A long time since 2020

 Wow, it's been a long time since my last post in mid-2020. I could say that has everything to do with what 2020 that year was like, and the fact that 2021 was just as crazy. But, in reality, it just did not seem to be a priority. Now, it seems like getting my thoughts down and sharing what I believe seems to be the biggest priority I have. I was reminded of just that in my devotions this morning in John 1:1-14. And the bonfire I was part of last night was reinforced by what I read this morning--that the light of the world is Jesus and that all who believe and put their trust in Him will be saved. and that it DOES make a difference in our lives here on earth when we know Jesus and the Word of God.

Last night, as the old year waned, a few of the members of Nisland Independent Community Church gathered at the farm of Joe and Anna Crockford to burn the rubble pile consisting of the old boards, tin and insulation from the old steeple of the church that was removed and replaced by a new structure. This amounted to around five tons of refuse material which Crockford graciously allowed to be piled on his property with the plan that when it was burned, the history of NICC would not only be remembered but that God would be honored and glorified.

We met early, at 5:30 for some chili supper, snacks and hot cocoa in preparation for the severe subzero temperatures the group would endure during the bonfire. Following the supper and time of fellowship the group gathered together to set the over 90-year-old wood and tin afire. Joe led the group in prayer and everyone felt that the time had a spiritual nuance. They watched as smoke "tornadoes" formed when the intensely hot air met the subzero air. The surrounding snow formed stiff peaks as the heat melted the top and then immediately refroze. The superheated flames turned blue and purple in varigated colors as the fire burned brightly.

The children laughed and played in the snow, with the negative number temperatures not affecting them. They chased the mice than ran from the pile of rubble. The group gathered for selfies with the flames, and took videos of the spiraling smoke. At the very end, with the fire burning low, a light shot out of the center of the flames straight up into the dark heavens. It was something none of those who gathered will forget.

Our prayer is for 2022 to be a year where God is glorified at Nisland Independent.