pieces, together

Our fireplace has changed a little this year . The old coal insert removed and simple log rack in stalled . nice with ash bin below still . i have burned wood on and off since Feb. , 1984 . I have split much by hand ; lending credence to phrase , "heating with wood warms you twice ; once when you cut and twice when you burn". Add "thrice" kuzz splittin' oughtta be in thare too . Each morning , now , i have coals left in the grate often covered in ash . simply stir and add small logs , wait and it restarts . Brings to mind often forgotten words in Proverbs where Solomon talks of " two are better than one...."
I'm not entirely a "lone wolf" , though some may disagree , but i see church's dying while trying to BE the "lone sheep" . Funny to be of FARM blood and 'up-bringing' and have one concerned how i shovel the sidewalk around the church .............. hhhmmmmm .........someone needs time off . watching a lady cover and set tables for church function though constant critiques and corrections flow all over the work ; a wrinkle here , fork closer there , flowers and inch to right ........ these 'leader' types EASILY offended when we step back and say," go ahead . its all yours." often respond , "oh no ! i speak and you do." .......... ........ 'Family' idea just went out the window didn't it ??
i constantly MARVEL how in such exchanges , often the worker is further criticized by other 'leaders' for 'attitude' and not COMMENDED for stepping back and allowing 'leader/organizer' to demonstrate . ONCE , many year ago , i saw a pastor quietly pull a 'leader' aside and correct behavior and attitude . he was "old school" saying , "you WILL treat them with respect."
Two better than one ; when TWO work as ONE and that means BOTH!!!
so "Word For Today" is , shut up and work!! Divorce is rooted in disrespect and poor behavior . so is most church "exodus" . often those left behind wonder what happened/is happening. a little introspection may find people looking for 'perfect' instead of brothers , sisters , grandkids , grandparents , aunts and uncles . clean walls and pews and tables rather than dirt and skinned knees , footprints , papers wads , noises , voices , corrections , training , 'quiet time chairs' , lessons , hand-holding , hugs , giggles , tickles and pokes , scolding .................. yeah , in short ; training and love family style . ..............

AND , the message goes back to "TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE ......" when one doing too much to "get it right!! it must be RIGHT first !! and do it right by doing it yourself." changes to , "lets get the job DONE" for the PURPOSE intended , not perfection desired . the LONG LOST ART of discipling ; SHOWING someone what is needed . if 'perfect' were desired , woman at the well didn't stand a chance . BUT she did , and more will ................ GODLY , not 'prefect' ; we aint God . God , three in one , not one alone .............
we're in a church , not a "look , don't touch" museum !!
now , back to stoke the fire ........... pops