Embers and Seasoned Wood

Okay, call us weird and frugal, but we’ve resisted turning on our furnace this year. Not a big deal for the month of May, but our earlier Central Coast temps dip into the thirties.

We were blessed a couple years ago with a very efficient fireplace insert, and this year we’ve been better stewards of that blessing.

It takes more work than simply asking Alexa to adjust our Nest thermostat, but real-fire ambiance and warmth is definitely cozier.

We’re not anti-furnace, but going old-school sparks some needed life lessons.

We’ve learned firsthand the value of well-seasoned wood and continuous embers.

We wouldn’t have made it into May with unseasoned wood or with the daily chore of starting new fires. Most January-to-April mornings, we woke up to glowing embers that we fanned into flame while adding seasoned oak or madrone.

In our high-tech, expedient world, though, it’s easy to miss the relevance of glowing embers and seasoned logs.

We recently received this fire-starter from a 96-year-old female friend, feeling a bit like the barely visible embers, yet still grateful and determined:

“Isn't God the greatest? I couldn't get along without Him. And I don't plan to try!  

It is true that many churches have no plans to care for elderlies. I actually live day after day with no visitors, no calls. Once in a while a lady from my church brings me a meal.

Some who sit near me in church get acquainted; others just pass by. I use a walker, and guys nearby typically offer no help when the service ends.

I am not saying this to complain. I am so fortunate to be able to go to church. But people of all ages need to be trained on how to serve. I can actually do a lot myself but those younger need to learn the courtesy and benefit.

Thank you for leading this needful ministry. I love you for it.”

And we appreciate YOU and thank you for partnering with YES!