Blog Update: A Season of Change

With Autum coming within a few days, I thought it would be a good time to give a blog and life update. The most important update is that a family member of mine is at the hospital. It's been so hard on him and my family. Since my concern is for my family during this time, my posts may be sporadic. I usually try to post on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Once in a while, I'll do more, but this is often my blogging schedule. But for the rest of September, my posts will be determined on what's happening.

The other update is that I'm changing my lifestyle. I have mental and physical health problems, and I've come to a point that I need to get serious about my health. Each day is a struggle for me, so I know that if I did make changes, I would most likely feel better. It hasn't been easy, however. I've lost a few pounds before but gained it back. I'm more serious about it this time. I'll be taking on an anti-inflammatory diet but doing it slowly. I'm also exercising each day and finding ways to stay active. 

As the season changes, I want to reflect on Summer. It was one of the hardest my family's ever experienced. With family health issues, a fire that threatened our home, and getting sick myself, it hasn't been good. But many of our family members and friends helped us during this time, and I'm so thankful for the assistance. We couldn't have made it without you. The generosity and encouragement we received was much-needed during this time. Thank you so much. We greatly appreciate the love.

I've learned from this Summer that no matter what happens, God is always by our side. We may face challenges, but we're never alone. God is with us. He's also there to make sure our needs are met. I'm still so thankful that our home survived the fire. I thought for sure it would be destroyed. While Summer transitions into Autumn, I pray it's better. I hope it's filled with hope. Hope is what we need, what this world needs. I feel like many are looking for it. It's there. I know it is. May we all find it.

My book writing is going slow. I plan on finishing the first chapter this evening. I feel the need to write faster, however. I hope to finish the first draft before Christmas, but I don't know if that's going to happen. I'm telling myself that it will get finished and not worry about time. But I can't help it, I have so many other books I want to write, so time is important here. I just have to trust God's timing. It'll get it finished when it's time. Haha. All I can think about and worry about is time. Worry wart, here.

December is going to be a special month for blogging. My plan is to blog each day in December as an advent calendar. You just don't know what the blog post is going to be on that day. It's something I've wanted to try for a while, but didn't know if I could. My goal for this is huge, but if everything else is okay, I'm going to attempt it. There'll even be a giveaway, so be sure to drop by in December. I'm eager to get started on it, because I think it'll be fun for everyone. It'll be really festive.

When September 22nd comes, may it be a beautiful day for you. I pray Autumn is a blessed season for you, your family, and your friends. I know it's a new season, so there's hope for some type of beginning. For something that's good for all of us. I have a request. Please pray for my family, and that Autumn will be less challenging for us than Summer. I'm waiting for things to be calmer. I know it can, so I hold out hope for it. Thank you for your support and prayers. It's much appreciated by everyone.

I sometimes forget to mention, but if you enjoy my blog, be sure to like it on Facebook here. You can also follow my blog using Google - which is on the right sidebar of my blog. I don't know if you can see it on a phone, but it's there. Also, if you'd like to contact me, leave a comment, or email me (contact form is also on the right sidebar of my blog).

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Surviving The Gwen Fire of 2024

I woke up on July 25th getting ready to go for a fun outing with my Big Sis and Mom. It was going to be a chance to hang out with my sister who had come for a visit. We noticed that there was some smoke developing a couple of hills from us. We thought maybe it wouldn't be an issue at first. But it continued to grow, as were our fears. As we watched it all, the smoke spread out and continued on a path among the hills. There was even one across the river. Some of my family started packing important things. I stood there mesmerized by the sight, not fully realizing that it was getting worse. That it might be dangerous.

I watched in horror as the fire across the river came close to a house. I couldn't believe it. The whole thing felt unreal, like it was a movie, or a news segment. Was this really, truly happening? I stood next to my brother and took pictures of the fire. It was titled the Gwen Fire. As my family packed, I kept watch. I just couldn't imagine that the fire would be a problem for us. I couldn't see our house being destroyed. But the fire on the other side of the river (near us) built up a heavier smoke cloud. It was getting serious. I ran into my place and stuffed a backpack (that I had bought specifically for an emergency) with my phone charger, a few clothes, and important papers. Thankful for the chance.

There were so many helicopters and planes that flew past us to help with the fires. Ones that I hadn't ever seen before. It was awesome to see them work. A few of the planes kept watch, the helicopters deployed fire retardant and dropped buckets of water. Once again, everything felt strange. I had a backpack that was stuffed and ready, although I could've easily grabbed more. The police had stopped traffic from driving up the road to where the fires were at. Everyone was working together. I can't thank the people enough that served to assist us and our neighbors. They're true heroes to me, and my family.

The fire that was on our side of the hills had quickly spread. It was nearing our much-loved canyon. Thoughts went surging through my mind. I needed to pack much more. I then did everything I could to pack stuff for my family. We shoved boxes filled with whatever we could grab into our cars. It was getting late, and we needed to make a decision. We had been warned that the fire could be here within five minutes if it hit the dry weeds next to our house. That wouldn't be enough time. We knew we had to leave now.

It was all so stressful, but we got everyone loaded up. I grabbed my cat, more things, and hopped into my car. The drive was eerie. It was dark with the glow of fires behind me. The roads almost deserted. I drove into town and helped my family get adjusted into a hotel. After that, I stopped at my Grandma's. It was around midnight. I couldn't sleep that night. Thought for sure my home and everything was gone. I dreaded what tomorrow would bring.

Our house had remained untouched. The fire had come into our canyon but stopped. They had done a burn back to keep the fire from reaching our home. They also had deployed some fire retardant. One of our neighbors created a huge line in the dirt in front of our house. It spanned it lengthwise. I had spent a few days with my Grandma, because the roads were still closed. But once it was clear, I got all my things and my cat and headed out. When I got there, I took photos. I immediately unpacked all my bags and boxes. My cat was so happy to be back, and so was I. I was truly grateful. I couldn't believe it. 

Fires have come close to our house in the past, so I've experienced this type of disaster before. We've had to evacuate once a long time ago and came close again during another fire. When summer comes, this is something we have to look out for. One of the reasons why I don't look forward to summer. I wish it wouldn't get so dry, because it's a major problem for people in this area of Idaho. But I'm so glad that here we have such amazing firefighters. I know some people lost their homes during the Gwen Fire, and I'm really comforted by the fact that others have been so generous and loving to them. It's awesome that our communities came together to offer assistance in many different ways.

I want to thank our family, friends, neighbors, firefighters, and anyone else that helped. Your eagerness to assist us filled my heart with gladness. I can't thank you all enough. It was a comfort just knowing that our place was being watched, and I'm eternally grateful. Once again, thank you from my heart. I pray your lives are guarded and filled with blessings for your selfless compassion. I also want to thank God for guiding us through this event in our lives this year. We all survived the Gwen Fire of July 2024. Much love.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson