It's been a while

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. -Ephesians 5:15-16


It's been a while since I posted anything, longer than I had planned in fact.  But the issue is that there is simply nothing new to speak of.  Nothing important to speak of.  Well, let's rephrase that.  There is PLENTY of important things to speak of, but it's a rehash and repeat of things done.  The government can't balance the budget, but only seems to keep spending.  Obama issues executive orders like some kind of dictator.  The European debt crisis continues to roil, suppressing markets worldwide.  It's like the good news never comes.

BUT, There is some good news to speak of.  Just when towns in Texas were on the verge of being abandoned due to drought, much needed rain fell for three days in a row across large portions of the state.  Some places saw several inches.  In fact, the National Weather Service office in Houston, Texas, stated in it's climate summary that their was measurable rainfall on three consecutive Tuesdays in a row.  There were also reports of as much as 8 inches of rain in November in some areas of the state.  According the the US Drought Monitor's Texas summary, the drought statewide has been improving, with the coverage and severity decreasing over the past month due to the rainfall.  I have prayed for this, as I'm sure many people have, and it's good to see that God answers prayers.

Back in August, when I first really started paying attention, the situation seemed very dire, almost hopeless.  While the weather fluctuates and we all know the drought would inevitably end, it's hard to be patient when virtually everyone feels the effects due to higher food and clothing prices.  Cotton, wheat, corn, peanuts, and other crops have all failed because of the drought.  But will the rain continue to come?

Well, many speculate that for some areas, no.  This is because of a short term oscillation in the Pacific known as La Nina.  The cooler waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean result in less moisture flowing up into southern portions of the United States, as large scale High and Low pressure systems are reversed in the Pacific.  The La Nina has been present for at least two years now, with a brief neutral phase over the summer.  This coming season, the La Nina is forecast to be weaker than last year's La Nina.  This may allow for more wet storms to track over Texas, particularly in the central and northern portions of the state, causing the drought to shrink.  However, many sections in the southern and western sections will stay drier than normal.  This means beef prices will likely stay high, as cattle ranching is big in these areas.

What is the principle in all this?  Honestly, I wasn't really aiming for one because I just wanted to lay out a few observations and the basic science behind what is happening.  But we can't forget that there is actually good news for our Texas friends.  It's good to see that something is falling from the sky and easing the uncertainty in a state battered by horrendous heat and lack of rain over the past year.  Keep praying that rain keeps falling.