Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Refiner's Fire


I thought about this story as I was polishing my silver tea set this afternoon. I hope you enjoy this message of how the Lord teaches and refines us!

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot. Then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy-when I see my image in it."

Author Unknown

Isn't it a comfort to know that as we go through trials God is with us? He keeps his eyes on us the entire time, just as the silversmith keeps his eyes on the silver.
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Monday, February 22, 2010

Crop For The Cure


Yes, friends, I have a new hobby. Actually, it isn't really new, I've just recently decided to put all the scrapbooking tools to use that I have collected over time. Years ago I bought some supplies and hoped to preserve our family memories for future generations, but I didn't have the passion to stick with it. I think now I have the bug out of regret. Hannah is 11 now and I am WAAAAY behind. I could get really bogged down with all the years that I have to catch up on, but I am just going to start with recent events and then eventually work my way back.

Last weekend I went to an all day scrapbooking event called Crop for the Cure. It was a great opportunity to spend the day with good friends and support a great cause. My scrapbook buddies, Joanna and Terri, were so sweet to share their gadgets with me. These women are serious scrappers! They know all the tricks and have every tool imaginable! They are sure that my meager rolling bag and photo box are going to multiply into all sorts of essentials for my scrapbook needs. Next year I could quite possibly need Two Men and a Truck to move my things to our table. I really enjoy being creative and crafty, but there are some other things to be gained from this new hobby of mine. First, all of our family memories will be preserved. Second, friendships are being strengthened by spending time together. Thanks ladies, I really enjoyed spending time with you. I'm thinking I may have to do a scrapbook of scrapbookers!
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

You're Still The One


Twenty-one years ago today my life was changed forever. I went on my first date with the man that I would eventually marry. Who knew that going to see Tom Hanks in The Burbs would rock my world. I obviously didn't judge the success of our first date by the movie selection, because, let's just say it was less than Oscar worthy. It's a good thing that Forrest Gump thing worked out for Tom, because his performance in The Burbs was taking him nowhere fast!

I am so glad that I agreed to dinner and a movie with that tall, cowboy boot wearing, frat boy all those years ago. The Lord has blessed us with an incredible life. If given a "do over" I would absolutely say yes again, but I think I would choose the movie this time! Mike, I love you and thank you for this lavish life that we share. I'm enjoying the journey with you. We're still havin' fun and you're still the one!

VLM 217
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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Inquiring Minds Want To Know

Several of you have inquired about The 30 Day Shred. It is not going well, friends, because it hardly got started. I have had a pain in my neck (literally). I know people complain that things are a "pain in the neck" but this is a real pain. Anyhoo, I have been afraid that I might really be injured if I let myself be put through Jillian's rigor. The last few days I have felt back to normal, so I think I will start back at Day 1 tomorrow. Thanks to those of you who were concerned that I had whithered away or something. Also, just to assure my friends that are worried that I have some twisted view of myself, I am not doing this to lose weight, I just want to incorporate some activity into my generally sedentary life. I just feel better if I have some type of exercise. So, until spring decides to arrive and I can get outside and walk, this is my action plan. Wish me luck!

I hope everyone is having a Happy Valentine's Day!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Day 1

Yes, friends, the time has come, Day 1 of the 30 Day Shred. Thanksgiving, Christmas and too many snow days cooped up in the house have caught up with me. Most people stock up on bread and milk before a winter storm. I store up chips, cookies, pizza and ice cream. That is also a good time to try new recipes. I made a delicious toasted marshmallow shake that was to die for. I also had to make snow cream since I had an abundance of the main ingredient. I know you are thinking that snow can't be very high in calories, ah, but when you make the Paula Deen version of snow cream that is another story! Ladies, the recipe calls for a can of sweetened condensed milk, so you know it was good!

I am bracing myself for the whipping that my body is about to endure. But, if it will get me arms that look like Kelly Ripa's, endure I will! I may have had a big birthday in the past year, I just don't want to look like it. I'm determined to turn the flab into fab! Wish me luck, I know Jillian is going to put me through the wringer.