Ponderosa pines seen from Summit in Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today the Chattanooga Times Free Press banner headline says: “Stage is set for fracking in Tennessee.” It makes me sad.
Last week, I heard a guest lecturer at the Lee University math and science building, talking about the Ponderosa pines they cut down out west to get the natural gas, for consumers.
I was self-centered enough to ask the lecturer what happens to those pines that are cut down, since trees remind me of mothers, the ones who fail, but who still try to do good for their children.
“Oil and gas development will continue on private land,” the conservation biologist said. “They like the royalties and profits from cutting trees.” (Thank goodness, for national parks, protecting trees and wildlife).
The biologist also said the ranchers and landowners like it when the conservationists take care of the elk and mule deer. That way, other rich people can pay to go on the land and shoot the elk and mule deer, for sport.
If you’d like, you can go to the United States Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service website, to learn many wonderful things about Ponderosa pines, including all their good usefulness and the alternate names, like “Big Heavy” or “Bull Pine” or “Black Jack.” Affectionate nicknames are an honor, I think, because it means somebody loved you, or loves you, and somebody still loves trees, that God made.
There is also a lot more information about fracking in that newspaper article today. But it all boils down to doing unnatural things to God’s natural creation, even ruining the water, which has caught fire with methane in Pennsylvania.
Money meant all this to happen. God didn’t mean it to happen.
When I drove down 20th Street today, after sending a fax to find a job, I saw a little sign in a yard, in bold print and bright colors. The sign said: “God Loves You.” I didn’t make it up.
God meant that sign for you and for me. Let’s not give up, but I’m about to cry. There’s a big heavy ache in my heart, for all creation.
Related articles
- On these trees (gingetz.com)
- Pinecone and Cinnamon Basket (lattenene1.wordpress.com)
- Lassen revitalization plans sought (redding.com)
- Family, RMEF protect elk habitat near Garrison (missoulian.com)
January 28, 2013
Brook
5 responses to “Big Heavy”
Debbie
January 29th, 2013 at 02:41
I don’t think I’d heard that term, fracking, before, Brook. It is sad, as you described it. I love trees too . . .and all the things that God has blessed us with. Someone told me before that nature is His love notes to us. Now I’m thinking about that as you see that sign too . Thank you and God bless you! Praying about the job right now!
Brook
January 30th, 2013 at 02:46
Debbie…thanks for the prayer about the job! (That word sounds as awful as it is(: And thanks for stopping by and always encouraging Debbie:)
palomino72
February 4th, 2013 at 00:00
Its unbelievable that money will always trump health and welfare. It shocks me that these fracking companies continue to get away with it !
Brook
February 8th, 2013 at 02:53
Hi Palomino72 in New Zealand! *Thank you* for the “likes” and comments here at my blog:) I wrote about your idea for an “anti-hair-flip” club today! We are in agreement on that idea, for sure. Please stop by again:)
Brook
February 8th, 2013 at 02:55
Also…you’re correct that money always trumps health and welfare. It’s very shocking to read about these awful practices destroying creation for money. It’s heart-breaking. *Thank you* for caring and writing.