GOOD SUNDAY MORNIN

[Shortgrass]

Tragedy has struck the ranching communities of southeastern Colorado. Forty inches of snow on the level; this is a cake and grass country. You boys in parts of Montana would be better equipped to deal. I don’t know of anyone in this area that has a team or even much hay. You can imagine how effective feeding out of a helicopter is. It is a noble effort at best. Many buildings have collapsed under the weight of snow. Most of the cattle have not been found dead or alive, which is as good as finding them dead in my estimation. I heard one unconfirmed report of a feedlot that lost 18,000 head. This being close to home, and some personal acquaintances involved, my heart aches. I felt the same last spring when Texans went from drought and fire to floods in 48 hours. Where is God in all these tragedies? Well, I am sure that many would agree that He is right in the middle of them. How else could one cope? I need Him in the minor little setbacks I have experienced, and can’t imagine trying to survive without His presence and strength. We are instructed to give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God (1 Thes 5:18). I do not think for a minute that implies we have to be thankful for all our circumstances or tragedies, but we can be very grateful for His presence and help in the midst of them. I certainly praise and thank God for his love and compassion on us hurting people during these times. Can’t help but think of the “Footprints” poem in this and like situations. If He didn’t carry us, we wouldn’t get through. Many will undoubtedly emerge stronger and better for the experience. Well have yourselves a good Sunday morning, and a good rest of the week—remember to just lean on Him, because He cares. He really, really does.

[Soapweed]

Shortgrass, you have a great perspective on Life and on the Love of God that is always present, if we but seek it out. Our hearts go out to you and to all the others suffering from the consequences of these devastating blizzards. Sometimes it is hard for us as mere mortals to understand Nature's power when it comes to earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and blizzards. The refreshing side of the equation it that no matter how "big for his britches" mankind gets, there are just so many things that mankind will never be able to control. That is where faith in God comes into play. Without it, we are nothing.

We need to always keep in mind that our "visit" here on Earth is such a temporary experience at best. But we also need to remember that it is a very important period of time, because it gives each of us, young or old, our only chance to either accept Jesus as our Saviour, or to reject Him. Eternity is such a long, long "permanent" period of time, that it should make us all sit up straight and take notice of where we want to spend it.

[Shorthornguy]

Thank You for your message. Some years ago when things were not going so well and I was so depressed and low that they would have had to jack me up just to bury me, I came upon one of my favorite Bible verses. Joel starts with an account of how locust devoured every green thing in the land. In Joel 2-25 the Lord promises "I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten"
My prayer for today is for you and all those affected by natural disasters.
God Bless and have a good day.

[Shortgrass]

Actually, we were out of the worst of it. I tell folks that we got an inch of snow and a foot of wind. About 50 miles southeast of us is where the storm began to take a toll. Further south and east the worse it was. I thank God for that mercy also.

[Horseless]

I have been reading all of these posts for a while and decide this morning to register and reply.
I too feel sorry for all those suffering in the deep snow. But your post caught my attention since I just received a forwarded email, were they were commenting on where was God in this disaster (refering to Katrina). It then went on to a quote from Billy Grahams daughter saying for years we have been trying to get God out of our schools, out of our government and out of lives and now you ask where was he. I am not big on preaching to others but we will always need God in our lives and suffering will always occur in life.
It was just odd that I went from that email to your posting.

[murph]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 "...though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." Great word for a grim time, Shortgrass. Looks like this has happened before (3000 years ago) and the profit of old had your same exact message. You must be in tune to the same radio station that old Habakkuk was. God bless!

[Red Robin]

Good heavenly minded message shortgrass. Thanks

[Big Muddy rancher]

Thank-you for the message and our prayers are with those suffering.

[Gulchrider]

Nothing sadder than to see dead cattle lying around. Financial loss comes to mind first, but I also think of the suffering those animals endured in their last moments of life. They're not able to understand it.
We're told in Holy Writ that God takes note of the smallest of birds that falls from its nest, the cow that's dying as well. When we think of how much of His own effort he put into creating Mankind, we just know that he holds human life in higher esteem than that of a bird or a cow. He has noted the dispair that a rancer feels when his herd is wiped out. He understands the hopeless feeling when the realization hits home that money's gonna be very short this year, but the bills will keep coming. God's with you, just waiting for you to turn to Him and ask for His help. It might not come in the manner you want or expect, but He will never forsake you. You can count on prayers from the Mostly-dry Dakotas on your behalf.
Gulchy

[ranchwife]

As always, shortgrass, a WONDERFUL message that makes one stop........and think!!!! All too often, when "the worst" happens, we turn from God and bury ourselves in our self pity and more often, we BLAME God for the tragedy. Our little local paper had the loss of the cattle in colorado as their front page headline the other day.....absolutely broke my heart!! So much loss....so many families already struggling now wondering "now what??!!"......know that you all are in the prayers of ALL of us!!!!

[Nicky]

Thanks Shortgrass, very fitting as usual. Yours to Soapweed.

[Tap]

You have a way of making a person feel good Shortgrass.

Thanks to you.