Fire and Smoke
Did you know that Ponderosa Pines lose one-third of their needles every year? Here's the proof:
These piles of needles are only a small portion of the piles all over my yard. I am blessed to share my life with 10 (yes, 10) beautiful and ancient (read: huge) Ponderosa Pine trees. There is nothing more relaxing than hearing the breeze move through the tops of these trees...and it turns out there is only one way to handle enormous piles of pine needles:
I've learned that dry pine needles burn really well! So well, in fact, that I need to keep a close eye on the fire so it doesn't spread to other piles.
Watching the quick, hot flames catch and flare got me thinking. This coronavirus situation we're in is a lot like trying to keep a fire under control. The fire is always seeking fuel, and unless prevented, it will stop at nothing to keep burning.
My friends, you and I are the fuel this coronavirus is seeking. It will spread from person to person just as quickly as these flames will spread. The only real tool we have to fight it is to starve it of fuel. The government and the media are calling it "social distancing," when in reality it's PHYSICAL distancing. We're not giving up our relationships and community to fight the virus--those social aspects of life are much too important to us--especially now! What we're being asked to do, and what we must continue to do, is PHYSICALLY distance ourselves from each other.
So whenever you hear that phrase "Social Distancing," please remind yourself that the distance we must maintain is PHYSICAL--and the closeness we must maintain is spiritual and emotional. Let's make the effort it takes to stay in touch and be supportive to friends and family and neighbors. Then, when the time comes and we can be back together physically, we will have stronger relationships as an unexpected benefit of this time. When we are able to be back together, it will be LOVE that will be catching fire.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest, may have said it best:
“Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
Prayer Requests: for Sharon Porter & family as they grieve Stuart's death; Kirk Stauffer & family as they mourn Cheryl's death and Kirk & some family members have tested positive for coronavirus;Loretta Booth, with pacemaker issues; Jan Gardner's sister Francy who is seriously ill; Zach, Stacey & Rosalie Morris.
For protection for everyone who is fighting on our behalf against this coronavirus.
These are names of people lifted up by church members: Jennifer Gaddis, Tye Sprague, Jan Gardner, Chris Ludington, Jordan Haley, Chelsea Nofsinger, Kaitlyn Whited, Julie Thomas, Kami Hoffheins, Bryce Durbin, Brandon Johnson, David Cummins, Kelsey Wolfe.
Please continue to send names to Pastor Jean for our prayers...
These piles of needles are only a small portion of the piles all over my yard. I am blessed to share my life with 10 (yes, 10) beautiful and ancient (read: huge) Ponderosa Pine trees. There is nothing more relaxing than hearing the breeze move through the tops of these trees...and it turns out there is only one way to handle enormous piles of pine needles:
Watching the quick, hot flames catch and flare got me thinking. This coronavirus situation we're in is a lot like trying to keep a fire under control. The fire is always seeking fuel, and unless prevented, it will stop at nothing to keep burning.
My friends, you and I are the fuel this coronavirus is seeking. It will spread from person to person just as quickly as these flames will spread. The only real tool we have to fight it is to starve it of fuel. The government and the media are calling it "social distancing," when in reality it's PHYSICAL distancing. We're not giving up our relationships and community to fight the virus--those social aspects of life are much too important to us--especially now! What we're being asked to do, and what we must continue to do, is PHYSICALLY distance ourselves from each other.
So whenever you hear that phrase "Social Distancing," please remind yourself that the distance we must maintain is PHYSICAL--and the closeness we must maintain is spiritual and emotional. Let's make the effort it takes to stay in touch and be supportive to friends and family and neighbors. Then, when the time comes and we can be back together physically, we will have stronger relationships as an unexpected benefit of this time. When we are able to be back together, it will be LOVE that will be catching fire.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest, may have said it best:
Prayer Requests: for Sharon Porter & family as they grieve Stuart's death; Kirk Stauffer & family as they mourn Cheryl's death and Kirk & some family members have tested positive for coronavirus;Loretta Booth, with pacemaker issues; Jan Gardner's sister Francy who is seriously ill; Zach, Stacey & Rosalie Morris.
For protection for everyone who is fighting on our behalf against this coronavirus.
These are names of people lifted up by church members: Jennifer Gaddis, Tye Sprague, Jan Gardner, Chris Ludington, Jordan Haley, Chelsea Nofsinger, Kaitlyn Whited, Julie Thomas, Kami Hoffheins, Bryce Durbin, Brandon Johnson, David Cummins, Kelsey Wolfe.
Please continue to send names to Pastor Jean for our prayers...
Holy Week Update: Maundy Thursday, online at 7pm. Please have a candle & lighter, bread or cracker, and drink of your choice ready for this service. Zoom link will be sent out tomorrow.
Good Friday, online at 7pm Remembrance of Jesus' arrest, trial and crucifixion.
Easter Sunday - April 12th - 10am - Drive-In Worship in church parking lot. Please Stay in Your Vehicle!
Peace and all good,
Pastor Jean
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