Revealed with fire

"...each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." 1 Corinthians 3:13

Absolutely nothing compares to watching fire. The flame is changing constantly; the wood is transformed dramatically; even the smoke heats to the point of flame. I can be mesmerized for hours, losing all track of time.

Look at this picture. You only see those objects near the flame, revealed by the light. All else is dark. All else is hidden. All else is private.

What's happening in the private areas of my life? How do I behave? What do I think? Am I selfish? Of course, I am. In the private areas of my life, I don't want to think of others. I don't want to be concerned with anything but my own desires.

Incredibly greedy, aren't I? The LORD understands, though. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way.

He knows my heart does not want to be self-centered. He knows I would much rather live in the light where I can see what's going on - where He can be glorified. Is He always glorified in the private areas of my life? Not completely, yet. But I'm getting there. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way - through His Word.

He meets with me each morning before I start my day. He walks with me throughout the day as I work. He rests with me at night as I prepare for tomorrow. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way - through His Spirit.

Now that's what I call a fire.

"Fire shall be kept burning continually on the alter; it is not to go out." Lev. 6:13

After posting the firewood, I thought I'd post the scene I awoke to this morning. Even with a minimal supply of cured wood, Hubby was able to get a roaring fire going. His secret is to start with one or two pieces of split cured wood, get the fire really hot, and add green wood to keep it going. As it cools throughout the day, he simply throws in another piece of split cured wood. Works like a charm, as you can see.

However, we still rely on the furnace during the weekdays and at night after the fire cools. The Scripture quoted is our goal for next year.

Keeping warm

Staying warm is always better when you're next to a fireplace. We purchased this insert a few months ago. We love it!! Normally, we don't have pans sitting on the top; however, during a power outage, it's a great way to make tea and coffee.This log is an example of how the trees have completed blocked out the light. That's moss growing all over it, as well as the entire tree. The tree fell during the same storm that caused the power outage. What a mess (it actually blocked our driveway). Watch for pictures in the future.Hubby had a hard time splitting this log. Now we know why. Can you see how they just fit together perfectly? One of these days I'll post pictures of our ever-increasing wood piles.