Lessons from the campfire:

Last night we had a cookout; it was a lot of fun—roasting sausages, singing songs, climbing trees, telling stories. As the evening began to wind down and people started breaking into smaller groups to say their goodbyes, I sat watching the fire. And, as people began to leave, things we thrown into the fire—napkins, food that had fallen on the ground, now empty two liters. I watched the trash melt and begin to deform and eventually disappear completely. I started thinking about that part in Hebrews that speaks of God being a ‘consuming fire.’ Later this week I’ll probably look that part up again and read what is really written there; but for me, last night, it was all about me wanting to step into the fire that is my God and melt away until the only evidence of my previous existence is Him. I want to be consumed. :o)

Started rubbing sticks together
Thought a spark would take forever
Never dreamt this fire would appear
Moses saw the bush in flames
Heard the branches speak his name
Wonder if he felt this kind of fear

Cause I’m burning
I’m burning
And I know I’m gonna blister in these flames
I’ll stay here
Until this smoke clears
And I’ll find you in the ashes that remain

Used to be that I could say
My faith was one arms length away
From any flame that felt to warm
As for matches
I received a gallon full of gasoline
And now my cozy campfire days are gone

Now I’m burning
I’m burning
And I know I’m gonna blister in these flames
I’ll stay here
Until this smoke clears
And I’ll find you in the ashes that remain

“Knock with caution at the door.”
They said, “Beware of what you’re praying for.”
So I stand with my whole desire
In the middle of this forest fire
Till I’ve nothing left to show
And new life begins to grow

Cause I’m burning
I’m burning
And I know I’m gonna blister in these flames
I’ll stay here
Until this smoke clears
And I’ll find you in the ashes that remain

                                            -Nichole Nordeman, Burnin'