He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.

Desert Song

Malachi 3:3 says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest 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 says: "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 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."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them, and whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope."

Monopoly Start

My heart has been grabbing onto things that aren't healthy for my soul. I have been playing "Monopoly" too many times, trying to take different avenues to escape the feelings that come along with my confusion about my dad. And yet once, again, I am right back at "Start", and I am realizing that the thing that has been missing, the thing my heart truly desires, is Jesus Christ. Yes, He has been prominent in my life, as He has been one of my priorities, however He has not been preeminent. I have not surrendered to Him and let him take care of me, as I have felt I needed to take care of everything on my own. And yet, I am in need of a father, and that is all He has wanted to be. I am taking on battles that are not my own, and I have been self destructing in the process. My father's last words to me were written, "Keep God close, as I did not". And it is so much easier said than done, but I am allowing him to refine me in the flames. As my struggles are so painful, I know it will be for a purpose. Because the truth is, God created everything. He created all things by the power of just his words alone. And in my anger, I sometimes shake my fists to God and ask him "Why? Why me? Why are you doing this to me?" and then I stray from Him, and then once again my life falls apart and it always comes back to this. I come back to Him, because He is my Hope, and I find Peace in knowing He is in charge of everything, and wants to carry my burdens, as I am weary and can no longer carry them. He will set me free.

Hope

There's Hope

What a beautiful song eh? I am reminded that "There's hope. It doesn't cost a thing to smile. You don't have to pay to laugh. You better think God for that. But we gotta keep on survivin'. Keep living our truth and do the best we can. Keep shinin' your light".

Interruptions

Today a notion of mine was confirmed in Church today as to the fact that we will all have interruptions in our lives. Sometimes they are created by our own choices, and then sometimes they are created by God. I do not believe in coincidences, as I believe in God incidents. Every trial and tribulation has lead me to this point. It has added character, and it has prepared me for the purpose of my life. God has created an interruption in my life, which I believe in turn is an introduction in another chapter of my life. And I look forward to it. Pain is inevitable in our lives,however misery is a choice. I have decided to not be bitter about my dad or past tribulations, as my story has and will continue to work in many others. I hope it is through my life, people will see the presence of God. God will continue to live in and through me. I am not mad at my father, as God is a father to the fatherless, and I am seeing that more and more everyday. He has been with me from the beginning. I have never been alone.

Purpose

Many people who do not believe, they wonder why a God would create us only to fail. I understand their frustration. However, when having Kayleigh, my child, who is capable of breaking my heart into little pieces, because she does things I don't want her to, makes me realize we are given free will. She is not a puppet by design, she is one who will make the decisions for herself, and what is more beautiful then having the choice to make those decisions? I have a perfect plan for her life, but how much more meaningful is it for her to find her purpose on her own? It is more meaningful. I have to believe in the beginning God wanted to share the majesty and wonders of his creation, but he loved us enough to make our own decision. I find comfort in the fact that God will love me no matter what, just as I will love Kayleigh no matter what decisions she makes.

*singing* I've got the whole world in my hands....

I love holding my entire world in my hands.

Family

I just recently watched a movie which reminded me that our family and friends are so important. He decides to live his life not caring for anything but Nature, because it is only Nature that can not emotionally harm us. However, he realizes that happiness only matters when shared. It reminded me of the importance of not only forgiveness but taking a risk, even if it may not turn out the way you want it to. We can't close ourselves off, or put up walls to guard us from abandonment. Also, I received a great quote about love. It states that love is unconditional. We should love not because of their personality or circumstances. We shouldn't tell that person, " I love you because...." because then it becomes conditional. Loving someone unconditional creates a vulnerability in me...which I will have to learn to live with. :)

Kayleigh and Mally

Kayleigh looooooves Malachi!!! He is our protector as Marlmel is our alarm system. He is learning to sit, stay, and ring a "cowbell" when he needs to go to the bathroom! LOL.

Dad,
Your beautiful grandbaby and granddog...:)

Our Life

Dear Dad,
Our life is crazy!! We want to share it with the people we love soooo much! This is our life.