts across the ridge towards neighborhoods.

Day 8: The air is much clearer. Just a few plumes are visible from the city.

It breaks my heart to think of all those families that have lost so much. It will take a long time for life to return to "normal" for them. We will all have to continue to pray for the healing of those who have gone through so much.

In times like this, my heart and voice are drawn to sing the hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness":

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. 

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! 

Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

 Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

(© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188)